How to Choose Sunglasses for Driving

Driving safely depends on seeing well, so having the proper sunglasses is key. A good pair of sunglasses helps reduce the glare from the sun—and can even help you see better in the snow and rain. When you’re not squinting, you’ll be more comfortable, too. Sunglasses can also help protect eye health by blocking dangerous rays, so they’re important not only for drivers, but passengers, too! Be sure to get sunglasses for your kids, so their eyes are protected from the start.

Here are some things to consider when choosing sunglasses for driving:

• Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Metal sunglasses are lightweight and durable but can get hot on sunny days. Plastic sunglasses give you more fashion options, but sometimes are less durable.
• Choose a style that’s comfortable. Large lenses and wrap-style sunglasses offer more coverage and, therefore, more protection, but also think about visibility when you’re trying on sunglasses. Thick arms may block your peripheral vision and make it difficult to see cars when changing lanes or turning.
• Make sure your sunglasses fit well. You want to be comfortable when you drive, so your sunglasses shouldn’t be sliding down your nose or too tight against your temples.
• Polarized lenses are best for driving. Polarized lenses have a coating that acts like a filter that blocks the glare and reflections you see from other cars, wet roads and other objects, so you can see more clearly when driving. Because they provide clearer vision with less squinting, they can help minimize eye strain.
• Non-polarized lenses, do not cut the glare like polarized lenses. However, the same polarized filter that eliminates glare also blurs images from liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. So if your car has a LCD dashboard and/or display screen, opt for non-polarized shades of brown for better contrast.