More often than not, you either get rack sunglasses, which are those that you purchase at department stores, or you get bespoke sunglasses, which are those that you purchase from an optical retailer. Either way, you will find that the quality of the sunglasses that you get vary accordingly. It is often the case that the lens quality of the sunglasses available from an optical retailer is better than rack sunglasses. Better read on to know more about the different types of lenses for your sunglasses.
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Polarized Lenses
Sunglasses that are made with polarized lenses are effective in reducing glare that is usually reflected off surfaces. Because of this, the images that you see become sharper and clearer even if you are wearing sunglasses. The eye experts behind Shark Eyes suggest that you get polarized glasses, particularly if you are light-sensitive, or if you have just undergone cataract surgery. Polarized lenses will also work well for you if you are constantly exposed to bright sunlight through windows, which is the case for truck drivers.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses are also the ideal type of sunglasses that you should use when you intend to go near bodies of water, such as when you are fishing. This is because this kind of lens can cut glare, allowing you to see into the water. In this case, go for polarized brown lenses when you are fishing in rivers because they provide a great contrast against the blue sky. This is also the best type of lens for your sunglasses if you are fond of playing golf.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are the type that automatically darkens when they are exposed to sunlight. On the other hand, under dim light, the lens becomes clearer. This is because this type of lens is designed to adjust to the amount of light it receives. Thus, people who wear eyeglasses that are made with photochromic lenses no longer need to wear separate sunglasses when they go out and spend time outdoors.
Polycarbonate Lenses
Sunglasses made with polycarbonate lenses are considered as the most durable sunglasses because the lens they have can withstand great impact. Aside from this, polycarbonate lenses can also be made thinner and lighter, making them more convenient to wear. This type of lens can also provide a hundred percent ultraviolet (UV) protection, and that is even without any additional coating. The only drawback of this type of lens is that if you want to minimize reflection, then you need to leverage extra coating.
Glass Lenses
Glass lenses are often scratch-resistant, and they provide amazing optical clarity as well. However, they can be heavy and thick. Aside from this, because this type of lens is made from glass material, they can easily be chipped or shattered in case you drop them. Glass lenses also can’t provide UV protection, which means you need to have an additional coating for this functionality.
High Index Plastic Lenses
This type of lens is made from plastic that is integrated with a special coating, giving it the capability to offer protection from the UV rays of the sun. They are generally light and thin, but if you want to make them scratch-resistant, then the additional coating is necessary.
Lens Coating
There are instances wherein the lens of your sunglasses needs to have an additional coating to serve a particular purpose. Normally, an additional coating is necessary if you want your lens to have additional protection from the sun’s UV rays, or when you want your lens to be anti-resistant. In this case, below are some of the lens coating types that you should look into.
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UV Coating
UV coating is often applied to glass lenses, as well as to high index plastic lenses, because these lens types fail to offer UV protection on their own. With a UV coating, your eyes are safe from the harmful rays of the sun, allowing you to maintain healthy eyesight even if you are constantly exposed to sunlight.
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Scratch-resistant Coating
Scratch-resistant coating, which is also referred to as flash coating, is intended to protect the lens of your sunglasses from unwanted scratch marks that can hurt the clarity of your vision. This coating comes in various colors and densities. It is often the case that this coating is applied on both sides of the lens. Polycarbonate lenses, as well as high index plastic lenses, are the lens types that benefit the most from a scratch-resistant coating.
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Anti-reflective Coating
Anti-reflective coating is often used on wayfarer sunglasses. This coating is typically applied at the back of the lens, mitigating light from reflecting. This makes the sunglasses more comfortable for you to wear.
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Mirror Coating
Mirror coating is a type of coating that reflects light, preventing it from penetrating the lens of your sunglasses. For this reason, it is often applied to the forefront of the lens of your sunglasses. Mirror coatings now come in various colors, which is a great thing if you want to match your sunglasses with your outfit.
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Blue Lenses
One of the most contemporary types of coating makes the lens of the glasses acquire a blue hue, hence the term blue lenses. This type of coating can combat eye strain because it can reduce the exposure of your eyes to the light emitted by the electronic devices that you frequently use, such as your smartphones, tablets, or laptops. This type of coating also can improve your visual performance and comfort while extending the lifespan of the lens of your sunglasses.
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In conclusion, if you think that the lens only varies for eyeglasses, then you will be surprised to know that sunglasses have varying lenses too. In this case, you can choose from polarized, photochromic, polycarbonate, glass, or high index plastic lenses to shield your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. There is also the option for you to choose from different types of lens coating instead. All these are geared towards ensuring that your eyes have the proper protection from the sun’s glare or simply to be fashionable and tie up your entire ensemble.
