All about sports sunglasses

For any physical activity, good vision is essential if you want to enjoy it to the full and perform well.
Wearing sunglasses is recommended for outdoor sports to protect your eyes from UV rays and other external factors such as wind.
Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing sunglasses for sports.

Key considerations for good sports sunglasses

To enjoy your sport in complete safety and comfort, sports sunglasses must meet certain criteria.

The right sunglass lenses for outdoor sports

Firstly, sunglass lenses must be CE marked to guarantee quality.
For effective sun protection, lenses should also preferably be of category 3 or 4, regardless of the intensity of the sun's rays.
However, the category of sunglasses and the tint chosen may vary according to the type of sport and where it is practised.
For example, to cope with the high intensity of the sun's rays at high altitudes, maximum protection is then recommended.
Sports sunglass lenses can also be polarised and, if necessary, photochromic.
Depending on the sport, the sunglass lens can also be treated with an anti-fog coating.

A sport-adapted sunframe

The ideal sports sunglasses are comfortable and lightweight enough to be almost forgotten about.
Frames should fit your face perfectly so you don't have to worry about them falling off.
In fact, sports sunglasses should have a curved, wrap-around, non-slip frame for maximum stability.
To make sure your eyes are well covered, a frame with side protection can be considered.
Besides, for optimum comfort, sports sunglasses frames should be made of polycarbonate or any other ultra-light material.
The frame should also be able to withstand the shocks that come with the activity.
All this will ensure that your physical activity is not hindered and that you can enjoy it without worrying about your optical equipment.

Activities where sports sunglasses are essential

Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes is advisable for any outdoor activity.
It is even more important to wear effective and appropriate eyewear for certain outdoor sports.
For example, it's a wise idea to wear sports sunglasses when doing sports in the mountains.
The wrap-around frame of the sunglasses allows the wearer to cope with extreme sunlight and snow spray.
Straight temples are recommended, so they can slide under a cap or helmet.
Sunglass lenses should preferably be polarised to reduce the effect of reflection on snow-covered surfaces.
Sports sunglasses are also highly recommended for water sports.
For this type of activity, the frame can be made of a floating material and the lenses must be anti-fog and polarised.
For sports such as cycling or running, photochromic sunglasses are recommended to adapt to changing light conditions.
A frame with an adjustable nose bridge and non-slip temples is advisable so that you don't lose your sunglasses, despite all your movements.
Your Optical Center optician can help you choose the right sunglasses for your sport.