7 Types of Sunglass Lenses You Should Consider When Shopping

Let’s talk about the sun and that good ol’ fashioned Vitamin D we all need. If you didn’t know already, Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating your blood and levels of calcium; which is very important when we are talking about our healthy bones. Also, several studies suggest that overall mood can be linked to the levels of Vitamin D your body is absorbing – too little and your overall well-being and outlook on life can be negatively altered.

So we like the sun and all of the benefits it’s provides us (who doesn’t like a nice tan during the summertime?) Let’s move onto your eyes and talk about why it is so important to protect them; even on cloudy days! Keeping your eyes protected from UV protection can delay the onset of cataracts, macular degeneration, help you see better at night, an oh – make you look cooler too! After we review the 7 most common sunglass lens, I encourage you to talk to your optician, who can help choose the sunglass tints that are best suited for you!

Reduce glare with polarized sunglass lenses

Sunglasses with polarized lenses generally provide greater comfort because they reduce glare from bright light reflecting off flat surfaces.

Look and see better with anti-reflective coating

Sunglasses that have anti-reflecting (AR) coating applied to the back side of the lenses reduce glare by preventing light from reflecting off the back surface of your sunglasses.

See optimally with gradient sunglass lenses

Gradient lenses are tinted from the top down, so that the top of the lens is darkest. These lenses are good for driving, because they shield your eyes from overhead sunlight and allow more light through the bottom half of the lens so you can see your dashboard clearly.

Double gradient lenses could be right for you

Double gradient refers to gradient lenses where the top and bottom portions of the lenses are dark and the middle of the lens has a lighter tint. Double gradient lenses are a great choice if you want sunglasses that aren’t too dark but shield your eyes from bright overhead sunlight and light reflecting off sand, water and other reflective surfaces at your feet.

Be reflectively cool with mirror-coated sunglass lenses

Mirror-coated lenses limit the amount of light entering your eyes, so you’re more comfortable. Mirror coatings (also called flash coatings) are highly reflective coatings applied to the front surface of sunglass lenses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye. This makes them especially beneficial for activities in very bright conditions, such as snow skiing on a sunny day.

Feel young again with multifocal sunglass lenses

Presbyopia is common in people over 40 and is the natural evolution of the eye’s ability to no longer naturally focus at all distances. This is where multifocal lenses come into play, helping you regain your focus at all distances.

Photochromic sunglass lenses

Supercharge your polarized sunglasses with photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses adjust based on the level of light outside, and are also designed to reduce glare.

Remember, finding the best solution begins with setting up an appointment with your local optician, AKA the Laser Eye Institute of Troy! What are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite pair of lens you swear by? Share your comments below.