Good driving glasses should protect eyes from harmful UV radiation, near-UV rays, and reflective glare. They should filter out all UV-A and UV-B sunlight, block glare, and not allow sunlight to enter the eyes from the sides or top. Driving glasses can range from $30 to over $100.
Driving glasses should protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, near-UV rays, and reflective glare. Few people realize that UV-A and UV-B rays, the same rays responsible for sunburn, can also burn the retina. While the eyes have an amazing ability to heal, studies indicate that chronic burning can lead to impaired vision as we age, known as macular degeneration. Another result is cataracts, as the eye fights to protect itself by building a cloudy shield.
A large percentage of today’s workforce travels. In states like California, where public transportation is poor and commuting is common, most people drive. Driving can be more stressful on the eyes than one might imagine, and a good pair of driving glasses can make the daily commute much more enjoyable and protect your eyes in the long run.
Therefore, the first job of a good pair of driving glasses is to filter out all UV-A and UV-B sunlight. This does not depend on the darkness of the lens, but on the filters. A very dark lens without UV protection can be worse for your eyes than no glasses at all, as the irises will open wider to let in more light, letting in more UV rays. So look for glasses that block 100% UV-A and UV-B rays. Some driving glasses can also block UV-C rays, but these rays are naturally filtered by the earth’s atmosphere.
Studies also indicate that too much near-UV light can contribute to the same eye diseases that UV rays do. Ultraviolet light is visible light in the violet and blue spectrum. Yellow lenses block the entire blue spectrum, but this is unnecessary and distorts the true color. Many people also find yellow lenses harsh. A better option might be amber lenses or melanin lenses. Driving glasses with melamine lenses provide good contrast, block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and a good portion of the near-UV spectrum, all while maintaining truer color.
Glare is reflected light, which is especially annoying when driving. Glare can bounce off the windshields of cars heading into the following lanes, reflect off the rear window of the car ahead, or shine on bumpers. Even streets, sidewalks, and buildings generate glare. Polarized driving glasses are made with special filters that block glare, improve vision and reduce eyestrain.
Finally, driving glasses should not allow sunlight to enter the eyes on the sides or top, bypassing the lenses. Look for driving glasses in a wraparound style that fit well on your face and force light through the lenses before entering your eyes.
A pair of driving glasses can range from $30 to over $100, depending on the manufacturer and model. Many lenses are made of lightweight polycarbonate, while others are made of glass. In either case, they will look good and provide great relief to your eyes on that daily commute. More importantly, they will help protect your eyes from the dangers of chronic UV exposure, UV light, and glare.
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