Category 4 sunglasses: what lens categories 0 to 4 mean
The category number on a sunglasses label tells you which conditions and uses the lens suits. Here's what categories 0 to 4 mean, how category 3 and category 4 differ, and why you should check the label for UV protection too.
From our range
Wrap for side coverage
Wraparound styles block UV coming in from the sides. Shown here: the Maui Jim Peahi.
Maui Jim Peahi 202-02 Gloss Black / Neutral Grey Polarised Lenses
Oversized frames
Shown here: a frame from Hugo Boss.
Hugo Boss BOSS 1781/S 807 9O 55 Black / Dark Grey Gradient Lenses
What usually doesn't work
Don't count on coloured lenses to block more sun. Mirror coatings may reduce the light entering your eyes, but check the label for UV protection too.
What lens categories 0 to 4 mean
Sunglasses must carry a clear label with the lens category number, a category description and usage information. The rules come from an Australian mandatory standard based on parts of AS/NZS 1067.1:2016. Here's what each number means:
- Category 0: fashion spectacles, not sunglasses, with very little glare reduction.
- Category 1: also fashion spectacles, not sunglasses, and not suitable for night driving.
- Category 2: sunglasses with a medium level of glare reduction and good UV protection.
- Category 3: sunglasses with a high level of glare reduction and good UV protection.
- Category 4: special purpose sunglasses with a very high level of glare reduction and good UV protection. Not suitable for driving or road use.
Category 3 or category 4?
Category 3 gives a high level of glare reduction. Category 4 goes a step further and suits very sunny, high glare or high altitude conditions such as skiing or desert trekking. Category 4 sunglasses are not suitable for driving or road use, so check the usage information on the label before you drive in your sunnies.
Heading to the snow? Read our guide to sunglasses for snow before you hit the slopes.
Category is not the same as UV protection
Along with the lens category, check the label for UV protection. UV damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions that permanently damage sight. Under the Australian mandatory standard, sunglasses must protect against UV radiation from 280 to 400 nanometres.
Look for a tag promising 100% UVA and UVB protection, or a UV 400 label, which is also an acceptable sign of full UV protection. See also our post on what UV400 means.
UV or polarised?
Polarised lenses have a film of microscopic vertical lines that blocks the horizontal light that causes glare. That cuts reflections off surfaces like water. Polarisation on its own doesn't give you UV protection. So get UV protection first, and treat polarisation as extra glare control on top. See also our guide to polarised sunglasses.
What to check before you buy
- Find the category label and make sure nothing hides it. Labels must not be covered by other stickers such as price labels.
- Look at a rectangular pattern through the lenses. Straight lines mean the lenses are fine. Wavy lines mean you should find another pair.
- For lenses less likely to shatter, choose plastic over glass. One option is polycarbonate, a high resistance plastic.
- Ask for a scratch resistant coating, because uncoated polycarbonate scratches easily.
Wear prescription glasses? We don't fit prescription lenses at BrightEyes, so see an optometrist for those. We do sell fitover sunglasses that sit over your glasses, clip on sunglasses and stick on bifocal lenses.
Questions we get asked
What are category 4 lenses?
Category 4 lenses are special purpose sunglasses with a very high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection. They are not suitable for driving or road use.
Should I get category 3 or 4 sunglasses?
Both give good UV protection, but category 4 cuts more glare than category 3. Category 4 is a special purpose lens for conditions like skiing or desert trekking, and it can't be used for driving or road use.
Is category 4 the same as UV400?
No. The category tells you about glare reduction and which conditions the lens suits. A UV 400 label is a sign of full UV protection. Check the tag for both.
What do category 2 sunglasses give you?
Category 2 lenses give a medium level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection. Category 0 and 1 lenses, by contrast, are fashion spectacles rather than sunglasses.
Check the label for the lens category and for UV protection. BrightEyes has been Australian owned since 1985 and stocks over 100 authorised sunglass brands in stores across QLD, NSW, NT and WA, and online.