Sunglasses serve a dual purpose: shielding your eyes from bright sunlight and protecting them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The darkening effect of tinted lenses reduces the intensity of visible light, mitigating discomfort and squinting in bright conditions. While this dimming is essentially an optical trick, it offers significant relief for those sensitive to sunlight.
More importantly, quality sunglasses block UV radiation, safeguarding against long-term eye damage, including vision loss and certain eye cancers. This protection stems from specialized coatings on the lenses that selectively filter light. These coatings are engineered to reflect high-frequency UV rays while allowing beneficial lower-frequency light to pass through. The development of these materials requires advanced scientific processes and specialized, often costly, materials.
Prescription sunglasses offer a comprehensive solution by combining vision correction with sun and UV protection. These lenses undergo a complex three-step process: first, corrective lenses are manufactured, then tinted, and finally coated with UV-reflective chemicals. The result is a seamless integration of vision enhancement and eye protection. For added convenience, clip-on tinted lenses are also available, providing a DIY alternative for creating prescription sunglasses.