Protective eyewear, commonly sold as sunglasses, became mandatory gear for many industries since its rise in popularity in the 1920s. Sunglasses offer protection against sunlight in extensive outdoor activities such as construction, landscaping, and driving. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, which appeal to men and women of all age groups.
If this is your first time purchasing a pair of sunglasses, it’s essential to know the numerous variables that make for an excellent choice. There are several common factors you need to consider when purchasing a pair of sunglasses.
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Tinted Lenses
Most sunglasses sold online today have tinted lenses. Tinted lenses and polarized lenses are often used synonymously, but they aren’t the same thing. Tinted lenses have light absorbent properties that reduce the amount of sunlight that can pass through the lens. They are dipped in the dye of the lens color, which gets absorbed by the lens.
Compared to polarized sunglasses, tinted lenses provide minimal protection. You should therefore understand which lens colors are ideal for sunny outdoor conditions. When it comes to outdoor activities, a rule of thumb is to stick with darker colored shades because shades like black or olive green tend to absorb more sunlight than lighter shades.
If you insist on buying tinted lens sunglasses, you limit your usage options for style purposes in social events like parties. If you plan to buy sunglasses for utility, then the most practical option is a pair with polarized lenses.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses were first invented in 1936 and have since become an indispensable accessory for those who have to spend long periods outdoors. Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and protect your eyes. The term glare refers to the excessive reflection of sunlight when it hits a horizontal surface. It directly exposes your eyes to the sun’s UV rays, which are very harmful to your eyesight and can distort visibility.
Glare can reflect off many shiny outdoor surfaces such as roads, fallen snow, oceans, beaches, buildings, sidewalks, billboards, and more. This factor is hazardous for drivers and bikers as the reflection is very distracting, frequently leading to momentary blindness, causing accidents. The same goes for pilots, whose eyesight is vital for spotting danger and making emergency maneuvers.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses tend to be significantly more expensive compared to tinted lens sunglasses. However, the extra price is worth it as they can protect your eyes for years to come. Polarized lenses don’t require any extra maintenance, so there’s no need to worry about long-term upkeep expenses for these sunglasses. These protective lenses are shaped to bend light away from the direct line of your retina, reducing glare and improving vision.
Durable Frames
The last thing you need to take into consideration when purchasing sunglasses is the durability of the frame. Generally, cheaper sunglasses tend to have low-quality frames that can break easily. This variable is because most of these sunglasses are made from cheap and low-quality materials, making their durability questionable in the first place.
Though it might seem like a no-brainer, you would be surprised at how many first-time sunglass buyers fail to consider this when making their purchase. Higher-quality sunglass frames from reputable brands are often made from top-grade steel and titanium. Unlike frames made from cheaper materials, high-quality frames don’t break or leave marks on your skin.
Cheaper sunglass frames created from nickel, plastic, and other composite materials tend to react to sweat and are abrasive to your skin, causing inflammation. Unlike high-quality frames, they’re less flexible, which makes them more susceptible to damage. Many cheap materials, such as nickel, used in cheap sunglasses can also cause allergic reactions.
The best way to ensure you’re buying quality sunglasses with a durable frame is by buying branded ones instead of cheap ones. Branded sunglasses from top brands such as Ray-Ban, Gucci, Prada, and more have polarized lenses by default and come with durable frames.
Get Working with Style
Once you enter into the world of sunglasses, you might be overwhelmed by the slew of options that might be confusing if you don’t know what you’re seeking. It’s important to research and invest in proper outdoor eyewear to make your work outside comfortable. Keep these variables n mind, and you’ll have a more straightforward and fun shopping experience.
