If there’s one cultural norm that everyone is taught from a young age, that is, not to look directly into the sun’s beam. UV, also known as ultraviolet light, is just one type of radiation that is emitted from the sun. 

With summer just around the corner, it’s important to note that lenses need the right UV level in order to be protective and shield your eyes from damage. Arlo Wolf has put together a guide explaining everything we know about UV protection and why it is so important you get the right pair of sunglasses this summer. 

What is UV protection?

UV protection is found on most (good) pairs of sunglasses. UV protection is important not only for your inner eyes but the skin surrounding it, too. Much like how suncream has a certain level of protection, UV protection acts in a similar way to protect your eyes from damage caused by exposure to the sun. 

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB radiation? 

These are the two types of ultraviolet radiation that comes directly from the sun. Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength, and is associated with skin aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning. 

How are my eyes affected by UV radiation? 

Not taking proper care of your eyes in the sun can cause temporary and long-term problems, one being photokeratitis which is a painful temporary eye condition that’s been described as similar to sunburn. It affects the corneas of your eyes and can leave you with a lot of pain, luckily, it only lasts between 6 hours and 24 hours. 

However, excessive damage and mistreatment of eyes will lead to more serious conditions such as loss of sight. This can be avoided by wearing the right sunglasses. 

Do I need UV protection sunglasses?

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, whether it’s for work or you just enjoy being outside, it’s best to keep your eyes protected – after all, we only get one pair! UV protection is often overlooked as essential, but surprisingly our eyes are 10 times more sensitive to the sun’s rays than our skin. 

At Arlo Wolf, we stock a range of UV protected sunglasses so there’s no need to worry about if you’re getting the right protection, because you are. Read more about our lenses here. 

How much UV protection do I need?

Whilst all of Arlo Wolf’s sunglasses have the top level of protection, it’s best to be clued up on the factors affecting UV rays. The strength of the sun’s UV rays reaching the ground depends on a number of factors, such as:

• Time of day: Between 10 am and 4 pm, UV rays are strongest.
• Season: UV rays are stronger during spring and summer months. 
• Altitude: You are exposed to more UV rays the higher elevation you are.
• Cloud cover: Up to 80% of UV radiation penetrates clouds, therefore it’s important to know that UV rays can get through to the ground, even on a cloudy day.
• Reflection off surfaces: It’s important to remember that up to 50% of UV rays bounce off surfaces like water, sand, snow, or pavement.

What’s the difference between UV protection and polarized? 

UV-protected lenses and polarized lenses are not the same thing. Not all polarized lenses include UV protection, but at Arlo Wolf our polarized lens upgrade options do include UV400 protection. Polarized lenses can also offer clearer vision compared to standard sunglasses lenses, which is ideal when you’re driving or playing sports outdoors. To upgrade to polarized lenses, simply select one of our lens upgrade options when browning your favourite frames.

How can I protect my eyes from UV rays?

Choosing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection from both UVA and UVB rays is the easiest and most important way to protect your eyes. At Arlo Wolf, all our UV protected sunglasses have 100% UV400 lenses and offer both UVA and UVB protection.

100% UV400 lenses provided with all Arlo Wolf sunglasses

Shop our range of men’s and women’s sunglasses, all of which are equipped withUV400 lenses (with or without a prescription) to keep your eyes completely protected.

What’s more, you can try on up to four pairs of sunglasses with our try before you buy service – simply try some samples on at home with your best summer outfits and once you’re decided, send them back in a pre-paid postage label and order your next pair of sunglasses!

We understand that getting the right frames are important, that’s why we’ve put together a face shapes guide so you can understand what sunglasses and glasses are best suited for you.