Sport sunglasses serve two purposes: the first is for health, with UV-protective lenses to shield your eyes, and the second is for comfort, with lenses suited to different categories based on your activity. In this article, we give you all the information you need to choose the right sport sunglasses.
What do you need to know about sunglasses?
There are different protection categories depending on your needs:
Protection index Category 0: 80 to 100% solar light transmission
Protection index Category 1: 43 to 80% solar light transmission
Protection index Category 2: 18 to 43% solar light transmission
Protection index Category 3: 8 to 18% solar light transmission
Protection index Category 4: 3 to 8% solar light transmission (not suitable for driving)
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Polarised lenses
Polarised lenses are designed to prevent glare caused by the reflection of sunlight, making vision through the lenses sharper. They provide:
- Better visual comfort and maximum protection
- Reduces the effects of glare
- Enhances depth perception
- Better definition of contrasts and colours
- Reduces eye fatigue
Polarised lenses are recommended for all outdoor activities.
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Photochromic lenses
There are also lenses known as photochromic lenses. Their tint and protection level automatically adjust according to the light. They have the ability to change colour based on light intensity and to shift from one protection category to another (for example from 2 to 3), depending on the environment. If you play sport in all weather conditions, this is a genuine comfort advantage: no more need to remove your sunglasses in a shaded area. This lens has an activation time of around 30 seconds.
Photochromic lenses are recommended for activities such as trail, running, cycling or mountain biking, as well as water sports.
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UV protection treatment
Ensures effective eye protection by preventing ultraviolet rays from reaching your eyes. Overexposure to UV rays can cause eye and skin problems.
There are three types of UV:
- UV-C rays, are the most harmful UV rays, which never reach the Earth's surface, as they are absorbed by the ozone layer and the atmosphere.
- UV-B rays, which are partly filtered by the atmosphere and only penetrate the surface layers of the skin. They are responsible for burns and sunburn, and also play a role, like UV-A rays, in premature skin ageing. At high intensities, UV-B rays are harmful to the eyes.
- UV-A rays, they account for nearly 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. They can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. They are responsible for the immediate tanning effect. In addition, they also contribute to skin ageing and the appearance of wrinkles.
Bear in mind that we are exposed to two types of radiation: direct rays from the sun, and rays reflected off the surface of water, the ground, snow and other reflective surfaces. Snow reflects 80% of solar rays, water 20% and sand 10%.
Furthermore, altitude also plays an important role, as the amount of ambient UV increases by 10% for every 1,000 metres gained. Finally, the UV400 designation with guaranteed UV protection protects against harmful UV-B and UV-A rays.
Sunglasses for hiking:
For your outdoor adventures, the hiking sunglasses with category 3 polarised lenses are the most suitable for walking. By eliminating reflections that affect vision, polarised lenses help reduce eye fatigue and improve visual acuity. This will be a real asset on your hikes, as you will be able to fully enjoy the scenery with better definition of contrasts and colours while having optimal protection. Check out our tips on how to gear up for your first trek.
Sunglasses for water sports:
As with snow, sunlight becomes more harmful when it reflects off water. The glare from water acts like a mirror, creating intense brightness that can be dangerous for the eyes.
Whatever water sport you practise, remember to check the weather forecast. At sea, conditions can change rapidly, shifting from clear blue skies to heavy cloud. In these conditions, knowing which sunglasses to choose can become a real headache, so opting for photochromic lenses is a smart move.
This highly specific lens type has the unique property of darkening in response to the UV rays it receives. As UV exposure on the water increases, photochromic optical lenses progressively darken over time. Conversely, when light levels are lower, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. In short, they adapt perfectly to varying weather conditions.
Beyond the UV rays that are harmful to the eyes, one of the main challenges of water sports is glare on the water. The sun creates an infinite number of light reflections on the surface that can impair vision. Designed to counter this effect, polarised lenses have the specific property of eliminating the majority of disruptive reflections. They make shapes and colours sharper by enhancing relief and contrast. For all water sports, we therefore recommend category 4 lenses for optimal protection.
Sunglasses for trail/running and cycling/mountain biking:
One of the key criteria when choosing your sunglasses for trail and mountain biking should be lightness and fit on the head, so you barely notice them and stay free in your movements during your outings.
It is also important to consider ventilation and to choose sunglasses with front airflow and an anti-fog coating. For these activities, opt for photochromic lenses in category 2-3, which adapt to changing environments (indoors, outdoors, bright or low light). Also opt for an unbreakable polycarbonate lens to protect you from dust, branches and stones, etc.
Sunglasses for high-altitude mountaineering:
At high altitude, snow and ice strongly reflect light, making the light intensity more intense and harmful to the eyes. Protection is needed not only against UVA and UVB, but also against UVC and blue light. For this, category 4 lenses are absolutely essential.
For this reason, opt for sunglasses frames that are as wraparound as possible and feature side shields to further enhance their protective function. Finally, it is important to choose a pair of sunglasses with good airflow to prevent fogging on the lenses.
Sunglasses and ski goggles:
For snow sports (skiing, snowboarding, sledging), the key is to minimise glare as much as possible and to be able to anticipate terrain features. It is therefore recommended to use category 3 or 4 polarised sunglasses for skiing.
For ski goggles, there are several criteria to consider for your comfort:
- Foam quality: the thicker it is, the more comfortable it will be and the better it will absorb impacts.
- Lens treatment: opt for a scratch-resistant coating.
- Size: your ski mask must perfectly follow the contours of your face.
- Good ventilation and an anti-fog coating.
- A good strap that is easy to use and adjust.
