Cycling is a great sport that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while you enjoy the beauty of nature. However, one essential element that is sometimes overlooked is protecting your eyes. Cycling sunglasses are an excellent investment for any cyclist to ensure clear vision and protection from the sun’s harmful rays and from air-borne debris while cycling. This article will discuss the essential features you should consider when purchasing cycling sunglasses.
A good pair of cycling sunglasses will protect your eyes wellWhy Should You Wear Cycling Sunglasses?
Cycling sunglasses offer various benefits to cyclists, making them a must-have accessory. There are several reasons you should wear cycling sunglasses. Some include:
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays
Cycling sunglasses provide an effective barrier against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems, so wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is essential.
Protect your eyes from debris and insects
When cycling at high speeds, dust, dirt, and small rocks can easily enter your eyes, causing irritation, discomfort, and injuries. Insects such as gnats and bees can also fly into your eyes, posing a significant risk, especially when cycling on winding roads.
Enhance your vision
Cycling sunglasses can improve your vision and enable you to see the road more clearly. This is particularly beneficial when cycling in bright conditions, as the lenses can reduce glare and enhance contrast, making it easier to distinguish the road surface from surrounding objects.
Prevent eye fatigue
When cycling for extended periods, your eyes can become tired, leading to headaches, blurry vision, and decreased focus. Wearing cycling sunglasses can reduce the strain on your eyes and prevent eye fatigue, enabling you to cycle longer and more comfortably.
Improve safety
By wearing cycling sunglasses, you can improve your safety on the road by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Clear vision is crucial when cycling, and by protecting your eyes from the sun, debris, and insects, you can focus on the road ahead and react quickly to changes in terrain or obstacles.
How to Choose Cycling Sunglasses?
When purchasing cycling sunglasses, there are a few essential features you should be aware of to ensure that you get the best sunglasses for your needs. Here are key features you should keep in mind:
UV Protection
One of the most crucial features to consider when purchasing cycling sunglasses is the level of UV protection offered. Choosing sunglasses that offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays is essential to ensure that your eyes are fully protected. It is also advisable to choose sunglasses that have a wrap-around design to provide maximum coverage and protection from the sun’s rays.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are another essential feature to consider when choosing cycling sunglasses. These lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, and shiny road surfaces, ensuring clear vision while cycling. This feature is especially important when cycling in bright conditions or when riding through shaded areas.
Prescription Lenses
If you wear prescription glasses, you might want to consider purchasing cycling sunglasses with prescription lenses. This option allows you to have clear vision while cycling without wearing contact lenses or clip-on sunglasses. It is vital to ensure that the prescription sports sunglasses you buy are made of high-quality materials and offer the necessary UV protection.
Lenses Light Transmission
Another feature to consider is the lenses’ light transmission, which is the amount of light that passes through the lenses. Different lens colors have varying light transmissions, affecting the sunglasses’ suitability for different weather conditions. For instance, dark lenses are suitable for bright conditions, while lighter lenses are suitable for cloudy or low-light conditions.
Clear Lenses
Clear lenses are an excellent feature to consider, especially when cycling in low-light conditions or at night. Clear lenses offer full protection from debris and insects, and you can also wear them with prescription lenses.
Contrast-Enhancing Lenses
Contrast-enhancing lenses are a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among cyclists. These lenses enhance color contrast, making it easier to see the road’s surface texture and contours. This feature is especially useful when cycling in areas with varying light conditions or areas with lots of shade or foliage.
Adidas cycling glasses are the choice of Tour de France cycling team Movistar. Photo from http://www.opticianonline.net/Related Post: Best Cycling Glasses under $70 – Ryders Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Lenses for Colorblind People
Lastly, for those who are colorblind, some sunglasses come with lenses that enhance color perception, allowing colorblind cyclists to see more colors and improve their vision while cycling. Remember that there are three types of color blindness: Blue-yellow, Red-green, and complete color blindness.
See also our review of Mira sunglasses – our pick for Best Budget cycling sunglasses – here.
Conclusion
Cycling sunglasses are an essential accessory for any cyclist, protecting us from UV rays and debris while enhancing vision. When choosing cycling sunglasses, it is important to consider features like UV protection, polarized lenses, prescription lenses, lenses for light transmission, clear lenses, contrast-enhancing lenses, and lenses for colorblind people. With this buyer’s guide, you are well-equipped to find the best cycling sunglasses for your needs and enjoy the sport safely and comfortably.
Related Post: Adidas Cycling Glasses – Reviewed after Eight Years of Use
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