FitSugar

Are Polarized Sunglasses a Must For Protecting Your Eyes?

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

When exercising outside, sunglasses are a must. Personally, I can't stand to have the sun blinding my eyes. Not only that, but UV rays can cause cataracts and glaucoma. Two more reasons to slip on some shades. Last year, I bought a pair of expensive polarized sunglasses, thinking that "polarized" meant they blocked out those harmful UV rays.Unfortunately, polarized lenses act as a filter to absorb light waves, which helps to reduce glare that bounces off smooth surfaces like pavement or water. This filter action is great when biking or boating but unfortunately has nothing to do with how well shades protect your eyes from UV rays. Unless the pair you wear is labeled as blocking 99 to 100 percent of UV rays (or the label may say "UV absorption up to 400nm") then all your sunglasses are doing is looking pretty. While it's possible that lenses can be both polarized and UV blockers, you can't just assume that so read the labels. If you want even more UV protection, go for wraparound sunglasses since they'll block sunlight from getting to the sides of your eyes.

Fit's Tip: When choosing sunglasses, you also want to make sure the lenses screen out 75 to 90 percent light. Try them on in front of a mirror and if you can see your eyes easily then the lenses are probably too light.

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Get in Gear: Bolle Tennis Sunglasses

FitSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:30:00 -0700

Most of you agreed with me that blue-tinted "weight-loss" sunglasses seem ridiculous. But colored lenses can be beneficial, and I'm not just talking about rose-colored glasses. Bolle makes a very cool line of Competivision Sunglasses for tennis, which use blue-tinted lenses to mute every color but yellow. That way, everything looks somewhat duller except the bright yellow of the tennis ball, allowing you to keep your eye on it better.

I don't personally own a pair of these, but I have tried out a friend's pair, and I can say that they really work, especially when it's really bright or sort of hazy outside. The lenses are available for a number of different frame styles, which range in price from about $55 to $90. Bolle also makes a similar product for golfing. If you've tried either of these, I'd love to know what you thought.

I Wear My Sunglasses at Night (and in the Morning)

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I love my sunglasses as much as the next girl, but I typically don't start wearing them until lunchtime when the sun is at its strongest. Or so I thought....

New research conducted in Japan found that during Spring, Summer and Fall, Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the eye during early morning and late afternoon was approximately double that of the mid-morning/early afternoon period that is most often thought of as peak sun exposure time.

Apparently it all has to do with the angle the sun hits your eyes at those times. Think about it, mid afternoon the sun is usually overhead, whereas in the AM and PM the sun can be at eye level, especially if you are driving due east or west.

So maybe check out FabSugar to find a cute pair of sunglasses, especially now that you know you may be wearing them a whole lot more.

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Nike Maxsight Contact Lenses

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

When you go outside in the summer, you've got to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Sunglasses are great, but with some fast-paced sports and activities, you don't want to worry about them flying off or having them break. Working out in the hot sun makes my face get really hot and sweaty, and I hate when the lenses get all fogged up, don't you? Plus, the really good sunglasses are so expensive, and I'm always worried about losing them.

The solution? Nike Maxsight is an innovative, fully tinted soft contact lens, so you can wear your sunglasses without the frames.

They provide distortion-free sight, for both prescription and non-prescription contact lens wearers. They cover your entire pupil and iris (the black and colored parts), eliminating glare and enhancing contrast. They filter out more than 90% of harmful blue light and 95% of UVA and UVB.

You can get Nike Maxsight contact lenses in 2 colors: Grey-Green for running or training, and Amber for fast-paced sports like soccer and tennis.

Fit's Tips: Call your eye doctor and ask them about Nike Vision. I did and Nike actually sent me a FREE trial pair. Want to see what they look like? Then read more

They just look like really dark contact lenses, like ones you'd get for Halloween or something. I put a Nike Maxsight contact lens next to my regular contact lens so you can see the difference. With normal lighting, my eyes didn't turn into alien eyes - they just looked really dark. These are the grey-green color, although they look kind of brown in my eyes.

I have to say I LOVED them. It did take a few minutes for my eyes to adjust, but it felt like I was wearing polarized sunglasses. They blocked out the sun and I had crystal clear vision.

If you love to be outdoors, and hate having to deal with wearing sunglasses, I would definitely recommend getting a pair of Nike Maxsight contact lenses. That way, you'll be protected completely and never have to worry about losing your sunglasses again.

Get in Gear: Croakie

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

If you're like me, the summer weather draws you outside every chance you can get. When the powerful sun is blazing, you realize the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect your skin, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Sunglasses can be really expensive, but they're totally worth it, especially if the lenses are polarized (I love the crystal clear vision). Since they are so small and lightweight, they can get easily lost, and then what good would they be for your eyes?

Keep track of your sunglasses with a Croakie. It's a strap that attaches to the ends of your glasses, so when you're not wearing them, you can just let them hang from your neck. The strap is made of neoprene so it's soft, flexible, comfortable, and dries quickly if it gets wet.

A Croakie is a necessity if you are always misplacing your sunglasses. It's also great if you do fast-paced outdoor sports like biking, or water sports like water skiing and kayaking (what a crime it would be if your expensive sunglasses fell off your face and into the water!). Check out the 4 different styles:

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Get in Gear: Bolle Sport Sunglasses

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Sunglasses are a must anytime of year, but especially in the summer when we spend so much time outdoors. If you run, hike, bike, or spend time on the water, you need a pair that will stay on your face even if you're sweaty, wearing sunscreen, or it's windy.

I found a line from Bolle called Serpent - it's a wrap around style so they fit snug against your face. They also have non-slip thermogrip material on the ends by your ears that prevents them from slipping off, and the same rubbery material on the nose pads. You can choose to have polarized lenses or not, but all the lenses are made of polycarbonate. This means they are lightweight, thin, offer UV protection, are durable and scratch-resistant.

This Serpent style comes in many different color combinations, so if you don't like the ones shown, you can choose a different variation. While I think most polarized sunglasses are overpriced, but you can get a pair of these from Bolle for under $100.

Spring Skiing and Riding

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I know snow is a weird topic to bring up now, but in certain parts of the world, spring hasn't quite sprung. Many of the mountains are still covered in snow, so this weekend might be the last time to snap on your skis or board and hit the slopes.

For some, spring skiing and riding is better than winter skiing because there has been tons of snowfall, the skies are clearer, and the air is warmer. There's nothing more exhilarating than flying down the mountain in a t-shirt.

Here are some tips to keep you safe and happy:

Get some spring clothes. I know this seems obvious, but if you wear your heavy winter coat, snowpants, mittens, and base layers, you'll overheat and sweat profusely. This will make your clothes wet, and that will inevitably make you cold and uncomfortable.

Get yourself a lightweight waterproof jacket to wear over a thin fleece jacket and short-sleeved wicking shirt. You can probably ditch the base layers altogether, and some people just wear lightweight mudpants instead of bulky snowpants.

If you have glove liners, you can use them, or get yourself some lightweight mittens. Also, get yourself a cute spring hat - no need for one that's fleece-lined.

Want to hear the other tips? Then read more

Wear thinner socks. You don't want your feet to sweat because then you could get some nasty blisters.
Wear protective sunglasses. Not only is the sun's reflection on the snow blinding, but it can also damage your eyes.
Wear sweatproof sunscreen. Since your skin has been covered all winter long, you want to protect your sensitive skin from getting burned by the bright spring sun. Apply sunscreen to your face and arms before you head out. That way, when you start to get hot and peel layers, your arms will already be lubed up.
Get your skis or board tuned up for spring. A spring wax will make your ride much smoother.
Be extra careful. The snow might not be as deep, and certain areas may have melted down. Be on the lookout for exposed rocks, baby trees, and sticks.
Bring a backpack. Whether you keep it in the lodge or on your back, when you get hot, you'll want a place to stuff all your extra layers. Pack an extra long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirt and socks just in case the ones you're wearing get wet.

If you have any other tips, feel free to share them below!

What's the Deal with: Polarized Sunglasses

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Spending a lot of time outside is a MUST in the summer (with sunscreen, of course!), and wearing sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to the development of cataracts.

Personally, I love to be near the water, on a boat or a beach, or poolside, and the water can make a killer bright glare when the sun reflects off of it.

If the glare bothers you (how could it not?), then you'll want to get a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. These are great at getting rid of the glare, making your vision clear and crisp when you look through them. They act as a filter to absorb the light waves. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the deal - just because sunglasses say they are "polarized" doesn't mean they protect you any better from the sun's harmful UV rays. Also, especially dark or expensive sunglasses aren't necessarily better either. Make sure they say that they provide 100% protection. Polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV rays, but others have a chemical coating on them, kind of like sunscreen. These from Revo are polarized and offer maximum protection from UV and infrared rays. They are also scratch and impact resistant - not bad for $89.97.

Fit's Tips: Just be aware - some people get headaches when they wear sunglasses with polarized lenses.

I Don't Buy It: Weight Loss Sunglasses

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:30:00 -0700

Having a little problem with self-control these days? Fad diets failing you? Have you tried Weight Loss Sunglasses ($18.75)? They're blue-tinted glasses that make your food look dull and boring, so you won't want to eat it.

The website selling these specs says that according to "research" (not sure if anyone scientific was in charge of this study, but OK), blue is the least appetizing color on the spectrum. So the theory here is that if your food looks unappetizingly blue, then you won't want to eat it. If you don't eat, you'll lose weight? Hmm. So my question then is, what's stopping the person from removing those sunglasses, seeing their tasty and now un-blue food, and then devouring every last bite?

Seems like an excuse to wear sunglasses inside to me. Are you buying it? Tell me what you think in the comments section below.

Protect Your Peepers With UV-Rated Shades

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:34 -0700

Sunshine in your eyes can do more than make you cry; UV rays, both A and B, can cause serious damage to your baby blues. Since you can't put sunscreen on your eyelids or cover your cornea with zinc oxide, you need to protect your peepers with quality shades that are UV rated. It is recommended that you wear shades the provide 99 percent UVB protection and 95 percent UVA protection, but many sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from both. When shopping for shades skip any labeled "cosmetic" - these darkened lenses are just for looks. Also note, that polarized glasses decrease glare and do not provide UV protection unless they specify that they do.

You don't have to spend a fortune to protect your eyes at the beach when biking. Here are some great picks ranging from $30 to $60.

Tifosi T-F900 Helo Aviator Sunglasses - $40.00	Tifosi T-F850 Scout Sunglasses - $30.00
S4 Mac 751S4 Aviator Sunglasses - $55.00	S4 Women's Samantha 793S4 Resin Sunglasses - $35.00
S4 Women's Elle 719S4 Oversized Resin Sunglasses - $45.00	S4 Kermo 733S4 Resin Sunglasses - $45.00
Tifosi T-V670 Tyrant Sunglasses - $60.00	Tifosi Envy T-G281 Sunglasses - $30.00