Sunglasses

Everything you need to know

Did you know that autumn and spring are potentially as dangerous as summer for our sight? The sun is lower in the sky in the northern hemisphere so more likely to shine directly into our eyes.

Good sun specs are essential, but which ones should you choose? And are more expensive ones better than cheap ones?

Light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible part of the spectrum is small, but it’s the part that our eyes can detect. UV on the other hand is invisible to human eyes. It has a shorter wavelength and is higher energy, and this is why it causes damage. It can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancers which affect the eyelids and surrounding tissues.

Sunglasses have two main purposes, to dim visible light, and to protect us from UV. In the UK, all sunglasses have to block at least 99% of UV. Counterintuitively the darkness of the tint does NOT relate to how much UV is blocked. Tints fall into five categories: Category 0 means no tint or a light tint, which allows 80-100% of visible light through.

Category 1 is a light tint, usually yellow, which allows 4380% of visible light through and is best for overcast days.

Category 2 is a medium tint, which can be any colour and provides good glare protection. It allows 18-43% of visible light through.

Category 3 is the most common for sunglasses. These tints are nearly all grey or brown and allow 8-18% of visible light through. Category 4 is a very dark tint, which allows just 3-8% of visible light through. These are ideal in mountains or desert conditions where the sun’s glare is intense.

The depth of a tint is personal preference but if sold as sunglasses they must still block 99% of UV. In the UK it is illegal to drive at night or twilight in all tints apart from a category 0 lens. In addition, it is illegal to drive in a category 4 tint, even during the day. Category 4 tints should be labelled clearly, with an appropriate warning. If you have a category 3 lens at the darker end and a tinted windscreen be aware that this can tip you into category 4. At the time of writing the fine for driving in category 4 sunglasses at any time, or any sunglasses at night, is £2,500.

Polarised sunglasses block the glare from water or wet roads. They are comfortable lenses to wear, and many people love the colour clarity associated with them. However, it is useful to note that they might impact how well you can see your Sat Nav or heads-up display (a transparent display in some new cars which presents data at windscreen level).

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Because of the regulations surrounding sunglasses, price has little bearing on UV protection as long as you buy from a reputable outlet. More expensive might buy you designer style, better glare performance due to better quality lenses, and a better fit and finish, but not extra UV protection.

The best way to make sure that your sunglasses comply with all regulations is to look for the CE mark, or the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark, which replaces it from next year.

So, indulge your inner rock star this autumn and sport a pair of fabulous sun specs. Your eyes will thank you.