If you are active outdoors but barely wear sunglasses, you are not alone! Ahead of National Sunglasses Day 2024, The Vision Council released a new report highlighting that only 11% of adults own sports sunglasses.
But while the number of people who own sports sunglasses is low, the distinctive consensus is that there’s high satisfaction with these accessories. From hiking and running to fishing and biking, those who own sports sunglasses report they’re crucial for protection and performance, with a whopping 68% owning two or more pairs.
For outdoor sports enthusiasts, the right pair of sunglasses can significantly improve safety, comfort, and visual clarity. Below, we discuss four key reasons why the right pair matters and how to choose one that works for your favorite outdoor activity.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause severe damage to your eyes, particularly the cornea and the conjunctiva. Yet, not all sunglasses are equally effective in protecting you from UV rays. Dr. Victoria Tseng from California explains that poorly made cheap sunglasses may have dark tints but lack the proper protection against UV rays. By fooling the pupil into dilating, these shades can actually increase the risk of eye conditions caused by UV damage, such as cataracts, and other long-term damage, such as ocular cancer.
For optimal defense, look for sunglasses labeled UV400, which ensures they block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Opt for trusted brands like the classic Ray-Ban or Miu Miu, and purchase from reputable retailers to guarantee certified UV-protective lenses. Not only will these sunglasses keep your eyes safe, but they’ll also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun damage.
UV protection isn’t the only reason to wear sunglasses. Preventing glare is equally important, especially in environments with reflective surfaces, like snow or water, that can cause temporary blindness.
Polarized lenses work by filtering out horizontal glare, which also makes it easier to see contrast and depth. This is why many athletes opt for varying tints and polarization to improve their vision and performance, with golfers favoring rose-copper tints to remove yellow and red tones from the color green and deep sea fishers opting for blue mirror lenses. You can find polarized sunglasses at optical retailers, which tend to carry their own polarization film that can be applied to your frame of choice for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can opt for advanced polarization technologies by selecting a model from Costa or Oakley. Whether you choose Oakley’s OO9431 Lateralis or Costa’s 6S9125 Clemente, these brands will have proprietary polarization technology that ensures that the lens tints are tailored to specific environments, enhancing color contrast in whichever sport you play.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts know that the elements can be relentless. Wind can carry debris, and it can also dry out your eyes by causing tears to evaporate more quickly.
To combat this, many sports sunglasses incorporate wraparound frames, which provide better coverage and shield the eyes from both wind and particles. See how the latest wraparound sunglasses of Oakley, including the QNTM Kato model, use PhysioMorphic Geometry, bringing the lens closer to the face for maximum protection with customizable nose pads. This is compatible with the brand’s Prizm technology, ensuring high-definition optics that prevent distortion. Such features are perfect for cyclists in windy environments, keeping the frames stable under helmets, as well as runners and winter hikers.
Ill-fitting sunglasses can lead to headaches, eye strain, and overall discomfort. Dr. Avnish Deobhakta from New York notes that users often abandon uncomfortable sunglasses, leaving their eyes vulnerable to UV exposure.
Sports sunglasses that wrap around the face tend to stay snug despite rapid movement without increasing pressure on the temples or nose bridge. Adjustable nose pads additionally ensure that the frames stay in place even during hot weather, reducing slippage caused by sweat or oily sunscreen. Make sure to note the frame size of the options listed online, or you can also visit a retailer in person. The latter ensures that you can fit an assortment of frames and even receive consultation from in-house ophthalmologists on the best sports sunglasses for your lifestyle.
So whether you’re hitting the trail, tackling the waves, or swinging on the golf course, wearing the right sunglasses is crucial for keeping your eyes safe. For more on fitness and health, check out our other articles on Nashville Fit Magazine.
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