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Anti-glare glasses explained

Have you ever noticed during springtime when the sun is low in the sky, it can be really hard to see your surroundings? Or perhaps, you've driven or cycled on wet roads and noticed the sun reflecting in your eyes. You strain your eyes to see but the light is so blinding it makes you feel tired and fatigued. This reflected light, known as glare can have a serious long-term impact on your vision. Anti-glare eyewear, whether it be standard glasses or a pair of sunglasses, are a great solution to helping you with this problem.


A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses

What is glare and how can it impact you?

Glare can result in an uncomfortable visual experience, making it difficult for you to see clearly. It is caused by excessive bright light entering the field of vision which your eyes are not able to cope with. Brightness can come from direct or reflected sunlight, or artificial light like car headlights. It can obstruct your view and cause momentary blindness. Glare can make you extremely uncomfortable and as a result, interfere with your ability to undertake certain tasks. This can be particularly dangerous when driving or working with specific tools or equipment, impacting your ability to quickly recognise hazards. Overexposure to glare can cause eye strain and fatigue. It can also lead to the development of other eye conditions.



Men driving wearing sunglasses Men driving wearing sunglasses

How to deal with glare when driving


There are a number of ways you can prevent distraction from blinding glare and keep yourself safe on the roads. It is extremely important to have anti-reflective eyewear as it will allow you to recognise and respond more quickly to potential hazards on the road without any unnecessary distractions.

  • Our best advice, as far as your vehicle is concerned, would be to ensure that you have a clean car windscreen, windows and mirrors. Remove any grime so they are clear. The same goes for your windshield wipers. Make sure you wipe them down so they are clean and do not leave any dirt on the window.

  • You should also adjust your mirrors appropriately before driving to ensure the best visibility. Try not to look directly at headlights when driving as this could blur your vision and become a distraction.

  • Be sure to clean your headlights thoroughly with a damp cloth and some polish. You should be aware that dirt on headlights can minimise the light and make it more difficult for you to see. It can even create distracting glare for other drivers which can be very dangerous.



    • What types of anti-glare glasses are there?

    If you want a pair of anti-glare prescription glasses, we'd recommend adding an anti-reflective coating to your standard clear lenses. Our lens packages, from Silver upwards, provide reliable anti-reflection which removes troublesome glare. This will give you excellent visibility when driving during the night time, helping to reduce the dazzling reflected glare from car headlights and street lamps. It will also protect you when you're looking at your digital devices, like your computer screen, tablet or mobile.

    Man and woman wearing sunglasses outdoors

    Polarised lenses

    Polarised lenses are an ideal type of anti-glare sunglasses which are best suited for driving during daytime and in bright conditions as they eliminate glare from horizontal surfaces, more specifically wet roads and other vehicles. They provide 100% UV protection, improve contrast and help soothe eye strain. As well as eliminating glare whilst driving, they are perfect for when you are on the go and great for outdoor sports, especially those where it is necessary to see clearly and avoid distraction. They will also shield you from glare reflected off of snow.


    Transitions®XTRActive® lenses

    Transitions®XTRActive® lenses will protect you when exposed to bright light, for example when you're walking in and out of shops or any kind of bright conditions. They turn extra dark outdoors and darken behind your car windscreen. They have 100% UV protection and can be used for driving during the day and night. They are ideal for general use on a daily basis.

    Woman wearing Transitions Transitions®XTRActive® lenses

    Woman wearing Transitions Drivewear lenses in a car

    Transitions® Drivewear® lenses

    Meanwhile, if you drive long-distance or for long periods during the day, whether for work or another reason, Transitions® Drivewear® lenses are your best bet. They are the only polarised sun lens specifically intended for driving, combining light adaptive photochromic technology with polarisation to minimise glare. These lenses provide a superlative visual experience with the ability to seamlessly adapt to changing light conditions, whether the weather is overcast or it's a bright, sunny day.


    How to order anti-glare eyewear?

    Two frames icon

    1. Decide on your frame

    Choose from our huge range of stylish frames online and add your favourites to the basket.

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    2. Choose your lenses and package

    Select your vision type and decide which lens category you would prefer. Next, pick one of our sophisticated lens packages.

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    3. Add your prescription

    Enter your prescription or choose to send it later via email, phone, or post.

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    4. Enjoy your brand-new eyewear!

    Once your new eyewear has been delivered to your door, you'll be able to wear them and show them off to everyone.


    FAQs

    Do anti-glare glasses really work?

    Anti-glare glasses will keep your eyes protected from eye strain. It depends on your own personal requirements and what you need your glasses for. Anti-glare eyewear is a worthwhile investment if you work frequently with digital screens, or if you drive a car fairly frequently; day or night. They are designed to ensure a comfortable visual experience.

    How do I know if my glasses are anti-glare?

    One of the ways you can tell whether your glasses have an anti-glare coating is by holding them up in front of you in the light and tilting them right or left. Look to see if there is any glare on the lens. With an anti-reflective coating, the lenses will be a subtle pink or green colour.


    You can also check by taking a picture of yourself wearing them. Ordinary glasses will show light reflected in the lenses whereas glasses with an anti-glare coating will be completely transparent. This is great news if you love taking selfies in your new glasses as the reflection will not distract attention away from your eyes!

    Does anti-glare scratch more easily?

    It's important to take good care of your glasses because any scratches on the lens can reduce visual acuity. However, our lens packages, from Silver upwards, not only have a reliable anti-reflection coating, they also come with scratch-resistance which will protect the lenses from minor abrasions. Of course, no lens coating is completely scratch-proof, but it will absolutely ensure improved protection for the lenses.


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