Everything about gradient sunglasses you should know
There's so much more about gradient sunglasses than simply a fashionable accessory. These glasses are heavily tinted at the top and gradually tapers down to an almost tintless bottom. It's definitely an aesthetic that makes heads turn, but is there any point to the design and should it be the sunglasses you should use?
The receding tint of the from up to down appropriately describes the essence of gradient lenses, which are two-tone sunglasses. This eyewear is a popular choice for both men and women—there's a lot of appeal to the design that not only gives off a cool vibe but also protects your eyes from sun rays and other harmful elements in nature.
How does your pair of gradient sunglasses work?
Gradient lenses are two-tone, which means the tint gradually recedes from dark at the top to light or no tint at the bottom. Therefore, it can have two functions: limit glare intensity from above and complete vision clarity for your line of sight.
If you want to go outdoors and be comfortable even with the sun shining full on, you can wear gradient glasses and still enjoy different activities. However, these specs don't have UV protection, so you have to find a pair that offers this additional feature on the glasses.
The gradient sunglasses work similarly to car sun blinds on windshields in that they guard the eye from overhead sunlight while maintaining your ability to see the surroundings. There are plenty of situations wherein wearing this type of lens can benefit you like hiking and driving, among others.
Compared to standard tint wherein the entire lens will have the same color throughout, gradient lenses can have a combination of two or more different colors. Double gradient sunglasses are another great option—they are gradually tinted from top-down and bottom-up, leaving the midsection as the lightest. This design allows you to keep your eyeglasses on whether indoors or outdoors without the need to swap lenses.
Benefits of gradient sunglasses
It's ideal to wear gradient glasses when driving since they offer outstanding protection against glares from the sun. They also don't completely block the light so that you can clearly see your dashboard signs and the view out of the windshield without squinting. You can also maintain visual clarity even when donning these specs in shaded areas or indoors.
Additionally, you can also use these lenses when hiking, which will enable you to visually appreciate the nature around you, especially if you are treading. It's versatile for many other outdoor sports and activities, giving your eyes the ultimate shield for sun rays, dust, and other elements that can disturb your vision.
Gradient sunglasses also have a practical application in many social situations. If you are talking to people outside, you can still keep a proper eye contact with them because the lenses aren’t too heavily tinted.
While there's no obvious health benefit from wearing these sunglasses, there are still plenty of pros to using gradient lenses, including adding more personality to your fashion style. This pair offers a subtle look with a classy aesthetic and can match different frame styles such as aviator sunglasses, round, square, and more.
Which is better: polarized or gradient sunglasses?
Compared to gradient lenses, polarized sunglasses are made with a laminate filter, which helps to reduce light reflecting off different surfaces like water, asphalt, metal, or snow. It shields the eye from glare and can help reduce eye strain.
Both lenses offer great protection for your eyes, although there are key differences between each type.
For instance, gradient lenses are ideal for daytime driving and to block the afternoon sun as the glare becomes too intense overhead during these times. Polarized glasses, on the other hand, are best for dealing with high-glare situations like water, pavement, and snow.
Polarized lenses are typically more expensive than gradient lenses, although the brand and frame material can matter when it comes to costs. Both these glasses come in designer styles and can be used with or without prescription.
In terms of versatility, polarized glasses tend to be too dark in different settings, whereas gradient glasses can be suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications.
These sunglasses don't have UV protection on their own, so if you are dealing with prolonged exposure to the sun, it would be good to choose specific lenses that offer UV 400 protection.
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