When selecting sunglasses for commuting, whether it’s for driving, cycling, or walking, the right pair can improve visibility, comfort, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The overall purchasing checklist would include something like this:
- 100% UV protection or UV400
- Polarised lenses (for driving or cycling)
- Appropriate lens tint (gray or amber for commuting)
- Lightweight, durable frames with a comfortable fit
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Consider photochromic lenses for variable light conditions
- Frame style suitable for your commuting method (wraparound for cycling)
UV Protection
- Why It Matters: Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your eyes, leading to cataracts or macular degeneration.
- What to Look For: Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection or are labeled as UV400, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This is essential even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate through clouds.
Polarized Lenses
- Why It Matters: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as wet roads, car hoods, or windows.
- What to Look For: For commuting, especially if you drive or bike, polarized sunglasses can enhance contrast and reduce glare, making the road more visible and improving overall safety. They are particularly beneficial for long drives, as they help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Lens Tint
- Why It Matters: The tint of the lenses affects how much visible light reaches your eyes and can influence color perception.
- What to Look For:
- Gray or Smoke Lenses: Best for true color representation, suitable for driving as they reduce glare without distorting colors.
- Brown or Amber Lenses: Enhance contrast, making them ideal for driving and cycling as they improve depth perception, especially in low-light conditions.
- Yellow Lenses: Enhance contrast in cloudy, low-light conditions but may not be ideal for bright sunny days.
- Mirrored Lenses: Reduce glare and are useful for especially bright conditions.
Lens Material
- Why It Matters: The material of the lenses affects durability and weight.
- What to Look For:
- Polycarbonate: Lightweight and impact-resistant, ideal for daily commuting, especially if you’re cycling.
- Glass Lenses: Offer superior optical clarity and scratch resistance but are heavier and can shatter upon impact.
- Plastic Lenses: Affordable and lightweight but less durable compared to polycarbonate or glass.
Frame Style and Fit
- Why It Matters: A well-fitting pair of sunglasses provides better protection and comfort for long periods.
- What to Look For:
- Wraparound Frames: Offer more comprehensive protection, blocking light from entering the sides, ideal for cycling or walking.
- Lightweight Frames: Comfortable for prolonged wear, especially if you commute for extended periods.
- Adjustable Nose Pads: Ensure a secure fit and prevent the sunglasses from slipping, particularly useful for active commuters.
- Vented Frames: Help reduce fogging, which is useful if you’re cycling or wearing a mask.
Photochromic Lenses
- Why It Matters: Lenses that adapt to changing light conditions can be beneficial for those commuting at different times of the day.
- What to Look For: Photochromic lenses automatically adjust their tint in response to sunlight, becoming darker in bright light and lighter indoors or at dusk. This can be convenient for early morning or late afternoon commutes when light conditions change.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
- Why It Matters: Commuting sunglasses are often exposed to the elements and everyday wear and tear.
- What to Look For: Look for sunglasses with scratch-resistant coatings and durable frames. Polycarbonate lenses are especially tough and ideal for commuters on the go.
Consider Local Conditions
- For New Zealand: When commuting in places like New Zealand, the sun can be very intense, especially during summer months. Polarized lenses are particularly helpful for reducing glare on long drives through scenic, open roads. Additionally, the varied weather conditions might require lenses that can handle both bright and cloudy days, so consider purchasing sunglasses with interchangeable lenses.
Blue Light Protection
- Why It Matters: Exposure to blue light from digital screens is common, especially for those who commute on public transport and use their phones or laptops.
- What to Look For: Some sunglasses offer blue light filters to reduce eye strain from prolonged screen exposure.