Which lenses color protects me? Dark or Light?

Small or large, modern or classic, sporty or vintage, black or colored sunglasses are definitely a very basic accessory that should accompany us all year round and even more so in the summer months, since we live in one of the sunniest countries in the world.

While trying to choose our sunglasses according to the style that suits us, we are often troubled by the color of the lenses.

“Dark or light lenses color? Light colored lenses will protect me or not? Should I not choose them even though I liked them and get the dark ones which is safer?”

This is a myth that has prevailed!

A lens that is darker does not mean it is better, because the protection does not come from the colored part.

The absorption capacity of our sunglasses does not depend on how dark or light they are! This only has to do with the brightness and not with the absorbency of the harmful ultraviolet UVA & UVB radiation.

How to choose your sunglasses:

1st Based on the protection filter

Our sunglasses must have a protection filter of at least 99% from UVB and 95% from UVA rays. They are usually labeled UV400.

2nd Based on their use (choice of appropriate color)

The color of the lenses should be chosen based on the use of the sunglasses and not based on what we like. The color determines how we perceive the colors of the objects we see.

• Gray lenses reduce brightness without altering contrast or color perception

• Brown lenses enhance depth perception. They are suitable for winter sports and for hunting in bright light.

• Orange / yellow lenses enhance the contrast, because they block blue radiation. They provide the brightest possible field. Ideal for shooting targets flying in the sky, skiing, driving and fog. However, they are not suitable for any activity that requires color recognition.

• Red lenses are good for winter sports, but only on cloudy days.

• Blue and green lenses improve the contrast in natural lighting conditions and are ideal for sports such as golf and tennis.

• Pink is recommended mainly in the evening hours or under low light conditions.

3rd Based on light transmittance

Lenses are divided into 4 categories according to their light transmission, i.e. how light or dark the lenses are.

Class 0 Light transmittance 80 – 100% Ideal for use at night

Class 1 Light transmittance 43 – 80% Ideal for use in cloudy weather

Class 2 Light transmittance 18 – 43% Ideal for use during of the day and in slightly cloudy conditions

Class 3 Light transmittance 8 -18% Ideal for sunlight

Class 4 Light transmittance 3 – 8% For use in extreme conditions and

high altitude (not suitable for driving)

In Greece we are in category 3

Here we should clarify that light transmittance has nothing to do with UV protection.

4rth Based on the lenses material

Durability and transparency vary depending on the material (Crystal, Polycarbonate, NHT polyurethane, Organic lenses..)

Choose your sunglasses according to the environmental conditions and their use, always adapted to your own personality, but above all with UV protection filter!

Enjoy the sun that our country so generously offers us safely and in style!