UV Sunglasses Types and Categories

Published on January 25th, 2023

Updated on June 4th, 2025

UV sunglasses are eyewear that protects your eyes by shielding them from the harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun. UV radiation comes from the sun and not only causes sunburns, which may lead to skin damage and cancer, but it also affects the eyes. UV radiation may cause serious eye conditions such as ocular melanoma and cataracts. The criteria for the best types of UV sunglasses are lenses, frame, price, style and UV protection ability. The lenses of UV sunglasses can have many different coatings and add-ons applied to the lens to enhance the overall experience and quality of the pair. The type of frame can be chosen for personal preference and its ability to more effectively block the sun from the eyes. The price of UV sunglasses varies greatly depending on the quality and style. UV protection is the most important criteria for sunglasses as the higher the protection, the better for eye health.

What are UV Sunglasses?

UV sunglasses are glasses designed to protect the eyes from the ultraviolet radiation produced by the sun. They are protective eyewear made to shield the eyes from harm by reflecting the UV rays, acting as a barrier. The purpose of UV sunglasses is to protect the eyes from the sun. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, extended exposure to UV light from the sun may lead to skin damage and cancer, and cause serious eye conditions such as ocular melanoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

A pair of Oscar Wylee UV sunglasses, with a diagram of its
parts.

What are the Types of UV Sunglasses?

There are many different types of sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun, including impact-resistant, polarised, wraparound style, mirror-coated, photochromic and gradient lenses. Different features and styles can be added to standard sunglasses to increase their ability to ensure the health of the eye. The best types of UV sunglasses for eye protection are listed below.

Impact resistant: One of the best overall types of UV sunglasses is impact-resistant sunglasses. Sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses are more durable due to the lens material.
Polarised: Polarised sunglasses are another good type of sunglasses as they reduce glare on the horizontal wavelength and provide UV protection.
Wraparound style: Wraparound sunglasses are one of the best types of sunglasses as they offer high protection against the sun due to their frame shape, which more effectively covers the eyes.
Mirror coated: Mirror-coated sunglasses are a good style of sunglasses. These sunglasses have lenses with a thin metallic layer that reflects glare.
Photochromic: Photochromic is an effective and popular type of lens that adapts to light conditions, transitioning gradually from clear, when you're indoors, to dark, as you move into the sunlight. At Oscar Wylee, we offer both our own brand of photochromic lenses, known as Adaptive Lenses, as well as Transitions^® GEN S™ lenses. Oscar Wylee's Transitions^® GEN S™ lenses are available for 1.5, 1.61 and 1.67 lens indexes at an additional price on top of your prescription frames.
Gradient lenses: These sunglasses have a darker tint at the top of the lens that gradually becomes lighter towards the bottom.

Diagram of how photochromic glasses work.

What are UV Sunglasses Categories?

The highest UV-blocking sunglasses are Lens Category 4. According to Cancer Council Australia, there are 5 different lens categories that determine how well lenses block UV. The first is lens category 0 (Light tint sunglasses or fashion spectacles), which provides some UV protection and very limited reduction of sun glare. The next is lens category 1 (Light tint sunglasses or fashion spectacles), which provides limited protection against sun glare and some UV protection. Lens category 2 (General purpose sunglasses) provides good UV and sun glare protection. Next is lens category 3 (General purpose sunglasses), which provides high protection against sun glare and UV. Finally, the highest category is lens category 4 (Very dark special sunglasses -- very high sun glare reduction), which are special-purpose sunglasses that provide good UV protection and high protection against extreme sun glare.

How to Choose the Best UV Sunglasses?

The way to choose the best UV sunglasses is to follow criteria that ensure the health of your eyes and also take in your lifestyle and personal preferences. The steps for choosing the best UV sunglasses are listed below.

Eye protection: The first and most important step in choosing the best UV sunglasses is to make sure they are effective at protecting your eyes. The sunglasses need to have UV protection, a form of reduction in glare and for extra protection, choose a wraparound style.
Lifestyle: Depending on the activities people do frequently or the job they have, some sunglasses may be better than others. For example, people who frequently go fishing benefit from polarised sunglasses and those who weld at their job need very high UV protective eyewear.
Personal preference: Sunglasses should be chosen so that the wearer will want to put them on before they go out in the sun. That could mean picking a pair that works with their personal style.

Why is it Important to Wear UV Sunglasses during Winter?

It is important to wear UV sunglasses during winter to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays. While it may be easy to forget your sunglasses during the colder months, UV light is still present in the sunlight, which is why it is essential to wear sunglasses during winter for optimal eye protection.

A person wearing winter clothes and sunglasses.

What are the Best UV Sunglasses for Women?

The best UV sunglasses for women are sunglasses that provide good UV protection from the sun and are also fashionable, complementing face shape and personal style. At Oscar Wylee we have a wide range of women's sunglasses in lens category 3 which provides high protection against sun glare and good UV protection. The three best UV sunglasses for women based on their styles are listed below.

Serge: Serge is an Oscar Wylee sunglasses frame that is rectangular and stylish, channelling modern of the moment shapes.
Easten: The next best Oscar Wylee sunglasses for women is Easten. The wide-fit frame is the definition of Old Hollywood glamour with its bold and oversized shape.
Peggy: The final best sunglasses at Oscar Wylee for women is Peggy. Peggy is a slightly wide, square and very cute frame that compliments wider face shapes such as square and round.

What are the Best UV Sunglasses for Men?

The best UV sunglasses for men are sunglasses that provide good UV protection from the sun and also complement their face shape and personal style. At Oscar Wylee we have a large selection of men's sunglasses in lens category 3 which provides good UV protection and high protection against sun glare. The three best UV sunglasses for men based on their styles are listed below.

Mick: The best overall sunglasses at Oscar Wylee for men is Mick. This frame is a versatile design made for all-day comfort. It is a wide-fit frame made from acetate.
Crew: The next best Oscar Wylee sunglasses for men is Crew. This sporty style will protect you from the sun and keep you looking stylish. Fitted with rubber grip arms, a lightweight build and polarised lenses to reduce glare.
Mesa: The final best sunglasses at Oscar Wylee for men is Mesa. Mesa is a modern-day upgrade to the classic square frames. This pair is slightly oversized yet lightweight making them very comfortable.

What are the Best Affordable UV Sunglasses?

The best affordable UV sunglasses are a combination of good UV protection and fair pricing. At Oscar Wylee, we have a wide range of sunglasses at affordable prices in on-trend and vintage styles for every personality. The three best affordable sunglasses are listed below.

Jett: Oscar Wylee's Jett frame is a sporty style that will protect you from the sun and keep you looking stylish.
Zora: Oscar Wylee's Zora frame is an oversized take on a rectangular cat-eye with upturned lenses that beautifully complement a levelled-out bottom rim.
Squire: Squire is an iconic Oscar Wylee frame with generous width, Squire is universally flattering and made from acetate in a rectangular shape.

Where can I Find the Best UV Sunglasses?

You can find the best UV sunglasses from a variety of different places, brands and manufacturers. Sunglasses are purchased at fashion and surfing stores, supermarkets and news agencies as well as online fashion retailers and optometry and eyewear brands.

What are the Benefits of UV Sunglasses?

There are many benefits of UV sunglasses, the most important being eye protection. However, there are also added benefits that make sunglasses useful in many different situations, including reduced glare, reduced squinting and style expression. The main benefits of UV sunglasses and their definitions are listed below.

Eye protection: Sunglasses provide your eyes with protection. According to Sunsmart, UV radiation to the eyes may cause short term symptoms such as irritation, inflammation and photophobia and long-term problems such as cataracts, skin cancer around the eyes and pterygium.
Reduce glare: Sunglasses help to reduce glare. With polarisation and anti-glare lenses, sunglasses can reduce glare for more comfortable vision.
Stop squinting: Sunglasses are the perfect device to stop you from squinting at the harsh light of the sun. Not only do they make you feel more comfortable, but less squinting will also prevent wrinkles from forming around your eyes.
Style expression: Sunglasses are a great way to express personal style and jazz up any outfit. Whether out at the beach or on a picnic, sunglasses are not only practical but fashionable.

Are UV Sunglasses Essential for Protecting the Eyes?

Yes, UV sunglasses are very important for protecting your eyes and are essential in certain situations. According to the Cancer Council, they recommend people should be protecting their eyes at all times when the UV level is 3 or above. In Australia, the UV index is often a level 3 or above because we are near the equator. According to Sunsmart, in summer, Australia has an average UV Index of 10--14, meaning sunglasses are essential tools to protect your eyes. Optometry Australia also recommends people wear eye protection all year round meaning they are an essential part of anyone's wardrobe.

How do Different Lens Colours Impact Vision and UV Protection?

Different lens colours will not always impact vision, and do not have any effect on UV protection. Different lens colours, including brown, grey, blue and amber, may improve contrast and comfort levels if bright light enters the eye, but this can be subjective. Lens colour will not affect the UV protection capabilities of glasses.

What are the Best UV Sunglasses for Specific Outdoor Activities?

Outdoor activities that may require certain types of UV sunglasses include snow or water sports, cycling and contact sports. The best UV sunglasses for specific outdoor activities are listed below.

Snow or water sports: If a person is playing sports in the snow or on water, polarised UV sunglasses are a good choice. Polarisation helps to cut horizontal light, minimising glare, which can be heightened on water or in snowy environments. Mirror sunglasses may also be a good choice, as they also help to reduce glare.
Cycling: If a person is cycling, wrap-around UV sunglasses may be a good choice as they can help prevent debris and wind from getting to the eyes, whilst also protecting the eyes from UV.
Contact sports: UV sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses will be a good eyewear choice for those who play contact sports outside, such as soccer or hockey. Sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses come in a variety of sizes and colours, and are made to withstand more force than a normal glasses lens.

How Important is Frame Fit for Effective UV Protection?

Frame fit is important for effective UV protection when wearing sunglasses. High-quality UV lenses help filter out UV rays, however, their effectiveness will not be maximised if they do not fit the face correctly. Large frame styles that cover the eye and skin around it, or even wraparound glasses, will provide more UV coverage. With these frames, it is important to try them on before purchasing. If sunglasses slip down your nose easily, they will become irritating and ineffective against the sun's rays.

What are the Differences Between UV400 and Other UV Protection Ratings?

The key difference between UV400 and other UV protection ratings is how much UV light will be blocked. UV400 lenses will generally block more UV rays than those in other, lower categories.

How to Identify Authentic UV Protection in Sunglasses?

The best way to identify authentic UV protection in sunglasses is to ask the retailer where you are buying the sunglasses. UV protection may not be visible on the lenses, so it is best to enquire. Some glasses with UV protection, such as sunglasses or polarised sunglasses may have stickers such as UV400 protection or 100% UV protection, which you can also look out for.

Can UV Sunglasses Help Prevent Long-Term Eye Damage?

Yes, UV sunglasses can help prevent long-term eye damage. Prolonged or long-term exposure to the sun and its UV rays can lead to damage to the eye, raising your risk of eye diseases, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Prolonged exposure to UV rays may increase the risk of developing cataracts, eye cancers or pterygium. UV sunglasses help to reduce the risk of eye damage by reducing how much UV can reach the eye.

Is There Any Difference Between UV Sunglasses and Polarised Sunglasses?

Yes, there are differences between the purposes of UV sunglasses and polarised sunglasses. UV sunglasses aim to block harmful UV rays that can cause damage to the eyes. Polarised sunglasses are intended to reduce glare for clearer vision.

Read UV Sunglasses Types and Categories in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.