The world of sustainability has come up. Many eco-friendly eyewear fashion brands are labeling their eyewear products as ‘sustainable’ to offer the best to sustainable consumers. 

Recently, sunglasses and glasses made from recycled materials have come up. But are these eyewear safe? For your health and eyes? It's important to not get trapped with the dark tinted sunglasses. Because they can harm your eyes. 

When you purchase a pair of sunglasses, look for UV protection in place of fancy tints. 

In this blog post today, let's learn more about UV protection eyewear offers.

What is UV protection?

By UV protection, we mean that the eyewear protects your eyes from the Sun (releasing harmful ultraviolet radiation).

Generally, two types of UV rays can harm the eyes:

1. UVA: They go deep into the eye and cause long-term damage.

2. UVB: They burn the surface of the eye. 

So, the next time you go out to get a pair of sunglasses, don't rush behind dark or stylish options. Look for ultraviolet protection. 

And without UV protection, you are only purchasing an eyewear that can be harmful in the long run for your eyes. 

Are recycled glasses and sunglasses safe?

Now let's talk about the sustainable eyewear rocking in the market. The recycled eyewear, made up of ocean plastic and natural materials, is eco-friendly, for sure. But is it safe for your eyes? 

Let's learn about it in detail below. 

The lens is what matters the most 

You can recycle your frame and even compromise a bit on a low quality one. But when it comes to lenses, they are the real protectors of the eyes. 

A lens can either do one of the following: 

1. Block UV rays and offer protection to your eyes, or

2. Let the harmful rays enter your eyes and cause damage 

So, when you purchase sunglasses and eyeglasses, do not only ask for the material but look at the UV protection as well. It is a must!

Especially if you can avail UV400 protection with your lenses, it is the best deal. 

UV400 protection in eyewear

UV400 protection prevents any harmful UVA or UVB rays from damaging your eyes or skin. 

Any pair of glasses with no UV protection is not safe for your health. 

Can recycled sunglasses have UV400 protection? 

In short, yes, absolutely yes! 

You will get full UV protection when you purchase sunglasses and glasses made from recycled materials. But you need to check it from the brand. 

Many sustainable brands use high quality recycled frames with UV400 protection for your eyes. Make sure you keep an eye on the description. 

How to know if your sunglasses are actually UV-protected? 

Many brands often fool people by mentioning “polarized”, “tinted” or “fashion shades.” But there is no such protection they offer for eyes. 

When you go to get a pair of recycled glasses and sunglasses, make sure that you look for: 

1. UV400 protection 

2. 100% UVA/ UVB blockage 

3. Tested lenses

Pro-tip by Vinylize:

Find brands that show testing or certifications. You can check for FDA-approved products. 

Are polarised lenses UV-protected? 

Many brands mix the concept of polarized lenses with UV protection. However, in reality, polarization is completely different from recycle eyeglasses. 

Polarised lenses only cut glare. If you want something for driving or fishing, you can go ahead. But they are not for blocking ultraviolet rays. 

Why is it not worth the risk? 

Now you might be wondering why to go with recycled vinyl sunglasses only? Because if your pair of glasses is not blocking UV rays from the sun you can damage your cornea, lens, retina, and even skin. 

Let's go for both Eco-friendly and eye-friendly

So why choose between style, sustainability, and safety when there's an all-in-one alternative: recycled glasses and sunglasses? 

Many best sustainable brands in the market are stepping up to use recycled materials, adding UV400 protection lenses, packaging everything in zero waste boxes, and donating to environmental causes. 

So when you purchase recycled sunglasses, you ensure eye protection, and plant protection, and get hands on many style points. 

How to shop like an eco-conscious consumer? 

As you enter the market, you might find fake green labels or weak UV claims by many brands. 

But as you are an aware consumer, you will check for 

• UV400 lenses

• Brand Transparency 

• Read reviews

• Recycled and tested materials 

• Return policy or lens guarantee 

Protect your eyes with recycled sunglasses 

Now as you purchase a pair of recycled sunglasses, yes, you can protect your eyes. You do not need to choose between loving the planet and protecting your eyes. You can go with both together.

Conclusion 

Yes sunglasses made from recycled materials are completely UV protected. They protect your vision, fight climate change, and make you look stylish.

So the next time you wear your shades, make a statement but protect your eyes as well.