SUNGLASSES GUIDE
Everything you need to know to choose your OPC Optic glasses
Spring and summer are the seasons when the question of sunglasses arises the most. Strong sunlight tires our eyes, alters contrasts and distorts colors.
Let's not forget that we must protect our eyes all year round, whatever the weather conditions., because contrary to popular belief, on cloudy days, our eyes are just as exposed to the sun's harmful rays. The fundamental rule is therefore to protect our eyes all year round by adapting the lens to the weather conditions. But let's start again in order.
The sunglasses market is full of complex designs and technologies. It is sometimes difficult to make the right choice combining protection and aesthetics. If design remains personal, the essential technical criteria are universal. In this guide,we detail the essential elements to observe when purchasing your next glasses.
Choosing Sunglasses
What criteria should you look for when choosing your sunglasses?
Why do your eyes need protection?
We wear sunglasses primarily to protect our eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged UV exposure is linked to the development of serious visual disorders, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Another important aspect of sunglasses is protecting the eyes against mechanical impacts and external elements such as dust, wind, insects or embers.
As you can see, sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, but above all guarantee the safety and health of your eyes.
Although aesthetics matter, technicality and optical quality must take precedence to ensure the long-term health of your eyes.
Here are our key tips for investing wisely in protecting your eyesight.
1
Only a UV400 filter guarantees total protection against UV rays
When buying sunglasses, check if they have a label or sticker stating maximum radiation protection –UV400 filter.
Dark lenses without UV protection cause pupils to dilate and can cause serious damage to the eye structure.
2
Lenses enriched with high-performance polarization
Polarization filters beams of light hitting the lenses, eliminating distracting reflections on water, snow or wet roads, for optimal visual contrast.
By opting for polarized glasses, you eliminate the discomfort caused by dazzling reflections.
3
Special CRYSTAL VISION lenses for drone pilots and operators
An exceptional lens designed specifically for the demands of aircraft and drone pilots.
CRYSTAL VISION lenses offer unrivaled clarity of vision. This technology increases contrast, enriches colors and brings out details, while remaining compatible with reading LCD and GPS screens. It adapts vision to the environment for optimal detection of obstacles in the airspace.
Glasses equipped with lensesCRYSTL VISIONcontribute to a better appreciation of distancesSORAfor better spatial perception and increased safety in flight.
4
Lenses guaranteeing maximum safety during shooting and survival missions
If you are passionate about demanding or risky activities, you must attach great importance to the safety of your eyes.
Protection against mechanical impacts is crucial in shooting and survival. Our ANSI Z87.1 certified tactical lenses effectively protect your eyes against splinters, debris, shell casings and branches.
Check that the thickness of the glass (2 mm) complies with the approvals and impact standards in force.Keep in mind that visibility at night in a forest environment is extremely reduced, facilitating the risk of impacts.
5
Comfort of use above all
Even the best protection glasses will be ineffective if the frame continually slips off your face.Check that the frame is made of soft, comfortable materials and includes anti-slip nose pads.
An undoubtedly wise choice will bepolycarbonate, which guarantees the lightness and scratch resistance of the glasses. However, the big hit on the market is glasses made ingirlamidu(TR90) – high quality nylon, exceptionally resistant to tensile and flexing.
Grilamid TR90 is an ultra-light, flexible, shock-resistant and hypoallergenic technology.
6
Precise choice of glasses according to your activity
The entire range of sunglasses available on the market has a universal character.If you practice a specific and demanding outdoor activity, opt for specialized sports glasses that will guarantee comfort and safety. Cycling, mountaineering, golf or survival: each discipline has its own requirements.
7
The right glass color
Contrary to popular belief, the color of the lens is not chosen according to the frame, but mainly depends on the light conditions.Among the types of screens available, there are four main technologies:
CZARNA
The most neutral and versatile glass; ideal in strong light, preserves natural colors and real contrast;
BROWN
Ideal lens for sensitive eyes, improving contrast and visual clarity; perfect in strong sunlight by softening the colors;
ZIELONA
Versatile glass suitable all year round; improves contrast in low light and relieves eye fatigue under the sun;
YELLOW
Glass mainly used for tactical activities; improves identification of details in low light; suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
8
Protection category
Depending on the time of day and the degree of sunshine, the protective filters are classified according to the criteria of the standardEN174(called protection categories).
There are four main classes of categories, includingcat. 0is dedicated to nighttime or very low light use,cat. 1orazcat. 2suitable for cloudy days, whilecat. 3will be recommended under strong sunlight. Keep in mind that the higher the category, the less light passes through.
9
Additional REVO mirror coating
TechnologyREVOcareconsists of 14 layers of protection blocking all UV radiation(UVA, UVB, UVC)and limits optical overheating. The treatment also providesREVOcareis its mirror treatment available in several colors, providing a very modern style.
10
Innowacyjna technologia SMARtcare
We all know the unpleasant feeling of frames sticking to sweaty skin in hot weather. To avoid this, we usetechnology SMARTcare, which also prevents the frame from sticking or freezing to the face in the lowest winter temperatures. A practical detail that you will appreciate from the first use.
11
The price of glasses does not guarantee their quality!
The price range for sunglasses is wide. Cheap beachside models are tempting, while luxury glasses seem ideal. Yet, without technical verification, both can be useless and ineffective.
If you find sunglasses that meet the majority of these criteria, you're on the right track. If the model meets all our recommendations, we guarantee total satisfaction. Remember that only really good glasses last for years. Choose brands specializing in professional optical equipment.
Technologies and maintenance tips
Technologies applied in sunglasses
POLYCARBONATE
Soczewski:Extremely lightweight material, resistant to scratches and mechanical damage, ensuring exceptional optical clarity.
Oprawki:High hardness material, renowned for its thermoplasticity, lightness and impact resistance.
CARBON / CARBON FIBER
Carbon fiber is produced by pyrolysis of polyacrylonitrile and other organic polymers. It is made almost exclusively of stretched carbon structures. It is an ultra-light and very resistant material offering a unique prestigious appearance.
TR90/GRILAMID
Grilamid TR90: High quality nylon variety, exceptionally resistant to tensile and flexing. Material resistant to impact, flexible, pleasant to the touch and hypoallergenic. Grilamid glasses are lightweight, durable and comfortable.
ACETAT/ OCTAN CELULOZY
Acetate: Organic chemical compound made from plant fibers. Scratch-resistant thermoplastic polymer. Acetate frames are hypoallergenic, lightweight and durable. Acetate being biodegradable, it is an ecological material.
STAL NIERDZEWNA/ MONEL
Alpaca: Copper and nickel alloy with added iron and manganese.
POLARIZED LENSES
Reduces all annoying reflections from water, snow or wet roads for optimal contrast.Polarization filters light to block glare.
Normally, light rays scatter in all directions. Polarized lenses aim to guide useful vertical light to our eyes while blocking horizontal light. When rays hit a flat surface, they reflect vertically and horizontally. The first are essential, becauseprovide us with essential information on shapes, colors and reliefs.Horizontal reflections, on the other hand, create a white glare which, on ordinary glasses without polarization,can cause dangerous glare..
SOCZEWKA Z PHOTOCHROMEM
Photochromic lenses darken under the effect of UV rays and lighten in the shade or indoors, adapting protection in real time to sunlight.
SOCZEWKA Z HD
HD contrast lenses enrich colors, accentuate details and improve visual clarity by adapting vision to the environment.
CRYSTAL VISION
Technologia soczewekCRYSTAL VISIONadapts to the weather by filtering colors to optimize contrast, providing maximum versatility of use.
This type of glass is perfect for people working with LCD screens (phones, laptops, automotive and aircraft navigation systems).These glasses avoid the black screen effect (which occurs when an LCD screen is tilted horizontally, hindering the reading of phones, GPS or cameras in bright sunlight).
Zalecany dla:
- aircraft pilots
- drone pilots
- vehicle drivers
- photographers
REVOcare MIRROR TREATMENT
Technology composed of 14 layers of protection applied to the screen to block UV rays and limit overheating.
- mirrored glasses intensely reflect light, ideal for highly reverberant surfaces like water and snow
- hides the wearer's eyes behind a mirror effect
HYDROPHOBIC / WATER-REPELLENT TREATMENT
Treatment acting like an invisible windshield wiper. It prevents water from adhering to the screen, causing it to slide off instantly.
SMARTcare
Eliminates the unpleasant feeling of frames sticking to sweaty skin in summer or freezing to the face in winter.
UV 400
Provides protection against harmful UV rays (UVA, UVB, UVC).
- UV-A– the most widespread and harmful. Excessive exposure can cause vision problems and accelerate the aging of the thin skin around the eyes by damaging collagen.
- UV-B– stimulates the production of vitamin D. However, excess can cause sunburn and allergic reactions.
- UV-C– absorbed almost entirely by the ozone layer. However, brief exposure can irreparably damage your eyes.
KATEGORIA SOCZEWKI (FILTR)
Filter categories are defined according to safety standard EN 174:
Cat.1– light transmission from 43% to 80%. Recommended for very cloudy weather or for lit night skiing.
Cat.2– light transmission from 18% to 43%. Recommended for sunny weather with cloudy periods.
Cat.3– light transmission from 8% to 18%. Recommended for strong sunshine without clouds.
- The glasses must be stored in the case provided.
- To clean your glasses, only use the microfiber cloth provided for this purpose.
- If the glasses have a REVO (mirror effect) treatment, remember that this layer is very sensitive to scratches and abrasion. It must be handled with care.
- Glasses with REVO treatment should not be worn in water. Water (especially salty or chlorinated) damages the components, especially the REVO mirror treatment. As they evaporate, the chlorine and salt crystallize, creating micro-scratches that destroy the mirror layer.
- The REVO mirror treatment is sensitive to sand and gravel which can penetrate the frame and scratch the lenses during cleaning.
- Eyeglass lenses are sensitive to extreme temperatures (above 50°C). Leaving them in an overheated place (like a car in direct sunlight) can cause them to warp.
- Scratches and alterations to the mirror treatment due to poor maintenance are not covered by the warranty.
- Any mechanical modification of the glasses, such as their widening or forced deformation, voids the warranty.
- Glasses are designed only to protect the eyes from sun and wind. They should not be used as headbands, flame protection or industrial PPE.
- The glasses are not suitable for direct observation of the sun or exposure to a tanning booth.
