When shopping for sunglasses, you’ve likely noticed the term “UV protection.” Sure, it sounds great and all — we know by now that UV rays in excess can be harmful to our skin and eye health. But have you ever stopped to consider what that actually means? And more, are cheaper lenses without UV-certified protection going to protect you at all?
It turns out, UV sunglasses are not created equal (there are various protection categories to keep in mind), and UV damage is, of course, something you should be aware of. “UV radiation can cause damage to your eyes, and that is why it is important to take daily precautions,” explains Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, a board-certified ophthalmologist.
“Even in a short period of time, if you are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation, you can suffer photokeratitis, which is akin to a sunburn of your eyes.”
Plus, she notes that over the long-term, small amounts of exposure of UV radiation can accumulate and damage the eyes, causing “cataracts, eye and eyelid skin cancer, pterygium and pinguecula, and macular degeneration which usually occur later in life from cumulative exposure.”
So, yes, it’s always best to reach for a pair of sunglasses that offers UV protection. Here are some doctor- and editor-approved picks for the best sunglasses to shop.
The best UV protection rating for sunglasses
According to Dr. Thomas Stokkermans, ophthalmologist and medical writer and reviewer at All About Vision, “The best UV protection rating is UV400, which means the lenses block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays."
He says shoppers should “look for sunglasses that specifically state they offer UV400 protection.”
For context, UV400 protection falls within the category 4 lens level. Lens categories range from 0 to 4, with the former (not tinted) offering the least amount of protection and the latter (very tinted) offering the most.
With that being said, while shopping for UV sunglasses, it's important to keep different lens tints and categories in mind, as some styles may be more protective than others.
Best UV sunglasses, according to experts
Best aviators: Suncloud Aviator Sunglasses
- Under $60
- Polarized
- 100% UV-protected
- No protective covers on temple
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Hilal-Campo likes using grey lens sunglasses “because it leaves your vision color neutral.” This pair of aviator frames is 100% UV protected, polarized and are made of a polycarbonate material that makes them more scratch- and drop-resistant.
Best for durable protection: Wiley X Romer 3
- Shatterproof
- Eliminates tunnel vision
- Comes with clear lenses
- Only comes in one frame size
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Stokkermans says Wiley X is known for safety and military applications, so if you’re looking for shades that will protect you from UV damage and dangerous activities, such as outdoor working, etc. (you should still always wear safety goggles on top), these are a great pick. They feature Shatterproof Selenite™ polycarbonate lenses and have a T-Shell™ lens coating that resists scratches.
Best trendy style: Ray-Ban RB4441D Bio Based
- More affordable than designer
- Still somewhat pricey
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Stokkermans recommends Ray-Ban lenses, since all of them have 100% UV protection. This pair of circular frames offer the trendy style of luxury sunglasses at about one-third of the price.
Best UV sunglasses, according to editors
Budget-friendly pair: Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses
- "Impressive" quality
- Includes cleaning cloth and carrying case
- Some say they're "flimsy"
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Looking for a pair of budget-friendly sunglasses that'll still offer UV protection? These vintage-style frames are perfect, then. Shop TODAY writer Katie Jackson tried them out and called them "impressive," continuing, "I’ve tried oversized sunglasses, aviator sunglasses, rectangle sunglasses, wayfarers and countless others. But no style has suited my face quite as well as these..."
Polarized pick: Woodies Walnut Wood Sunglasses
- Double-spring hinges
- The "perfect" size
- Mixed reviews on the frame
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Shop TODAY writer Jamie Sanders previously tried these sunglasses. Not only does she "love" the way these fit, but she also said, "The lenses are also polarized and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection (says the brand) — a detail I love, since I live in always-sunny Los Angeles and am constantly looking for ways to protect myself against harmful ultraviolet rays"
Buy one, get one: Diff Eyewear Gia
- Fits large/wide faces well
- Not tight
- Arms get loose over time
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Kamari Stewart, an associate editor at TODAY, calls these her “go-to glasses.” She says, “I literally wear them every single day. I feel like they work with every outfit and they just complete my look in the perfect way. They’re just cat eye enough to look chic without being too over the top. I also have a really wide/large face and often need extra wide/extra large frames and these fit perfectly. Diff Eyewear is my tried-and-true brands for sunnies because before the Gia, I exclusively wore another pair from the brand.”
Unique frame: Bru Eyewear Aitken
- Universally flattering
- Polarized
- Case included
- The frame bends easily
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY, recommends these sunglasses which offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. She says, “I typically struggle to find sunglasses that aren’t huge on me, but the spring hinge mechanism on these provides a level of flexibility and comfort that makes them universally flattering. The founder told me that she models aspects of the frames after designer vintage options she’s found in her thrift and consignment hunts, which gives all of her frames a unique touch.”
Timeless design: Warby Parker Betz
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Long lasting
- Timeless design
- Clean nose pad area often
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this timeless pair of sunglasses from Warby Parker. She tells us, “This has been my tried-and-true sunglasses for several years now and I can’t imagine a life where I’m not rocking these (unless if I’m replacing the prescriptions in the lenses or break them in a freak accident). They’re extra wide, which perfectly fits on my big old noggin, plus the nose and temple area has non-slip padding for extra comfort. While they’re made with a lightweight material, they don’t feel flimsy in the slightest.”
Color-changing lens: Chamelo Veil Sunglasses
- Comfortable frame
- Delicate lens to clean
Protection level: Blocks 100% UV rays
Jannely Espinal, a writer at Shop TODAY, says this pair of sunglasses have become her “favorite pair for everyday use for its color-changing lens technology and UV protection.” She continues, “While these are on the higher price range, I’ve been eyeing this new style, also for its UV protection and sleek design. The smoky lenses adjust based on how sunny or cloudy it’s outside.” Espinal says the pair “also features a water-resistant frame and polarized lenses that feels comfortable on the face.”
More UV sunglasses to shop
Shopper favorite: Joopin Oversized Sunglasses
- Comfortable
- 3,600+ positive reviews
- Too big for some
Protection level: Blocks 99-100% UV rays
These rounded, oversized sunglasses — which are built with UV protection as well as polarized lenses — are lightweight and feature study metal hinges. Bonus? They're offered in tons of different frame colors, so you can choose your favorite shade.
Endless color options: SOJOS Fashion Round Sunglasses
- Stylish design
- Comfortable
- Mixed reviews on durability
Protection level: Exact percentage not listed
Complete with slightly rounded lenses and a chic tortoiseshell frame, these glasses from SOJOS are must-haves for any sunny day. Plus, the sleek metal detail popping from the arms gives these glasses a unique look.
Metallic frame: SOJOS Small Round Polarized Sunglasses
- They don't slip
- Lightweight
- Soft nose pads
- Mixed reviews on flimsiness
Protection level: Exact percentage not listed
These dainty, protective sunglasses are clearly loved by shoppers (given the 19,000+ ratings they've gotten thus far), and they're designed with sleek metal frames. For under $16, this pair is a total steal.
Why is UV protection important?
UV protection is important to protect your eyes from the harmful and potentially damaging rays from the sun.
Again, “short-term excessive UV ray exposure can lead to photokeratitis, which is akin to sunburn of your eye structures, and will give you shorter irritation, photophobia, blurry vision and red eyes,” says Hilal-Campo.
“Long-term exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer to the surrounding eyelid skin, as well as cataracts and macular degeneration which grow up later in life.”
Frequently asked questions
Remember when I mentioned those cheaper knock-off lenses? It turns out, just because a sunglass has a darker lens in color doesn’t mean that it offers UV ray protection.
“Counterfeit or cheap sunglasses which do not confer the proper UV protection can actually cause more harm, because the dark color, which reduces light intensity entering your eyes, will cause your pupils to enlarge (or dilate), and this will actually allow more of the harmful rays to enter your eyes,” says Hilal-Campo.
“It is important to invest in a good pair of sunglasses as protection. The safest is to purchase from your local eye doctor or licensed optician.”
It turns out, polarized lenses means that your lenses are just helpful in reducing the glare you see from light objects and has nothing to do with UV protection.
“Polarized sunglasses have a special coating that reduces glare from flat, reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, improving visual comfort and clarity,” says Stokkermans.
“UV protection refers to the sunglasses’ ability to block harmful UV radiation. While many polarized sunglasses also provide UV protection, not all UV-protective glasses are polarized.”
How we chose
We included both ophthalmologist- and editor-favorite sunglasses with UV protection, taking into consideration UV protection ratings, durability and style. We also talked to ophthalmologists about why UV protection is so important and whether or not all sunglasses offer ample protection from the sun.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Thomas Stokkermans is an ophthalmologist and medical writer and reviewer at All About Vision.
- Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty.
