When buying new sunglasses, people commonly ask the same question: Do I really need polarized lenses? As they should. After all, polarization is far from a small investment. For example, a classic pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers with polarized lenses can cost up to €140 - over 30 percent more than the non-polarized version €108“The lenses look the same when you see them, but there are physical layers, not just coating layers, in these lenses that take a lot more time to make.
Polarized lenses have an immediate effect on vision, reducing glare off of flat surfaces.
Q: Why are polarized lenses important?
We consume a world of reflected light that is constantly moving and in flux. Polarized lenses channel this reflected light, reducing its movement. This channeled light provides more visual clarity and definition. Polarized lenses also address eye fatigue and strain from reflected light. Eye fatigue is caused as your pupils chase reflected light, which causes constant expansion and contraction of the eye as it adjusts to the changing angle and intensity of the light. This eye fatigue is a direct trigger for headaches and migraines.
Polarized lenses are almost like mini Venetian blinds — there are microscopic blinds that are in the film in the lens. That cuts out the glare that’s coming into your eyes at that angle. It’s very effective at this.
Q: What makes them different than other lenses?
Polarized lenses block reflected light so they offer a higher level of eye protection. People often forget sunglasses are a medical device. Unlike our skin, our eyes do not contain melanin. This means [that] each time we expose them to sunlight, they become more sensitive.
Polarized lenses have a polarized film that filters reflected light in a vertical plane (the reflected light is predominately vibrating in a horizontal plane). In channeling that light, polarized lenses remove the majority of electromagnetic vibration, also known as glare.
Q: Who should have polarized lenses in their glasses?
Anyone that wants a heightened level of eye protection ultimately but in particular those who do water sports. The term has certainly been over-marketed in recent years and the quality of polarization varies greatly. A high-quality lens will block reflective light but still allow clear screen (Garmin / iPhone) visibility which is increasingly important to our athletes today.
Beyond UV protection and reducing the amount of light that penetrates the lens, which virtually all sunglasses have, the real point of having a sunglass is being able to see clearly and without eye strain in the constant barrage of reflected light. Most people equate polarized lenses with outdoor activities on the water, but they are conducive to virtually all settings. You are getting almost as much reflected light from urban surfaces, e.g. auto windows and concrete, as you are on the water. The mirror effect and movement of water, of course, amplifies this glare.
My experience is it’s definitely not for everyone; it’s for most people, but it’s not for everyone. Some people feel a little discombobulated because they’re disoriented by the effects that polarized can have, They’re not used to it. For example, car window screens that have window tint, you start seeing these purple blotches. It can change how you perceive the road surface. If you’re a skier and you want to see the reflection of ice on a sunny day, you don’t want polarized. If you’re a pilot, many of the windscreens are polarized themselves, and when you combine a polarized windscreen and polarized glasses, it can black out the screen, so they don’t wear polarized. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for most people, you’re going to have a better visual experience, especially when you’re in bright conditions, near water or outdoors.
Ray-Ban Polarized lenses block the horizontal waves of light that bounce off shiny surfaces, otherwise known as glare. A special coating on the lens prevents these horizontal waves from reaching your eyes, allowing you to enjoy the view without the blinding light. Ray-Ban Polarized lenses are also treated with an anti-reflective treatment to enhance visual clarity and ensure comfort. All Ray-Ban Polarized lenses feature a distinctive “P” after the Ray-Ban logo on the right
lens.
Ray-Ban Solid lenses were developed to deliver a high level of clarity, comfort, and UV protection. Solid lenses absorb 85% of visible light and block the most harmful blue light.
With a heritage of serious research, the original solid lens is the G-15. Created for military use, the G-15 was first and foremost a performance lens to aid American pilots while flying at high altitudes. Absorbing 85% of visible light, blocking glare, and providing remarkable color contrast, G-15 lenses were an advanced achievement in the eyewear industry and continue to be a favorite lens color today.
To break down the name, “G” is for green in this iconic smokey-green/grey lens color. 15 stands for the percentage of VLT (Visible Light Transmission) making this an excellent choice for sunny days or those with sensitive eyes. Ray-Ban G-15 lenses have unparalleled clarity and their unique color has proven to withstand evolving trends. G-15 lenses are available in both crystal (glass) or polycarbonate.
As you may have guessed, the “B” in B-15 stands for brown. This brown lens boasts the same performance as the G-15 but is better suited for lower light conditions. B-15 lenses increase contrast making this the superior lens color for cloudy days. It is also available in both crystal and polycarbonate materials.
Although it may be the lesser known of the solid lenses, Ray-Ban Blue lenses are an equally impressive option. Appropriate in any conditions, blue lenses deliver a true-to-color environment and reduce eye strain.
Ray-Ban Gradient lenses are meant to showcase the latest style trends and express your unique personality. Characterized by a flawless transition from a solid color to a transparent shade of the same hue, Ray-Ban gradient lenses are as smooth as they come. Available in crystal and polycarbonate materials, gradient lenses are good for low to medium light conditions.
Ray-Ban Mirror lenses are highly reflective and completely shield your eyes. Acting like a one-way mirror, these lenses provide the most light protection and are ideal on the sunniest of days. Pops of color and neutral tones make mirror lenses some of the most expressive lenses on the market. Ray-Ban Mirror lenses are available in both crystal and polycarbonate.
Ray-Ban Chromance lenses are Ray-Ban’s most innovative lens technology yet. Boasting brighter colors, enhanced contrast, and better clarity, Chromance lenses have 4 key features to brightening your world:
A few notes on all Ray-Ban Chromance lenses: They are all polarized, polycarbonate, and only available in Chromance frames.
]]>Which is why we’re so excited to unveil the latest collection of Gucci sunglasses London in all their glorious decadence. Handmade in Italian workshops with the highest quality materials, each pair is at once a statement piece and a wardrobe staple, designed to awe and crafted to last. In addition, all Gucci shades are fitted with lenses that block 100% of harmful UV rays and give you absolute clarity of vision.
So what do you need to know about the Gucci sunglasses women and Gucci sunglasses men this season?
The range of Gucci sunglasses women is nothing short of revelatory. Channeling all the glittery opulence of a Gatsby party, the Art-Deco inspired shades are immaculately designed and glamorously oversized. The collection makes use of bold shapes – with cat eye, hexagon and large squares featuring heavily. But it’s not just the shapes that have awed us – every pair also features stunning statement accents guaranteed to turn heads. From large over-sized aviators, to swarovski encrusted temples, to glitter-infused acetate frames, the latest collection brings a whole new meaning to attention-to-detail.
Make a statement with Gucci sunglasses women
These eyewear masterpieces are incredibly opulent and can be worn to add additional glamour to a summer evening outfit, or to be the star of the show in casual daytime wear. Whatever the occasion, we’d recommend letting your Gucci eyewear shine by pairing them with single-colour outfits without too much patterning – whether a floor-length red gown, or a plain white T.
Whilst the glamorous women’s collection hearkens back to the bygone Hollywood twenties, Gucci sunglasses men pay retro homage to the cool seventies. Featuring vintage accents – double bridges, tinted lenses and embossed metal hinges – the men’s collection jazzes up classic frame shapes with decadent details. Most of the collection is available in neutral shades, with tortoiseshell, blacks and greys offset by Gucci green and red temples – ideal for adding a touch of luxury to any summer look.
Classic shades demand a classic dress code, and it’s all in the detail. A white shirt and chinos can be transformed with a nice watch, leather boots and the right sunglasses. Don’t be afraid to let your Gucci shades stand out, whether you’re at a summer wedding, in the park with friends, or on a romantic city break.
Fancy trying on a pair of these haute-couture shades? Pop into Town Centre Pharmacy and you can experience the high fashion world of Gucci sunglasses today.