Vision-care experts are putting in efforts to create awareness about the dangers of overexposure to harmful UV rays of the sun which is increscent and irremediable. Children and teenagers are more vulnerable to the sun’s rays as their ocular lenses cannot filter the UV light as effectively as adults. This makes sunglasses a necessity for eye care and protection.
There are a variety of sunglasses available for different purposes. For water sports, sunglasses should be adapted for use in turbulent water. Similarly for skiing, one should choose double-gradient lenses. People who experience constant change of weather must go for phototropic sunglasses, which are known to change from dark to light and back again.
The lens material should preferably be glass or plastic. Glass lenses have the best optical clarity and scratch resistance, but can shatter easily. Plastic lenses are lighter, but prone to scratches. However, good quality plastic lenses offer impressive clarity and are coated for some scratch-resistance.
Gray and green lenses are considered neutral because they maintain true colors. Brown and copper colored lenses strike a balance between true color transmission and good contrast, and work well in all situations. The lens color is known to affect how much visible light reaches the eyes, and how well other colors and contrasts can be seen.
UV protection information which is normally printed on the hangtag, should be thoroughly read before purchasing sunglasses. Cheap sunglasses with little or no UV protection must be avoided.
Glacier glasses are specially designed with side shields to protect the eyes by blocking the sun’s rays. Photochromic lenses can automatically adjust to changing light intensities. Polarized lenses normally have a fixed tint, and can reduce reflected glare on wet roads. However, they reduce contrast between objects, which can be a hindrance in low light conditions.
Choosing the right lens shape is also an important prerequisite. Wrap-around lenses provide extra protection against rain, pebbles, sand etc. Frames should be durable and lightweight, to avoid excess friction. Nylon frames are not easily adjustable, but are more durable and cheaper as compared to others. One must go for a design that is comfortable for him or her, as being comfortable is more desirable than being stylish.
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