Do you have eyes strain under the sun despite having sunglasses on? Or do you have to squint your eyes under the sun, even with your sunglasses? This is because you are wearing the wrong category of sunglasses. If you experience this eye strain under harsh sunlight, all you need might be a Category 5 lens. Category 5 lenses are extremely dark lenses that offer maximum protection from the sun's harmful rays. In this article, you will learn about lenses in categories 1 to 5, their characteristics, and their best use cases. That's not all. You will also get answers to whether category 5 glasses block sunlight. If all these points mentioned above are what you've been seeking answers to, then keep reading!

What are glass lens categories? 

The different glasses categories refer to the darkness level of the lenses of your eyeglasses. Therefore, it helps to know which lens suits different light conditions and activities. This is measured by the visible light percentage that an eyeglass lens can absorb. The category spectrum ranges from very light to very dark, with medium levels of darkness in between. This means that the spectrum ranges from lens categories that absorb very little visible light to lenses that can absorb nearly all visible light. 

What are the 5 glasses categories?

There are 5 different categories of glasses based on the level of darkness of the lenses. This classification system lets you pick the appropriate lenses for different activities, light conditions and personal preferences. It will help you choose the correct glasses for your needs. 

Category 0

The first category is the category 0 lenses. These lenses have zero to little tint and absorb only 5 percent of light. These lenses are barely visible and provide minimal glare protection. Hence, they are mainly used for prescription spectacles. This eye lens is ideal if you're looking for an eyeglass that doesn't require strong glare protection. 

Category 1

Compared to category 0 lenses, category 1 glasses have more tint, though mild. Even though they can offer slight relief on bright days, they are still too light to use as everyday sunglasses. This is because they only provide limited glare protection. This Lens is appropriate for you if you do not need so much glare protection but want a hint of color. 

Category 2

These lenses are halfway between light sunglasses and dark spectacle lenses. Category 2 lenses are even more tinted than the preceding categories of 0 and 1. They are moderately tinted and can absorb less than half of sunlight. Category 2 lenses can provide moderate protection against the guard, but this IS not enough to shield from intense sunlight. Hence, This male category 2 lens is great for overcast days or periods of mild brightness. They are great for walking, reading, or working on your PC or phone. 

Category 3

Category 3 lenses have more tint than the preceding category lenses. Hence, category three lenses absorb more light than the preceding ones. Category 3 lenses can absorb two-thirds of visible light. This makes it suitable for daily recreational activities like beach trips or sporting activities. Category 3 lenses are an excellent all-around choice because they balance visibility and glare protection well.

Category 4

Category 4 lenses have the highest tint; hence, they are the darkest and can absorb the highest visible light compared to other lens categories. They are the most appropriate for extreme exposure scenarios like high-altitude mountaineering. However, they can alter visibility because of their darkness, so they are inappropriate for driving. Category 4 glasses are suitable for specialized activities when maximum protection is essential, not as everyday sunglasses.

Category 5

Category 5 is the same as category 4 lenses. They are mainly used for counting from 1 to 5 instead of 0-4. Like category 4 glasses, they are very dark and absorb up to 92 percent of visible light. They are suitable for high sunlight exposure activities. 

Indeed, each category has unique characteristics and serves specific purposes. Knowing these activities helps you not only understand the differences but also know which is suitable for your needs. Here are other reasons you need to know about these categories of lenses

Importance of glasses categories

Optimal vision and enhanced vision

The best way to help you see clearly, reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort is by getting the correct category of lenses. You would notice that some glasses make you see better and avoid strain than others, resulting from the lens categories. You need to get the correct lenses for activities like sports, reading and driving to function well. 

Safety and protection

You need to keep your eyes safe and protect them, and one way to achieve this is by wearing the correct category lens. Wearing inappropriate lenses has a lot of downsides like fatigue, damage and headaches. You can prevent these issues by knowing the lens categories. It will help you choose the correct lenses for different light conditions. 

Informed purchasing and tailored decisions

Knowledge of category lenses helps you to get lenses tailored to your preferences, activities and lifestyles. Making informed choices when purchasing your glasses is essential so you won't keep wasting money buying the wrong lenses that don't align with your needs.

Informed knowledge and Adaptability

You can change lenses according to light conditions when you recognize your lens's category. You will know the appropriate lenses when switching lenses for indoor and outdoor activities. This boosts convenience and convenience. You will always have the right glasses for any situation or activity. 

Improve eye health and avoid discomfort.

Wearing the wrong categories of lenses Can cause discomfort and eye damage, especially if you require corrective or prescription lenses. The discomfort results from excessive or insufficient tint and protection. Choose lenses that serve your eye's health to avoid this and promote long-term eye health.

These reasons above make it essential to look at your eye before getting any category of lenses. With this in place, you won't stress your eyes by picking the wrong lens. 

Can category 5 glasses block sunlight

Category 5 is the same as category 4 lenses. The “category 5” name is used when the 1-5 counting method is used instead of 0-4. Therefore, the categories discussed in this section are extremely dark and tinted lenses for specialized activities. They can block a significant amount of sunlight. Category 5 lenses have a very high absorption rate above 90%. Therefore, they can block most visible light, such as glare, UV radiation, and blue light. Remember that Category 5 lenses are mainly used for specialized activities where maximum protection is needed. They are unsuitable for everyday wearing, driving or activities that need clear visibility. So, yes, category 5 glasses can block sunlight. However, If you're searching for glasses that will help block sunlight for your everyday activities. Category 2 and 3 lenses will serve this purpose better because they have a good balance of protection and visibility. 

3 Eyeglasses that will help you block sunlight in 2024

If you're in search of the correct category of lenses to help protect your eyes, Here are some 3 Eyeglasses options from Dollger that can help block sunlight:

Dollger Oversized Square Shaped Frames

 

Dollger oversized square-shaped frames are the trendy eyeglasses for 2024. Because they are oversized, they offer maximum coverage and protection against sunlight aside from the tinted lenses. The frames are also thick acetate frames that will help you enjoy comfort and durability. They are stylish, polarized, and suitable for everyday wear against the sunlight.

Dollger Cat-Eyes sunglasses

 

Cat eye lenses hardly go out of trend, and this is understandable. The classic, curved shape and angular style of these frames help block sunlight away while offering a stylish look. These lenses are designed to cover a wide area, hence ensuring maximum protection. Dollger cat eyes sunglasses are polarized and can protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. You can wear them as a stylish accessory or for other everyday activities. 

Dollger Aviator Eyeglasses

 

Aviator eyeglasses are also fast becoming one of the trendiest sunglasses in 2024. They are inspired by the classic pilot's glasses. They are your best bet if you are looking for a retro and vintage look with a modernized twist. Aviator frames have a teardrop-shaped lens to offer your eyes maximum and great coverage and protection against sunlight. It is also stylish because the double bridge of the glass frame adds a touch of sophistication.

Conclusion

Category 5 eyeglasses can block sunlight, but because they are very tinted, they are unsuitable for everyday wear. Hence, if you need everyday wear that can block sunlight, category 2 and 3 are the best options. We put together some eyewear collections if you are searching for eyeglasses for everyday wear that help block sunlight. They not only provide excellent options for sunlight, but they also help you look stylish and trendy. So you have no excuse for wearing boring eyeglasses in the sun!