Sun glasses are a type of protective eyewear that are worn to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight. They have become an essential part of our daily life, not only to protect our eyes, but also as a fashion accessory. Sunglasses have been around for over a century and have come a long way since then. From simple tinted lenses to advanced polarized lenses, sunglasses have evolved to provide maximum protection for our eyes.
History of Sunglasses: The history of sunglasses dates back to the early 20th century, when they were initially designed to protect the eyes of pilots from glare while flying. Later, they became popular among movie stars, who started wearing them as a fashion accessory. By the 1930s, sunglasses had become a common item and started to be mass produced. Today, sunglasses are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to cater to everyone’s needs and preferences.
Types of Sunglasses:
There are several types of sunglasses available in the market, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The most common types of sunglasses include:
- Polarized Sunglasses: These sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from the sun by blocking reflected light. They are ideal for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and skiing, as they enhance visual clarity and reduce eye strain.
- Photochromic Sunglasses: These sunglasses are designed to automatically adjust the tint of the lens based on the light conditions. They darken in bright sunlight and lighten in low light conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.
- Mirrored Sunglasses: These sunglasses have a reflective coating on the lenses that reduces the amount of light that enters the eyes, making them ideal for bright sunlight conditions.
- Gradient Sunglasses: These sunglasses have a darker tint at the top of the lens and a lighter tint at the bottom. This design allows for better visibility in bright sunlight conditions while providing enough light for reading and other activities.
Importance of Wearing Sunglasses:
Wearing sunglasses is important for several reasons, including:
- Protection from Harmful UV Radiation: Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause various eye problems, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (snow blindness).
- Improved Visual Comfort and Clarity: Sunglasses reduce glare from the sun, enhancing visual comfort and clarity, especially during outdoor activities, such as driving, boating, and hiking.
- Reduced Eye Strain: Sunglasses reduce eye strain and fatigue caused by exposure to bright sunlight and high-energy visible light.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses: When choosing sunglasses, it is important to consider several factors, including:
- UV Protection: Ensure that the sunglasses provide complete protection from harmful UV radiation, by blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Lens Material: Choose lenses made of high-quality material, such as polycarbonate, which are scratch-resistant, impact-resistant, and provide clear vision.
- Frame Material: Choose a frame material that is durable, lightweight, and comfortable, such as titanium or plastic.
- Lens Tint: Choose a lens tint that suits your needs and preferences. For example, gray lenses are best for reducing glare and providing true color perception, while brown lenses are ideal for enhancing contrast.
In conclusion, sunglasses play an important role in protecting our eyes from harmful UV radiation and reducing the risk of eye problems. It is important to choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation and to wear them whenever you are outside, especially during peak sun hours from 10am to 4pm.