A Guide to Sunglass Lens Add-ons or Upgrades!
- Date: 2007-04-27 - Word Count: 604
Share This!
So you have decided to step up and purchase a new pair of designer sunglasses. Sounds simple right, but wait what are all these extra options or upgrades? Should you get polarized lenses? Maybe you need high contrast and what is photochromatic?
Here is a short list of available sunglass lens add-ons or upgrades.
Ultra-violet sunglass protection: The most important feature you should always make a point to have in your sunglasses is UV or ultra violet protection. Most sunglasses offer UV protection that helps protect your eyes against permanent sun damage and cataracts. Sun glasses that meet recommended standards for UV protection offer at least 60% UVA protection and at least 70% UVB protection. Many experts suggest shooting for more than 98% UV protection. Some sunglass labels may say "UV absorption up to 400nm," which is equivalent to 100% UV protection. The Ultra Violet protective coating is applied to sunglass lenses during the manufacturing process. It is good to note that lens tint does not affect the strength of UV protection. Fortunately, UV protection isn't tied to price tags, so designer and drugstore models can both offer complete UV protection. Keep in mind that while more expensive brands tend to come with 100% UV protection, it's not a given. Check the label or item information before purchasing.
Polarization: Polarized sunglass lenses reduce light that comes from a reflective surface such as snow or water. We all know they are great for anyone that is out in bright sunlight conditions, but they are also great for anyone out on the water as they let you see below the surface even on overcast days. They also filter some of the diffused light scattered by our atmosphere. Once you have a pair of polarized sunglasses or eyeglasses you will not want another pair without Polarization.
Mirrored sunglass lenses: Mirrored sunglass lenses have a highly reflective surface that will filter some light, but mirrored lenses are more fashion than function. Reflective lenses come in a variety of colors to appeal to your sense of style. The bottom line is UV and Polarized lenses will block all the light waves that matter. The one thing you cannot take away from mirrored is it always cool!
Scratch-resistant sunglass lenses: Scratch-resistant plastic sunglass lenses and polycarbonate sunglass lenses have more durability than untreated lenses or plain glass lenses. Naturally scratch-resistant glass sunglass lenses can also come with a scratch-resistant coating that adds extra protection.
High-contrast sunglass lenses: Orange sunglass lenses and yellow sunglass lenses offer contrast filtering, which aids in depth perception. They distort color, however, and might not be suitable for driving but are great for skiing and snowboarding in low light conditions
Prescription sunglasses: Prescription sunglasses enable you to enjoy outdoor activities and sports while maintaining good vision. Custom prescription sunglasses were once reserved for the rich but now are offered by many top sunglass brand retailers. Some prescription sunglasses even transition from indoor to outdoor. With a feature called Photochromatic.
Photochromatic: Photochromatic lenses will automatically darken and lighten when the light changes, although the cheaper photochromic lenses wont' get very dark and take some time to adjust to different conditions. Some photochromatic lenses require conditioning or prolonged exposure to the sun to fully darken. This is a great feature and a good compromise allowing you to have one pair of eye glasses for inside as well as outdoors.
So on first glance sunglass lens options may seem confusing but a quick review of the above guide and you now should be ready to cut through all the sunglass lens options and make an educated choice when buying designer sunglasses.
Here is a short list of available sunglass lens add-ons or upgrades.
Ultra-violet sunglass protection: The most important feature you should always make a point to have in your sunglasses is UV or ultra violet protection. Most sunglasses offer UV protection that helps protect your eyes against permanent sun damage and cataracts. Sun glasses that meet recommended standards for UV protection offer at least 60% UVA protection and at least 70% UVB protection. Many experts suggest shooting for more than 98% UV protection. Some sunglass labels may say "UV absorption up to 400nm," which is equivalent to 100% UV protection. The Ultra Violet protective coating is applied to sunglass lenses during the manufacturing process. It is good to note that lens tint does not affect the strength of UV protection. Fortunately, UV protection isn't tied to price tags, so designer and drugstore models can both offer complete UV protection. Keep in mind that while more expensive brands tend to come with 100% UV protection, it's not a given. Check the label or item information before purchasing.
Polarization: Polarized sunglass lenses reduce light that comes from a reflective surface such as snow or water. We all know they are great for anyone that is out in bright sunlight conditions, but they are also great for anyone out on the water as they let you see below the surface even on overcast days. They also filter some of the diffused light scattered by our atmosphere. Once you have a pair of polarized sunglasses or eyeglasses you will not want another pair without Polarization.
Mirrored sunglass lenses: Mirrored sunglass lenses have a highly reflective surface that will filter some light, but mirrored lenses are more fashion than function. Reflective lenses come in a variety of colors to appeal to your sense of style. The bottom line is UV and Polarized lenses will block all the light waves that matter. The one thing you cannot take away from mirrored is it always cool!
Scratch-resistant sunglass lenses: Scratch-resistant plastic sunglass lenses and polycarbonate sunglass lenses have more durability than untreated lenses or plain glass lenses. Naturally scratch-resistant glass sunglass lenses can also come with a scratch-resistant coating that adds extra protection.
High-contrast sunglass lenses: Orange sunglass lenses and yellow sunglass lenses offer contrast filtering, which aids in depth perception. They distort color, however, and might not be suitable for driving but are great for skiing and snowboarding in low light conditions
Prescription sunglasses: Prescription sunglasses enable you to enjoy outdoor activities and sports while maintaining good vision. Custom prescription sunglasses were once reserved for the rich but now are offered by many top sunglass brand retailers. Some prescription sunglasses even transition from indoor to outdoor. With a feature called Photochromatic.
Photochromatic: Photochromatic lenses will automatically darken and lighten when the light changes, although the cheaper photochromic lenses wont' get very dark and take some time to adjust to different conditions. Some photochromatic lenses require conditioning or prolonged exposure to the sun to fully darken. This is a great feature and a good compromise allowing you to have one pair of eye glasses for inside as well as outdoors.
So on first glance sunglass lens options may seem confusing but a quick review of the above guide and you now should be ready to cut through all the sunglass lens options and make an educated choice when buying designer sunglasses.
Related Tags: sunglasses, lenses, polarized, sun glass, photochromatic
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Dental Insurance For Individual Can Be Of Help At Time
Dental problem may cost one a lot of money and pain. But, practicing a reasonable care could decreas - Personal Trainer For Perfect Health
There is a general misconception that need for a fitness trainer comes for novice or from those who - Varicose Veins - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
The majority of people after thirty notice the changes that appear with the maturing. In this case t - Scenar Therapy - Self-treatment Or Healing Partnership
Do you want to learn about a device which will help you to ease your pain? If you get this kind of a - Scenar - 5 "no, Nos" Of Scenar
Are you fed up with the pain in your body? Various parts of our body seem to ache due to different r - Scenar Device - 5 Tips On Travelling With Your Scenar (skenar) Device
You might be aware of scenar which has become quite popular these days. This is actually the acronym - Scenar Therapy - How To Treat Your Pet With Scenar
There are many alternative methods of treatment that are being invented these days. Lots of people a - Your Options For The Treatment For Appendicitis
Appendicitis is considered to be a surgical illness. Due to its severe character, the treatment for - How To Choose The Right Copd Medication
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD does not have any cure. But with the help of medicines - Septic Arthritis: Infectious Agents Penetrate Joints' Spaces
Another major type of arthritis is septic arthritis, which is also known in various terms like: pyog
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Drugs - the Last Alternative for Adhd in Kids
Anyone over the age of thirty who has grown up with ADHD understands that there was not much help av - Foods To Eat To Gain Weight
Malnutrition has the same degree of problem as obesity. There are people who are too skinny, they fi - Understanding Postpartum Clothing
The same way most pregnant women dream of the day when they will begin showing for wearing maternity - Kegel Exercising for Bladder Control and Enhanced Sexual Pleasure
Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, thereby improving the urethra and/or rec - The Use Of Weight Loss Herbs
Nothing has garnered more attention in today's world than the success or failures of weight loss pro - A Simple Acid Relux Cure
Many people today are afflicted with heartburn. If they eat food that is too spicy, they get heartbu - Five Effective Household Back Pain Treatments
Back pain treatment comes in lots of forms, from exercise to pain mediction. Standard and most wides - Herbal Remedies - Can They Cure What Ails You?
You've probably heard about herbal remedies before and how they can treat a variety of health proble - Natural Relief for Tinnitus - What are your Choices
Natural Relief For Tinnitus - Alternative Options Did you know that there are an estimated 50 t - Birthing Around the World
Since ancestral times, different cultures showed off different customs and beliefs around the miracl