Choosing the right lens options for your driving glasses and sunglasses can make driving in difficult conditions a safer and more comfortable experience.
Whilst many people recognize how important it is to ensure that their prescription is up to date to allow them to see other vehicles, road signs and potential hazards clearly whilst driving, far fewer understand the benefits of choosing suitable lens options for their driving glasses. Driving is tiring on the eyes. Not only must you stay fully alert and focussed on the road and what’s going on around you at all times, but there are also plenty of conditions that make seeing clearly more difficult too.
Driving in dim or poor light, bad weather or bright sunlight can all play havoc on our vision. The sun’s rays reflect off the road too, which can be tricky and tiring on the eyes. It’s during this time of year in particular that we experience the worst driving conditions in the UK too. With dark and frosty mornings, icy evenings, days of pouring rain and the sun very low in the sky, there’s no doubt that visibility is at its worst. Whilst you can’t change the weather, choosing the right lenses for your driving glasses and sunglasses can make each journey a safer and more comfortable experience.
The best lens options for driving glasses
Anti-reflective coating – If you know that you’re going to be driving regularly whilst wearing your glasses then it is well worth investing in a high quality anti-reflective coating for the lenses. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare, making them the perfect glasses for night driving. An anti-reflective coating reduces the annoying glare caused by bright lights, particularly during the night. Reducing glare will give you a clearer and safer view of the road as well as reducing eye strain, resulting in a more relaxing and comfortable journey. Anti-reflective coating also minimizes distracting marks and smudges on your lenses as they repel water and oil, meaning they’re much easier to keep clean than standard lenses.
The best lens options for sunglasses for driving
Polarised lenses – If you’re going to be wearing your sunglasses regularly whilst daytime driving then the ultimate lens choice is the polarised lens. Polarised lenses are the highest quality tint available for sunglasses as they minimise the glare reflected from the road surface, reducing strain on the eyes and improving vision. Polarised lenses also offer full UV protection and are available in either brown or grey.
Coloured tint with anti-reflective coating – If you opt for one of our coloured tints instead of polarised lenses then don’t forget to add an anti-reflective coating to prevent ghost images being reflected from the surface of the dark tinted lenses. Tinted lenses can reduce eye strain and be more comfortable whilst driving.
Tinted lenses also come in four different colours and shades, so that you can choose a tint to match your frames. Don’t forget that dark tints should not be worn whilst driving at any time; instead opt for a pale, light or medium tint.
Things to avoid
- Never choose the darkest tint available for sunglasses that you may wear whilst driving. By law your eyewear when driving must have a visible light transmission of at least 8%.
- Don’t choose sunglasses with very chunky sides as they could create a blind spot; instead opt for frames with slim sides.
- Be sure to always remove sunglasses or tinted glasses at night or when visibility is poor due to rain or fog and swap to clear prescription glasses instead.
Once you’ve seen the difference anti-reflective or polarised lenses can make to your comfort and view of the road whilst driving, we’re convinced you won’t want to ever go back!
