Summer means warmer temperatures and longer days, so unsurprisingly, we want to enjoy the opportunity to get outside more. There are lots of different summer activities to get involved in, but while you do, it is important to protect your eyes. UV light causes accumulative damage to our eyes and vision, and sunglasses the best way to filter out the harmful rays so that they don’t impact our long-term eye health and vision. Sunglasses with a good tint can also make it easier to see when you are outdoors, eliminating eyestrain and other problems that can occur from serious brightness.
But with so many different sunglasses to choose from, how do you know which sort is best for your summer activity? Here’s everything that you need to know about which sunglasses are best suited for the different kinds of activities you might like to enjoy this summer season.
Polarized sunglasses have a special filter that is designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as glass, water, and snow. This helps to reduce the glare and discomfort you might otherwise experience when you spend time doing activities in these sorts of environments. However, this doesn’t necessarily make them right for every activity of this sort. For example, polarized lenses can make it difficult to see LCD displays on instrument panels – something which could be dangerous for someone who is a sailor or pilot and needs to be able to see these displays to safely maneuver their craft.
It is always advisable to check with your sunglasses provider before ordering any sunglasses to ensure that they are right for your activity. However, generally, polarized sunglasses are recommended for people who want to enjoy activities like:
fishing
sailing
kayaking
windsurfing
surfing
skydiving
rowing
spending time at the beach
Wraparound sunglasses are the name given to the style that extends around the sides of your eyes and fit very closely to your face. Many people liken them to a superhero mask. While wraparound styles are very fashionable, they are particularly popular amongst people who participate in sports, whether they in an amateur or professional capacity. This is because curved sunglasses tend to stay firmly in place even if you are moving around a great deal. And since they fit so close to the face, they offer exceptional protection against UV damage, preventing it from seeping in around the sides of the frames. Finally, wraparound styles offer a wider field of vision thanks to their curved frame – something which can be beneficial in many sports.
Again, it is best to check with your sunglasses provider before committing to a specific style, but typically, wraparound sunglasses are recommended for people who wish to participate in summer activities such as:
hiking
cycling
park activities like frisbee and rollerblading
basketball and tennis
running/jogging
sailing
golf
skydiving
surfing
Foam-sealed sunglasses are a bit of a specialty and are recommended for people who enjoy motorcycle trips. Unsurprisingly, clear vision is essential when you are riding a motorbike, and foam-sealed varieties are very helpful at blocking out any debris that may otherwise fly into their eyes. Meanwhile, anti-fog coatings help ensure that your vision remains clear, enabling you to spot any potential hazards easily. Many eyeglass providers also recommend that bikers opt for sunglasses with photochromic lenses. These automatically adjust to the levels of sunlight so that your vision isn’t interrupted by changes in how bright it is.
Fashion sunglasses are perfectly acceptable eyewear, so long as they have been tested and have a sticker or label to show that they block out 95-100% of UV light. Without this, there is no way of knowing just how much protection they will afford your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. There are lots of different styles of fashion sunglasses to choose from, with varying sizes, shapes, colors, and tints. Darker tints don’t necessarily provide more protection, but they can help to reduce glare and therefore minimize eye strain. Oversized styles and those close to the face will give you the greatest defense against UV light.
Fashion sunglasses may be suitable for you if your chosen summer activities include:
BBQs
Sunbathing
Walking your dog
Fishing
Picnics in the park
If you would like to find out what the best sunglasses are for your favorite summer activities, please don’t hesitate to speak to our expert team who will be happy to advise you.