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UV grade refers to the classification system used to measure and label the effectiveness of a material in blocking or absorbing ultraviolet radiation. In eyewear, this grade is a standard used by manufacturers to ensure consumers know exactly what level of protection they are getting from a pair of sunglasses or contact lenses.
read more about uv grade ...The highest and most widely accepted standard in the US and Canada is UV400 (or sometimes 100% UV Protection). This means the lens blocks all UV rays up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB light. Lesser grades exist, but UV400 is the recommended minimum for all protective eyewear. If a lens simply says "UV Protection," it might not block 100% of the rays.
Contact lenses are categorized into Class 1 and Class 2 UV-blocking levels. Class 1 lenses provide the highest level of protection, blocking more than 90% of UVA and 99% of UVB. Class 2 lenses are slightly lower but still offer significant protection. It is a good idea to choose a Class 1 lens for maximum protection.
The price or brand name of a lens does not automatically guarantee a high UV grade. You can find inexpensive sunglasses with a legitimate UV400 grade, and very expensive fashion lenses that offer little or no protection. Always look for the specific UV grade label on the lens or packaging, not just the price tag.
Choosing the right UV grade is easy with Lens.com. We clearly list the specifications for the contact lenses we sell so you can confidently select products that meet the highest standards, like Class 1 UV blocking, ensuring you get the best quality protection with your prescription.
Is there a UV Grade lower than 100%?
Yes, some cheaper sunglasses only block a small percentage of UV light. If a lens does not specifically say "100% UV Blocking" or "UV400," it is likely a lower grade that does not offer complete protection.
Does a lens need to be dark to have a high UV grade?
No. The darkness of a tint is for reducing visible light and glare (which is comfort-related), not for blocking UV rays (which is protection-related). A clear contact lens can have the same high UV grade as a dark pair of sunglasses.
Do international standards for UV grade differ?
Yes, but most follow a similar scale. The US/CAN standard of UV400 is roughly equivalent to the European standard (EN 1836) category of "High UV protection." Checking for the 400nm mark is the universal sign of quality.