Sunglasses Lenses choices

Besides the fashionable look that sunglasses provide you, their purpose is to reduce eyestrain from sunlight and protect the eyes from the wind, dust, and other hazards. Having to wear them for long hours, you sure have to consider their functional aspect, but their social and emotional aspect as well. In terms of functionality, it needs to be related to the lenses and the frames themselves. In this blog post, we’ll be focusing mainly on the functionality of the lenses.

Sunglasses lenses should be able to cover full protection against UV light. We may sometimes find it printed on the inner side of the stems: 100%UV protection. If not, we make sure it is mentioned in the leaflet that comes inside the sunglasses box and we have to inform the patient about its importance. Full protection against wavelengths of 400 nanometers and less means that the lenses provide protection against Aging, Burning, and Cancer-causing waves. Sunglasses don’t need to be super expensive in order to have 100% UV light protecting lenses. Opticians need to be able to demonstrate to patients the difference through a UV tester and explain how important it is to protect against each of UVA, UVB, and UVC. Non UV protective lenses will dilate your pupils, letting more light get into your eyes and causing the rapid advancement of cataracts of other potential retinal damages. In extreme exposure to the sun during outdoor activities, excessive sunlight could result in an eye condition similar to a sunburn that is called Photokeratitis.

Lens features include polarization, photochromic, and gradient tints. Polarization is a filter in the lenses that reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, windows, or any flat surface. Polarized lenses are especially recommended for drivers, fishermen, boating, skiing. The effect of polarization should be demonstrated to patients using polarized lens testers or by holding the lenses in front of a computer or a mobile phone screen and turning them 90 degrees. This will block the mobile phone screen. While photochromic is good for drivers, gradient tints are very fashionable and are also great lenses for those who go in and out or need a clear lens at the bottom that helps them read outside.

Selecting lens tint color is both function and fashion-related. Gray lenses are neutral color lenses that don’t change the color of objects, they provide great color vision, and are good for bringing down the brightness level. Brown or amber lenses are not as neutral as gray because they may have a little effect on some colors. However, they provide great contrast sensitivity, improve depth perception, and help a lot in any outdoor and sports activity. Pink lenses are great for indoor activities where there is a lot of fluorescent lighting, they are a good choice for cycling, racing, and high altitude sports. They increase brightness and can improve both contrast sensitivity and distance vision. Green lenses are great lenses for outdoor sports and activities in nature. For example on green golf courses or boating.

Lens coating includes posterior surface anti-reflection, hydrophobic coating or water-repelling coating, anti-scratch coating, anti-fog coating, and mirror coating.

The materials used for the lenses include glass that is heavy but ensures superior optical quality and scratchproof. Impact-resistant lenses are made out of polycarbonate, they are weightless but are not scratchproof. Prescription lenses can be made from all materials and they best fit on smaller frames.

With all the options available in the optical industry the optician should be able to provide the patient with the right lenses for the right job.