Driving Sunglasses: Choosing the right pair

The golden rule of driving –

“Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on road.”

The latter part of that decree, however, is not always as easy to adhere to as we’d like- especially when the sun is shining brightly through your windshield. Fortunately wearing sunglasses while driving is an easy way to avoid uncomfortable eyestrain and increase your safety on the road.

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about looking fashionable. Your lenses should also protect your eyes against ultraviolet radiation and harsh glare from reflected sunlight.

Getting the right pair of Driving Sunglasses

Sunglasses also protect your eyes from wind, dust and debris which is very important for drivers of convertibles or Jeeps. Driving sunglasses can act as a wind barrier and reduce the rate of evaporation of tear sites. Thus, sunglasses will also keep contact lenses moist and will further prevent corneal abrasion.

Some activities just cry out for the use of sunglasses. Driving is definitely one of them. Dealing with the hazards of the road is bad enough. Drivers can’t let sun glare prevent them from seeing where they’re going. That’s why a majority of drivers wear sunglasses in one form or another while behind the wheels during daylight hours.

Many drivers do not realize it, but some styles of sunglasses are unsuitable for wearing while driving.

Some sunglasses may not allow enough light to enter the eyes, impairing visibility. Blinding glare caused by low sun, or by bright light can be potentially lethal, particularly when driving at speed. Glare is frequently cited as the cause of road traffic accidents, but the right pair of driving sunglasses can prevent it. There is some confusion though about what sort of sunglasses can prevent it.

To begin with choose lenses that are rated UV400. Techincally speaking, this means they block 99 to 100 percent of light rays with wavelengths upto 400 nanometers – including UVA and UVB rays. Over a period of time these rays can damage your eyes and lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and skin cancer.

There are two essential requirements for lenses to be used for driving: vision must remain clear and sufficient light to let you see properly must to get to your eyes.

While oversized sunglasses with wide arms are currently in fashion but wearing them behind the wheel can be very dangerous. When choosing driving sunglasses, it is highly important to ensure the selected frame does not compromise your peripheral vision.

Lenses of different colours affect the visibility of light. As such, choosing the wrong coloured lenses can negatively impact how well a driver can see road signs and traffic lights, and spot potential hazards. Do not use these colour of shades as they make red lights indistinguishable. Unless they are certified for driving.

While many people like to wear sunglasses with variable or ‘photochromic’ lenses which see tint density change depending on the degree of UV light of exposure, these are not suitable for in-car use. A windscreen can block upto 40% of UV light and delay the speed at which the lenses change colour. This is unsuitable for driving.

The right type of lens coating can help in improving visual clarity when you are driving in Dubai, be it any type of car. So choose lenses with anti-reflective coating. You should also choose lenses with anti-scratch coatings. Regular cleaning can form lines on the lens which could cause distraction. Besides, any scratches can worsen the glare, making it difficult to drive.

Sunglasses with polarization are a far better choice for driving than transitions. A polarized coating contains molecules that allow vertical light rays to pass while absorbing horizontal ones. The effect of this is the elimination of glare and an increase in contrast – two very useful functions when you are out on the road. Add the proper tint and you’ve got great set of driving sunglasses. Jump into your supercar or SUV and off you go.

Sunglasses are important for maintenance of eye health and, of course, are a fashion statement! Hence, choose your fashion keeping in mind your health as well. Have a look here for more quality car accessories.

P.S.: Don’t forget to wear your seat belts.

This article was contributed by Desi Almaari, a contemporary fashion blog about Indian handlooms. Follow their Instagram Handle و Facebook Page.