Sure, the winter scenery looks beautiful, but it's doing a real number on your retinas if your eyes aren't protected while you enjoy it. Being outdoors or driving for extended lengths of time in wintry conditions without proper protection can lead to eye-fatigue, drowsiness and even eye damage.
Dr. David Chisholm, an optometrist, explains the importance of optimal vision protection 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, so more driving is done in the dark too".
If you're squinting and experiencing eye strain while driving all day, your eyes will be fatigued earlier into the evening. For that reason, a set of quality driving glasses can be not only an investment in eye protection, but an investment in safety as well.
Rene Gerber, Assistant Marketing Manager at Serengeti, says "exposure to intense sunlight slows the process of dark adaption by your eyes so that normal night vision might not be reached for several hours".
In effect, an important reason for wearing sunglasses during the day is so that you can drive more safely at night.
Not just any glasses will do, of course. Plenty of quality brands exist- but so do plenty of bargain-basement ones. Differences lie mainly with optics and assembly quality, though other important differences exist too.
Dr. Chisholm explains "One difference is the percentage of UVA and UVB protection provided by the lens and how the lens was manufactured. The cheap glasses often have distortion and aberrations that can cause blurry vision and eye strain. High quality lenses are manufactured according to strict optical tolerances, and have coatings to reduce scratches and glare".
Gerber adds "the more expensive sunglass brand names put a lot of research and money into the design, technology and material for the sunglass, as optical quality and frame material is important. With cheap, non-branded sunglasses, the design is often a replica of a well-known brand".
Companies like Serengeti have earned a reputation for making exceptional driving glasses by using various technologies and high quality optics. Needless to say, if you're wearing a $5.99 pair from the local gas station, you're not doing yourself any favors.
The difference between sunglasses and dedicated driving glasses exists because of the differences in their intended use.
"Glare from sunlight or reflective surfaces cause discomfort to the eye, as there's too much light for your eyes to handle comfortably or efficiently. In winter driving, the glare from reflected snow can be as high as 85%- compared to only 2% from grass in summer".
Dealing with this glare effectively will generally require a lens with a high or complete level of UVA / UVB protection. Polarization is important for driving too, as it drastically cuts light reflection from the landscape- for instance off of puddles, lakes, snowbanks and the like.
You'll want to look for a frame with thin arms that won't impede your vision during shoulder-checks, and be sure to get a protective case for when your shades aren't in use.
Head to your local optometrist or optical dealer to try out some of the latest styles. Remember, a comfortable fit should be the objective- but the lens is the most important feature. Your eye-doctor will be happy to help you find a perfect pair.
photo:Justin Pritchard
Dr. David Chisholm, an optometrist, explains the importance of optimal vision protection 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, so more driving is done in the dark too".
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If you're squinting and experiencing eye strain while driving all day, your eyes will be fatigued earlier into the evening. For that reason, a set of quality driving glasses can be not only an investment in eye protection, but an investment in safety as well.
Rene Gerber, Assistant Marketing Manager at Serengeti, says "exposure to intense sunlight slows the process of dark adaption by your eyes so that normal night vision might not be reached for several hours".
In effect, an important reason for wearing sunglasses during the day is so that you can drive more safely at night.
Not just any glasses will do, of course. Plenty of quality brands exist- but so do plenty of bargain-basement ones. Differences lie mainly with optics and assembly quality, though other important differences exist too.
Dr. Chisholm explains "One difference is the percentage of UVA and UVB protection provided by the lens and how the lens was manufactured. The cheap glasses often have distortion and aberrations that can cause blurry vision and eye strain. High quality lenses are manufactured according to strict optical tolerances, and have coatings to reduce scratches and glare".
Gerber adds "the more expensive sunglass brand names put a lot of research and money into the design, technology and material for the sunglass, as optical quality and frame material is important. With cheap, non-branded sunglasses, the design is often a replica of a well-known brand".
Companies like Serengeti have earned a reputation for making exceptional driving glasses by using various technologies and high quality optics. Needless to say, if you're wearing a $5.99 pair from the local gas station, you're not doing yourself any favors.
The difference between sunglasses and dedicated driving glasses exists because of the differences in their intended use.
"Glare from sunlight or reflective surfaces cause discomfort to the eye, as there's too much light for your eyes to handle comfortably or efficiently. In winter driving, the glare from reflected snow can be as high as 85%- compared to only 2% from grass in summer".
Dealing with this glare effectively will generally require a lens with a high or complete level of UVA / UVB protection. Polarization is important for driving too, as it drastically cuts light reflection from the landscape- for instance off of puddles, lakes, snowbanks and the like.
You'll want to look for a frame with thin arms that won't impede your vision during shoulder-checks, and be sure to get a protective case for when your shades aren't in use.
Head to your local optometrist or optical dealer to try out some of the latest styles. Remember, a comfortable fit should be the objective- but the lens is the most important feature. Your eye-doctor will be happy to help you find a perfect pair.
photo:Justin Pritchard