Keeping active outdoors is
invigorating, revitalizing, and a perfect choice for maintaining good health. But as with any activity out in
the sun, outdoor exercise requires protection — especially when it comes to your eyes. Whether you’re speed
cycling to the top of a summit or simply playing a friendly round of golf, remembering a few important
factors when selecting outdoor eyewear, will help keep your vision protected and your coordination at its
best.
UV
FACTOR
Although
sunglasses serve a number of important functions, none are as important as protecting your eyes from the
sun’s ultraviolet rays. As one of three types of rays emitted by the sun, ultraviolet or UV light is often
invisible and reflects off of surfaces such as pavement or grass to cause damage to unprotected eyes. In
extreme cases, UV light can be responsible for eye damage such as cataracts and temporary vision
loss.
Both plastic and glass
lenses will absorb some of this light, however, you should always opt for a pair that the manufacturer has
stated will block 99 to 100 per cent of UV rays, over a pair that claims to block UV rays without disclosing
a percentage. Many brands such as Nike offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB
protection on a wide selection of eyewear. Sunglasses noted to have “UV absorption up to 400mm,” are the same
as pairs with “100 per cent UV absorption.”
LENS
POWER
After you’ve
narrowed down which pairs have proper UV protection, there are several other features to consider when it
comes to your eyewear’s lenses. If sports are a large part of your outdoor
activities, ideally, lenses should be made of polycarbonate and not glass. As a naturally transparent but
incredibly strong, heat-resistant material, polycarbonate sunglasses by designers such as
Bollé, allow
you to have a clear view of the world, while protecting your vision from dangers like the sudden call of
“Fore!”
Also consider the clarity
and colour of the lens. Choosing a pair of sunshades with the right level of sharpness and tint can improve
your vision by differentiating objects — such as, a soaring golf ball — from the surrounding scenery. Popular
ways to improve lens clarity include using polarized lenses to cut down reflected glare, or coloured lenses
to tint the glare of the sun. The precision of tinted lenses varies, depending on the colour itself. A lens
tinted brown, may help differentiate a ball from the blue of the sky or the green of the grass, while a
yellow lens may be better for cutting the glare from overhead lighting. If you’re unsure about which tinted
hue will better serve your needs, many brands like Smith
Optics have pairs with interchangeable lenses to suit the varying degrees of
sunlight.
If you’re looking for
shades equipped with the newest technology, check to see if the lenses are photochromic. A technology used by
manufacturers such as Oakley, photochromic lenses automatically
adjust in changing degrees of light. Although the lenses take about 30 seconds to darken and five minutes to
lighten, the gradual transition eliminates the need to tote around a number of
replacements.
FRAMED UP
How your sunglasses fit are as important as the quality of the pair themselves. Any
eyewear you choose should provide you with enough comfortable padding and protection for both the brow and
the bridge of the nose. Materials such as non-slip rubber, work to keep any edges away from your skin, as
well as to secure the glasses in place. Also, to guarantee shades stay put, choose a pair with enough
pressure against your temples to be snug, but not painful. Remember, the last thing you want when you’re out
enjoying the sun is to be distracted by eyewear that’s too loose or too tight. Brands such as
Native use their
own specific techniques to ensure frames grip the temples securely, to give you a perfect fit for getting
active outdoors.
TRIED AND TESTED
The most important key to finding eyewear suited for a sunny workout is to try them on.
Although shopping online can certainly help narrow down the broad selection of sunglasses available, giving
each pair a try in-person ensures that the colour, clarity and fit of your eyewear will see you through the
light and dark of any outdoor workout. •
Photo
Courtesy: Audrey
Johnson
