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Lenses Optical Attribute

Anti-Reflective

Gradient

Mirror

Photochromic

Polarized

UV400



    Anti-Reflective

    Anti-reflective coating: See better and look beter

    Anti-reflective coating (also called "AR coating" or "anti-glare coating") improves vision, reduces eye strain and makes your eyeglasses look more attractive.

    These benefits are due to the ability of AR coating to virtually eliminate reflections from the front and back surfaces of your eyeglass lenses. With reflections gone, more light passes through your lenses to optimize visual acuity with fewer distractions (especially at night), and the lenses look nearly invisible — which enhances your appearance by drawing more attention to your eyes and helping you make better "eye contact" with others.

    AR coating is especially beneficial when used on high-index lenses, which reflect more light than regular plastic lenses. Generally, the higher the index of refraction of the lens material, the more light that will be reflected from the surface of the lenses.

    For example, regular plastic lenses reflect roughly 8 percent of light hitting the lenses, so only 92 percent of available light enters the eye for vision. High index plastic lenses can reflect up to 50 percent more light than regular plastic lenses (approximately 12 percent of available light), so even less light is available to the eye for vision. This can be particularly troublesome in low-light conditions, such as when driving at night.

    Today's modern anti-reflective coatings can virtually eliminate the reflection of light from eyeglass lenses, allowing 99.5 percent of available light to pass through the lenses and enter the eye for good vision.

    By eliminating reflections, AR coating also makes your eyeglass lenses look nearly invisible so people can see your eyes and facial expressions more clearly. Anti-reflective glasses also are more attractive, so you can look your best in all lighting conditions.

    The visual benefits of lenses with anti-reflective coating include sharper vision with less glare when driving at night and greater comfort during prolonged computer use (compared with wearing eyeglass lenses without AR coating).

    When applied to photochromic lenses, AR coating enhances the clarity and comfort of these premium lenses in all light conditions without reducing their sun-reactive performance.

    Anti-reflective coating also is a good idea for sunglasses, because it eliminates glare from sunlight reflecting into your eyes from the back surface of tinted lenses when the sun is behind you. (Generally, AR coating is applied only to the back surface of sunglass lenses because there are no cosmetic or visual benefits to eliminating reflections from the front surface of dark-tinted lenses.)

    Most premium AR lenses include a surface treatment that seals the anti-reflective layers and makes the lenses easier to clean. "Hydrophobic" surface treatments repel water, preventing the formation of water spots.

     

    Some anti-reflective lenses have surface treatments that are both hydrophobic and "oleophobic" (also called lipophobic), which means they repel both water and oil. These combination treatments typically contain fluorinated materials that give the lenses properties that are very similar to those of nonstick cookware.

    Choose An AR Coating That's Best For You

    Each AR coating manufacturer has its own proprietary formula, but generally all anti-reflective coatings consist of multiple microscopic layers of metallic oxides of alternating high and low index of refraction. Since each layer affects different wavelengths of light, the more layers there are, the more reflections that are neutralized. Some high-quality AR coatings have up to seven layers.

    Depending on your lifestyle, your optician might suggest a specific brand of anti-reflective coating. If you spend a lot of time working at a computer, you might benefit from an AR coating that filters out blue light. For example, Hoya says its Recharge EX3 anti-reflective treatment blocks high-energy blue light emitted by electronic devices — such as computers, e-readers, smartphones, and even energy-efficient light bulbs — that could be damaging to the eyes over time.

    Depending on the AR coating formula, most lenses with anti-reflective coating have a very faint residual color, usually green or blue, that is characteristic of that particular brand of coating.

    Anti-reflective coatings are incredibly thin. The entire multilayer AR coating stack generally is only about 0.2 to 0.3 microns thick, or about 0.02 percent (two one-hundredths of 1 percent) of the thickness of a standard eyeglass lens.

     

    When cleaning AR-coated lenses, use only products that your optician recommends. Lens cleaners with harsh chemicals may damage the anti-reflective coating.

    Also, don't attempt to clean AR-coated lenses without wetting them first. Using a dry cloth on a dry lens can cause lens scratches. And because anti-reflective coating eliminates light reflections that can mask lens surface defects, fine scratches often are more visible on AR-coated lenses than on uncoated lenses.

    Gradient

    Gradients Tints from Top to Bottom

    Gradient lens tints for sunglasses are popular for both fashion and function. Gradient, when referring to lenses, means darkening by regular degrees (where the tint deepens gradually throughout the lens.) Most often, gradient lenses are tinted from the top down, with the darkest portion of the lens protecting you most when you look up (as would be needed if you were outside, with the sun overhead.)

    Gradient Lenses for Driving, Hiking, or…Clubbing?

    Gradient lenses are great for driving because the upper half of the lens shields your eyes from the sun, but the lower part isn’t as deeply tinted making it easier to see your dashboard (or to change the song on your radio, without having to take your sunglasses off.) Gradient lenses also work well for pilots for the same reason. They make it easier to look back and forth between the skies ahead and the instrument panel.

    Gradient lenses are ideal for indoor to outdoor situations, if you are popping in and out of stores in an open air mall, for example. You could keep your sunglasses on throughout, utilizing the lower part of the lens while you shop and the upper part when you head outside. And people can still see your eyes through them, so you don’t feel rude when keeping them on to check out at the cashier. You could also consider a gradient lens tints for hiking. While they protect your eyes from the sun filtering through the trees, they also allow you to see clearly what is at your feet, avoiding tripping over rocks or tree roots.

    More and more people are wearing sunglasses in nightclubs. Of course they look cool, but it’s not very practical to wear sunglasses in the dark. Gradient lens tints for fashion are a great solution, allowing clubbers to dance incognito while still seeing well enough to explore a drink menu (and not step on other party-goers toes.)

    Fashion Possibilities are Endless with Gradient Tints

    The fashion possibilities of gradient lenses are endless, since you can tint a lens virtually any color. Make a bold statement by coordinating the tint of your lenses with the frames, picking up an accent color, or going full matchy-matchy. Rose, aqua, lavender, and olive are all popular fashion tints. And gradient tints don’t have to be just different depths of the same shade, double and triple gradient options are available where multiple colors are incorporated.

    There are a variety of different reasons why tinted lenses are practical:

    • They are good for driving, because they shield your eyes from overhead sunlight and allow more light through the bottom half of the lens so you can see your dashboard clearly.
    • They provide protection for your eyes from the sun when you are outside, and you can still walk without tripping over things when you go indoors.
    • If you don’t want very black lenses but want to look cool in your sunglasses – gradient lenses are like the best of both worlds.
    • People can still see your eyes through them (OK so they would be able to see you better if you tilt your head back a bit, but that still counts).
    • They make you look effortlessly glamorous and sophisticated (not a ‘practical’ reason exactly, but an important consideration anyway).

    Essentially, sunglasses with gradient lenses give you a subtle, understated look that is classy and stylish (and they do have some practical advantages…). They also look good on most frame styles, from classic aviators to oversized, round frames. The lenses themselves also come in all colours – from a smoky brown look to dark black fading into light purple, and many more adventurous colours besides.

    Mirror

    Fashionable sunglasses in many different styles are showing up with mirrored lenses this season. You’ll see them on round sunglasses, aviators, and even on wayfarers and cat eye glasses. Whether you are looking for men's sunglasses or women's sunglasses, mirror polarized sunglasses are made for everyone. It's one of the most popular sunglasses styles.

    What Are Mirror-Coated Sunglasses?

    Sunglasses with mirror coating have lenses that reflect light away from your eyes more than regular tinted lenses. They have the appearance of mirrors, and they’re offered in both prescription and regular lenses.

    Are mirror coated sunglasses simply for good looks? You might be surprised about some of the following benefits of mirrored sunglasses.

    Mirrored Sunglasses Offer Brighter Fields of Vision

    It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but mirrored sunglasses actually offer a brighter vision to the wearer. Because these sunglasses reflect light instead of absorbing it, people actually experience more brightness through the lenses.

    This is especially helpful for people who are outside for long stretches at a time. For instance, people who drive semi-trucks or athletes who spend many hours at a time outside find that they experience less eye strain when they wear mirrored sunglasses.

    Mirrored Sunglasses are More Durable

    Mirror coating is one of the most durable coatings available for sunglasses today. If wear and tear are an important consideration for you, think about getting a pair of mirrored sunglasses. They resist scratches much better than some of the other coatings, so if you are hard on sunglasses, this might be the best option for you.

    Because they’re more durable, people often like wearing mirrored sunglasses when they play sports or participate in water activities. If you’re going boating, playing volleyball, or skiing, take along a pair of mirrored sunglasses and keep your eyes protected without worrying about scratching your lenses. Check out the differences between polarized vs non polarized sunglasses.

    Anonymity

    Some people, especially introverts, really appreciate the anonymity they experience when they’re wearing mirrored sunglasses. No one knows whether you’re making eye contact or looking at the fountain just beyond the person you’re talking to. It’s kind of like walking around in disguise. If you could use a little anonymity in your life, get yourself a pair of mirrored sunglasses. If you want to buy sunglasses online, check out our store.

    Glare Protection

    People with extreme light sensitivity find that mirrored sunglasses help them to feel more comfortable out in the sunshine. If you tend to get headaches from being out in the sun, whether it’s in the heat of summer or the reflective glare of winter, mirrored sunglasses can protect your eyes from damage and keep you more comfortable.

    UV Light Protection

    Sunglasses with mirror-coated lenses are available with up to 100 percent UV protection. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can result in photokeratitis, sometimes referred to as “sunburn of the eye.” This condition can be painful. It’s characterized by red eyes and the feeling that you have something gritty, like sand, in your eyes. Your eyes may tear up until they begin to heal. Fortunately, photokeratitis is a temporary condition, but there are other more permanent conditions that can occur if your eyes are repeatedly exposed to too much sun.

    For example, cataracts and macular degeneration are common in older people whose eyes were exposed to too much solar radiation. Wearing mirrored sunglasses can help to block out the harmful UV rays that damage the eyes.

     Photochromic

    Have you ever considered prescription sunglasses? There’s no need for them if you choose photochromic lenses because they change tint according to the light conditions. In strong sunlight, your spectacles work as sunglasses. Indoors, they are your normal clear spectacles. If you don’t want to carry extra glasses or dislike constant switching, then photochromic lenses are for you. 

    Light Reactive Lenses

    Light reactive lenses were developed to react consistently to light, UV rays and temperature. They darken quickly when you step outdoors and fade back just as quickly to full clarity indoors. During these rapid transitions, total UV protection is maintained.

    Specifically tailored to advanced freeform lenses, Light reactive lenses is available in a wide range of combinations.

    A choice of three natural tints – bronze brown, silver gray and emerald green – provides superior contrast and glare reduction, with up to 35% richer color tones without impacting vision or color perception. Tints range from a category 3 sun tint outdoors to full clarity indoors.

    Polarized

    Benefits of Polarized Lenses

    First things first, why are polarized lenses unique? Well, they’re coated with a special chemical film that helps reduce glare. We all know that estranged feeling of being blinded by glare, so we don’t necessarily have to go into detail about how glare happens other than light from the sun is reflected off a solid surface or water. By having this chemical film on polarized sunglasses, you are able to see more clearly. Not to mention, it helps reduce harmful effects from UV light.

    How Polarization Works

    Polarization blocks glare, because glare isn’t ideal when you’re trying to walk your dog on a busy street. Like stated before, the sun’s rays reflect light in every direction and when a ray hits a flat surface, the reflected light shines back at your eye which causes glare.

    When wearing sunglasses without polarization, the lenses only reduce the amount of light that is transmitted through the lens both horizontally and vertically. If you choose polarized lenses, though, the glasses absorb horizontal light waves, while still allowing vertical waves to pass through. Basically light only travels in one direction through polarized lenses which then eliminates glare. You can thank us for making your road trips and boating experience better.

    See the difference polarized lenses can make on your view in the image below.

    UV400

    What is UV400 Protection?

    Who doesn’t love the glorious feel of a few rays of sunlight kissing your skin? And, compared to the leathery, Ooompa-Loompa look of sunbaked skin that was the norm in decades past, we’ve gotten a lot smarter about sun protection while enjoying the great outdoors or just running errands in the neighborhood. Everyone knows how important it is to slather on sunscreen, and clothing and hats with sun-protective features also have become more popular. So why aren’t we more careful about our eyes?

    Maybe it’s because, unlike wrinkles and sunspots, we can’t see the damage the sun is doing to our eyes. A sunburn looks as painful as it feels, but UV light has to pass through your cornea to the retina and lens to inflict harm. The result? Cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancers that can lead to blindness—but don’t typically appear until your 40s or later. And since most sun exposure occurs before you turn 20, it may be too late by the time sunglasses become a regular part of your wardrobe. (But it never hurts to start!)

    UV400 protection—which is to nearly 100 percent protection from harmful ultraviolet rays—can protect your precious peepers for a lifetime. Here’s everything you need to know about UV light—and how to choose the right specs with UV400 protection.

    UV Light Defined

    Ultraviolet, or UV light, is electromagnetic radiation from the sun. We can’t see it, but it penetrates the earth’s atmosphere and reaches your skin and eyes in the form of UVA and UVB waves. These harmful rays can do nasty damage in any season, and there’s no place on earth where you’re immune. Don’t think you’re safe in the shade, either: Wear those sunglasses on overcast days, too, since UV light is coming through even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

    Source

    • framesdirect.com
    • blickers.com
    • allaboutvision.com
    • tabulaeeyewear.com
    • hoyavision.com
    • sunglasswarehouse.com