Sunglasses checked for level of UV protection

For non-prescription sunglasses, have you had them checked by optometrist (or optician) centre to see if the sunglasses provide full 100% UV protection. They have a meter machine (which I have no idea what it looks like) which can check it out.

So I had a pair of sunglasses that I wear regularily whenever I'm outdoors --cycling, snowshoeing or just walking around. Glasses provided 90% protection. I was told that prolonged exposure to UV rays without sunglasses for many years can cause (not always) cataracts.

Sunglasses without UVA and UVB protection are bad for your eyes because they allow the pupils to open due to the darkness, but do not provide the protection from the rays. Cheap sunglasses are worse than no sunglasses. Eyes are pretty much irreplaceable so sunglasses are a very good investment.

I thought polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV? Which pretty much all impact-resistant glasses are polycarbonate?

Anyway mine are rated for 99% UV protection and they are WAY cheap. Doesn't have much to do with the pricetag.

Well, I was told I have very early stages of a contaract in 1 eye. So I really do need to be careful now.

I'm not saying it isn't important, I'm just saying price isn't a factor.

Also, remember that sunglasses only filter the light that actually goes through them, not anything that comes in behind the lenses. So, wear either wrap-around lenses or goggle-style glasses.

ANSI-rated safety glasses give you all three. UV protection because they're polycarbonate, impact resistance because they're polycarbonate, and full coverage to keep both light and flying debris out of your eyes. And, readily available for $10 or less.