What “UV400 Protection” Really Means for Your Eyes

You’ve probably seen the term UV400 on sunglasses before — maybe even on a pair we make here at Detour. But what does UV400 actually mean? And more importantly, what does it do for your eyes?

Let’s break it down.

The Basics: UV Rays and Eye Health

The sun gives off two types of ultraviolet radiation that can harm your eyes: UVA and UVB rays.

• UVA rays penetrate deep and can cause long-term damage to your eyes, contributing to things like cataracts and macular degeneration.

• UVB rays are more intense and can damage the outer layers of your eyes, even causing something called photokeratitis — basically a sunburn on your eyeball. (Yes, it’s as unpleasant as it sounds.)

So… What Is UV400 Protection?

UV400 means that the lenses block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers — covering 100% of UVA and UVB rays. It’s the highest level of UV protection you’ll find in sunglasses.

To be clear:
UV400 = 100% UV protection.
Not 99%, not “most” — all of it.

Why It Matters

Your eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your skin. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to:

• Blurry or distorted vision over time

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Pterygium (“surfer’s eye” — a growth on your eye caused by UV exposure)

And unfortunately, UV damage is cumulative. The effects build up over the years, which is why wearing proper eye protection every day matters — not just on bluebird days or beach vacations.

All Detour Sunglasses = UV400 Protection

Every pair of sunglasses we make comes standard with UV400 lenses — no upcharges, no hidden upgrades. Whether you're grabbing a pair for running, fishing, or just heading out for errands, you’re getting full-spectrum protection every time.

We also go a step further with coatings that resist scratches, sweat, and oil — because what good is UV protection if your lenses are smudged or fogged up?