Trying to find the right pair of sunnies can be a total headache – especially when you have sensitive eyes. But fear not – finding the perfect pair doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. Instead, it’s all about understanding the key factors that can make a huge difference in your eye comfort.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best sunglasses for sensitive eyes. From UV protection to lens polarization and more, we’ve got you (and your eyes) covered. So, let’s get going and find you the ideal pair of sunglasses that will give you the best of both worlds – eye comfort and style!
What To Consider When Choosing Sunglasses For Sensitive Eyes
Unfortunately, there is no ‘one thing‘ that makes a pair of glasses the best sunglasses for sensitive eyes. Instead, it’s a combination of factors that you need to understand and consider before you pick out your new pair of shades.
Choosing sunglasses can seem daunting when you’re looking at their lenses or whether or not they offer UV protection, but it’s less complex than it seems. You just need to know what to look for.
That’s where we come in. Below, you’ll find the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for stylish sunglasses that also offer good eye protection.
UV protection
If you have light-sensitive eyes, the first thing you’ll want to look for in the perfect pair of sunnies is UV protection. Ideally, they should either have 99 to 100% UVA and UVB protection or 100% UV400 protection. UVA and UVB protection are perhaps the most important, though, since they’re responsible for burns and can penetrate your skin to cause lasting damage.
This will also help shield your eyes from these harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun, which can make all the difference in how you experience light sensitivity.
Additionally, exposure to excessive UV light can cause or aggravate various eye conditions, such as cataracts, growths, and cancer. Additionally, most people whose eyes are sensitive to light are more susceptible to the effects of UV radiation. The scary part is that it only takes a few minutes to feel the effects of UV light damage on your eyes. From blurred vision to light sensitivity and even vision loss (although this is usually temporary).
So, if you fall into this category, it’s essential to look for UV-blocking sunglasses like the Nash Sunglasses – and don’t forget to always wear sunglasses outdoors.
Polarized lenses
Polarized glasses are everywhere you look – but what does polarization actually mean? Well, polarized shades offer protection from indoor or outdoor light that bounces off of other surfaces like water or snow.
In other words, polarized lenses can help reduce glare and dampen bright light so that your eyes aren’t strained or constantly exposed.
This is particularly important to avoid uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) conditions like photokeratitis – the equivalent of having sunburnt eyes. Photokeratitis is almost always caused by bright light reflecting from a surface and directly hitting your eye. Therefore, having a way to reduce the glare is essential to protect your eye health.
Typically, glare can feel even worse to light-sensitive eyes, and even without any painful conditions, it can cause a lot of discomfort and make it difficult to see clearly. This is especially problematic when you need your vision to remain unimpaired, like when you’re wearing sunglasses for driving. Luckily, polarized sunglasses are readily available – especially if you know where to look.
Lens color and tinted sunglasses
Next, you’ll want to think about the color of the lenses and how this can impact your eyes. They also affect what type of glasses they are because different colors can provide varying levels of glare reduction, contrast enhancement, and (of course) color perception.
For example:
- Brown or amber lenses: Brown or amber-tinted lenses are ideal for everyday wear and actually offer excellent glare reduction and contrast enhancement. This means that they’re great for outdoor activities and sports like hunting and golfing.
- Yellow or orange-tinted lenses: Yellow or orange sunglass lenses are designed to enhance contrast and clarity, meaning they can come in handy in low-light conditions like foggy or overcast weather. So, if you notice a few gray clouds hanging around or you spend a lot of time in particularly dimly-lit areas, these may be a good pick for you.
- Blue or purple lenses: Don’t get confused between blue-light glasses and sunnies that have blue-tinted lenses. Blue or purple lenses help to reduce the brightness of visible light, such as in sunny conditions, and improve your color perception. If you’re into water sports or spend a lot of time around water or snow, then this lens color could be suitable.
- Green-tinted lenses: Green-tinted lenses are ideal for boosting your color perception and contrast, and also reducing glare. They’re basically an all-in-one solution to help prevent eye strain.
- Gray lenses: Gray lenses provide a neutral color perception and can reduce overall brightness without distorting any other colors. They’re extremely versatile for everyday use – great for outdoor activities like running, cycling, and even trips to the beach!
- Red or pink-tinted lenses: Red or pink-tinted glasses can be really beneficial for light sensitivity since they can ease eye strain and are used to treat certain eye conditions. However, it’s important to remember that these lenses should never be used when you’re driving because they can affect your depth perception.
Lens coating
There are two main types of lens coatings: mirror coating and flash coating. Mirrored coatings are usually applied to the outer surface of the lenses to help eliminate glare by reflecting light away from your eyes. This boosts your visual comfort, especially in brighter conditions, and minimizes harsh reflections.
Flash coatings, on the other hand, are thin layers that are applied to the lenses to reduce glare and improve your visual clarity. These coatings enhance both contrast and color perception while alleviating eye strain.
Lens material
There are several materials used for glasses and sunglasses which affect your light and color perception. Some of the most common materials include:
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and provide great protection against UV rays, making them perfect for outdoor activities. So, if you’re planning on exclusively wearing sunglasses when you’re outside for long periods, this could be a good lens type to choose.
- Trivex: Trivex lenses are similar to polycarbonate lenses, although they offer much better optical clarity for visual acuity. This can make a big difference if your light sensitivity is caused by an eye condition or similar physical ailments such as migraines.
- Glass: Glass lenses are much heavier than other materials, and although they’re more durable, they will need to be treated to suit your eyes if they’re going to offer you any eye protection. So, if you’re picking out a pair of glass-lens sunglasses, just be sure that they’re UV-protected, polarized, or tinted.
FAQs
Are polarized sunglasses better for sensitive eyes?
Yes, polarized sunglasses are a great pick for sensitive eyes. They work wonders in reducing the harsh glare from reflective surfaces, which can be particularly bothersome if you have sensory-related eye sensitivities.
By eliminating this glare, polarized lenses can improve your visual comfort and clarity. In turn, they make it much easier to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of straining your eyes. So, if you’re looking for the best sunglasses for sensitive eyes, then polarized sunnies should be at the top of your list.
Of course, there are other factors that you should consider. For example, polarized sunglasses may be great, but you’ll also want additional features like UV protection.
What color sunglasses are best for sensitive eyes?
When it comes to tinted sunglasses for sensitive eyes, brown or amber lenses are always a safe choice. However, gray lenses can also provide a good amount of protection for your eyes, since they can reduce harsh light for a more comfortable experience outdoors.
But if you want this and the added benefit of contrast and better depth perception, amber lenses may be the better pick. They can help enhance warm colors and brighten your vision, which is all-around fantastic for reducing discomfort in bright outdoor environments.
What are the best sunglasses for sensory problems?
If you have light-sensitive eyes that are related to sensory issues, then sunglasses with polarized lenses and a wraparound frame would be ideal. Polarized sunglasses make it easier for you to see without straining your eyes or experiencing discomfort from harsh glares or sharp lights.
Wraparound frames also help with maximum protection, especially from light affecting your peripheral vision. Lightweight materials can also help eliminate physical pressure on your face, making it easier to wear your glasses for long periods. Remember: comfort is key!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sunglasses for sensitive eyes, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But, when you’re armed with the right knowledge, you can choose the perfect pair with confidence. Just remember to prioritize UV protection, opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare, and consider other factors that would be best for you such as lens color or tint.
No matter what you need, Felix Gray Sunglasses has a pair of sunnies for everyone. So don’t forget to check out our catalog to find your ideal sunglasses in no time.