UV400 Sunglasses: What the Rating Actually Means

Quick answer: UV400 means a lens blocks 100% of ultraviolet light up to 400 nanometres — which covers all UVA and UVB rays. It's the standard you want in any pair of sunglasses, and it matters more in a high-sun climate like the UAE than almost anywhere else. Crucially, how dark a lens looks tells you nothing about its UV protection.

What does UV400 actually mean?

Ultraviolet light is measured in nanometres (nm). UVA and UVB rays fall below 400nm. A UV400 lens blocks everything up to that 400nm mark — so it stops 100% of both. Some sunglasses block only a portion of UV; UV400 is the full-coverage benchmark.

Why does UV protection matter?

UV exposure doesn't just tire your eyes. Over time it's linked to cataracts, damage to the retina, and premature ageing of the thin, delicate skin around the eyes. Sunglasses that block UV protect both your long-term eye health and the skin most prone to fine lines.

Why it matters more in the UAE

The Gulf sees some of the highest UV index readings in the world for much of the year. Sun reflects off sand, water and glass, so you're exposed from more than one direction. In this climate, UV protection isn't a luxury feature — it's the main job your sunglasses are doing.

Does a darker lens mean more protection?

No — and this is the most common myth. Tint is about comfort and glare, not UV. A very dark lens with poor UV filtering is arguably worse than none, because it makes your pupils dilate and let in more unfiltered UV. Always check for the UV rating, not the shade.

How do I know my sunglasses are UV400?

It should be stated by the seller or marked on the lens or label. If a pair doesn't mention UV protection at all, treat that as a red flag. Every ARVUE pair is UV400 as standard — across every style and colour.

Browse all ARVUE sunglasses, or start with the face-lifting and cat-eye collections.