Masks with UV protection lens?

[robbiny]

I have both a clear and a uv 400 ish lens but couldn't tell the difference IMO. Am thinking about selling one of those and wonder what would you choose from?

 

[lowwall]

Glass by itself blocks 100% of UVB rays, which is what causes sunburn and the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Glass does let through UVA unless coated with something like your UV400 lens. UVA is less dangerous but primarily is responsible for age wrinkles and does increase the risk for the more common skin cancers.

That said, it comes down to exposure. For most divers, standard masks are fine. But if you are doing hundreds of dives a year somewhere with bright sunlight, a mask that offers 100% UVA protection is a reasonable precaution.

 

[robbiny]

Glass by itself blocks 100% of UVB rays, which is what causes sunburn and the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Glass does let through UVA unless coated with something like your UV400 lens. UVA is less dangerous but primarily is responsible for age wrinkles and does increase the risk for the more common skin cancers.

That said, it comes down to exposure. For most divers, standard masks are fine. But if you are doing hundreds of dives a year somewhere with bright sunlight, a mask that offers 100% UVA protection is a reasonable precaution.

Thank you for the explanation. But considering that we pretty much always have some facial skin exposed to the sun (even with hoods?); does that still make a difference?

 

[RIHappyDiver]

It seems to me that if you already own both, sell the clear. The biggest advantage here is going to be for the eyes. It hasn’t been proven, but UVA has been associated with retinal degeneration and cataracts. This wouldn’t be enough cause for me to seek one out, but if I already had a UV 400 mask I would hold on to it, all other things between the 2 masks being equal.

Erik

 

[lowwall]

Thank you for the explanation. But considering that we pretty much always have some facial skin exposed to the sun (even with hoods?); does that still make a difference?

Well, I wouldn't pay for it. But since you already have the mask, why not wear it?

While we are on the subject, I'd keep the other mask as a backup. I kind of doubt you'll get a lot of money for a used mask and stuff happens. I lost a mask once while trying to swim out through surf.

 

[happy-diver]

Astronauts have UV visors, but they're closer