5 Common Mistakes When Buying Driving Sunglasses

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying the Right Driving Glasses

Choosing the right sunglasses for driving is a decision that directly impacts the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users. This choice goes far beyond aesthetics and fashion trends; a proper pair of driving glasses is a crucial safety tool. However, many drivers, relying on misconceptions or insufficient information, make mistakes that can impair their vision and increase the risk of accidents. In this comprehensive article, a summary of top optical and road safety guides from the US and the UK, we will delve into these mistakes and how to make the right choice.

Mistake #1: Prioritizing Lens Darkness Over UV Protection

It is a dangerous misconception that darker lenses offer better protection against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Why is This Mistake Dangerous?

UV protection is an invisible coating applied to the lens and has no relation to its color or tint level. When you wear dark sunglasses without a UV filter, your pupils dilate in response to the reduced ambient light. This allows a much larger volume of harmful UVA and UVB rays to enter your eyes, causing irreversible damage to internal structures like the retina and lens, leading to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. In fact, in this scenario, the damage to your eyes is far greater than if you weren't wearing glasses at all.

What is the Correct Solution?

Always look for a label or marking that indicates "100% UV Protection" or "UV400". This standard guarantees that the lens blocks all ultraviolet rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometers. This feature is essential for the long-term health of your eyes.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Polarized Technology to Combat Glare

Many drivers, especially when buying their first pair of sunglasses, are unaware of the importance of polarized lenses and mistake them for regular sunglasses.

How Does Glare Impair Your Vision?

Sunlight that reflects off horizontal surfaces such as wet roads, dashboards, snow, or the hoods of other cars becomes concentrated, creating a phenomenon called "horizontal glare." This intense light can suddenly blind you, making it impossible to see road details and causing severe eye fatigue and headaches.

How Do Polarized Lenses Work?

These lenses contain a special chemical filter that is vertically oriented. This filter blocks the disruptive horizontal light waves, allowing only vertical waves to pass through. The result is much clearer vision, with higher color contrast and without eye strain. This feature is an undeniable safety advantage when driving at sunrise or sunset, or after rainfall when road reflections are at their peak.

Mistake #3: Choosing Inappropriate or Excessively Dark Colors

Selecting fashion colors or lenses designed for extremely bright conditions is a common mistake that compromises safety.

Which Colors are Dangerous for Driving?

Lenses with blue, pink, or light green tints can interfere with the correct perception of traffic light and road sign colors. On the other hand, very dark lenses that fall into "Filter Category 4" and absorb more than 92% of light are illegal for driving in many countries, including the UK. These lenses severely reduce vision in shadows, when entering tunnels, or in overcast weather.

What Are the Best Colors and Filter Categories for Driving?

To choose the best lens for driving, it's essential to consider the color and filter category. Gray tints are ideal for sunny days because they preserve natural colors, while brown or amber tints improve vision in cloudy or foggy conditions by increasing contrast. In terms of darkness, for daytime driving, always look for lenses in Filter Category 2 (suitable for medium light) or Filter Category 3 (suitable for bright sunlight).

Mistake #4: Using Unsuitable Glasses for Low-Light Conditions and Night Driving

It is a fatal mistake to use any type of sunglasses or tinted eyewear for driving at night or in twilight conditions.

Why Are Night Driving Glasses a Separate Category?

Any eyewear that filters even a small amount of light will reduce the total amount of light reaching your eyes, severely impairing your vision at night. Glasses marketed as "night driving glasses" with yellow lenses, although they may create a sensation of increased contrast, have been shown by scientific research to actually slow a driver's reaction time by reducing incoming light. The best way to improve night vision is to keep your car's windshield clean (inside and out) and to use prescription glasses with an Anti-Reflective Coating, which minimizes halos and reflections from streetlights and oncoming cars.

Mistake #5: Overlooking the Impact of the Frame on Peripheral Vision

Many buyers choose a frame based solely on appearance and current trends, paying no attention to its effect on their field of view.

How Can a Frame Be Hazardous?

Frames with very wide and thick temples block your peripheral vision. This vision is vital for being aware of the position of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians in your blind spots. Restricted peripheral vision dramatically increases the risk of accidents, especially when changing lanes or at intersections.

What are the Features of a Suitable Frame for Driving?

Look for frames with thin temples and a simple design. Lightweight metal frames or high-quality plastic frames that sit well on your face are better choices. The frame should be large enough to cover the eyes properly but not so large that it obstructs peripheral vision. Also, ensure the glasses rest comfortably on your nose and behind your ears and do not cause pressure or distraction over long periods. Comfortable glasses are glasses you forget you're wearing.

By considering these key points and avoiding common mistakes, you can select glasses that not only meet safety standards but also enhance your driving experience by providing clear, comfortable vision and protecting your eyes from environmental damage. Remember, investing in a quality pair of driving sunglasses is an investment in your safety and health.