How to choose sunglasses? Sunglasses - ten tips for choosing

For many people, sunglasses are an everyday accessory that allows you to emphasize style and create the look you want. However, we should not forget that these optical products perform another important function- Eye protection from UV rays. Consider what determines the degree of blocking of UV radiation in sunglasses.

Currently, there is a wide range of sunglasses on the market for ophthalmic products. The range is replete with the presence of popular brands, a variety of shapes, designs and colors. However, when buying eyeglass optics, you need to take into account not only the decorative component, but also the protective properties of the lenses. It is important that the corrective agent provides the necessary level of protection of the organs of vision from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Many are interested in how to choose sunglasses according to the type of protection. We propose to look into this matter.

Should you protect your eyes from UV light?

To understand whether it is worth protecting your eyes from exposure to sunlight, you need to understand their types, the nature of their appearance and the impact on the human organs of vision. Up to 40% of the radiation is categorized as visible and allows us to distinguish colors. About 50% of the sun's rays are infrared. They make you feel warm. Finally, 10% of the sun's rays are ultraviolet radiation, invisible to human eyes. According to the wavelength, it is divided into several subcategories (long-wave - UVA, medium-wave - UVB, and short-wave - UVC).

Types of ultraviolet radiation:

UVA - is in the range of 400-315 nm. Mostly reaches the surface of the Earth;
UVB - is in the range of 315-280 nm. Mostly delayed by the atmosphere, but partially reaches the surface of the Earth;
UVC - is in the range of 280-100 nm. It practically does not reach the Earth's surface (it is delayed by the ozone layer).

Do you need goggles to protect your eyes from UV rays?

Ophthalmologists say that in moderation, ultraviolet is good for the body, as it helps to strengthen the immune system, increase body tone, and even improve mood. Under the influence of UV rays in the eye, metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated, and muscle function improves. In addition, the body produces vitamin D, which strengthens musculoskeletal system, and histamine is produced - a substance that has vasodilating action.

However, with intense exposure, ultraviolet rays have a detrimental effect on the body, including the organs of vision. The lens captures long-wave UV radiation, gradually losing transparency and acquiring a yellowish tint. Experts recommend paying due attention to protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, since clouding of the lens leads to the development of such a serious disease as cataracts. In 50% of cases, in the absence of timely treatment, this eye disease is the cause of blindness. The mucous membrane of the eye and the cornea absorb medium-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVB), which can significantly damage their structure under intense exposure. The use of sun protection avoids this problem.

In order to competently approach the purchase, you need to decide which one should be sunglasses protection from UV rays. This factor should be given priority when purchasing these products.

Why you should protect your eyes from intense ultraviolet radiation:

The lens captures long-wave UV radiation, gradually losing transparency and acquiring a yellowish tint. This can lead to the appearance of cataracts;
The cornea absorbs medium-wave ultraviolet (UVB) radiation, losing its optical properties.

How much protection should sunglasses have?

Many people do not know how to determine the protection of sunglasses and mistakenly believe that the darker the lenses, the better they block UV rays. However, it is not. Clear lenses can absorb harmful radiation just as well as dark lenses if they are coated with a special coating. Moreover, the pupil under dark lenses dilates, so in the absence of a filter, ultraviolet rays are easily absorbed by the lens.

Products from world famous brands in without fail has a special marking characterizing the degree of protection. Spectacle optics marked "UV400" are considered to be of the highest quality. It filters up to 99% of UVA category ultraviolet with a wavelength of up to 400 nm. However, it should be borne in mind that with the systematic wearing of such glasses in the summer, a “mask” forms on the face, since the skin around the eyes does not tan. Much more common are products labeled UV 380, which filter only 95% of UV rays. Inexpensive products provide blocking from 50% of radiation. All products that capture less than 50% of UV rays do not protect the eyes from their negative effects. Often they are used only for decorative purposes.

Sometimes there is a marking that indicates the degree of protection immediately from UVA rays and UVB: "Blocks at least 80% UVB and 55% UVA". This means that the filter applied to the surface prevents the penetration of up to 80% of UVB rays and up to 55% of UVA rays. Doctors advise choosing products where both indicators are above 50%.

In addition, there is another option for marking glasses:

cosmetic. Optical products that block less than 50% of UV radiation. These glasses are not recommended for use on sunny days, as they do not protect the eyes from the sun;
General - universal products with UV filters that block from 50 to 80% of UV rays. Such glasses can be used for everyday eye protection in the city, at mid-latitudes;
High UV-protection - models with enhanced UV filters that block almost 99% of ultraviolet radiation. They can be used on a bright sunny day in the mountains, near the water, etc.

How to choose sunglasses according to the degree of darkening?

After you have decided on the degree of protection of glasses from UV radiation, you need to choose the level of their light transmission, or darkness. This parameter will determine how brightly you can perceive the world. As a rule, such marking is located on the temple of glasses and consists of two components: the name of the model and the darkness index, for example, “Cat. 3" or "Filter cat. 3".

Classification of sunglasses by darkness:

Marking (0). This product is almost completely transparent. It transmits from 80 to 100% of visible sunlight. Such glasses are recommended for use by athletes when exercising in the absence of bright light.
Marking (1,2). This optics has a light transmission from 43 to 80%, as well as from 18 to 43% of the light, respectively. This is the best option for wearing in low and medium solar radiation.
Marking (3,4). These glasses should be used in very bright sunlight.

In hot summer period for our latitudes, optical products with 2 and 3 degrees of light transmission will be the best choice. For use on summer mornings, as well as in spring and autumn, models with 1-2 degrees of dimming are suitable. Points with an indicator of 4 are recommended for travelers in extreme conditions, for example, when conquering mountains.

It should be clarified once again that the degree of darkening has nothing to do with protecting the eyes from the adverse effects of ultraviolet rays. This indicator affects only the brightness of the image perception and the comfort of wearing optical products.

What else can protection glasses have?

Modern manufacturers of sunglasses make sure that their products are as comfortable, practical and durable as possible. Therefore, in addition to the UV filter, additional coatings are often applied to the surface of products.

Polarizing filter. Fully blocks glare - rays reflected from horizontal surfaces (water, snow-covered field, car hood, etc.);
Anti-reflective coating. Cuts off some types of sun glare, increasing the comfort of use;
Mirror finish. As a rule, it is applied to one degree or another on all points. Reflects visible sunlight, providing extra comfort to the eye;
Abrasion resistant coating. Increases stability spectacle lenses to the appearance mechanical damage(scratches, cracks, etc.);
Melanin spray. Applied to inside lenses to prevent eye fatigue.
Gradient coverage. Allows you to increase safety while driving. The upper, darker part of the lens provides good visibility when looking at the road. In turn, the light bottom of the lenses contributes to good review dashboard.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with a wide selection of glasses and means contact correction on the site . We offer you high quality products from world brands at competitive prices. With us you can easily place an order and receive the goods in the shortest possible time!

How to choose polarized sunglasses for drivers? In this article, we will take a closer look at the question of what polarized glasses for the driver choose according to modern achievements optical industry.

UV protection. At human eye has its own system for adjusting the incoming light, consisting of the outer part - the eyelids of the eye and the inner - the pupil. In order to reduce the amount of incoming light in bright sunny weather, we squint, and our pupil is reduced to minimum dimensions. At the same time, the amount of ultraviolet rays also decreases tenfold.

When a person wears sunglasses most of The incoming light is filtered by the lenses, so you no longer have to squint and the pupil diameter increases again. That is, the natural defense mechanism given to us by nature is turned off. An enlarged pupil will let in dozens of times more ultraviolet rays, which have a detrimental effect on the lens and retina of the eye. Therefore, it is better to walk without any glasses at all than with glasses without UV protection.

It should be noted that the windows of modern cars have UV protection, so you can feel safe inside the car.

The degree of darkness. Sunglasses differ in the degree of dimming into 5 categories:

Sunglasses for drivers are usually equipped with category 2 and 3 lenses.

Toning color. Having decided on the category, you should choose the color of the tint. This is a purely subjective matter, everyone chooses what he likes, but still we will try to give basic recommendations. Consider the most common colors of tinting:

1. Green. It has a calming and relaxing effect. It used to be used everywhere and was considered the most suitable for sunglasses. Recommended for patients with glaucoma.

2. Gray (aka black, smoky, etc.). Evenly absorbs all colors and therefore does not affect color rendering. Best option in sunglasses for driving.

3. Brown. Increases contrast, but as a result - fatigue eye.

4. Yellow and orange. Such tinting is used for driving under conditions of poor visibility, on a cloudy day, fog, rain and even at night.

5. Blue. Delays yellow and orange rays. This tint is used in medium and bright light. Increases contrast and does not distort colors.

6. Blue, pink, red. Such tints are not particularly common, as they have many disadvantages, and also do not provide proper light absorption. Glasses with such lenses are usually used to create an image, they are not of interest to us within the framework of this article.

Glass or plastic? AT recent times high-quality plastic crowds glass on all fronts. This happens for many reasons: plastic is cheaper, lighter and stronger. At the same time, it, like glass, provides 100% UV protection and proper light absorption. Particularly popular as a material for the lenses of sunglasses received a hardened type of plastic - polycarbonate. It is often stronger than the frame itself and is therefore recommended for sports sunglasses, as well as driving sunglasses (such lenses can withstand an airbag and are injury-free). But both plastic and polycarbonate lose to glass in terms of scratch resistance, even despite all the modern protective coatings. And one more advantage of glass over plastic is that even on a hot sunny day it does not heat up and the eyes are in relative coolness, which has a positive effect on comfort.

Polarization. Polarized glasses for the driver (they are also polarized glasses for drivers or anti-glare glasses for drivers) cut off the sun's rays reflected from horizontal surfaces (wet asphalt, snow, car windows, water surface, etc.). The option is extremely useful, because such glasses can be used not only for driving, but also at sea or in the mountains, and they are also suitable for urban use.

Myself polarizing filter is a thin film inside or on the back of the lens. It cannot be visually identified, but it exists the right way check glasses for polarization. To do this, you need to sit in front of a computer monitor (the screens of modern smartphones and tablets are not suitable for this) with glasses and tilt your head to your left shoulder. If at some point the screen completely darkens, then polarization is present. Polarized glasses for the driver are not recommended for use when poor lighting or at night, as they significantly reduce illumination.

Anti-reflective coating. About protection from ultraviolet radiation and polarization is written in almost every article on the choice of sunglasses, but about anti-reflective coating there is no information, although it is very important point. Sunglasses have an anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lenses so that rays coming from behind the back or from the side do not reflect off the lenses and into your eyes. Particularly relevant this problem for owners of sunglasses with glass lenses, because glass reflects light much better than plastic. Therefore, when choosing such glasses, do not skimp and pay extra for lenses with anti-glare.

It is by the presence of an anti-reflective coating that one can identify high-quality sunglasses for driving. To determine the presence of anti-reflective, look at the inner surface of the lens and tilt the glasses at different angles. If you see a blue-violet reflection, then this means that the anti-reflective coating is present.

As you can see in this picture, lenses without anti-reflection reflect the incident light quite strongly, in use they will glare decently, while lenses with anti-reflection reflect light much less.

Curvature of glasses. Another important characteristic when choosing sunglasses for drivers, which few people pay attention to, is the basic curvature of the lenses. Usually it ranges from 6 (flat glasses), to 9 (sports, close-fitting glasses). For driving, it is best to choose exactly adjacent glasses (8-9 base curvature).

In this case, a minimum of light will fall into the openings between the glasses and your face and, accordingly, will distract you less. The lenses should be large enough to cover the eyes from the periphery. In this case, you do not have to rotate your head with glasses if you need to look in the side mirror, it will be enough just to move the pupil.

Lens shape. In 1937, Ray-Ban produced the first sunglasses designed for US Air Force pilots. This model was called "Aviator" and it had a characteristic teardrop shape, specially adapted for aircraft control.

Sunglasses on Tom Cruise's face in Top Gun.

This form was so successful that today it is the most popular among manufacturers of sunglasses. This shape (as well as its various variations) is also great for driving glasses.

Rim glasses. The thinner, the better. A frameless option would be ideal, since in this case the frame will not limit the viewing angle. The temples should also be thin so as not to obscure peripheral vision.

Great example of driving glasses.

It is also advisable to keep weight to a minimum, because on long trips, heavy glasses (especially with glass lenses) will put pressure on the bridge of the nose, which will cause you to once again be distracted by correcting them or massaging a tired nose.

Conclusions. All things considered, the ideal polarized driver sunglasses are frameless sunglasses with lightweight polycarbonate lenses and thin temples. Lens tint degree 2 or 3. The tint color can be gray, green, brown or blue, depending on the preference of the person. Lenses must be equipped with polarizing technology, and also have an anti-reflective coating on inner surface. The frame of the glasses should be light, durable and safety. Material - lightweight plastic, steel alloy, and best of all titanium. Base curvature 8-9 lenses, aviator or similar shape, wide enough to cover the sides of the eyes.

Choosing sunglasses, the main thing is to pay attention not to the cost and design, but to the degree of protection from ultraviolet rays, and of course to the license. Eye health is the dominant factor, image and fashion - then.

How to choose the right sunglasses

Ignore glasses with small narrow lenses. With them, the meaning of protection is generally lost, because. narrow lenses will allow ultraviolet rays to pass around them, although the field of view will be limited. This factor will only increase the load on the eyes, because the natural reaction of the eye when the field of vision is darkened is the expansion of the pupil. Nerve receptors that respond to the degree of darkening are located in the center of the retina. As a result, the eye, deceived by the decrease in illumination created only in the center of the field of view, opens the pupil and the ultraviolet flow begins to burn the retina itself without hindrance.

If glasses with lenses of a normal size, but of low quality, then the same thing happens. Dark lenses cause the pupil to expand - the eye does not know that these low-quality lenses darken only the visible spectrum, and all the harmful ultraviolet is passed onto the defenseless retina of the eye and also burns it out.

What is most unfortunate is that outwardly a fake from a quality product can only be distinguished by a specialist, and even then with the help of specialized equipment. And the result of wearing a fake will not appear immediately, and the consequences may be irreversible, up to complete blindness. This is just the example when it is forbidden to save, because. in this case, the stingy (or deceived) pays not twice, but for the rest of his life. Moreover, in most cases, he will not even understand (or not believe) what caused the deterioration of vision.

If, after spending the day in new sunglasses, watery eyes appear, or you notice pain in the eyes in bright light, or even deterioration of vision, then, most likely, the eyes were damaged when attacked by ultraviolet radiation. The most reasonable way out in this situation is to immediately run to the ophthalmologist.

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn of the cornea, called photokeratitis, which can lead to temporary loss of vision. This phenomenon is observed in skiers or polar explorers, therefore in ophthalmology it is called "snow blindness". Also, photokeratitis is not uncommon among vacationers in equatorial resorts.

Remember:

The closer you are to the equator or the higher in the mountains, the more aggressive the avalanche of UV rays hits your eyes.
And one more rule - the closer to large water surfaces, the more powerful the reflected flux of UV radiation. So the more you need quality sunglasses.

So if you yourself do not know how to choose the right sunglasses, then there are two options:

Buy only certified goods from a recognized manufacturer, and only from a seller who guarantees the quality of the product. (at the end of the article I will give some links to the sunglasses store)
Do not buy sunglasses at all - natural defensive reaction the eye itself will adjust the degree of opening of the diaphragm and automatically set the flow of transmitted light to the optimal safe level.

Now let's talk about quality criteria.

Glass or plastic

If the manufacturer maintains the standards, then they protect both those and those qualitatively. So do not bother with the choice between glass and plastic.

There is an opinion that high-quality glasses can only be equipped with glass lenses. This is a myth, even such a universally recognized cult company as Ray Ban, in addition to traditional glass, has long been producing models from high-tech organic plastic.

The only difference is the price of such plastic. If cheap options are made of acrylic that transmits UV rays, then expensive ones are made of polycarbonate. This polymer reliably protects the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, does not scratch and is safe for health.

If you are firmly convinced that the material of your sunglasses should certainly be glass, but doubt the words of the seller, then you can check the composition in the only easy way. Just put the lens on your cheek or lips - glass, unlike polymer, will be cold, even in hot weather.

Pros and cons of plastic lenses

Plastic is safer to use. It is advisable for children to take glasses made of plastic.
It is easier to apply protective coatings on plastic.
Plastic is lighter.
Easily scratched. If scratches or cracks form, stop using the glasses immediately, as this can cause vision problems.
Possible optical distortion.
Deformed at high temperatures.

Pros and cons of glass lenses

Glass lenses initially do not transmit ultraviolet light. Provides acceptable UV protection even without the use of protective coatings.
Less optical distortion than plastic.
Glass lenses are scratch resistant.
The main disadvantage is fragility. Glass sunglasses are not recommended for children and athletes.
Glass is heavier than plastic.

Quality plastic good alternative. During the production process, special additives are introduced into the composition, and protective layers are applied during the manufacture of lenses. An unpleasant nuance may be the distortion of objects, but this factor must be assessed directly by trying on glasses: straight lines should not change shape.

Sunglasses color

The phrase "sees everything in pink" has nothing to do with glasses. To cheer up, it is not enough to have glasses Pink colour on the contrary, if this shade is close to red, it can adversely affect the psyche.

The color of the lenses of sunglasses affects the natural color rendering of the surrounding world and the choice depends only on personal preferences. Although, of course, it is useful to know how certain shades affect the reaction from the perception of the filtered surrounding world.

Shades of brown, dark gray and dark green are recognized as the most optimal: in the first two, the color rendition corresponds to reality as much as possible, in the third, harmful rays are filtered to the maximum and the eyes are less tired.

Yellow and orange filters block Blue colour help with worsened weather conditions when the sun is dim. In conditions of significantly reduced illumination, these filters shift the reaction of the photoreceiving system of the eye towards amplification and the surrounding space becomes brighter, especially at night. There are even goggles for night driving based on this effect, they just add a layer that dampens the direct light from the headlights.

Gray and brown - best colors for vision. Maximum natural color rendering.
Green - maximum filtering of harmful ray ranges.
Pink - helps reduce eye fatigue.
Yellow and orange are of little use, overloading the retina unnecessarily and negative impact to the central nervous system.
Red - impairs coordination of movements, up to loss of orientation in the area.

Additional properties

Several important properties, which should be taken into account when right choice sunglasses. Manufacturers add various effects to products: mirror reflection, uneven darkening, polarization, photochromism. And this is not for style, but for functionality. There is a scientific explanation for everything.

A protective coating with a mirror effect is designed to eliminate various glare from surfaces such as snowy mountains, the sea or wet road surfaces.

Polarized lenses are also able to neutralize glare reflected from surfaces. At the same time, they do not distort the color balance at all, but only cut off the circular light wave, turning it into a flat one.

Gradient lenses, maximally darkened at the top with a gradual fading downwards, are functional when protection is required only from bright sky and direct sunlight. For example, specialized glasses for motorists, recommended for drivers at low sun positions. This option may lead to fatigue eyes, so for everyday wear it is desirable to choose a uniform darkening.

Photochromic lenses smoothly adapt to changes in light intensity. This property is realized in chameleon glasses that darken in the sun, or become transparent when the brightness of the light decreases. They are coated with special substances - photochromic agents. Attention! At high temperatures, photochromic agents are less active than at low temperatures. That is, in the heat, the dimming rate photochromic lenses weakens, and the eyes may not receive protection in time. When choosing photochromic lenses, take into account, in addition to the speed of darkening and lightening, also temperature sensitivity. Over time, the light-chemical coating may "get tired", and the darkening will weaken. Therefore, chameleon glasses must be replaced regularly.

Lens marking

When choosing glasses, please Special attention on the “ultraviolet” marking, showing the degree of protection against ultraviolet rays as a percentage.

The inscription "400 nm" indicates the maximum wavelength from which they protect sunglasses. If the specified number is less than 400, then part of the rays will pass through the filter.

The manufacturer's label might look like this:

UV-A - the highest degree of protection,
UV-B - medium degree.

The first is designed for operation under conditions of strong solar insolation, for example, on the beach. The second is placed on glasses that can be used in everyday life.

In addition to this marking, not letters, but numbers may be indicated indicating the maximum wavelength of ultraviolet light that the glasses are able to filter.

Glasses tagged:

UV 400 filters up to 99% of ultraviolet,
UV 380 - 95% UV rays.

The first is acceptable in a cloudy sky, when the sun alternately hides behind the clouds.
The second is designed for urban conditions, when lighting conditions change during the day. These glasses can be worn indoors.
Lenses of the third category are the most common and versatile. Suitable for both beach holiday as well as for motorists.
The fourth degree of protection is designed for especially dangerous mountain conditions. Recommended for climbers and skiers. Sold exclusively in specialized sports or tourist stores. Driving a car is strictly prohibited.

Shading and UV protection levels fall into five categories:

"0" - 80-100% light transmission. Minimum UV protection for all ranges.
"1" - 43-80% light transmission.
"2" - 18-43% light transmission.
"3" - 8-18% light transmission. Recommended for ordinary trips to nature and beach holidays in non-equatorial latitudes.
"4" - 3-8% light transmission. Very dark filter designed for tropical countries and highlands.

frame

Tips like "how to choose the right frame, correct the shape of the face or choose Fashionable style"We will not consider in this article, I will only note the basic principles.

Blondes (and blondes) are more suited to the face of gold, silver, pale blue and light green frame colors.
Fair-haired will look more interesting with copper frames or gold.
Brunettes and brown-haired women look best in shades of brown, gold, and red frames.

The frame of the glasses should fit snugly, especially to the upper part of the face, but without squeezing the temples and the bridge of the nose. Otherwise, it can provoke fatigue, up to a headache.

Sunglasses protect the skin around the eyes

This is a secondary property, but still - properly selected high-quality sunglasses can protect not only the eyes, but also sensitive skin around them, which is important as a protecting factor from premature aging skin.

For most master recipe Youth is not a secret: if you don't want to grow old, protect your skin from the sun's rays. Statistics says that the main part of wrinkles appears precisely as a result of exposure to the sun on the skin. And the thin delicate skin near the eyes needs special protection, not to mention the eyes themselves.

Even super expensive quality cosmetics with sun protection factors will not give such protection as high-quality glasses provide (tens of times higher than the sun-reflecting properties of advertised sunscreens).

Sunglass models and manufacturers

Ray Ban is considered to be the universally recognized world leaders, although u other companies that produce fashionable accessories, have impressive collections of sunglasses - Armani, Adidas, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada. Buying them in our time is not a problem, because proven brands are a guarantee of quality. You just need to take into account the dominance of fakes on Russian market, and even more so in Ukrainian. It is more reliable to order genuine sunglasses in an online store, having personally verified their authenticity, and read customer reviews there.

Where to buy the best sunglasses

According to statistics, among the world's eyewear manufacturers, the most popular models are:

aviator - Ray Ban (Aviator)
Wayfarer - Ray Ban (Wayfarer).

Summarizing

It is advisable to know in advance for what purposes sunglasses are required. If there are eye diseases or vision problems, consult an ophthalmologist first.
For sports in snowy conditions, it is preferable to purchase sunglasses with polarized lenses.
With a frequent sharp change in the brightness of the lighting (exiting the building into the sun), it is advisable to buy sun glasses with photochromic lenses.
Read the label carefully to see what UV rays the glasses protect against and whether they can reduce glare or adapt to the brightness of the light.
Do not buy sunglasses in the markets and street stalls. Of course, high-quality glasses do not have to be expensive, but health is more important than savings.

Just approach the choice without fanaticism. It has been personally verified that high-quality $10 sunglasses and $350 fashion branded sunglasses protect against UV rays equally. And all the games with pricing are just marketing perversions of sellers, how to sell the same thing at a higher price under the image of a trendy brand. Go through the directories European stores and you will be surprised - there are sunglasses for 800 euros. And what is interesting - the buyers are also on them.

Indeed, the rich have their own quirks.

Or maybe not everything is so simple? Maybe the price of health is really worth such prices?

Hardly ... More like a phobia. If only they had our salaries...

Video

How to choose the right sunglasses

The selection of sunglasses is an important and difficult task. If you think that it is only about fashion brands, then you are greatly mistaken. Did you know that when you are going to walk around the city on a sunny day and packing your bags for a vacation at the sea, you should take different sunglasses?

Everyone knows that sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that are harmful to humans and must be protected from. Do you think that glasses save from them? Not at all. Ultraviolet rays such as UV-A and UV-B completely block ordinary transparent glass and some types of plastic. There is also a third type of UV rays "C", but the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere successfully copes with it. By the way, since we are talking about ultraviolet, reflective surfaces multiply harmful effect from UV rays. That is why it is easy to get burned in the mountains and at the sea (snow reflects light by 90%, the water surface by 70%), and it is difficult on the shore of a forest lake or river (the reflectivity of green grass is only 30%). All these radiations are not visible, but only perceptible. And the dark glasses of sunglasses are designed to save our eyes from the visible part of the harmful sunlight. It is the visible bright light that makes us squint our eyes and “make faces”, albeit not on purpose.

So, all sunglasses have a filter designed for different degrees of illumination. In total, there are 5 degrees of protection for our eyes, and on the product of a responsible manufacturer, the category of sunglasses filter is indicated by the corresponding number.

"0" means that the lenses of the glasses transmit 80-100% of the light. This is the lowest degree of protection, such glasses are suitable only on a cloudy day.
"1" - 43-80% light transmission. Ideal for days when dense clouds give way to clear skies, that is, for partly cloudy and only for the city.
"2" let in 18-43% of the light and are also suitable for urban life. Bright sunny day, shopping trip - here ideal conditions in order to put on glasses marked "2".
"3". Light transmittance - 8-18%. Sunglasses with filter categories "1" and "2" are suitable for everyday urban life, and only these, marked "3", can and should be chosen for a trip to the sea. This protection will endure sunbathing on the beach, and boat trips.
"4" means the highest degree of protection of the retina from damaging light. Bandwidth 3–8%. The choice of such filters for glasses belongs to climbers and tourists climbing mountains.

As you can see, choosing glasses is not so easy. It is hardly worth expecting the necessary amount of important information about each item of goods on street stalls, where not every unit of goods has packaging. Only once having tried to trust the real quality firm for sun protection products, you don't want to go back to the suspicious market range. Ours could be one of the best purchases of your life. worldwide famous brand RB has already made the lives of millions of people brighter and their views safer.

Take advantage of the best, because you are already with us!

Far from all hikes, sunglasses are necessary subject equipment. But in many cases, moving around on a sunny day in comfortable glasses is much more comfortable than without them. At the same time, many novice tourists have heard true and not so stories about dire consequences for those who find themselves without glasses in the mountains. The truth is that

glasses, in addition to everything else, also perform the function of mechanical protection of the eyes from dust, pebbles, insects, small particles;
with height, the intensity of solar radiation increases, including ultraviolet, especially harmful to humans;
some surfaces reflect much more UV than others.

Especially well reflects ultraviolet snow, ice (up to 80%), light sand (up to 35%), water (20%). But even simple soil (earth) can reflect up to 15% of solar radiation. We draw conclusions: in high altitude conditions (above 3000m), goggles are needed even if there is no continuous snow and ice cover. In conditions of continuous snow and ice cover, goggles are needed in any case. They are also necessary in campaigns in deserts, steppes, plateaus and in water trips and expeditions.

What is ultraviolet? This is part of the emission spectrum of our Luminary with a wavelength from 180 to 380 nm. International designation UV. There are three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA 315-380nm, UVB 280-315 and, the most dangerous for living organisms, UVC 180-280nm. What is its danger? In significant doses, ultraviolet radiation not only contributes to sunburn, but also has a destructive effect on living organisms. The consequences of excessive exposure to humans - sunburn, disorders of the retina, partial loss of vision (for climbers and polar explorers this is the infamous "snow blindness").

It is possible to save your eyes only by using high-quality optics, which fully protect against ultraviolet radiation and excessive light load. Do not confuse these things with each other! Many people think that the darker the glasses, the better they protect against UV radiation. This is a gross mistake! Completely light lenses of glasses can completely protect against ultraviolet radiation, while at the same time very dark glasses of an incomprehensible manufacturer can leave you with only the illusion of protection and cause great harm. The natural reaction of a person to the bright sun is to close his eyes, which reduces exposure. If you wear dark glasses without protection, you will suffer from ultraviolet radiation much faster.

A common label indicating complete UV protection is UV400 (UV380). Unfortunately, stickers with this marking are stuck on almost all products sold in our underground passages and bazaars in exotic countries, regardless of their actual quality. Therefore, do not buy glasses of unknown brands and even well-known, but in unreliable places! For example, Nepal is full of fakes of well-known companies, the quality of which is very doubtful. If you have no other choice, go for glasses with glass lenses, as the glass itself provides almost complete UV protection.

The degree of darkness. Spectacle lenses are ranked according to how much sunlight they let through to the retina. Currently, the most famous is the division of optics into five categories - from 0 to 4. The most suitable option for hiking in conditions of high solar activity are glasses with lenses of categories 3-4. The third category skips 8-18% and is the most versatile. If you have sufficiently sensitive eyes to solar radiation, or if you intend to stay in the mountains for a long time in conditions of permanent snow and ice cover, get category 4 glasses. At the same time, keep in mind that in such glasses, which transmit only 3-8% of the light, it is comfortable only in the sun. Getting into the shade, sometimes you have to strain your eyes a lot or even take off your glasses in an attempt to see the complex relief. Also, they are categorically not suitable for wearing before or after sunset. In glasses of category 4 it is forbidden to drive vehicles.

Many sources say that dark eyes are less sensitive to solar radiation, and the lighter a person's eyes, the worse they tolerate ultraviolet radiation. As far as I know, this theory has not yet been fully proven.

Photochromic goggles on the go

What to do if the needs for protection are constantly changing and glasses cannot follow them?

Several points from varying degrees eye protection. Indeed, in serious trips, in any case, it is recommended to have spare optics. So you can take two pairs of 3 and 4 categories.
Buy glasses with interchangeable lenses. There are quite a few models on the market that offer the ability to change lenses in glasses. Usually, glasses come with three types of glasses - dark, medium and enlightened - yellow or orange for wearing in fog or in the evening. But finding a kit that would include category 3 and 4 lenses is quite difficult.
Buy glasses with photochromic lenses.

Photochromic glasses are known in wide circles under the name "chameleons" and are able to change their transparency within certain limits. Usually this is a range of 2-3, less often 2-4 categories. Photochromic coating typically takes 10 to 30 seconds to change transparency.

Of course, when moving over complex terrain with sharp and frequent transitions between light and shadow, such a “rate of fire” will not be enough. In calmer conditions of use, glasses with photochromic glasses are an excellent versatile option. The main drawback of this technology, apart from the time required to change the characteristics, is the price, often several times higher than the cost of conventional glasses.

Polarizing glasses

They have the ability to "remove" glare from the reflections of water, snow, glass surfaces. For hiking use, they are not a necessary option, perhaps with the exception of water.

Glasses Lens Materials

Glass. Practically not used in models for active rest. Key Benefits - Excellent optical characteristics, high strength, practically does not pass ultraviolet. Disadvantages - technological difficulties in the manufacture of lenses of complex shape, big weight, increased risk of injury, cost.

Polycarbonate. The most common material for sports models. Advantages - low price, manufacturability, good optical properties, low weight, strength, safety. Disadvantages - fragility, scratches quickly, optical characteristics are worse than those of glass or more expensive polymers.

High tech polymers. An example is the NXT plastic used by the well-known French company Julbo for premium segment models. This material is stronger, more durable, optically transparent than polycarbonate. Excellent for creating photochromic and/or polarizing coatings.

In order for glasses to reliably protect your eyes, it is not enough to buy a model with good lenses. The shape of the glasses is also very important - they should fit as tightly as possible to the face, since the reflected radiation is also quite dangerous. Many models for mountain and water sports are equipped with special curtains made of elastic material (genuine or artificial leather, plastic) covering the glasses from the sides. Sometimes there is also an additional (removable) nose protection.

Goggles for active use in hiking should have a maximum anatomical shape, if possible, ideally “sit” on the face without rubbing even with prolonged wear. Some models have the ability to precisely fit the user - elastic, reshaping temples and / or removable nose pads of different sizes.

In the mountains, it often becomes necessary to take off your glasses, then put them on for short span time. It is not always possible to simply move them on your forehead, since you may be wearing a hat or even a helmet. Therefore, it makes sense to get a special strap for hanging glasses on the chest. For some models, such straps are already included.

Case for hiking glasses

When hiking/traveling, it is difficult to do without a case for glasses, because even durable hiking glasses can be damaged when carried in a backpack and transported in different types transport. The cover must be sufficiently rigid and durable. Make sure that it has a special microfiber cloth for wiping glass.

Choosing and using goggles for hiking in the mountains

Glasses are among those elements of hiking equipment that are categorically NOT recommended to buy remotely. An exception may be the purchase of a model already well known to you. If you are choosing a model for the first time, you need to devote enough time to this procedure. The main criterion when choosing glasses is convenience! Do not expect that you will get used to it over time or that it will “disperse”. If this is “your” model, then wearing it, you feel complete comfort, ideally, after some time you simply stop feeling the glasses on your face. The color of the filter should be comfortable for you, the glasses should not only sit like a glove and fit snugly to your face, but also remain in place after sudden movements head.

Before use, remove all stickers from the transparent part of the glasses.

If possible, choose brightly colored glasses for hiking, this will reduce the likelihood of loss, as well as the ability to sit on top of the glasses without noticing them. It also does not hurt to add brightness to the case (most of them have a neutral color). This can be done with stickers, ideally reflective.

Good tourist glasses are not cheap pleasure and it is in your power to extend the time of their operation. Make it a habit to put your glasses in the case as soon as you take them off your head. After all, it is quite easy to damage them, and it is even easier to scratch them. Do not let the glasses (especially if their glasses are made of polycarbonate) come into contact with hard objects, if possible, take them off in the thicket. Wipe glass with a special cloth, avoid wiping with items of clothing, especially those containing buttons, zippers or other hard parts. Do not disassemble glasses unless necessary. If you purchased glasses with interchangeable lenses, ask the seller to replace them for the first time in your presence, carefully learn the operation of the glass rotation mechanism.

When using goggles while hiking, remember that solar Activity does not end during cloudy weather or fog.

Ski mask as hiking goggles

In cold weather, you can limitedly use a ski mask instead of glasses. It is great for protecting the eyes and part of the face from ultraviolet radiation, wind and cold. In warm weather, such a mask will not be able to successfully replace glasses. When choosing a mask for a hike, stop your attention on models with double flexible glass and an extremely soft foam "skirt" around the perimeter. A more universal type of filter would be an "enlightened" filter of yellow, green, blue color. It will moderately protect the eyes from not very bright sun and at the same time will allow you to use the mask in foggy or cloudy conditions.

I wish you make a good choice! Happy and memorable travels!