Best Sunglasses For Driving

Driving sunglasses are an essential accessory for anyone who spends a significant amount of time on the road. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also enhance your vision and reduce glare, making driving safer and more comfortable. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of driving sunglasses and provide a comprehensive guide to help you find the best sunglasses for driving to suit your needs and style.

Types of Driving Sunglasses

Sunglasses come in a variety of materials and specifications which suit different conditions, styles, and needs. It’s important to know your night vision sunglasses from your beach shades, and which lenses will be best for when you’re on the road. Now, let's break down the types of driving sunglasses and the technology behind them.

Polarized Sunglasses

When it comes to polarized vs non polarized sunglasses, polarized lenses are the best sunglasses for driving in the sun. They contain a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves, reducing glare from reflective surfaces like puddles and road surfaces. This selective blocking minimizes eye strain and provides clearer and more comfortable vision. 

As for which brand offers the best polarized sunglasses for driving, we can easily say that you can never go wrong with any Ray-Ban Aviator model, and that all American Optical sunglasses are guaranteed to tackle the sun’s rays. Last but not least, Oakley Crosshair models are known to be very comfortable and come with polarized lenses to reduce glare.

Photochromic Sunglasses

Photochromic lenses contain molecules that react to UV light, causing them to darken in sunlight and lighten indoors. This adaptive feature makes photochromic sunglasses a great solution for visibility issues when driving in changing light conditions.

Gradient Sunglasses

Gradient lenses have a dark tint on the upper part that gradually lightens toward the bottom region of the lens. This offers protection from bright overhead sunlight when behind the wheel, while also bringing the versatility to ensure clear vision when looking at your dashboard, mirrors and blind spots.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Driving Sunglasses

Driving sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement; they’re a crucial accessory for safety and comfort on the road. Let's explore the vital factors that play a pivotal role in enhancing your driving experience and will help guide you to determining the best sunglass lens color for driving.

UV Protection

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause long-term damage. It’s crucial to consider UV protection levels when selecting your new driving sunglasses, especially if you frequently drive in sunny weather.

Lens Color

Different lens colors impact light filtering. Yellow tinted sunglasses lenses, for instance, enhance contrast and depth perception, making them suitable for low-light conditions like overcast skies. Shades like amber, gray and copper are less influenced by color distortion, whereas green, blue, red, and pink lenses may cause some distortion with traffic light colors for some people, so they are not recommended for driving.

Lens Material

Selecting the right sunglass lens material is crucial, as each material offers distinct benefits. Traditional glass lenses, for example, are renowned for their optical quality but are also heavier and more prone to breaking and shattering compared to other materials. At Sunglass Fix, we incorporate premium optical Polyamide and Polycarbonate into our replacement lens range, ensuring unparalleled clarity, safety, and durability. Check out our blog to learn how to choose the right sunglass lens material for any scenario, not just driving.

Frame Style

Frame styles serve distinct purposes, impacting both the aesthetics and functionality of sunglasses. While small frames may be stylish for a walk around the town, driving demands larger frames with enhanced coverage for optimal eye protection. Consider options like wraparound, cat-eye, or the classic Aviator — originally designed for pilots to improve vision and protection during flights — for driving sunglasses that prioritize both style and functionality.

Additional Features to Look for

What else should you be taking into consideration when deciding on your new pair of driving sunglasses? Well, seeing as you asked:

Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective coating reduces glare by minimizing light reflections from the front and back surfaces of your lenses. This technology improves visibility during nighttime driving as you’ll experience less issues with headlights and streetlights, greatly reducing distractions while driving in the dark. 

Wraparound Design

A wraparound design provides additional coverage and protection while driving by minimizing how much peripheral light makes it through to your eye. This is especially useful for driving in bright sunlight, reducing the risk of glare from the sides, allowing you to focus on safely arriving at your destination.

Adjustable Nose Pads

Nobody wants to have their sunglasses slip out of place while cruising down the highway or navigating city streets. That’s why sunglasses with adjustable nose pads are a wonderful invention for drivers. By modifying the nose pad you can find a customized fit that will secure your sunglasses stay in place, further enhancing your protection and comfort levels.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Just as important as finding the right pair of driving sunglasses, is knowing how to keep them in top condition and even extend their lifespan.

Cleaning

Regularly clean your lenses with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure clear vision on every drive. While it may be tempting to grab a shirt, it falls into the category of abrasive materials that could cause scratches or other damage. Keeping a dedicated sunglasses microfiber cloth somewhere safely in the car may be a good idea. Which brings us onto:

Storage

Using a strong and sturdy dedicated sunglasses case to store your sunglasses in when not in use is the best way to not only avoid misplacing your sunglasses, but also avoid damage too. A case will help to preserve the integrity of the lenses and frame for long-lasting use. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to keep that microfibre cleaning cloth inside a spare sunglasses case in your glove compartment.

Replacement Lenses

Whether it's navigating sunny highways or braving the nighttime streets, the right pair of driving sunglasses ensures you do it with clarity, style, and comfort. One great way to upgrade and extend the life of your frames is to order sunglass replacement lenses from Sunglass Fix. With free worldwide shipping and lenses that suit your every need, along with step-by-step guides on how to install your lenses, it couldn't be any easier to refresh your favorite driving eyewear.