Sunglasses are multi-functional necessities for anyone venturing outdoors. For folks who hike, camp, backpack, climb, bike, or participate in any outdoor activities, sunglasses are a must-have! Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays (think of it like sunscreen for your eyes), but they also reduce eyestrain in bright conditions and protect you from flying debris and other hazards.
While many people reserve their sunglasses for summer use, you should consider using them year-round to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Over time, this sun damage can lead to or worsen cataracts as well as macular degeneration. Fortunately, there are literally thousands of types, styles, and options for sunglasses to ensure that you find a pair that’s perfect for your needs and comfort.
Shop our extensive line of sunglasses at Outdoor Shopping.
Design
Sunglasses are similar to everyday eyewear in that the basic anatomy mirrors that of typical prescription eyewear. The only difference is that the lenses, whether prescription or not, are tinted to protect users from the sun’s rays.
Anatomy
There are many working parts to your sunglasses, and knowing the parts that comprise your eyewear can help you diagnose when and where there may be issues.
Bridge : This piece arches over the bridge of the nose and is designed to support a majority of the weight of the lenses.
Endpiece : While many of these pieces are now stylized for fashion, those who are biking, climbing, running, or hiking may prefer an endpiece that is curved to snugly fit against the head.
Rim : Also known as the eye wire, the rim is what holds the lens to the frame itself.
Hinge : This moving part allows the temple to fold inward. Because it is a pivotal piece, it may also wear and tear quickly compared to other parts of the frame. If you’re outdoors for an extended period of time, consider taking a small repair kit in your sack in case of a loose or missing screw at the hinge.
Lens : Glass, plastic, or polycarbonate material through which the wearer can see. In sunglasses, the lenses are tinted.
Nose Pad and Pad Arm : The nose pads are designed to provide extra comfort to the wearer, but many outdoor adventurers will choose frames that forego a separate nose pad for the sake of a snugger fit. The pad arms are what connect the nose pads to the frame.
Temple : Often called the arm, the temple is what holds the frame to the wearer’s face.
Lens Features
While many parts of sunglasses are straightforward, there are certain pieces that may have multiple options available. The lenses are one of those parts! Here are a few lens options to choose from:
Lens Type | General Guidelines | Good for: | Example |
Polarized Lenses | Reduces Glare |
| South Bend Polarized Lenses |
Photochromic Lenses | Adjust to light intensities and will darken during bright days and lighten during times of reduced brightness. FYI: These don’t work as well in cold conditions and don’t work for car driving, as windshields prevent UV rays |
| Radians Photochromic Lens |
Interchangeable Lenses | These lenses can be replaced and is great for tailoring your eye protection for your needs. |
| Tifosi Matte Interchangeable Lenses |
Visible Light Transmission: Beyond lens type is the Visible Light Transmission - or VLT for short. VLT is the amount of light that reaches your eyes through the lenses and is measured as a percentage. VLT is affected by the color and thickness of your lenses, the material they're made of and the coatings they have on them. Here are some general guidelines for choosing sunglasses based on VLT percentages:
0–19% VLT: Ideal for bright, sunny conditions.
20–40% VLT: Good for all-purpose use.
40+% VLT: Best for overcast and low-light conditions.
80–90+% VLT: Virtually clear lenses for very dim and night conditions.
Tints : You’ve probably noticed that sunglass lenses come in a variety of colors known as tints. These tints will often affect VLT.
Tint Color | Guidelines | Best for: |
Dark colors (brown/gray/green) | Intended to reduce glare and eyestrain |
|
Light colors (yellow/gold/amber/rose/vermillion) | Best for moderate- to low-level light conditions. Increases depth perception and enhances contrasts in flat-light conditions |
|
Coatings : There are many coatings that can be applied to lenses, and the more expensive lenses typically have at least some type of coating.
Hydrophobic Coating: To repel water - great for anyone participating in water sports.
Anti-Scratch Coating: If you have the bad habit of cleaning your lenses with your shirt, then this coating is a must-have
Anti-Fog Coating: Great for humid environments or high-intensity activities. You can also use a defog cloth if your lenses don’t come with the anti-fog coating!
Materials : Like anything, the material composition of your sunglasses can affect its durability and cost.
Glass: Offers superior optical clarity and superior scratch-resistance but will crack or ‘spider’ when damaged. These are heavier than their counterparts, making them a poor choice for climbers or intense activities.
Polyurethane: While these lenses are lightweight and provide excellent clarity, they do run a higher pricetag.
Polycarbonate: This of this as the cheaper version of polyurethane. It offers impact-resistance and very good optical clarity. It’s affordable, lightweight and low-bulk, but less scratch-resistant.
Acrylic: For the casual wearer, acrylic is the lightweight and cheaper option. The downside is durability and clarity, which is subpar to its counterparts.
UV Protection: Ultraviolet (UV) eye protection matters, and sunglass lenses are made for protection against UV rays. UV radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of your eyelid but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts and possibly macular degeneration. Keep in mind that the color and degree of darkness sunglasses provide have nothing to do with the sunglasses' ability to block UV rays. Most sunglasses provide 99-100% UV protection (blocking UVA and UVB rays). Always check for this when choosing sunglasses, as it’s one of the most important factors.
Frame Features
Arguably of equal importance to the lens is the frame, as it’s what supports your lens for optimal viewing. The frame contributes to your comfort as well as your eyewear’s durability and your safety.
Materials: The composition of your frames can impact all aspects of your sunglasses.
Material | Guidelines | Best for: |
Metal | Easy to adjust, less obtrusive, more expensive, less durable. Not for high-impact activities |
|
Nylon | Inexpensive, lightweight, more durable than metal. Great for high-impact, but not adjustable |
|
Acetate | Variations of plastic used in high style. Not good for sports |
|
Castor-Based Polymer | Light, durable, non-petroleum-based material derived from castor plants |
|
Shop our extensive line of sunglasses at Outdoor Shopping.
Choosing the Right Fit
Frames come in different shapes and sizes to fit different head widths and shapes. Here are some guidelines to look for when you’re choosing which sunglasses are right for you:
Snug fit that doesn’t pinch or rub. Too snug, and you may end up with a headache.
Even weight distribution and no excessive rubbing at contact points.
Your eyelashes should not contact the frame.
If your frames ALMOST fit, you may be able to adjust the frame or nosepiece by gently bending to your shape. Remember, most plastic frames are non-adjustable unless they have a wire core.
When shopping online, many descriptions will read ‘fits smaller face’ or ‘fits wider face’ to cue you into what works well for your face shape. Choose a few pairs that you might like, and narrow down your selections by preference.
Shop our extensive line of sunglasses at Outdoor Shopping.
Accessories
Regular maintenance and practicing good eyewear care can extend the life of your sunglasses. Take a look at some of these accessories that may work well for your situation:
Strap: If you’re in bumpy or rough terrain, you run the risk of having your glasses accidentally fall. Climbers, hikers, bikers, and anyone participating in watersports could benefit from a preventative strap to keep your sunglasses on your person.
Case: Many fall into the bad habit of throwing their sunglasses into their pack’s side pouch or into their purse unprotected. This increases the possibility of scratching your lenses or bending frames. Invest in a simple case to keep your eyewear in top shape.
Eyewear Retainer: This specialty strap includes floaters specially designed for those who may lose their eyewear in water. Great for water sports!
Cleaning Spray: When your lenses become dirty, you can use a cleaning spray to get those stubborn spots loosened. Remember, use with a lens wipe instead of your shirt to reduce the risk of scratches.
Pre-Moistened Wipes: If you don’t want to carry both a spray and cloth, consider pre-moistened wipes to clear your lenses of dirt and debris.
Visor Clip: For those wearing sunglasses out and about but who like to store their eyewear in their car, a visor clip is a great solution to keeping eyewear up and out of the way.
Shop our extensive line of sunglasses at Outdoor Shopping.
