Especially if you are accustomed to wearing normal vision/reading glasses… you may have wondered if wearing driving sunglasses is really worth the effort. One of the biggest benefits is being prepared for a variety of weather and climate conditions that exist…especially in seasonal geographic locations…and weather that may be unexpected.
Because driving is primarily a visual experience, your eyes must be able to see clearly at all times. Driving sunglasses make it easier to see what’s around you as you drive, and to stay safe on the road. The right kind of frames, combined with the right kind of lenses, work together to make the best driving sunglasses.
When picking out the frames for your driving sunglasses, it is important that they are designed to keep out stray light, which can be very distracting. The frames you select should be comfortable to wear, fit close to your face, and be large enough to give you good peripheral vision.
Frame materials
Frames for driving sunglasses can be made of many different durable materials, including:
- Plastic
- Polycarbonate
- Nylon
- Carbon
- Acetate (a plant-based plastic)
- Titanium
- Beryllium
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Metal alloys
The most popular and functional frame styles for driving sunglasses include:
- Wayfarer: Since 1952…these traditional frames are usually black plastic with dark lenses that are wider at the top. The Wayfarer is a good choice for driving because of its large lenses and wide field of view outward.
- Aviator: These use thin metal frames with large teardrop-shaped lenses to provide good coverage and visibility. The Aviator has been popularized by military pilots, whom they were originally developed for, as well as movie stars and other celebrities.
- Wraparound: These use curved frames and lenses that “wrap around” from the front to the sides, giving you excellent peripheral vision. These provide very good outward visibility and light protection, making them a great choice for driving sunglasses.
- Oversized: Popularized by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, this women’s style is significantly larger than your average sunglasses. The frames and lenses can be round, oval or square in shape. They provide excellent protection from the sun and great outward vision. This makes oversized a worthy design for driving sunglasses, as long as the temples (the side pieces) do not block your side vision.
Selecting lenses
The lenses in your driving sunglasses have two primary functions: – To allow you to see clearly – To protect your eyes
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