Sunglasses serve as an important accessory for safeguarding our eyes. Every component, from the frames to the lenses, plays a vital role in providing this protection. Among these elements, the lenses take center stage in ensuring eye safety. They are carefully designed to shield our eyes from the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun, as well as from bright glare.
However, it's important to note that not all sunglasses feature the same type of lenses. There are various types of sunglasses lenses, each with distinct functions and qualities. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the different types of sunglasses lenses that are best for your eyes.
A Guide to Different Types of Sunglasses Lenses: What You Need to Know?
1. Polarized Lenses
You've likely encountered this term while shopping for sunglasses. Polarized lenses are considered among the finest, and it's advisable to opt for sunglasses with these lenses. They excel at reducing glares and deflecting horizontal glare, allowing only vertical glare to pass through to your eyes, thereby reducing eye strain.
2. Polycarbonate Lenses
These lenses are often regarded as one of the best lens materials available. Why, you might wonder? Polycarbonate lenses are notably lightweight when compared to other lens materials. Their exceptional durability and resistance to impact and scratches make them a preferred choice for athletes and sports enthusiasts. Additionally, they come with built-in UV protection, guarding your eyes against the sun's harmful UV rays. Additionally, they offer a level of comfort that surpasses regular lenses, ensuring a pleasant wearing experience.
3. High Index Plastic Lenses
Another lens material known for its comfort is this. They are lightweight and don’t feel as if a piece of big stone is kept on your face. These lenses are made of special high-index material that has a higher refractive index, meaning that these lenses can bend light more effectively than regular lenses. High-index lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) as they can reduce both lens thickness and weight. Additionally, they come equipped with a UV coating, ensuring your eyes stay protected from the sun's harmful rays.
4. Glass Lenses
This is a high-quality material, but is heavier and thicker as compared to high-index lenses, offering optical clarity and scratch resistance. This allows the lenses to look clearer and good for a longer period. The major drawback is that they are made of glass, so they can break off easily, hence, these are not recommended for rough and tough use. It is a must to handle these lenses with care.
5. Photochromic Lenses
They are adaptable lenses as they adjust their lens tint according to the light (UV) they are exposed to. When the UV light is dim, the lenses become clearer and brighter, and when they are exposed to UV light, these lenses grow darker. With these sunglasses, you do not have to hustle between changing the sunglasses when indoors or outdoors.
Discover the World of Lens Coatings
Good lens materials do provide you with better durability and optical clarity, but, an added layer of lens coating can enhance your visual experience and ultimately safeguard your eyes.
1. Anti-Reflective Coating:
Commonly known as anti-glare coating, is a thin, and invisible layer on the lenses that reduces glare and reflections, thereby improving the visual experience. Beyond glare reduction, this coating also enhances clarity and contrast.
2. Mirror Coating:
This is a special coating applied to give lenses a mirror-like appearance. Such coating is often used for fashionable appeal but they also serve eye protection purposes. In addition to style enhancing, mirror coating on the lenses reduces glare coming off from the sun and reflective surfaces while engaging in outdoor activities.
3. UV Coating:
This coating is applied to the lenses to protect the eyes from direct exposure to the sun. UV-coated lenses act as a barrier and prevent your eyes from getting exposed to harmful UV rays of the sun.
To conclude, investing in sunglasses crafted from top-notch materials and equipped with appropriate lens coatings is a wise choice, one that not only enhances your visual comfort but also prioritizes the long-term health of your eyes.
