Sunglass Lens Types
Posted in Sunglasses 101 on 05/11/2009 11:41 pm by Shoreline of Tahoe
Optical Glass
Optical Glass Lenses are the best scratch-resistant lens material made. These are ground and polished to the proper dimension of the lens to make a clear distortion-free lens.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate plastic lenses are very tough and durable. This is the most shatter-resistant material. This material is also used for aircraft windshields. It is lighter then glass and 50 times more impact resistant.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized Lenses block all vertical light. This is the light that reflects off flat surfaces such as snow, water, glass and pavement This reflected light is more intense than normal sunlight. Polarized lenses are most suitable for water sports, cycling or driving.
Photochromic or Photochromatic Lenses
Photochrornic or Photochromatic Lenses are light sensitive lenses that change shades from light to dark, as conditions change. Some photochromic lenses will adjust to temperature as well.
Lens Colors
Lens color plays an important part in the performance of your sunglasses. A different color lens will have different characteristics. The following is a basic description of those characteristics.
Grey
This is the most popular color for all purpose use. All colors remain true and distortion free. To maintain a normal depth perception, light is flattened. UV and IR are well absorbed.
Green
Similar to grey lenses, colors remain true and UV and IR are absorbed.
Brown
These lenses are most effective for filtering scattered blue light. Excellent for low light conditions such as hazy or foggy. Depth perception and contrast in variable light conditions are enhanced. These lenses are most popular for skiing, boating, driving and general use.
Yellow
With yellow lenses you sacrafice color distortion for enhanced depth perception. These Provide 100% UV protection but do need a special coatings to absorb IR. Yellow lenses generally are a popular fashion color.
Rose
Similar to brown these filter scattered blue light and improve color contrast. These are considred by many to be the most soothing and comfortable for all day use.
