Sunglasses are fundamental in protecting the eyes from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays and eye damage. With the popularity of
almost every imaginable outdoor sport such as snowboarding,
skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and golfing
to name a few, the need for sports performance sunglasses is
on the rise. That is why much research and technology has gone
into the making of sports sunglasses; the importance of having
lightweight, durable, flexible and safe glasses is of special
importance for the avid sports enthusiast.
First off you will want lenses that offer the ultimate in UVA
and UVB protection. As UV light damages the cornea and retina
causing future problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration,
cancer of the eye or photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina),
you will want lenses that have one hundred percent UV protection.
The UV protection should be stated on the label, if it is not
you probably don.t want to buy the lenses.
Sports sunglasses offer many excellent features in the design
and overall shape that will ensure comfort, fit and safety to
withstand the rugged demands of active sports. Features such as
shock frames, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, durability,
ventilation and non-slip grips are at the top of the list when
selecting you.re sports sunglasses. The lightweight shock frames
provide excellent coverage that will not bounce or shift during
athletic activity. Used for active life-styles the sunglasses
will withstand the extra tough demands of active sports. The
lightweight frames offer comfort, longwearing and absorbing
qualities.
The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses prove great for people
needing high impact resistance in a pair of sunglasses.
Polycarbonate is one of the newest technologies in lens
materials. The material is similar to that used for bullet
resistant glass in autos. Because the polycarbonate material
is naturally UV absorbing, the clear lenses can even boast one
hundred percent UV protection. Some polycarbonate is approved for
use in safety glasses. The shatterproof lenses are lightweight,
impact-resistant, durable and scratch-resistant; the lenses are
virtually break proof, peace of mind for those high impact
sports enthusiasts. The polycarbonate eyewear is the only
eyewear approved for use with most Police and Fire Departments.
The durability of the lenses is another important quality of the
sports sunglasses. Having lenses and frames that are scratch
resistant, lightweight yet durable is necessary with the demands
of some of the high impact sports. Polyamide is a popular
material used today for frames, great because it keeps its shape
even under stress. Both sunglasses and goggles offer excellent
ventilation systems within their lens and frame designs. This is
an important feature to eliminate fog and condensation during
activity, ensuring proper vision and safety while at the same
time blocking incoming harmful rays. Lastly the no-slip temple
grips and nose pads (usually made of rubber) is a feature that
goes without explaining. The need for sunglasses to stay securely
in place during athletic activity (while providing comfort and
non-distorted vision) can be crucial given some sport situations.
Having the proper sports sunglasses can have a profound effect
on an athletes overall performance. Not only do sunglasses and
eyewear protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, but also athletes
wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles with polycarbonate
(shatterproof) lenses are spared injury. Face shields using
polycarbonate are also used for baseball catchers, hockey, and
football players. It.s important to never substitute regular
sunglasses during sports. Sunglasses for standard street wear
are not made of the same safety materials as sports sunglasses
and will most likely not hold up if under impact, the glasses
could shatter or bend causing pieces of the frame or lens to
cause eye or even face injury.
Sports injuries are not the only danger while participating in
athletic sports. Ultraviolet light from the sun is harmful
even in the winter. UV light contributes to diseases such as
cataracts, cancer, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina).
It is important for snowboarders and skiers to always wear
tinted goggles or sports sunglasses, as UV bounces off snow
even on the cloudiest of days, this is also true of anyone
participating in water sports as UV bounces off water.
Goggles in an amber or rose tint can be used to enhance the snow
shadows on a ski slope indicating ridges or bumps on the surface,
helping snowboarders and skiers alike decide where to turn and
maneuver as to avoid catching edges and falling.
Other useful features that are appealing to sports enthusiasts
are the mirror coatings, polarized lenses and various tints.
The available multi-color flash mirror coatings reflect light
providing anti-glare viewing. Polarized lenses block the
vertically-reflected light coming into the lens making them
appropriate for use around water, snow and driving, Some of the
popular tints available are gray, amber and yellow. The gray,
smoke and gray-green tints are the most common of tinted lens.
They block out glare without changing the overall color
perception and are great for all-weather use. The Amber, or
brown tinted lens are good for blocking blue light which is
common on overcast days. Amber helps improve both the contrast
and depth perception making them a great choice for changeable
weather patterns. The yellow tints improve contrast and give a
heightened sense of visual acuity, and are great for driving.
Manufacturers are now marketing towards sports-specific sunwear.
Frames and lenses are available that are made specifically for
cyclists, golfers, boaters, rock climbers etc. Of course there
are sports sunglasses that appeal to a wide variety of outdoor
activities. Look into the convenient and practical changeable
lens systems that allow the wearer to use clear lenses for
darker conditions, dark lenses for sunny conditions or yellow
and orange for low light conditions.
Whatever outdoors sport you participate in, it.s a good idea to
do a bit of research on what specific sport sunglasses are most
appropriate for you.re particular needs. Always insist on one
hundred percent UVA and UVB protection. Look for sunglasses or
goggles with anti-fogging feature such as double lenses,
anti-fog coating and wide vents. With all the wonderful
technology and modern design features available you.re sport
sunglasses choice is sure to enhance you.re sports performance.
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