Driving sunglasses

My eyes are incredibly sensitive to the sun, and I'm tired of the glare (even at 7 pm) making my eyes water so bad it looks like I'm crying.

I can't make up my mind though on what to get exactly lenswise....I'd like any advice and input as to what kind of lenses I should get specifically for daytime driving. Even driving on overcast days is painful, and things get much more extreme and bright in the TX sun than that even.

I cannot decide on grey vs. brown tint, or even whether I want polarization or not.

Seems like a pretty even split as far as what people recommend after doing a little google-fu.

edit: Also, looks like Zennioptical doesn't give me the option to only select an anti-reflective coat for the back of the lens, which is what you'd want on a pair of sunglasses. Is it worth getting AR coating on your sunglasses if it's on both sides of the lens, or better to just bypass it entirely?

imo the important criteria are:
optical quality glass
UV rejection >95%
I prefer grey or green lens color
I like wire frames, easier to adjust for a good fit
polarized, imo not as important for driving as for water/snow use

these guys make some good stuff, decent pricing, style is up to the observor, but they are classic
http://www.randolphusa.com/product-categories/sunglasses/

I also have a pair of Persol

the most important thing, wear them, all the time, UV is just as bad on an overcast day as a sunny one



Arthur PE said:

polarized, imo not as important for driving as for water/snow use

Click to expand...

Polarization helps with reflected light, and that's as big a problem with pavement as it is with sand, water, and snow. Driving sunglasses should have small lenses to preserve your peripheral vision which is more ciritical for driving or motorcycling than flying, so think Wayfarers not aviators. If you're driving a convertible and dealing with high sun, bigger lenses aren't the answer, a hat is. And for driving, you want amber or grey lenses, not green or brown. Amber increases contrast and detail and filters out blue light, grey distorts color the least.

Thanks guys. Bottom right is what I have picked out for frames so far....

http://www.zennioptical.com/?q=366621

I'm thinking now Grey tint 65% with polarization.

I may later on get another pair with the same frames with 65% Brown polarized for everyday use....depending on the quality of the Greys when they come in.

Or....are brown lenses a sytlistic no-no on black rim frames?



javyn said:

Thanks guys. Bottom right is what I have picked out for frames so far....
http://www.zennioptical.com/?q=366621
I'm thinking now Grey tint 65% with polarization.
I may later on get another pair with the same frames with 65% Brown polarized for everyday use....depending on the quality of the Greys when they come in.
Or....are brown lenses a sytlistic no-no on black rim frames?

Click to expand...

I would not get brown lenses on a black frame.

Yeah, wasn't sure about that. Pulled the trigger on the grey polarized. First order from Zennioptical.com, I'll reply when I get them to comment on quality vs. price. Been meaning to order from these guys for years, but have been dragging my feet updating my prescription until now.

I like grey or browns lenses that are photochromatic for all around driving use. Blue, green, and some reflective reds are ok, usually in brighter light.

For lower light morning/evening and rain/snow when it is not overly dark I swear by light amber to yellow polarized lenses...
This style lens is also great for visibility cutting through fog and the water-particle trail splashed up from the driver in front. [Hello annoying jacked up trucks and suv's with no mudflaps]. Similar to lenses fishermen may use in early morning.

Also, does 65% transmission sounds high for sunglasses, usually I see them spec'd at 10-40% no?

I use my GUNNAR even for driving.

as far as peripheral vision there is a reason pilots use aviators with thin wire frames vs wayfarers with large, thick plastic frames, plus they wrap around and the frames interfer less with the field of vision
the RE aviator lens area is ~ ther same as the wayfarer

newer digital instrument displays (nav etc.) in cars can't be read sometimes with polarized lenses
they also make the windows look blotchy from interaction with the windows UV treatment

for flying green or grey is the preferred and spec'ed by the USAF
amber is only for shooting sports or low light conditions

epb said:

Polarization helps with reflected light, and that's as big a problem with pavement as it is with sand, water, and snow. Driving sunglasses should have small lenses to preserve your peripheral vision which is more ciritical for driving or motorcycling than flying, so think Wayfarers not aviators. If you're driving a convertible and dealing with high sun, bigger lenses aren't the answer, a hat is. And for driving, you want amber or grey lenses, not green or brown. Amber increases contrast and detail and filters out blue light, grey distorts color the least.

Click to expand...

Oliver Peoples

Got my cheapo Zenni Optical sunglasses in. I went for polarized grey 65% tint, they have exceeded my expectations; best 50 bucks I ever spent.

65% isn't too high for me, it's just right. My eyes are VERY light sensitive.

Well thanks for that, **********

Hey Javyn,
Can 65% tint glasses be worn indoors or are they too dark?
Mostly wondering if 65% are obvious sunglasses-looking! Or would you get funny looks by wearing them inside....

I'm in need a pair for my light sensitive eyes but I don't want the stigma of wearing too dark tinted lenses indoors....