UV Exposure
Everyday Lenses Too
Eye Health
UV Protection in Eyeglass Lenses

Sunglasses are not the only lenses that need UV protection -- here is why, and how to know if your everyday glasses already have it.

Why UV Protection Matters for Everyday Glasses

UVA and UVB rays contribute to long-term eye conditions including cataracts and growths on the eye's surface, and they do not stop mattering just because you are wearing clear lenses instead of sunglasses. Most modern plastic and polycarbonate lens materials block a meaningful portion of UV light inherently, but the amount varies by material and any additional treatment applied.

Polycarbonate and high-index lens materials, in particular, block close to 100% of UV rays by default because of the chemical structure of the material itself -- separate from any coating.

Standard Plastic (CR-39)

Blocks most UVB but may need an added UV treatment for full protection.

Polycarbonate & High-Index

Blocks close to 100% of UV rays inherently, due to the material itself.

Photochromic Lenses

Block 100% of UV rays as part of how they darken in response to sunlight.

Sunglasses Still Need to Be Checked Too

A dark tint on its own says nothing about UV protection -- a cheap dark lens with no UV coating can actually be worse than no sunglasses at all, because your pupils dilate behind the dark tint and let in more unfiltered UV light. Always confirm sunglasses are labeled for 100% UVA/UVB protection, not just tinted.

Look for '100% UV protection' on the label, not just a dark tint. Tint darkness and UV protection are two separate things. A lens can be very dark with poor UV protection, or fully clear with complete UV protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clear prescription glasses block UV light? +
It depends on the lens material. Polycarbonate, high-index, and photochromic lenses block close to 100% of UV rays by default; standard plastic lenses may need an added UV coating.
Can I add UV protection to any lens? +
Yes, a UV-blocking treatment can be added to most lens materials that do not already include it inherently.
Does UV protection fade over time? +
Material-based UV protection (built into polycarbonate or high-index lenses) does not fade. Surface UV coatings are generally durable but, like any coating, can wear with heavy abrasion over many years.
Are Shade Gray's photochromic lenses UV protective? +
Yes, all photochromic lenses block 100% of UV rays as part of how the photochromic reaction works.
More Helpful Guides
Protect your eyes, not just your style

Polycarbonate, high-index, and photochromic lenses all include built-in UV protection, available on any Shade Gray frame starting at $49.