The Best Type of Sunglass Lenses for Every Environment

Almost all sunglasses perform their primary task of protecting against sunlight’s UV rays and blue light, both of which can cause long-term eye damage. Beyond that, sunglasses can be geared for specific activities like sports to help improve vision and performance. Tinted lenses absorb parts of the light spectrum—the tint determines which parts—effectively filtering out unwanted aspects of the color band. Depending on the tint and ambient light conditions, tinted sunglass lenses can diminish glare and enhance the ability to distinguish between increments of light versus dark (i.e., contrast sensitivity). Certain tints offer advantages for specific environments; other lens features like polarized lenses and mirror coatings can further improve your vision.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LENS FOR EVERY ENVIRONMENT

Fresh Water

Best lenses: amber (ignitor), brown

Lenses in the amber and brown range are the best choice for freshwater environments and activities like fly fishing in shallow water, rivers, lakes, or flats. Lenses in these colors enhance depth perception and improve contrast. Lighter lenses are also useful for low light conditions like those of early morning or evening and cloudy days. Useful for low light conditions like those of early morning or evening and cloudy days.

Inshore

Best lenses: amber (ignitor), brown, bronze mirror

Amber, brown, and bronze lenses enhance vision and contrast sensitivity, making them suitable for inshore fishing where lighting conditions vary.

Ocean

Best lenses: amber (ignitor), gray-green, gray (platinum), blue mirror

Bright light from the sun and reflected off water require light reduction to prevent eye fatigue. Lenses in amber, gray-green, platinum, and blue reduce glare but still allow for true color perception.

Road

Best lenses: amber (ignitor), gray (platinum), gray-green

For driving or cycling, lighter lenses provide enhanced contrast, allowing you to better spot uneven road surfaces and other obstacles.

Trail

Best lenses: brown, gray-green, amber (ignitor)

Running or biking through wooded areas or bright sunlight requires lighter lenses that allow you to see the trail. Brown, gray-green, and amber lenses are good for general purpose use and variable lighting conditions.

Field

Best lenses: amber (ignitor), brown

Amber and brown lenses enhance depth perception and improve contrast, making them ideal for activities like hunting, golf, tennis, or any sport where gauging distance is necessary.

Snow

Best lenses: black (blackout)

In bright conditions with midday sun reflecting off snow, darker tints for goggles reduce the amount of light that passes through the lens.