Exploring the World Through Tinted Lenses: Sunglasses for Travel
Sunglasses are an essential accessory for travel because they add a touch of style to any outfit and protect our eyes from harmful UV rays and other potential hazards. This is why health experts even recommend that travellers wear their sunglasses throughout the entirety of their travels.
However, not all sunglasses are created equal, and some are better suited for certain activities than others. According to Dluxe Magazine, besides protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays, it is also important that the wearer can see clearly, which is why it is important to select sunglasses and lenses that fit specific visual needs. This heavily applies to travelling, as whether you are heading to the beach, going for a hike, or simply exploring a new city, choosing the right pair of sunglasses can make a world of difference in terms of both style and functionality.
Prescription sunglasses
For individuals who rely on corrective lenses for their vision, prescription sunglasses are an essential item for any travel adventure. Not only do they provide necessary vision correction, but they also offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and glare, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Whether it’s exploring a bustling city or relaxing on a sunny beach, individuals with vision impairments need to be able to see clearly in bright sunlight. Whether nearsighted, farsighted, or with astigmatism, prescription sunglasses offer wearers the perfect solution by combining the technology and benefits of vision correction and protection in a single lens. Many different styles offer this combined benefit, with brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley offering prescription sunglasses in different frames, lens tints, and colourways travellers can choose from to explore new surroundings with style and ease.
Photochromic sunglasses
Also known as transition lenses, this revolutionary eyewear innovation provides the perfect solution for busy travellers. Photochromic lenses automatically adapt to changing light conditions, making them ideal for individuals who are constantly on the move. They’re especially ideal for road trips, whether on the mountainous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island or around the sunny Oahu Island in Hawaii, where drivers may encounter changes in light intensity as they pass through tunnels, wooded areas, and open highways.
As such, they eliminate the need to constantly switch between regular sunglasses and prescription eyewear, as they automatically darken in response to UV rays and remain clear otherwise. They come in both budget and high-end designs. Brands like dhb offer affordable models like Vector that don’t skimp on quality by providing wider eye coverage.
Meanwhile, adventurers with a jam-packed itinerary may appreciate the wide range of designer sunglasses that offer photochromic lenses. Online catalogs including Sunglass Hut list everything from the Versace Biggie to the Prada Conceptual, which afford stylish options travellers can continually use for eye protection whether or not they need to stay focused on the road.
Impact-resistant sunglasses
Impact-resistant sunglasses are an essential piece of gear for anyone who enjoys outdoor travel activities such as hiking. They’re specifically designed to provide the wearer with a high level of protection against potential collisions.
These sunglasses are also able to withstand the rigours of outdoor activities and provide the wearer with clear and unobstructed vision in a variety of conditions. This is particularly important for outdoor enthusiasts who may be navigating rugged trails, crossing streams, or climbing over rocky terrain that can be found in places like Mount Kilimanjaro or the Appalachian Trail.
While regular sunglasses may offer some level of protection, impact-resistant models such as the Banyans and Hanalei sports sunglasses from activewear brand Maui Jim are often made with more advanced materials such as polycarbonate glass and patented SuperThin Glass. This ensures strength and resilience, so they are less likely to break or shatter even under the most challenging outdoor conditions.
Glacier sunglasses
Glacier sunglasses are specifically designed to protect the eyes from intense sunlight and glare that reflects off of snow and ice. They feature wraparound frames that provide a wide field of vision and shield the eyes from sunlight coming from all angles.
Additionally, glacier sunglasses often have side shields to block out peripheral light and prevent harmful UV rays from entering the eyes. When travelling to snowy destinations such as the Swiss Alps or the high-altitude regions of the Andes, the glare from the snow can be blinding. Without proper eye protection, travellers can experience discomfort, eye strain, and even temporary blindness from the intense glare.
Glacier sunglasses such as the Tera and Treeline from Sunski’s Alpine collection are specifically designed to combat these conditions and keep the eyes safe and comfortable. In addition, they are also designed to stay securely on the face during high-intensity activities like skiing down mountains or hiking through snowy landscapes.