Exposure to the sun can harm your eyes, causing eye strain, discomfort, and headaches. But damage from UV rays isn’t just temporary; long-term overexposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
The best way to avoid this type of damage is to wear a high-quality pair of polarized sunglasses with superb UV protection. And if you want to be extra stylish when you go out, you can try gradient polarized sunglasses!
For maximum protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, it’s important to get sunglasses labeled UV 400. This means the lenses block up to 100% of UVA and UVB rays, helping to keep your eyes safe from the sun.
At Eyebuydirect, all polarized, gradient, mirrored, and gradient polarized sunglasses offer UV 400-level protection as a standard feature. However, this isn’t the case with all eyewear retailers, so you should always check the product information to make sure you’re getting the defense you need.
That being said, the perfect pair of sunglasses is as fashionable as it is functional. But to truly understand them, here’s a brief rundown on gradient and polarized lenses, and what makes them what they are:
What Are Gradient Lenses?
Gradient lenses are tinted from top to bottom, so the top of the lens is darkest and blocks out the most light. The lens blocks out bright light from overhead while allowing significantly more light through the bottom of the lens.
A classic gradient lens is subtle and understated, in a palette of muted browns to smoky blacks and purples. Beyond the more traditional tints, these lenses also come in a variety of exciting colors, including pinks, yellows, and greens. Wearing a colorful lens is a great way to have a little fun with your look as you enjoy the benefits of gradient lens sunglasses.
The gradient lens has been used by major fashion houses, including Chanel. They remain a popular choice among countless designers for creating an effortless and sophisticated look.
When you order gradient lenses through Eyebuydirect, your sunglasses will provide both shade and protection from UV rays. However, gradient tinting doesn’t work with every frame. It can only be applied to lenses that are at least 36 mm tall.
Types of Gradient Lenses
Gradient lenses come in two major variations: single gradient and double gradient. Each provides a break from bright sunlight, but remember that you still need to add UV protection if you want to block the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Single gradient lenses have a darker tint on top and a lighter one on the bottom. This decreases overhead sunlight on the top of your sunglasses, while making it easier to see clearly through the bottom of each lens.
Double gradient lenses offer a darker tint on both the top and bottom of the lenses, leaving a lighter middle portion. This feature is useful when you’re dealing with both overhead sunlight and surfaces that reflect light from beneath you, such as snow, water, and asphalt.
If you want to try a really striking style, there’s another option you may want to consider: the half-tinted lens. With a stark divide between dark and clear, you’re sure to make a statement.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Glare from bright light can cause eye strain, affect depth perception, and distort your vision. But with a polarized lens, an invisible filter is built into the glasses. This limits the amount of light and glare that can enter and affect your eyes.
Lens polarization absorbs horizontal light waves but allows vertical light waves through. This means that the light only travels in one direction, which reduces harsh glare and makes your vision appear sharper and clearer. It also helps your eyes feel significantly more comfortable.
Polarized lenses are perfect for outdoor activities and sports because of the added comfort and protection they provide. Glare from water and other shiny surfaces is significantly reduced, making them ideal for fishing and other water sports.
If you get any Eyebuydirect sunglasses frames with polarized lenses, they will come with UV protection as a standard feature. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect pair for your lifestyle!
What are Gradient Polarized Sunglasses?
Bringing the two together, gradient polarized sunglasses allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. They are perfect for driving, taking pressure off your eyes, and allowing you to fully concentrate without straining to see the road ahead.
The dark gradient tint at the top of the lens helps to shield your eyes from overhead sunlight. The bottom part of the lens allows enough light through to see your dashboard clearly. The polarized lenses reduce glare from surfaces like the road and the hood of your car.
Having both types of tint makes driving in bright sunlight a more comfortable experience. Once you own a pair of gradient polarized sunglasses, you’ll wonder how you got by for so long without them.
At this point, we do not offer gradient polarized sunglasses, but we do have plenty of sunglasses with the option to add polarized or gradient lenses (just not both).
But don’t fret! We’re currently working to one day implement them into our vast sunglasses catalog here. When we do start offering gradient polarized sunglasses, we’ll let you know.
Shop Polarized Sunglasses for men and women
Sources
Are polarized sunglasses right for you? All About Vision. February 2019.
