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Ski Goggles Buying Guide
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Sunglasses Ratings and Polarised Lenses Explained
A practical guide to UV protection and polarised sunglasses for mountain sports
Why sunglasses ratings matter
Choosing the right sunglasses is essential for mountain sports. High altitude and reflective snow significantly increase UV exposure. Understanding sunglass ratings and polarised lenses helps protect your eyes and improve visibility.
UV rays
How UV rays can damage your eyes
UVA and UVB rays can cause serious eye damage and negatively affect vision.
Short-term overexposure can lead to photokeratitis. This is a sunburn of the cornea. It is common during snow sports due to high altitude and limited natural shade.
Long-term UV exposure can contribute to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Ratings
How are sunglasses rated?
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Categories
What do different sunglasses categories mean
Lens categories range from 0 to 4 and indicate how much light the lens blocks.
Category 0 Clear or very light lenses for fashion or indoor use
Category 1 Light lenses for overcast conditions
Category 2 Medium lenses for moderate glare
Category 3 Dark lenses for bright sunlight. This is the most common category
Category 4 Very dark lenses for intense sunlight, such as mountains and glaciers. These lenses allow less than 8% of light through and are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. They are not safe for driving due to reduced visibility. Only categories 0 to 3 are approved for driving
Some sunglasses like the Julbo Reactiv range automatically get darker or lighter as conditions change and cover categories 2 to 4.
Sunglasses UV ratings
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Polarised sunglasses explained
Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as snow, water, and glass. They contain a polarising film that filters reflected light before it reaches your eyes. This improves clarity, contrast, and comfort in bright alpine environments.
Polarised sunglasses vs non-polarised sunglasses
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Polarised sunglasses
FAQs
Sunglasses ratings FAQs
Do darker lenses mean better UV protection?
No. Lens darkness does not indicate UV protection. Dark lenses only reduce brightness. Without proper UV filtering, dark lenses can increase eye damage because pupils dilate behind the lens. Always check for certified UV protection.
What is a good UV rating for sunglasses?
A good UV rating blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This is commonly labelled as UV400. UV400 lenses block all UV rays up to 400 nanometres.
What is the highest UV rating for sunglasses?
UV400 is the highest standard UV rating currently used. Any rating lower than this offers less protection.
Final thoughts
Mountain environments expose your eyes to intense UV radiation and glare. Sunglasses should always offer certified UV400 protection regardless of lens darkness.
For snow sports, higher lens categories and polarised lenses provide better comfort and visibility. Category 4 lenses are suitable for extreme brightness but are not safe for driving.
It's important to try sunglasses on to make sure there is no gapping. Even a dark lens won't provide sufficient protection if the sun is getting through the gaps. Some sunglasses have a wrap around element to protect eyes from all angles like the Julbo Shield.
Understanding sunglass ratings ensures proper eye protection and safer performance in alpine conditions. If you’re unsure whether a pair of sunglasses has adequate UV protection, our store team will be able to help.
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