How do I choose the right sunglass lens?

I find it fascinating that people will actually buy glasses from big box stores or on the world wide web without really understanding their own needs. When I take care of clients in my shop, I take the time to interview them about their needs and interests in regards to how they task their eyes. When buying sunglasses it is important to understand the primary or most important task you will be performing in them and then purchase a product that is tailored to your unique activities and lifestyle.

The Basics: Choose a color.

  • Brown or Amber: High contrast, reduces haze caused by blue light, good in most lighting conditions, provides brighter, sharper definition, good for distance driving, trail rides and walks. Provides stable focus in environments with changing lighting conditions. Also useful in Golf and Tennis or Shooting for the increased contrast and clarity against green backdrops.
  • Green or G-15: These lenses provide good color contrast and increased clarity in most lighting conditions. Green or G-15 sunglass lenses are most often used in military sunwear on the ground and in the air as well as for riding road bikes and motorcycles. The Grey-green quality of the lens inhibits some blue light while providing better color definition than a brown or amber lens, making it an ideal color choice for pilots.
  • True Grey: Grey lenses provide 85% or more visible light protection and tend to feel darker in most lighting conditions. Grey lenses are good on open water, high altitude sports like skiing or sky diving and are the best choice for people who are light sensitive. This lens color provides true color definition and strong light protection. This is the lens of choice for most beach combers and outdoor enthusiasts needing maximum light protection. Warning: this sun lens can feel too dark inside the cabin of your car if you are not light sensitive.

Polarized or Not?

Polarized sun lenses have become increasingly popular over the last 30 years. Originally developed for fishermen, polarized lenses provide exceptional lens clarity in all lighting conditions. Polarized lenses are often used in driving lenses to take the glare off the glass shields of the cars, and in boating lenses to take the light glare off the water. Polarized lenses are NOT used in the cockpit of an airplane because it darkens the aircraft’s polarized instrument panels. It is incredible the vision quality difference between custom made lenses and mass produced commercial lenses. However, even good quality lenses chosen in the wrong format for the wrong activities will not give you the user experience you were seeking.

What about UVA/UVB protection?

Your lens color does NOT provide UV or Infrared light protection. Your lens material and separate filters are used to create invisible light protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is a common misconception that the darker your lens the more UV protection but that is simply not true. UV light penetrates surfaces and requires a special lens filter or material to inhibit it fully. Always seek full spectrum UV protection from your sunglass and do not trust that your store bought specials have full protection even if they are marked UV. More on this in another blog/vlog to come.

High quality ophthalmic lenses make a difference. Mass produced lenses do not hold the quality of the optics throughout the lens. Consequently you are building eye-fatigue while wearing them. Instead of choosing your sunglass lens color based on the color of your frame, consider working with an optician to provide council on best lens choice for your lifestyle and perhaps even custom make your sunglass lenses.

Whether you wear a prescription or you just need non-prescription sun protection, consider having your sunglass lenses custom made. Your eyes will thank you and your future self will appreciate better optical health too.