Do I need UV400 or polarised sunglasses?
Ideally both, because they do different jobs. UV400 protects your eyes from ultraviolet light. Polarised lenses reduce glare. UV400 is the one to look for on safety grounds. Polarised is an extra comfort feature, especially useful for driving.
What does UV400 mean?
UV400 means the lens blocks ultraviolet light up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres, which covers the UV that reaches us from the sun. Gujarat sun is strong for much of the year, so UV protection matters even on days that are hazy.
It is a protective feature, and it is not related to how dark a lens looks.
What does polarised mean?
Light reflecting off flat surfaces such as a road, water or a car bonnet becomes concentrated glare. A polarised lens has a special filter that blocks much of that glare, so the view looks calmer and clearer.
This is why many drivers on SG Highway like polarised lenses. A few things to know:
- Polarised does not automatically mean UV protected, so check for both
- Some digital screens, such as a phone or car display, can look dim or patchy through polarised lenses
- It is a comfort feature, not a substitute for UV400
Does a darker lens mean better protection?
No. This is the most common mistake. UV protection comes from a coating or the lens material, not from the colour. A very dark lens with no UV filter can be worse than a pale one, because your pupils open in the dark tint and more unfiltered UV can enter.
You also cannot judge UV protection by eye. Without testing equipment, the honest answer is that you cannot tell by looking at a lens. The practical solution is to buy from a shop that can tell you what the lens is rated for.
What do lens colours do?
- Grey: keeps colours natural, a good all-round choice
- Brown or amber: adds contrast, which some people like for driving
- Green: natural colour with a slight contrast boost
- Mirror coating: reflects extra light off the surface, and is mostly a style choice
How should sunglasses fit?
Coverage matters. A good pair:
- Covers the whole eye area and ideally sits close to the face
- Does not slide down your nose
- Has arms that sit comfortably behind the ears without pinching
- Is wide enough so light does not come in from the sides
Wraparound or larger frames give more coverage than very small ones.
Can I get prescription sunglasses?
Yes. If you wear glasses, you can ask for prescription lenses in a sunglass frame, so you see clearly and get the protection in one pair. This is convenient for driving, since you do not need to swap glasses.
Optimax Vision stocks sunglasses from Idee, Irus, Opium, Scott, Pyramid and Ben Hunt.
If you notice sudden changes in vision, eye pain, redness or flashes of light, see an eye doctor without waiting.
Visit Optimax Vision in Super Mall 1, Infocity (open 11 am to 9 pm every day) or WhatsApp +91 70165 09225.
Quick questions
Are darker sunglasses safer for my eyes?
No. Lens darkness and UV protection are separate things. A very dark lens without UV protection can be worse than a lighter lens that blocks UV.
Are polarised sunglasses good for driving?
Many people find them comfortable for driving because they cut glare from the road and other vehicles. Check that you can still read your dashboard and phone screen clearly.
Can I get sunglasses with my prescription?
Yes. Prescription sunglasses are possible. Ask in the shop about the options for your power and frame.