Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement; they are a crucial accessory for protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. One of the key aspects that often gets overlooked in the selection process is the colour and tint of the lenses. Different colours and tints offer various benefits and are suitable for different activities and environments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the different sunglass lens colours and tints available.
- Grey Lenses
Grey (almost black) lenses are among the most popular choices for sunglasses. These lenses reduce overall brightness while preserving natural colour balance, which means they do not distort the colours you see. They are ideal for:
- General Outdoor Activities: Perfect for everyday use, driving, and outdoor activities where colour accuracy is essential.
- Bright Conditions: Effective in reducing glare and eyestrain in bright conditions.
- Brown Lenses
Brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. These lenses tend to give a warmer hue to your vision, which can be soothing to the eyes.
- Variable Light Conditions: Ideal for activities like fishing, golfing, and hunting.
- Enhancing Contrast: Helpful in sports and activities where distinguishing between different shades and contrasts is important.
- Green Lenses
Green lenses offer a good balance between reducing glare and enhancing contrast. They also provide a soothing effect for the eyes and maintain colour balance fairly well.
- General Use: Suitable for a wide range of activities, from driving to outdoor sports.
- Low Light and High Light Conditions: Effective in varying light conditions, making them versatile.
- Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses, also known as transition lenses, automatically adjust their tint based on the lighting conditions. They darken in bright sunlight and lighten in low light or indoor conditions.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for people who move between different lighting conditions frequently.
- Convenience: Eliminates the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.
Please contact us for further information about this type of lens.
While not a colour per se, polarised lenses deserve mention for their unique ability to reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and glass.
- Water and Snow Sports: Essential for activities like fishing, boating, skiing, and driving.
- Enhanced Comfort: Reduces glare and eye strain, providing a clearer, more comfortable view.
Mirror tint sunglass lenses offer several notable benefits, primarily by reflecting a significant portion of the light that hits the lens surface. This reflective property reduces the amount of light entering the eyes, which helps to decrease glare and improve visual comfort, particularly in very bright conditions such as snowy landscapes, sandy beaches, or on the water. Additionally, mirror lenses provide a level of privacy as they obscure the eyes from view, which can be advantageous for activities requiring focus and concentration. The reflective coating also adds an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays, enhancing overall eye safety.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sunglass lens colour and tint depends on your lifestyle, activities, and the environments you frequently encounter. Whether you need lenses for everyday use, specific sports, or varying light conditions, understanding the benefits of each colour and tint can help you make an informed decision, ensuring both optimal eye protection and visual clarity. So, next time you pick up a pair of sunglasses, look beyond the style and consider the hue through which you’ll see the world.