Sunglass Outlet Blog

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.

Your Eyes Work Hard
Seeing is a highly active function. Your eyes continually focus and adjust, receiving a constant flow of colors and visual impressions. Normally, all this activity happens routinely and without noticeable strain.

The Burden of Glare
to see well, causing eye fatigue and headaches.

The Benefits of Top Quality Sunglasses
This is why quality designed sunglasses are such an important part of our outdoor life.  They help us to see comfortably and clearly in sunlight, to counteract the discomfort caused by bright light, and to protect our eyes from glare.  This brilliant,  sometimes blinding light is intensified when it reflects off water, snow, concrete highways, glass buildings or chrome.  Glare is discomforting, causing your eyes to work harder.  Your pupils contract, your eyelids squint,  and the muscles around your eyes contract. Your eyes must work harder to prevent permanent damage that could lead to cataracts, eye diseases,  and even blindness.  Lesser quality sunglasses are often more of a danger than a help. Lenses may not provide proper protection from UV rays and glare and are often marked with blurry, irregular surfaces that distort vision, causing added eye strain and fatigue. Top quality sunglasses provide relaxed comfort and complete protection even during long exposure to harsh glare.

Year-Round Protection
Your eyes need glare protection year round. The winter sun is often brighter and snow-reflected glare can be more intense than the brightest summer day. In the mountains the sunlight can be 4 times more intense than at sea level. Damaging UV rays are present year-round and throughout all daylight hours.

Night Driving
Wearing sunglasses during the day can help improve your night driving. Exposure to strong sunlight without adequate glare protection can sharply hinder your night vision. Even a few hours of exposure can slow your eyes’ adaptation process as darkness falls.
Repeated exposure can delay this adaptation even longer and your night vision could be cut by 50% or more.