CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses are above all a protective accessory against UV rays, but they are also an essential fashion accessory!
Our choices often focus on the aesthetic aspect before the functional aspect of the pair of glasses.
In this article, we'll take a look at what you need to bear in mind when choosing THE protective and stylish pair of sunglasses for your sporting activities.
The different levels of protection
CATEGORY 1
Category 1 lenses are lightly tinted and are ideal for reduced sunlight levels, such as in winter or on very grey summer days. They let between 43 and 80% of visible light through.
CATEGORY 3
Category 3 lenses provide effective protection against sunlight. They let through between 8 and 18% of visible light. They offer optimum optical quality for comfort of vision at all times, whether you're playing sport or out and about.
CATEGORY 4
These are highly tinted lenses that allow only between 3% and 8% of visible light to penetrate. These lenses are recommended for outdoor activities exposed to strong light: skiing, mountaineering, water sports, etc. They are also designed for young children to ensure maximum protection.
Lens Technologies
Photochromic
Photochromic lenses adapt to the intensity of the sun's rays. They go from category 1 to category 3 to give you perfect visibility when the weather changes or when you move from shade to light. Their polycarbonate structure makes them light and resistant, so they're perfect for demanding sports like skiing, cycling, trail running and more.
Polarized
Polarising lenses filter rays to eliminate the sensation of glare and intensify contrasts to give you enhanced vision quality, even in bright sunlight. They feature a polarising filter inserted into the lens between 2 layers of acrylic, for maximum durability over time. Polarised lenses are just as well suited to sports requiring precise vision of relief, such as mountain biking or trail running, as they are to everyday use.
High Contrast
HIGH CONTRAST lenses improve definition and natural colour recognition, while offering a high level of protection, even in bright light.
Sunglasses for your sporting activity
Mountain sports :
For mountain sports, you should opt for cat.4 or photochromic cat.2 to 4 goggles, with wraparound frames and full coverage for good protection. These goggles are often fitted with a grip on the nose and temples to hold them firmly on the face. Cairn models include NORTH, CHASE and TRAX Mountain.
Cycling, hiking and running :
Whatever you do, you need a thin pair of goggles with a ventilated frame that won't fog up during exercise. You can opt for cat.3 goggles or cat.1 to 3 photochromic goggles. Among the Cairn models, you can find the ROC and ROC LIGHT goggles.
Water sports :
For water sports, it's important to have a frame that's designed for aquatic conditions, i.e. a frame that wraps around, covers and floats, with anti-drip hydrophobic lenses for maximum visibility even when splashed with water, and adjustable, removable neoprene tightening elastics to optimise your comfort. Cairn also offers SWIM goggles.
Other sporting activities :
Find a pair that are comfortable and fit the shape of your face, with grips on the nose and temples. For those who don't practise a particular sport, don't forget that the right pair of glasses will also make you feel good!