Sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory for many people in the summer, not only to add to their look but also to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays, glare and bright lights. The lenses themselves play a crucial role in providing the necessary protection and improving visual clarity. When choosing sunglasses, in addition to appearance and comfort, the type of lens should also be considered. There are various types of sunglasses lenses on the market, each with different characteristics and uses. Let’s take a look at several common types of sunglass lenses and their differences.
Sunglasses Tinted Lenses
Sunglasses tinted lenses offer a consistent hue throughout the entire lens and are available in a variety of colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, pink, orange, purple, amber, grey and brown. Different tints can increase contrast, reduce brightness, or improve visibility in specific condition. For example, grey lens sunglasses is one of the most popular choices, it can offer excellent general glare shielding, and it’s perfect for outdoor activies. Red or pink lens sunglasses can enhance visual depth and increase road visibility, they are ideal for winter activities like snowboarding and skiing. Green lens sunglasses can exhance contrast in low-light condition, is used for daily wear and playing golf or tennis. Brown lens sunglasses can reduce glare and provide excellent visual contrast, is suitable for bright, sunny environments.
Mirrored Coating Lenses
Mirrored coating lenses also have a special reflective coating that helps control light by reflecting more light, but in a very different way. The mirrored coating actually reduces the amount of light entering the lens, so you don’t have to squint in the sun. This coating also creates a mirror effect, essentially reflecting the surrounding environment on the outside of the lens. These glasses are popular for sports and outdoor activities because they are both stylish and reduce glare.
Gradient Lenses
Gradient lenses have a colored coating that gradually transitions from dark to light, with the upper part being darker and the lower part lighter. These lenses are ideal for people with sensitive eyes who need to protect their eyes from bright light but still want clear vision elsewhere, especially for outdoor activities where sun protection is needed while being able to see objects clearly underneath. Gradient lenses are a common feature of fashionable sunglasses, available in a variety of colors, styles, and shapes.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are special types of sunglasses or eyeglass lenses that are designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, glass and roadways. They work by selectively shutting out horizontally polarized light while allowing vertically polarized light to pass through. Their polarized lens coating is what allows them to deflect light, making them perfect for almost anyone who spends time outdoors. The glare can be especially annoying and even dangerous in some circumstances, including when driving or fishing, and this property helps to eliminate or reduce the intense glare caused by sunlight bouncing off these surfaces.
Polarized Photochromic Lenses
Polarized photochromic lenses combine the benefits of both polarized and photochromic technologies. Polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering out horizontal light waves, which are often reflected off surfaces like water, roads, or snow. This reduces eye strain and improves visibility, especially in bright conditions.
Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, automatically adjust their tint based on the amount of UV light exposure. They darken in bright sunlight and lighten indoors or at night. This adaptive tinting provides comfort and convenience, as you don’t need to switch between sunglasses and regular glasses in changing light conditions.
When these two technologies are combined, you get polarized photochromic lenses that not only reduce glare but also adjust their tint based on light conditions. This makes them ideal for activities where lighting conditions vary, such as driving, fishing, skiing, or hiking. They provide clear, comfortable vision in a range of environments, making them a versatile choice for eyewear.
Polarized Prescription Lenses
Polarized prescription lenses are designed to provide both visual correction and protection from harmful UV rays, debris, bugs and dirt. They are ideal for those who require prescription glasses and want to enjoy the benefits of sunglasses while still being able to see.
Here is a rough overview of different types of sunglasses lenses that are popular in the market, and the unique features and benefits of each are covered, so you can choose any one or more than one depending on your needs. When purchasing sunglasses, it is important to consider the type of activity you will be participating in, the amount of light you will be exposed to, and your visual needs. Whatever your requirements may be, Aogang Optics can meet them. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly.
