Sports sunglasses serve two purposes, the first is for health with anti-UV lenses to protect your eyes and the second is for comfort with lenses suited to the different categories based on your usage. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to choose your sports sunglasses wisely.
What should you know about sunglasses?
There are different protection categories based on your needs: Protection index Category 0: transmission of 80 to 100% of solar rays Protection index Category 1: transmission of 43 to 80% of solar rays Protection index Category 2: transmission of 18 to 43% of solar rays Protection index Category 3: transmission of 8 to 18% of solar rays Protection index Category 4: transmission of 3 to 8% of solar rays (not permitted for driving)-
Polarised lenses
- Better visual comfort and maximum protection
- Reduces glare effects
- Enhances perspective
- Better contrast and colour definition
- Reduces eye fatigue
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Photochromic lenses
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UV treatment
- UV-C rays are the most harmful UV rays, which do not 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 superficial layers of the skin. They are responsible for burns and sunburn, and also play a role, like UV-A rays, in premature skin ageing, and at high intensities, UV-B rays are dangerous for the eyes.
- UV-A rays, they account for nearly 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. They can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. They are responsible for the immediate tanning effect. In addition, they also promote skin ageing and the appearance of wrinkles.
Sunglasses for hiking:
For your outings in nature, the hiking sunglasses with category 3 polarised lenses are the most suitable for walking. By eliminating light reflections that affect vision, polarised lenses help reduce eye fatigue and improve visual acuity. This will be a real bonus on your hikes, as you will be able to fully enjoy the scenery with a better contrast and colour definition while providing optimal protection. Also check out our advice on how to kit out for your first trek.
Sunglasses for water sports:
As on snow, solar rays become more damaging when they reflect off water. Indeed, their reverberation on the water acts like a mirror and produces an intense brightness that can be dangerous for the eyes. Whatever water sport you practise, remember to check the weather. At sea, conditions can change rapidly, going from clear blue skies to heavy cloud. In these conditions, knowing which sunglasses to choose can become a real headache, so it is worth opting for photochromic lenses. This type of highly specific lens has the particularity of tinting according to the UV rays it receives. So when UV exposure on the water is strong, the photochromic optical lenses darken gradually. Conversely, when light levels are lower, the lenses gradually return to their clear state. In short, they adapt perfectly to different weather conditions. Beyond the UV rays that are harmful to the eyes, one of the main issues with water sports is glare on the water. Indeed, the sun creates an infinite number of light reflections on the water that can impair vision. Developed to counter this effect, polarised lenses have the specific ability to eliminate the majority of disruptive reflections. They make shapes and colours sharper by enhancing depth 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 main criteria when choosing your sunglasses for trail and mountain biking should be lightweight and the fit on the head so that you feel them as little as possible and are free in your movements during your outings. It is also important to consider ventilation and to opt for sunglasses with front vents and an anti-fog coating. For these activities, opt for category 2-3 photochromic lenses that will adapt to changing environments (indoor, outdoor, bright or low light). Also opt for a shatterproof polycarbonate lens that will protect you from dust, branches and stones, etc.Sunglasses for high-altitude mountaineering:
At high altitude, snow and ice strongly reflect light, making light intensity stronger and harmful for the eyes. It is essential not only to protect against UVA and UVB, but also against UVC and blue light. For this, you absolutely need category 4 lenses. For this reason, choose the most wrap-around sunglasses frames possible wrap-around as possible and which feature side protection to further enhance their protective function. Finally, it is important to choose a pair of sunglasses with good ventilation to prevent the lenses from fogging up.
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 the terrain's relief. It is therefore advisable to choose category 3 or 4 polarised sunglasses lenses for skiing. For ski goggles, there are 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 treatment.
- Size: your ski goggles must perfectly follow the contours of your face.
- Good ventilation and an anti-fog coating.
- A good strap that is easy to handle and adjust.
