Sports sunglasses lenses explained

Sports Sunglasses Lenses Explained: Enhance Your Performance and Protect Your Eyes

Sports sunglasses help enhance your experience. They have you see more clearly, protect your eyes from harmful rays and ensure you are performing at your best. Our eyes are sensitive and need to be looked after to make sure we are having the best possible experience doing the sports we love.  

So, we have put together a sports sunglasses lens guide for you. Basically, it's sports sunglasses lenses explained in full so you know which sunglasses lenses will be best for you, no matter what you are getting up to.

Sunglasses for Different Sports

There are so many different sports where you might need to wear sport sunglasses to protect your eyes. Below are a few examples. Of course, here at Powster, we are biased as we have a few favourite sports where you’ll need sunglasses so we have explained why sunglasses are extremely beneficial for these sports.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Exploring the benefits of sunglasses for winter sports, such as UV protection, glare reduction, and enhanced visibility in snowy conditions. However we still believe goggles are better for riding to ensure maximum viability, you should carry a pair of sunglasses for lunch stops and apres ski. The sun is much stronger at high altitude so not only will sunglasses offer protection but they will also look super cool!
• Mountain Biking: Highlighting how sports sunglasses improve clarity, protect against debris, and offer better depth perception on challenging terrains.
• Road Biking: The advantages of sunglasses in road cycling, include eye protection, reducing wind resistance, and enhancing vision clarity.
• Hiking and Trekking: Exploring the importance of sunglasses in outdoor activities, protecting against UV rays, glare, and potential eye injuries.Again- remember higher up, the sun is stronger. You always want greater detail and protection from harmful rays. 

Types of Light

Would you believe, there are many different types of light? Think back to your high school psychics class but if you, like us, can't remember a thing, here is a refresher.  The different types of light affect your eyes in radically different ways. We have explained how the different types of light work.

1. Visible Light: Visible light refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. While not inherently harmful, excessive exposure to bright visible light, especially in outdoor activities, can cause discomfort, glare, and eye fatigue. Sports sunglasses with appropriate tint levels help reduce the intensity of visible light, enhancing visual comfort and preventing eye strain.

2. Blue Light: Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that is emitted by electronic devices, LED lights, and the sun. Overexposure to blue light, particularly from digital screens, can lead to eye strain, digital eye fatigue, and potential long-term risks to eye health. Sports sunglasses with blue light filtering lenses help block or minimise the amount of blue light entering the eyes, reducing eye strain and potentially protecting against potential long-term effects.

3. UV Light (including UVA, UVB, and UVC): UV light consists of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. It is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye). Sports sunglasses with UV protection, specifically lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, act as a barrier, shielding your eyes from harmful UV radiation and reducing the risk of UV-related eye damage.

4. Infrared Rays: Infrared rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that we perceive as heat. Although invisible to the human eye, prolonged exposure to intense infrared rays, such as those emitted by the sun, can cause discomfort and potential damage to the eyes, leading to conditions like dryness and irritation. Sports sunglasses with infrared-blocking properties help reduce the amount of infrared radiation reaching the eyes, improving overall comfort and protecting against potential eye-related issues caused by excessive heat exposure.

Choosing the Right Lens Colour

The colour of sunglasses lenses can significantly impact your experience, offering different features and benefits. In this section, we'll delve deeper into the meaning and advantages of various lens colours, including:

• Gray and Smoke Lenses: Providing true colour perception, reducing brightness, and suitable for general outdoor activities.
• Brown and Amber Lenses: Enhancing contrast and depth perception, making them ideal for sports like skiing, biking, and hiking.
• Yellow and Orange Lenses: Increasing visibility in low-light conditions and improving depth perception, perfect for activities like skiing and mountain biking.
• Rose and Pink Lenses: Offering enhanced visibility in varying light conditions and improving depth perception.

Sunglasses Lens Types Explained

There are different types of sunglasses lenses available and they work best for certain sports and scenarios. Each sunglasses lens catering to specific sports and scenarios. In this section, we'll explain the characteristics and benefits of the following lens types:

• Polarised Lenses: Polarised lenses reduce glare, enhance clarity, and improve visibility in high-glare environments like water or snow.
• Mirrored Lenses:The advantages of mirrored lenses include reduced glare, added protection, and a stylish aesthetic.
• Gradient/Graduated Lenses: Lenses with a gradual tint offer sun protection on the top and clearer vision below, ideal for driving or outdoor activities.
• Interchangeable Lenses: Sunglasses with interchangeable lenses allow adaptability to different lighting conditions and sports. Easily pop lenses in and out for a quick change!

Choosing the right sports sunglasses lenses is essential for optimal performance, eye protection, and an enjoyable day doing the sports you love. By understanding the benefits of different lens colours, types, and their interaction with various sports and lighting conditions, you can make an informed decision so you can focus on doing what you like, getting out there. So, whether you're hitting the slopes, biking down a mountain trail, or embarking on a hiking adventure, the right sports sunglasses lenses will be your perfect companion.