Everything You Should Know About Prescription Sunglasses

Protecting yourself from the harsh rays of the sun requires the right accessories. If you want to shield your eyes when you step outside, you must invest in an appropriate pair of sunglasses. Of course, picking out the best prescription sunglasses won't always be an easy journey. To find the right fit, you need to do a little research in advance. From polarization treatments to color tints, several factors can influence how protective and effective your glasses are. Explore this guide and gain insight into which shades might be the most appropriate choice for your needs.

History of Sunglasses

Sunglasses have a much longer history than many people realize. The first recorded shades come from ancient China, though these accessories were not meant as a method of blocking sunlight. Long ago, judges in China would wear dark glasses while in a courtroom setting. By donning this eyewear, the judges were able to conceal their expressions and keep their true opinions hidden until they were ready to deliver a decision.

The Inuit people of North America would be the first to craft eyewear with the express purpose of reducing the impact of direct sunlight. Ivory from walrus tusks would be shaped into glasses with thin slits, which made it easier to see on sunny days or when light reflected off snow or water. Modern sunglasses aimed at shielding the eyes would not be developed until the 1930s. Since then, shades have become some of the most popular outdoor accessories for both fashion and protection.

How Sunglasses Protect You

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can hurt your eyes. According to research, individuals who spend a lot of time outside without protective eyewear are more likely to develop cataracts or experience macular degeneration. Quality sunglasses can help you avoid this by providing a shield against UV-A and UV-B rays. Experts advise selecting shades that offer at least 99% protection from ultraviolet rays, as anything less still puts you at risk for potential eye damage.

Determining if Sunglasses Have UV Protection

Not all sunglasses are designed to offer true UV protection. To feel confident in your investment, you must look for specific markings on the lenses. Older sunglasses relied on protective coatings, which could chip or flake away with time. To avoid this, modern brands now embed UV shields into the actual lenses. Companies will highlight this feature by adding a sticker that states how much light the lenses can block. Typically, the design will boast phrases like “Blocks Both UV-A and UV-B Rays” or “100% UV Protection.”

Another common sticker you may see is “100% UV400 Protection.” This refers to the rays found at the top wavelength of the ultraviolet spectrum. Lenses that have been crafted to block these rays are usually considered some of the most protective options available to consumers.

Polarized Sunglasses

Another important option to review when searching for cheap prescription sunglasses is polarization. The average shades are crafted to block direct light. Polarized lenses, however, are treated to reduce the glare that happens when light reflects off glass, snow, or water. This is usually the most helpful for individuals who spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a car, on a boat, or in icy conditions.

While polarization treatments are useful in specific settings, there are some drawbacks. Polarized lenses do not always offer the same range of protection against UV rays. If you're more concerned about glare than direct sunlight, polarized glasses are a great fit. When you're simply looking for protective shades to don when going about your day, opt for standard lenses that can block a full range of UV rays.

Lens Colors

Colored lenses in sunglasses are not simply a fashion statement. Specific tints are applied to lenses as a way of enhancing clarity, preventing distortion, and improving a person's experience outdoors. Take a closer look at the options available to see if your life will be made easier by investing in wrap around prescription sunglasses with tinted lenses.

Gray

Gray lenses are some of the most popular alternatives to traditional dark sunglasses. According to experts, a gray tint blocks UV rays while still allowing for true color perception. Additionally, the color works well on both bright and overcast days. Gray tints are said to reduce eye fatigue when you're outside for long periods, making the option a great fit for those engaged in activities like golfing, hiking, or riding a bike.

Yellow

When you're dealing with low-light conditions, yellow tints can be a great option to explore. This color enhances contrast in your field of vision, making it easier to see moving objects. If you're someone who plays sports like baseball, soccer, or tennis, yellow lenses can improve your game by offering more clarity. This color is also said to be useful for blocking the blue light that radiates from digital devices. When you spend many hours in front of a computer, yellow tints may help you avoid eyestrain.

Brown

If you're someone who enjoys spending time out on the water, brown lenses can be a smart choice to consider. Brown tints help to boost contrast and improve overall depth perception. When you're on a boat on a bright day, the brown lenses can make it easier for you to see objects in the water ahead or out on the horizon. It is important to note that brown lenses are not effective on cloudy days or in low-light conditions.

Green

It is not always easy to know what the light conditions will be like when you head outside for the day. This is where green tints come into play. Crafted to be useful in both bright sunlight and low-light environments, green shades offer improved contrast and color perception. What's more, green tints can reduce the odds of eyestrain. When you need sunglasses for general activities or running errands outside, lenses with a green tint are an ideal fit.

Amber

Though similar to brown tints, amber lenses offer a few unique perks. Essentially, lenses boasting this color are ideal for improving contrast when the sky is foggy or hazy. This makes amber a perfect lens choice for hunters, as it can make prey much easier to see amidst foliage or rock structures. Amber lenses do not offer true color perception, however, and will give your field of vision a yellowish hue.

Red

There will come times when you step outside and your eyes struggle to adjust to contrast. Red lenses have been designed for this exact purpose. When you need to enhance your visual depth, pink or red lenses are a great fit. A red tint is considered one of the better colors to select when you want to see better while behind the wheel of a car. Red tints are also useful for indoor settings when you are using a computer, as the color is known to block harmful blue light.

Mirrored Lenses

Another option worth noting with sunglasses is mirrored lenses. Shades of this nature are treated with a reflective coating, allowing sunlight to bounce off the surface and improve your ability to see. Like polarized lenses, mirrored options can reduce glare that happens when light reflects off surfaces like water and glass. For this reason, mirrored lenses are an ideal choice for those who spend a lot of time driving, cycling, or boating. However, this option does not offer the same level of UV protection as other treatments.

What Sunglasses Can't Do

While protective eyewear can do a lot to shield you from harm, you must also remain mindful of what sunglasses cannot do. For one, you should never look directly at the sun while wearing your shades. Additionally, sunglasses will not offer any protection against intense sources of artificial light like the bulbs in a tanning bed or the sparks that occur while welding. Still, a quality pair of standard sunglasses will be able to keep you protected as you go through your daily routine or engage in outdoor activities like sports.