What Color Lenses Should You Get in Your Sunglasses?

Many people these days wear sunglasses.  How important is it to do so?  Pretty important indeed.  There are many health risks associated with sun exposure, and several are eye related. 

Summer or winter, exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases health risks.  Some of the increased risks are for macular degeneration, conjunctival cancer, intraocular melanoma, and the more benign but still serious cataracts.  So now that you know how serious the situation is, it’s time to get some sunglasses.  The next question is, what color lenses are the best for you?  We’re going to compare so you can be sure to get the right color for your needs.

High Light Lens Colors

These colors will block light and are primarily for reducing eye strain and cutting glare in high light conditions.

• Gray – If you’re looking for an overall brightness reduction and normal color recognition, gray is the color for you. This color is ideal for being out in bright sunlight. These are the kind to use if you work outside because the colors will not be changed.
• Green – Doesn’t change color too much while still giving you some heightened contrast.  These are actually especially good for working with metals, open flames, or incineration.
• Brown – Brown, copper, or dark amber lenses will block a lot of blue light, resulting in higher contrast.  These are good lenses for whenever you have to judge distances, so they work well for golf.  This is a good color for water sports or skiing as well.  These are also the kind of lenses you want if you live in an area with a lot of weather changes due to the fact that they are very versatile as far as lighting conditions.

Low Light Lens Colors

These colors will be better in low light situations, and are often used in snow sports.  They are also good for shooting, hunting, cycling, and fishing and indoor sports.

• Red – Red, rose, or light amber lenses will heighten contrast even in partly cloudy conditions, but alters your color perceptions to a larger degree.  These lenses are particularly useful for snow and water sports.  Anything where you have to be able to judge distances, much like the darker amber, except they are also good for close-up work.
• Yellow – Yellow or orange lenses are ideal for hazy or dimmer conditions.  They block the blue light which results in sharper focus.  These are also good for being outside at dawn or dusk.

Other Kinds of Sunglass Lens

Polarized – Polarized lenses block horizontal light, which is the light responsible for glare, so they are perfect for being around water or snow.  They are especially good for people with light sensitivity.

Mirror – A mirror coating is added to the outside of the lens which has a tint, usually grey, and reduces light by an additional 10-60%.  Useful near sand, water, and at high altitudes.

Photochromic – Photochromic lenses darken when you go outside, and fade to clear when you go in. The downsides are that they don’t work in cars because they are reacting to the UV light, and the windows block that light, and people often find they don’t change fast enough when going indoors, leaving them somewhat in the dark, so to speak. 

Gradient – A gradient tint is simply a tint that starts at the top and fades about halfway down.  These are ideal if you want to sit by the pool and read!  You can also get a double gradient, which starts a different color at the bottom, and the two colors meet in the middle.

When you’re ready to order those sunglasses in the color and style that makes the most sense for you, contact us.  You’ll soon be not only safer from health risks, but it may just improve your golf game as well!