9 most common myths when choosing sunglasses

May 23, 2025 ChangWilson

Do you feel more tired when wearing sunglasses? It is important to choose a pair of sunglasses that look stylish, but don't ignore the key factors that really protect your eyes. Here are 10 common buying misunderstandings to help you avoid traps and choose the right sunglasses for you.

1. Dark lenses = UV protection?

The color of the lens has nothing to do with the UV protection. The real effective protection comes from whether the lens has 100% UVA and UVB protection, or is certified with "UV400".

2. Ignoring the optical quality of the lens

Low-quality lenses may have optical deformation, causing visual distortion and eye fatigue. Only by choosing lenses with certified optical grade can you ensure comfort for long-term wearing.

Optical grade	Spherical/astigmatic error tolerance	Prism Deviation	Applicable instructions
Class 1	≤ ±0.12 D	≤ 0.25 Δ	High-precision lenses, suitable for long-term, high-speed movement scenes
Class 2	≤ ±0.25 D	≤ 0.50 Δ	Slight deformation, short-term wearing does not affect visual safety
Class 3	＞ ±0.25 D	＞ 0.50 Δ	May cause visual distortion and fatigue, only for short-term sun protection

Test items	GoPlayer® measured values	Class 1 Standard Upper Limit
Difference in spherical power between left and right filters	0.03	≤ 0.12
Prism Difference	0.05 Δ	≤ 0.25 Δ

3. The higher the price, the better the quality?

Price is not the only indicator of quality. Some affordable brands also provide high-quality lenses and protection functions. The key lies in whether the product has relevant quality certification and test reports.

Overview of Sunglass Labelling (BSMI/Filter Classification/Driving Restrictions)

The picture integrates the BSMI product certification mark, light filtering classification (CAT 0-4) and the "Not for Driving" warning icon to help consumers identify the purpose of sunglasses and whether they are qualified at a glance. Please recognize these signs before purchasing to ensure your visual safety.

Sunglasses in Taiwan must be certified by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) before they can be legally sold. Consumers can check whether the product is qualified through the official platform:

✅ Official query path to enter BSMI product verification login query system

Select "Query Method" as:

Verify the registration number (for example: R45D19), or
Product Name (e.g. Sunglasses)
After clicking [Query], the system will display information such as whether the product has been logged in and verified, the manufacturer's name, etc.

4. Ignoring the anti-reflective treatment on the inside of the lens

If there is no anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens, it is easy to produce internal reflections in the sun, affecting the clarity of vision. Choosing lenses with AR anti-reflective treatment can improve visual comfort.

Compare Projects	With AR coating	No AR coating
Lens inner reflectivity	≤ 0.5%	2% ~ 4%
Vision clarity	High, stable and clear sight	Medium to low, easily blurred by reflections
Backlight environment comfort	Good, no obvious internal reflection	Poor, strong internal reflection interference
Dust adhesion	Low, antistatic effect	High, dust easily adheres
Mirror cleanliness maintenance time	Long, easy to clean and not easy to blur	Short, easy to be blurred by oil mist
Eye fatigue	Low	high
Long-term wearing experience	Comfortable, stable and glare-free	Easy fatigue, unstable vision
Applicable environment	Outdoor sports, strong light environment, driving	General sunshade use, not for high-speed sports

5. Wearing comfort

The design of sunglasses should take into account both appearance and wearing comfort. Choosing a frame that matches your face shape and nose bridge design can ensure that you will not feel uncomfortable when wearing it for a long time.

Compare Projects	Sports Sunglasses	Everyday Sunglasses
Nose pad design	Adjustable nose pads to adjust the fitting angle according to the face shape	Fixed nose pad, fashionable design
Frame material	TR90 memory plastic, light and resistant to bending	Metal or acetate, which are heavier and more fragile
Frame elasticity and memory	Highly elastic and rebound memory design, anti-deformation	General structure, easy to loosen and deform after long-term wearing
Weight distribution design	Designed for sports, evenly weighted	Without special consideration of the center of gravity, it is easy to slide
Fits the face shape and covers the face	The mirror covers both sides of the face, effectively blocking wind and dust	More considerations on styling, less coverage
Lens impact resistance	Explosion-proof grade lenses (PC or impact-resistant polycarbonate)	Most of them are general lenses with poor impact resistance
Long-term wearing comfort	Stable fit, not easy to slip, suitable for long-term activities	Long-term wearing may cause pressure marks or discomfort

6. Scratch resistance and durability of the lens

If the lens is not scratch-resistant, it is easy to get scratches during daily use, affecting the clarity of vision. Choose lenses with scratch-resistant coating to extend the service life.

7. Lens transmittance

The light transmittance of the lens affects the brightness of vision. Choose lenses with appropriate light transmittance according to different usage environments (such as indoors, outdoors, strong light) to ensure clear vision.

Grade classification	Transmittance range	Applicable scenarios	Remark
Category 0	More than 80%	For nighttime and indoor use, without sunshade function	Mostly clear or slightly tinted lenses
Category 1	43%~80%	In cloudy and low-light environments, glare can be slightly reduced	Transitional use between indoor and outdoor
Category 2	18%~43%	Daily outdoor activities, general driving, basic sun protection	The most common outdoor sports and daily models
Category 3	8%~18%	In strong sunlight, such as at the beach, on the golf course, or on mountain climbing	Specially designed for outdoor strong light, with excellent sunshade
Category 4	3%~8%	Extremely strong sunlight environment, such as snow, desert, and mountains	It is not recommended to use while driving, the vision is too dark

8. Protection range of the lens

Sunglasses should provide comprehensive eye protection, including the sides and bottom. Choose a frame design with good coverage to effectively block ultraviolet rays from all directions.

Lens Coverage Comparison｜Sports vs Casual Sunglasses

The illustration compares the lens coverage between sports sunglasses (blue) and casual styles (gray). Sports sunglasses offer extended wraparound protection, shielding not just from the front, but also from the sides and below—ideal for dynamic outdoor use.

9. Lens material and weight

The lens material affects the overall weight and wearing comfort. Choosing a lightweight and durable material, such as polycarbonate, can reduce the burden of long-term wearing. Explore the GoPlayer® professional sunglasses series now

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