For a long time, sunglasses all had similar lens colors. However, people began to realize that different lens colors can help with different activities. The sunglasses that you wear when you go on a hike might not be as suitable for driving. If you want to reduce eye strain and make it easier to see when you’re driving, you should choose one of these recommended lens colors.

The Best Lenses for Sunny Days

Map/sunglasses by Thomas Beck is licensed with CC BY 2.0

When the weather is sunny and bright, the best lens color that you can choose is a neutral color — gray is a good choice. This shade is the least disruptive to your natural color vision. Additionally, since neutral shades are some of the densest lens colors, they can absorb a higher percentage of light. This means that you’ll receive maximum sun protection and won’t have to squint as much while driving.

The Best Lenses for Cloudy Days

While gray is good for driving in sunny conditions, it’s not always the best lens color to use when it’s cloudy outside. If you’re driving in overcast conditions, you should choose a contrast-enhancing shade such as brown or amber. These lenses are great at making colors and details stand out because they manipulate the light spectrum to give you better clarity and variation.

Additionally, contrast-enhancing shades are very versatile and can perform well in different lighting conditions. This means they also make an excellent lens color option if you’re looking for a pair of everyday driving glasses.

The Best Lenses for Night Driving

When it comes to night driving, being able to see clearly is critically important. Lately, some companies have promoted yellow lenses to help drivers see better at night. However, these glasses were originally developed to filter out blue light so that hunters could more easily see birds in the sky during the day. As a result, some experts think yellow night driving glasses might actually inhibit your ability to see at night.

In fact, one study that was completed in 2019 found that people wearing night driving glasses found it more difficult to see pedestrians in front of them than people who weren’t wearing night driving glasses. Some glasses-wearing drivers took up to 1.5 seconds longer to spot the pedestrians.

Instead of yellow lenses, you should go with a clear lens that has an anti-reflective coating for night driving. This will let in maximum light and make it easier for you to see the road ahead while protecting your eyes from glare.

Which Lens Colors Should You Avoid for Driving?

While gray, brown, and amber lenses are good for daytime driving, and clear lenses are best for nighttime driving, there are some lens colors that you should avoid wearing while driving at any time. Shades of blue, green, and pink all impact how much light reaches your eyes. This can make it difficult for you to differentiate colors, such as those on a stop light. These lens colors can also strain your eyes when you’re driving.

Are Transition Glasses Suitable for Driving?

Transition lenses darken or lighten depending on the level of UV exposure. They’re a popular option for many people who wear glasses because it means you don’t have to constantly switch back and forth between everyday glasses and sunglasses as the light changes. However, traditional transition lenses aren’t always recommended for driving.

Most cars have an anti-UV treatment on the windows to prevent UV rays from making it inside the vehicle. Since transition lenses require UV exposure to work, they often don’t change the way drivers need them to. However, some manufacturers make transition lenses that are specifically designed for driving. If you want to use transition lenses when driving, make sure you choose a pair that includes this feature.

Should I Wear Polarized Glasses When Driving?

If you need lenses that help reduce glare when you’re driving, polarized lenses are your best option. Polarized lenses help cut down on glare from a variety of sources, including the open road, reflective surfaces, vehicles in front of you, and bodies of water. However, there are some important cautions to keep in mind before you choose polarized glasses.

It’s important to remember that, while they’re especially useful at reducing reflected light on sunny days, they don’t always work well depending on the angle of the sun. Additionally, their darkening effect can make it harder to see certain details of the road, such as wet spots.

Furthermore, although most polarized lenses work just fine with the digital screens found on many infotainment systems and dashboard displays, there are some that make these screens nearly impossible to see. If you drive one of our latest models, you will need to keep this in mind when you’re shopping for polarized lenses.

Other Features To Consider When Choosing Lenses for Driving

Now that you know which lens color is best for driving, there are some other features that you should consider so you can find the most comfortable pair of glasses to suit all your needs.

Gradients

Gradient lenses start darker at the top of the lens and gradually lighten toward the bottom. While most people select gradient lenses for their aesthetic appearance, they also offer a specific advantage to some drivers. If you find it difficult to see the dashboard because your sunglasses are too dark, a gradient lens will give you sun protection on the top while making it easier for you to see everything below.

Material

When it comes to the lens material, you have two main choices: glass or polycarbonate. Glass lenses are the most scratch-resistant option and provide the best clarity. However, they’re heavier and less impact resistant. While polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact resistant, they scratch more easily, and they don’t have as much optical clarity. When choosing your driving glasses, you’ll have to weigh up your needs and lifestyle habits to pick the best one for you.

We put together this guide to help you choose the best color lenses for driving. Once you have decided on your ideal pair, be sure to reach out and contact our friendly staff at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick of Georgetown so they can help you find the perfect vehicle to go with your new glasses.

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