In everyday life, sunglasses are the perfect accessory to complete a look.
But above all, they are an essential piece of optical equipment when it comes to the sun's rays.
So it's important to know whether your pair of sunglasses is protective, and to what level.
In optics, there are different categories of sunglasses, indicating their level of protection.
Sunglasses with category 0 lenses are just a cosmetic accessory.
In fact, these sunglasses are of no use against UV rays and do nothing to protect your eyes from the sun.
The lenses of these sunglasses are not filtering and do not act as a barrier to the sun's radiation.
Category 1 and 2 sun lenses offer some protection from the sun, but it is minimal.
This means that this type of sunglasses can be worn when the sun's rays are weak.
However, category 1 and 2 sunglasses may be worn in town all year round.
For effective and even optimal sun protection, sunglasses should be fitted with category 3 or 4 lenses.
This type of lens filters out almost all UV rays, up to 90% of them.
These sunglasses can be worn on the beach or in the mountains, i.e. in extreme sunlight conditions.
Although not recommended for driving, category 4 sunglasses offer the best possible protection.
First of all, the place where you bought your sunglasses can be an indication.
Sunglasses bought in standard shops are often categories 0 to 2, as they are sold more as aesthetic accessories.
On the other hand, sunglasses bought in an optical shop are more likely to have been fitted with protective lenses.
Opticians want your eyes to be well protected and will generally provide you with sunglasses with at least category 3 lenses.
If in doubt, your optician will be able to tell you the level of protection of your sunglasses and whether this is sufficient.
If it isn't, the professional can recommend a new pair with better protection.
The same rule applies online, where you are more likely to find a pair of UV-efficient sunglasses by visiting an optical website.
The category of sunglasses is always mentioned and should be checked before any purchase.
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