Sunglasses: Safety, Sun, and Style

At 80km/h the sun's glare adds 7 metres to braking distance when driving, is the sobering word for drivers from Nichola Kennedy Optometrists.

That's a very important fact to keep in mind when driving, especially during the summer months when the sun is often bright and intense. The glare from the sun can make it difficult to see the road ahead, other vehicles and pedestrians, and can also cause temporary blindness, which can be dangerous. 7m is a a significant distance that could be the difference between avoiding an accident and being involved in one. Therefore, it's essential to wear sunglasses with polarised lenses while driving in bright sunlight to reduce glare and ensure safe driving. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep the car's windscreen clean and free from scratches, which can also contribute to glare.

So what are your options where it comes to choosing new Sunglasses?  

There are several types of lenses that can be used in sunglasses, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. 

Tinted lenses simply reduce light levels and so can be great for use on very bright days but not so great on those cloudy, glare filled days e.g. in winter they may be too dark. They come in a variety of colours and depth of tint.

Polarised lenses eliminate glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and roads and are great all year round and are highly recommended for anyone who drives a lot, especially in winter sun, or for anyone who loves water sports eg fishing, boating or winter sports eg skiing.

Transition lenses darken in response to ultraviolet (UV) light and work well by darkening when outdoors and becoming lighter when indoors.They are clear indoors and at night but darken automatically in bright sunlight.

Polarised transitions lenses, which are very new to the market, combine the benefits of polarised and transition lenses. These lenses automatically adjust their tint based on the amount of light they receive, and they also have a polarising filter that reduces glare and enhances visual clarity. When exposed to sunlight, the lenses darken to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, and when the wearer moves indoors or into a darker environment, the lenses lighten to improve visibility. This feature makes polarised transition lenses an ideal choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, as they provide protection from bright sunlight, glare, and harmful UV rays, while also allowing clear vision in varying light conditions.Polarised transition lenses are available in various colours and tints, and they can be customised to fit different frame styles, including prescription glasses. They are suitable for activities such as driving, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities where visual clarity and protection from glare are essential.

Xtractive lenses are a combination of transitions and polarised lenses giving superb vision whilst driving day and night.

Flash mirror coatings are also back in fashion for sunglasses, available in many colours including blue and orange and coloured tints as well as traditional brown. Grey or green are coming back also.

It's important to note that while all sunglasses provide some degree of protection from harmful UV rays, not all lenses are created equal. Look for lenses that provide 100% UV protection, regardless of the tint or polarisation.

Interesting fact you may not be aware of — “e-SPF” sun lenses.

The term "e-SPF" refers to the "Eye Sun Protection Factor." It is a rating system that measures the level of UV protection offered by a pair of sunglasses. Similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens, the e-SPF rating system provides an indication of how much UV radiation is absorbed or blocked by the lens material. The higher the e-SPF rating, the more protection the sunglasses provide against UV radiation. It is important to note that not all sunglasses have an e-SPF rating, and it is recommended to choose sunglasses with a rating of at least 50+ to ensure adequate UV protection for your eyes.

Couple these amazing quality lenses (available in prescription lenses also) with a well fitting frame suiting your individual facial contours will have your eyes well protected. 

Styling your sunglasses 

Styling your sunglasses can be a fun way to accessorise your wardrobe and make a fashion statement. Here are some tips on how to style your sunglasses:

Choose a style that complements your face shape - different sunglasses styles suit different face shapes. For example, aviators suit oval and heart-shaped faces, while round sunglasses suit square faces. Not sure what shape your face is, check out Nichola’s ebook!

Coordinate with your outfit - choose sunglasses that match the style and colour of your outfit. For example, if you're wearing a classic outfit, choose sunglasses with a classic frame style.

Consider the occasion - think about the occasion you're dressing for and choose sunglasses that suit the formality level. For example, if you're attending a formal event, choose a more understated style, while a more bold and colourful style may be suitable for a casual outing.

Experiment with different colours and styles - don't be afraid to try out different sunglasses styles and colours to find what suits you best. Coloured lenses, mirrored lenses, and different frame shapes can all add variety to your sunglasses collection.

Don't forget about functionality - while style is important, make sure your sunglasses provide adequate protection against UV rays. Look for sunglasses with polarised lenses and a high level of UV protection.

This is a sponsored post in advance of the launch of Nichola Kennedy Kilcullen Opticians 2023 Sun Eyewear Collection on 15 April.

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