Why UV Protection Matters More By The Seaside?

Introduction

There’s something different and tantalising about the sandy shoreline. It is a picturesque escape to wind down from the stress of life, with warmth underfoot and a shimmering sun above.

Whether it is watching the dinghies sail or simply relaxing in a cabana watching the sun melt on the horizon, a day spent at the beachside is a day lived right.

But what goes unnoticed is the strong impact of UVA/B rays around. People generally associate sun protection with hot days, without realising how differently UV rays behave on different surfaces, such as sand and water. With a high exposure to the UV rays reflecting from different surfaces, experiencing eye strain, discomfort & daytime fatigue becomes common.

To prevent the triggers of eye-related issues, different eyewear brands, including Specscart, bring a wide variety of beach sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays. What was seen as just another seasonal accessory has now become a daily wear, especially in the coastal areas, for beating the reflective glare.

The Coastal Glare & Its Impact

Squinting at the beach is a common sight, but people never realise the actual reason behind it. The sun doesn’t play the bad guy here, but the glare that bounces back from different angles. Water, sand, hulls of sailboats, pebbles, etc., act as mirrors for reflecting the UV rays.

Sand reflects between 15% to 25% of the UV rays, depending on its surface (dry/wet). This means that people soak up the UV rays directly and indirectly, from the sun and sandy surfaces, respectively. 

The continuous glare from different surfaces is the prime cause of eye strain, dry eyes, headaches, fatigue, and photokeratitis (eye inflammation), which often require medical attention. 

But most of these issues can be prevented easily by wearing the right sunglasses that ensure protection from UVA/B rays. Let’s understand it further.

Why Only UV400-Coated Sunglasses?

Sunglasses, over time, have become more than a seasonal accessory. They’ve become an important everyday outdoor essential for all those who either live near the coastline or visit the beach, which helps them to avoid the light reflecting from sand or water.

This raises the question of why only UV400-coated sunglasses? Time to pop this out.

There’s a common assumption that dark lenses are equivalent to sunglasses. In reality, they aren’t. All dark-tinted lenses do not guarantee protection from the UV rays. Sunglasses with dark lenses may reduce the glare, but don’t filter the UV rays.

This, in fact, is a major reason for problems like dry eyes, strain, and eye fatigue, as the UV rays silently damage the eyes. On the other hand, anti-UV sunglasses block the light reflecting from different angles.

Hence, most people prefer anti-UV sunglasses to protect their eyes while chumming around the sandy shorelines. But this doesn’t mean there’s nothing for the individuals who wear prescription eyeglasses. 

A Full-fledged Style Statement

Eyewear is synonymous with style & fashion. The modern-day eyewear beautifully amalgamates style, purpose, and comfort. People now want functional eyeglasses that are practical enough to transition between different surroundings, without disorienting the vision. 

All in all, versatile eyewear is in demand, which works equally well indoors and outdoors.

This is where the photochromic lenses work the best. They are light-adaptive lenses that adjust according to the surroundings. Such glasses remain normal when indoors, but turn dark when outdoors. 

Transitions is the brand name that leads the market with light-adaptive lenses. It offers lenses like the GEN-S and XTRActive lenses in different tints that can be used in prescription eyeglasses. The best advantage of Transitions lenses is that you don’t need to carry additional eyewear.

Seaside Lifestyle Influences Eyewear Habits

The people residing near the coastline have a close relationship with the outdoor culture. Frequenting the routes around the water body, constant exposure to the scorching sun due to sailing culture or water sports, makes it non-negotiable to protect the eyes from the UV rays.

Interestingly, this change isn’t driven by any fashion campaign, but by the practical experiences of coastal area dwellers. People often squint their eyes while being near the coastline/beach due to the discomfort caused by the glare reflecting.

Conclusion

Protection against the UV rays isn’t seasonal anymore. While they surround us throughout the year, people realise their existence only during summer. But the glare remains forever, irrespective of the season, and it isn’t restricted to sunny days.

That’s the reason why sunglasses have become a daily necessity rather than merely a seasonal accessory. The shift is happening because people realise the importance of functional eyewear that improves their everyday comfort.

And, this change is quite noticeable in the coastal areas, where the light reflects from every direction.