Pisa, Spike, OilDrum and Celcio combine technology, style and protection
There used to be a weathered old fence running along the side of my driveway. It was probably very colorful and beautiful at some point, though years of exposure to the elements, especially the sun, left it looking dried up, cracked and grey. It had been there forever, and it was sad to see it torn to bits and hauled it off to the dump.
In much the same way that the sun ruined my fence, your eyes are exposed to the same sort of damaging UV rays every day. Squinting, eye fatigue and even long term vision damage can result if your eyes go unprotected. Remember- you only get one pair.
To keep your retinas from looking like weathered planks of cedar, you might be thinking of investing in a set of performance sunglasses for driving.
Remember the age old adage that "you get what you pay for"? It's true, especially when it comes to protecting your eyes. That said, a pair of bargain shades from the two-ninety-nine bin at your local gas and wash aren't going to cut it.
Dr. David Chisholm, an optometrist, helped me sort out the importance of optimal vision for driving, especially in winter.
"Good vision is essential for safe driving especially in the winter when days are shorter and the sun seems brighter. Along with shorter days come longer nights, therefore, more driving is done in the dark. An eye examination will ensure you're seeing well enough to drive at night. Prescription night driving glasses with anti-glare coating can improve your vision" he says.
"It's always a good idea to wear sunglasses. This is especially true during winter months. We often think about sunglasses only in the summer but bright winter days can be harder on your eyes because snow reflects sunlight and the sun is lower in the sky. The resulting glare can make winter driving more difficult. So clean your windshield, wear a good pair of sunglasses and remember...convertible weather is only 7 months away."
Certain manufacturers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to create stylish protection that helps to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. I've spent a few months trying out the latest models from Oakley and Serengeti to try and shed some light on the topic.
Oakley Spike ($305)
Oakley is one of the most well known names in performance eyewear, and they've developed some unique materials and technologies which are employed on their line of glasses, including the "Spike" model.
Polarized lenses reduce glare by preventing reflected light from entering your eyes off of reflective surfaces like snow and water. This can take a serious load off while driving, especially in winter. They're also Iridium coated for optimized light transmission. The frames are made of titanium which is strong and light, and the grips are even formed of a material which becomes stickier when its wet- so if you perspire, they stay attached to your sweaty mug.
They have a sleek albeit oversized shape which keeps light from entering around the frame, and peripheral protection is fantastic. Featuring excellent performance in any lighting situation, the bronzed lenses enhance colors, especially on bright hazy days.
In terms of modern styling and cutting edge construction and materials, the Oakley Spike glasses are tough to beat.
There used to be a weathered old fence running along the side of my driveway. It was probably very colorful and beautiful at some point, though years of exposure to the elements, especially the sun, left it looking dried up, cracked and grey. It had been there forever, and it was sad to see it torn to bits and hauled it off to the dump.
In much the same way that the sun ruined my fence, your eyes are exposed to the same sort of damaging UV rays every day. Squinting, eye fatigue and even long term vision damage can result if your eyes go unprotected. Remember- you only get one pair.
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| Top Oil Drum and Spike, Bottom Pisa and Celcio |
Remember the age old adage that "you get what you pay for"? It's true, especially when it comes to protecting your eyes. That said, a pair of bargain shades from the two-ninety-nine bin at your local gas and wash aren't going to cut it.
Dr. David Chisholm, an optometrist, helped me sort out the importance of optimal vision for driving, especially in winter.
"Good vision is essential for safe driving especially in the winter when days are shorter and the sun seems brighter. Along with shorter days come longer nights, therefore, more driving is done in the dark. An eye examination will ensure you're seeing well enough to drive at night. Prescription night driving glasses with anti-glare coating can improve your vision" he says.
"It's always a good idea to wear sunglasses. This is especially true during winter months. We often think about sunglasses only in the summer but bright winter days can be harder on your eyes because snow reflects sunlight and the sun is lower in the sky. The resulting glare can make winter driving more difficult. So clean your windshield, wear a good pair of sunglasses and remember...convertible weather is only 7 months away."
Certain manufacturers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to create stylish protection that helps to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. I've spent a few months trying out the latest models from Oakley and Serengeti to try and shed some light on the topic.
Oakley Spike ($305)
 |
| Oakley Spike |
Polarized lenses reduce glare by preventing reflected light from entering your eyes off of reflective surfaces like snow and water. This can take a serious load off while driving, especially in winter. They're also Iridium coated for optimized light transmission. The frames are made of titanium which is strong and light, and the grips are even formed of a material which becomes stickier when its wet- so if you perspire, they stay attached to your sweaty mug.
They have a sleek albeit oversized shape which keeps light from entering around the frame, and peripheral protection is fantastic. Featuring excellent performance in any lighting situation, the bronzed lenses enhance colors, especially on bright hazy days.
In terms of modern styling and cutting edge construction and materials, the Oakley Spike glasses are tough to beat.