The Four Best Features In Sunglasses For Boating
Sunglasses For Boating Are Essential Boat Gear
You may not think sunglasses would be something you’d find in a good list of boating safety tips, but they are essential for both your health and boating safety. Just like sunscreen is an indispensable item on your boat’s check list, so too the right sunglasses are crucial sun protection. Sun glare from the water can interfere with clear vision, preventing you from seeing shoals, hazardous obstacles or other vessels in your way. And UV rays have been linked to macular degeneration and certain kinds of cataracts.
The single most important element of a good pair of sunglasses for boating is 100% blockage of UV rays. But there are also a few other aspects that make for the best selection of your boat sunglasses.
What Makes The Best Sunglasses For Boating
Polarized Lenses. After proper UV protection, polarized sunglasses are the most important thing to look for in sunglasses for boating. A polarized lens reduces solar glare that bounces off the water. This provides a clearer view of what’s beneath the surface, whether you’re focused on fishing or watching for hidden shoals and submerged obstacles. A great reason to include good sunglasses in your list of boating safety tips.
Tinted Lenses. The tinting of your sunglass lenses isn’t only about style. The color of the lens affects the contrast and color of what you see. In general darker lenses perform best on bright days, while more lightly tinted lenses are advantageous for particular light conditions. Keep in mind, the lighter lenses can either augment or distort colors. There are sunglass lens color guide sites online that can help you sample different tinting.
The Importance of Shape. It may seem that the best style of sunglasses for boating would be the wrap-around. But, in fact, flat lenses are the best choice to prevent distortion. Lenses that curve around the face typically bend the light waves coming through, and the distortion can cause headaches or eye fatigue.
If you still prefer wrap-around sunglasses, look for brands that have undergone and passed the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Prism Test. That way, you can be confident that your sunglasses won’t compromise your vision health.
Glass and Plastic Lenses. Both plastic and glass lenses have advantages. Glass provides the best clarity and is more resistant to scratches. Plastic lenses, on the other hand, are lighter in weight, can be more durable and also resist impact.
The Bottom Line. With just a little research, you’ll find plenty of great choices in sunglasses for boating that will appeal to your personal style while offering your eyes the best possible protection on the water. And when bringing friends and family onboard, be sure to let them know that good quality sunglasses should be on their own list of boating safety tips.