Choosing the Right Lenses for Your Sunglasses
Many people focus only on frames when selecting sunglasses, but the lenses are just as important. The right lenses not only enhance comfort and clarity but also provide essential protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing sunglasses that offer both style and protection.
UV Protection: The Most Important Factor
Sunglasses should do more than just reduce brightness—they need to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause long-term damage such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to ensure full protection.
Lens Materials: Clarity, Durability, and Weight
The material of your sunglass lenses affects their performance, comfort, and durability. Here are the most common options:
- Plastic Lenses – Lightweight, affordable, and widely used, plastic lenses offer excellent optical performance but require an added UV coating for full sun protection.
- Polycarbonate Lenses – More impact-resistant than plastic, these lenses are ideal for sports or outdoor activities. They naturally block UV rays but may scratch more easily than other materials.
- Glass Lenses – Known for exceptional clarity and scratch resistance, glass lenses provide excellent vision quality but are heavier and more prone to shattering.
Choosing the Right Lens Colour
Lens colour doesn’t affect UV protection, but it does impact visual clarity and contrast. Here’s how different lens colours perform in various conditions:
- Grey Lenses – A popular all-purpose choice, grey lenses reduce brightness without distorting colours. They work well in both sunny and overcast conditions.
- Brown/Amber Lenses – These enhance contrast and depth perception, making them great for outdoor activities like golf, fishing, and hiking.
- Green Lenses – Combining the benefits of grey and brown, green lenses improve contrast and maintain natural colour balance. They’re excellent for driving and everyday wear.
- Yellow/Gold Lenses – Ideal for low-light conditions, yellow lenses enhance visibility by filtering blue light. They are often used in winter sports and shooting sports.
Additional Lens Coatings and Treatments
To further enhance your sunglasses, consider the following lens treatments:
- Polarized Lenses – Reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, making them ideal for driving and outdoor activities.
- Mirrored Lenses – Offer additional brightness reduction and a stylish appearance, great for high-glare environments.
- Photochromic Lenses – Automatically adjust to lighting conditions, darkening in bright sunlight and clearing indoors. These are a great option for people who wear prescription glasses and need sun protection.
Find the Perfect Sunglasses at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc.
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we offer a wide range of high-quality sunglasses to fit your lifestyle and vision needs. Whether you’re looking for everyday sun protection, sport-specific lenses, or prescription sunglasses, our expert team can help you find the perfect pair.
Visit one of our five Edmonton-area locations today or contact us to book an appointment with an optician. Protect your eyes with the right sunglasses and enjoy clearer, safer vision in any environment!
