Sunglasses are fundamental in protecting the eyes from harmful 
ultraviolet (UV) rays and eye damage. With the popularity of 
almost every imaginable outdoor sport such as snowboarding, 
skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and golfing 
to name a few, the need for sports performance sunglasses is on 
the rise. That is why much research and technology has gone 
into the making of sports sunglasses; the importance of having 
lightweight, durable, flexible and safe glasses is of special 
importance for the avid sports enthusiast.

First off you will want lenses that offer the ultimate in UVA 
and UVB protection. As UV light damages the cornea and retina 
causing future problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, 
cancer of the eye or photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina), 
you will want lenses that have one hundred percent UV protection.
The UV protection should be stated on the label, if it is not 
you probably don’t want to buy the lenses.

Sports sunglasses offer many excellent features in the design 
and overall shape that will ensure comfort, fit and safety to 
withstand the rugged demands of active sports. Features such as 
shock frames, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, durability, 
ventilation and non-slip grips are at the top of the list when 
selecting you’re sports sunglasses. The lightweight shock frames 
provide excellent coverage that will not bounce or shift during 
athletic activity. Used for active life-styles the sunglasses 
will withstand the extra tough demands of active sports. The 
lightweight frames offer comfort, longwearing and absorbing 
qualities.

The shatterproof polycarbonate lenses prove great for people 
needing high impact resistance in a pair of sunglasses. 
Polycarbonate is one of the newest technologies in lens 
materials. The material is similar to that used for bullet 
resistant glass in autos. Because the polycarbonate material 
is naturally UV absorbing, the clear lenses can even boast one 
hundred percent UV protection. Some polycarbonate is approved for 
use in safety glasses. The shatterproof lenses are lightweight, 
impact-resistant, durable and scratch-resistant; the lenses are 
virtually break proof, peace of mind for those high impact 
sports enthusiasts. The polycarbonate eyewear is the only 
eyewear approved for use with most Police and Fire Departments.

The durability of the lenses is another important quality of 
the sports sunglasses. Having lenses and frames that are scratch 
resistant, lightweight yet durable is necessary with the demands 
of some of the high impact sports. Polyamide is a popular 
material used today for frames, great because it keeps its shape 
even under stress. Both sunglasses and goggles offer excellent 
ventilation systems within their lens and frame designs. This is 
an important feature to eliminate fog and condensation during 
activity, ensuring proper vision and safety while at the same 
time blocking incoming harmful rays. Lastly the no-slip temple 
grips and nose pads (usually made of rubber) is a feature that 
goes without explaining. The need for sunglasses to stay securely
in place during athletic activity (while providing comfort and 
non-distorted vision) can be crucial given some sport situations.

Having the proper sports sunglasses can have a profound effect 
on an athletes overall performance. Not only do sunglasses and 
eyewear protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, but also athletes 
wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles with polycarbonate 
(shatterproof) lenses are spared injury. Face shields using 
polycarbonate are also used for baseball catchers, hockey, and 
football players. It’s important to never substitute regular 
sunglasses during sports. Sunglasses for standard street wear 
are not made of the same safety materials as sports sunglasses 
and will most likely not hold up if under impact, the glasses 
could shatter or bend causing pieces of the frame or lens to 
cause eye or even face injury.

Sports injuries are not the only danger while participating 
in athletic sports. Ultraviolet light from the sun is harmful 
even in the winter. UV light contributes to diseases such as 
cataracts, cancer, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the retina). 
It is important for snowboarders and skiers to always wear 
tinted goggles or sports sunglasses, as UV bounces off snow 
even on the cloudiest of days, this is also true of anyone 
participating in water sports as UV bounces off water.

Goggles in an amber or rose tint can be used to enhance the 
snow shadows on a ski slope indicating ridges or bumps on the 
surface, helping snowboarders and skiers alike decide where 
to turn and maneuver as to avoid catching edges and falling.

Other useful features that are appealing to sports enthusiasts 
are the mirror coatings, polarized lenses and various tints. 
The available multi-color flash mirror coatings reflect light 
providing anti-glare viewing. Polarized lenses block the 
vertically-reflected light coming into the lens making them 
appropriate for use around water, snow and driving, Some of the 
popular tints available are gray, amber and yellow. The gray, 
smoke and gray-green tints are the most common of tinted lens. 
They block out glare without changing the overall color 
perception and are great for all-weather use. The Amber, or 
brown tinted lens are good for blocking blue light which is 
common on overcast days. Amber helps improve both the contrast 
and depth perception making them a great choice for changeable 
weather patterns. The yellow tints improve contrast and give a 
heightened sense of visual acuity, and are great for driving.

Manufacturers are now marketing towards sports-specific sunwear. 
Frames and lenses are available that are made specifically for 
cyclists, golfers, boaters, rock climbers etc. Of course there 
are sports sunglasses that appeal to a wide variety of outdoor 
activities. Look into the convenient and practical changeable 
lens systems that allow the wearer to use clear lenses for 
darker conditions, dark lenses for sunny conditions or yellow 
and orange for low light conditions.

Whatever outdoors sport you participate in, it’s a good idea to 
do a bit of research on what specific sport sunglasses are most 
appropriate for you’re particular needs. Always insist on one 
hundred percent UVA and UVB protection. Look for sunglasses or 
goggles with anti-fogging feature such as double lenses, 
anti-fog coating and wide vents. With all the wonderful 
technology and modern design features available you’re sport 
sunglasses choice is sure to enhance you’re sports performance.