Sunglasses use various materials to ensure the highest quality and most protection for our eyes. From the frames to lenses to the process, manufacturers follow the highest standards.
As a user or wearer of sunglasses, you must understand the different frames and lenses. It will help you know the best option according to what you need. If you’re looking to sell eyewear, you must understand what to offer to your target audience.
Thus, we explain everything about sunglasses. In this article, we focus on lenses and frames of sunglasses.
Differences and Links Between Sunglasses and Optical Frame Glasses?
Differences
Sunglasses by the frame and lens two parts, mainly for blocking the sun and decorative role, the vast majority of lenses are tinted flat sheet. But in the choice of mirror material and frame technology is generally not very careful, the corresponding consumer wearing years also in a season or two seasons. The sale of sunglasses with obvious seasonality.
Optical frame generally refers to the frame alone, mainly for dispensing luminous glasses, whether the mirror material or production process have higher requirements.
Links
General optical frames with full-color or half-color resin lenses, glass lenses can also be used as sunglasses, and can be photometric, made of myopic sunglasses.
Part of the middle and senior sunglasses frame to reach or even exceed the standard of optical frames, can be used as optical eyeglass frames.
The material of sunglasses frame
Similar to the general optical glasses, also mainly divided into plastic materials and metal materials two parts, the difference is that the proportion of plastic material frame is higher.
Plastic materials – acetate, propionic acid fiber, nylon, coroplast, carbon fiber, etc.
Metal materials – hard bronze, white copper, manganese nickel alloy, titanium alloy, pure titanium, gold, K gold, etc.
Function of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than for styling. With climate change and ozone layer depletion, we need to wear sunglasses more than ever.
Thus, eyewear manufacturers have improved their equipment and process for making sunglasses. This way, they can further enhance and improve the changing needs for sunglasses.
With that said, here are the primary functions of sunglasses.
Block the Sun
Sunglasses’ primary purpose is to block the sun. Are you a cyclist, driver, or fishing enthusiast?
Whether you work outside or you enjoy outdoor activities, you need sunglasses. It blocks the harmful UV rays and glare and improves visual clarity.
Optical Correction
We can’t stress enough the importance of sunglasses for eye protection. Besides, it also has a critical function when it comes to optical correction.
For contact lens wearers, sunglasses also prevent water evaporation. If there’s reduced water vapor, it can maintain contact lenses’ optical properties. As a result, it leads to a better vision.
Protection Function
Sunglasses prevent the eyes from getting burned by strong sunlight. But, with the thinning of the ozone layer, serious eye diseases may happen even if you don’t look at the sun.
Without protection, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause long-term damage to the eyes. Thus, sunglasses lenses must have adequate blocking protection against the sun.
Decorative Purposes
Sunglasses provide unique fashion. You can choose from different styles and colors. We can see it a lot, especially during summer for many people.
Some people also put their sunglasses on their heads. Others hang them in their clothes as an accessory.
Different Lenses of Sunglasses
Like the frames, the lenses of sunglasses come in different types. They vary in materials, colors, and shades.
More than fashion statements, each lens material offers advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a quick look at the different lenses of sunglasses.
Lens Material Types
The lenses of sunglasses play the most crucial role. Its sole responsibility is to provide the most protection to the eyes.
But did you know that there are various lens materials? Here are the different lens material types and their advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic Lenses
Plastic lenses are a popular option if you prefer lightness and durability. The most common plastic lenses are Polycarbonate Lenses (PC) and Acrylic Lenses (AC).
It only weighs half the weight of glass lenses, so plastic lenses are lightweight. As a result, you won’t feel heavy wearing it around your nose. Plus, plastic lenses offer rich colors, especially for fashion.
But, the surface wear resistance is not as good as glass lenses. It’s because plastics have thin and soft properties.
As a result, this material is more prone to have some deformation after pressurizing. It is the process of fitting the lenses to the eyewear frame.
So, it may affect the optical properties of the lenses. Thus, extra care is essential if you’re choosing plastic lenses.
Resin Lenses (CR-39)
The resin lenses are the best in optical properties. Moreover, it has better surface abrasion and UV resistance. It sounds too perfect, but resin lenses are expensive.
Glass Lenses
Ordinary (Coquille glass lens) and Ground glass lenses are some common glass lenses.
The optical properties are stable (ground glass lenses). The pressure used in framing doesn’t create deformation, unlike plastics. Moreover, manufacturers treat reinforced glass lenses with special heat polymerization.
As a result, it increases durability and safer lenses. But, glass lenses tend to break easier and are heavier to wear.
Polarized Lenses (PL)
Polarized lenses are impact lenses with a special purpose. It filters the reflected light (or glare) of strong sunlight.
Have you noticed how blinding it is to look at reflected light?
Imagine walking on the street while raining or driving after the snow. The reflected light from snow surfaces or car hoods can be so dazzling.
Thus, the vision becomes clear and smooth even with lots of glare surrounding the area. Polarized lenses are suitable for drivers, fishing enthusiasts, water athletes, and snow workers.
A brief history of polarized lenses…
Around 1940, Dr. Rand discovered the principle of the polarization of light waves. Later, he invented “polarized lenses.” Manufacturers used it to make sunglasses, camera lens filters, and for scientific purposes.
Then, it gained popularity in the US and created Polaroid. The lenses of some polarized sunglasses still use polarized lenses provided by Polaroid.
Polarized lenses consist of thin layers of pressed resin material. Each layer has a different effect. For example, the first layer is the polarizing layer. It works like a shutter to filter out stray reflected light.
Then, the second and third layers filter 99.9% of harmful UV rays and reduce light intensity. It is the same as the function of ordinary sun lenses.
The fourth and fifth layers are impact resistant so that the lens is not easy to break. Finally, manufacturers reinforce the sixth and seventh layers. This way, the lens is not easy to wear.
Color-Changing Lenses Glass (PH) – PHOTOCHROMIC LENS
Its principle is to protect the eyes by transitioning the color of the lenses. It darkens in the sun and returns to lighter colors indoors. This reaction is a result of the sunlight intensity.
Color-Changing Lenses Glass is gaining popularity, especially for those who wear prescribed eyeglasses. It is because they do not have to bring two eyewear each time they go out.
In this case, photochromic lenses already provide a 2-in-1 solution. It provides eye protection and prescription to its users.
Different Colors of Lenses
Lenses come in different colors. But did you know that they are not only for fashion? Different lens colors have respective characteristics that offer unique features. Let’s look at some of the most common colors of lenses.
Gray – This color absorbs any color spectrum so the wearer can have a darkened view. But there is no significant chromatic aberration, showing a true natural feeling. It is a neutral color.
Teal – It filters a lot of blue light resulting in improved visual contrast and clarity. This color is helpful in the case of heavy air pollution or fog.
Green – This lens color can absorb light while maximizing the amount of green light reaching the eyes. So they have a cool and comfortable feeling. It is also suitable for people whose eyes feel tired fast.
Blue-Gray – Like gray lenses, they are neutral lenses. But it is darker and has a higher visible light absorption rate.
Mercury – It has a high-density mirror coating on the surface. Such lenses absorb and reflect more visible light. So, outdoor sportspeople can wear it often.
Yellow – These lenses do not belong to the sun lenses because they hardly reduce the visible light. But, yellow lenses can improve contrast in foggy and dusk situations. This color provides more accurate visual images, also known as night vision goggles. Some young people wear yellow lenses “sunglasses” for decorative use.
Light Blue and Other Light Colors – Light-colored lenses are for decorative purposes. These are not practical lenses.
Color Shades of Lenses
The color shades of the lenses affect the functionality of the lens. As a rule of thumb, a darker color lens absorbs more visible light. So, it becomes more prominent in blocking sunlight.
Generally, dark sun lenses can absorb more than 75% of the visible light. Meanwhile, some light-colored lenses may absorb less than 50% of the visible light.
Lens color shade only affects the visible light absorption performance. Thus, it has nothing to do with UV resistance. Since UV is invisible light, the lens material determines the UV resistance. The color shade has nothing to do with UV resistance.
For example, a colorless resin lens can still have 100% resistance. Such eyewear functions well in protecting your eyes against UV when outdoors. At the same time, it can have an excellent decorative effect indoors.
Understanding Sunglasses and Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible. The eyes can’t see it, but it can cause severe problems. It has three categories – UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays(315-380nm wave length) are closer to visible light rays. It means it has the lowest energy among the three categories. But, it doesn’t mean it can’t pose threats to human eyes. The UVA can still pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina. Overexposure can cause cataracts and the development of macular degeneration.
UVB rays (280-320nm) have stronger energy and longer wavelengths than UVA. The ozone layer filters these rays. But some still reach the Earth’s surface due to ozone depletion. Overexposure to UVB can cause several eye problems. It includes, but is not limited to, pinguecula, pterygium, and photokeratitis (“snow blindness”).
UVC rays (100-280nm) are the most harmful. The ozone layer can still block all UVC rays. But with the thinning of the ozone layer, there’s a potential that some UVC can reach the Earth’s surface. When it happens, it can cause UV-related severe health problems.
Thus, sunglasses lenses that can’t block 100% of UV rays are useless. It can still cause severe eye diseases. Why?
It’s because it deprives the self-protection ability of the human eye. If the lenses do not have UV protection, the human eye gets exposed to more UV radiation. As a result, it may cause irreversible damage to your vision.
Get a pair of qualified sunglasses that should block more than 95% of the UV rays to protect your eyes best. Remember, both children and adults need eye protection.
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How to Choose Sunglasses Style?
When it comes to sunglasses style, there’s no right or wrong. But if you want to be ‘fashionable’ in some sense, there are some factors to consider. It means you have to match the shape of your face and skin color to the lens color, lens shape, and frame style. In the end, choosing sunglasses should depend on your needs and style preference.
Style and Color Selection
The style and color selection of sunglasses evolved and diversified throughout time. People can now choose according to their personalization and favorite preference.
For example, the 80s to early 90s offered sunglasses with large frames. The double beam metal or plastic frames were so popular back then. Most styles came into peach-shaped eyewear with non-blue gray lenses.
Then, the mid-90s ended and added trendy sunglasses. It includes smaller frames and full-color lenses. The most common shapes were oval, round, and polygon.
During the late 90s, people had more options with the entry of frameless sunglasses. It also had multi-color plastic frames, hybrid metal and plastic, and light-colored lenses. Moreover, manufacturers added a “unisex” classification of frame styles and women’s and men’s.
Frame Style According To Face Shape
Did you know that there’s a consistent frame style according to the face shape? So choosing the right eyewear frame enhances the shape of your face and your looks.
Square Face
A curved frame can make up for the lack of a square face. The upper end of the frame should be higher on the front to weaken the jawline.
Round Face
To weaken the contours of a round face, use a straight or angular frame. Dark frames such as black or tortoiseshell can help reduce the sense of obesity given by a rounded shape.
Triangular Face
Wide forehead, narrow mouth, and chin. Using thin-rimmed and straight frames helps balance the lower part of the face. You should not place frames too high on the face. Otherwise, it will make the triangular face shape more prominent. Avoid large frames, eye-catching colors, and square-shaped frames.
Rectangular Face
Do you have a pair of cheeks almost the same width as the chin? A long, narrow face is like a square face. But, the length of the face is much greater than the width of the face. The frame should cover as much of the middle of the face. It reduces the impression of a long face.
Oval Face
Compared to any other face shape, this type of face shape looks better with all kinds of frames. Yet, the size of the frame should be proportional to the face.
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Choosing Frame Color
There are almost no “rules” you need to follow when it comes to color. Most of the time, it depends on the buyer’s preference, which usually depends on their gender and age.
Most Prefered Style and Color For Men
For formal occasions or business meetings, which one should you get? Consider eyewear with metal frames and traditional style. Choose dark colors – black, brown, or navy blue.
Sporty and edgier styles are perfect for casual wear. There’s no limit when it comes to colors. Depending on the event or occasion, you can be as playful and stylish as you want to.
Most Prefered Style and Color For Women
You can consider black, tortoiseshell, or monochrome dark plastic frames for formal occasions. Then, choose a style that can be lively but not too avant-garde. You can also consider more feminine metal frames.
You can choose some bright and fun colors for daily errands, travels, and other casual events. Of course, you’re free to choose unisex or even masculine frames.
Are you considering wearing it on your head as a hairpin decoration? Then, you should pay attention to the curvature of the frame. Besides, the length of the temples and the color should match your outfit.
What To Do in Summer For Myopic Eyes? – How to Wear Sunglasses?
If you have a pair of myopic eyes, how can you wear sunglasses in summer? There are solutions to look and stay “cool” in summer.
Contact Lenses
Wear contact lenses, and then you are free to choose sunglasses. You can pick any style and color like people with good vision. But during summer, it’s critical to wear sunglasses that are less likely to dry out the contact lenses.
Clip-on Sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses come in handy when you’re using myopic glasses. If you don’t want to bring a pair of sunglasses, attach the clip-on without a problem. Also, note that adding a clip-on adds weight to the original myopic glasses. So, it might cause a little discomfort to the wearer.
Color-Changing Lenses
Wearing color-changing lenses is the most versatile and convenient option. If you don’t want the inconvenience of wearing contact lenses or discomfort with a clip-on – this one is for you.
You only need to bring one pair of myopic glasses. It darkens in the sun and returns to lighter colors indoors. This eyewear provides a 2-in-1 solution – eye protection and prescription. But, color-changing lenses have a limited range of luminosity. The lenses are also thicker and heavier.
Resin Lenses
The best choice is to use resin lenses dyed to the wearer’s preferred color. The lenses of myopic sunglasses must be resin lenses. But, the refractive index of the resin lenses used depends on the wearer’s light level.
Moreover, the frame of myopic sunglasses can be a prescription frame or sunglasses. Consider whether the sunglasses frame is suitable for changing lenses when choosing sunglasses.
