Sunglasses for driving: which ones to choose and why

Polarisation, lens colour, comfort and fit: a practical guide to choosing the right sunglasses, without any empty promises.

Uomo alla guida con occhiali da vista ZEISS DriveSafe
Official ZEISS Vision Care image – DriveSafe material for the press and information purposes.

Sunglasses for driving must do three things above all else: reduce glare, ensure the road and instruments remain clearly visible, and stay securely in place throughout the journey. The choice depends not only on the colour of the lenses: the filter, optical quality, frame, field of vision and the conditions in which you most often drive are all important factors.

For those who need corrective lenses, sunglasses can be made with prescription lenses. However, the design must be assessed in terms of actual use, as a solution suitable for daytime travel is not automatically suitable for the evening, in the rain or in fog.

Polarised lenses: when are they useful?

Polarised lenses can reduce many reflections from horizontal surfaces, such as wet tarmac, car bonnets and water. This is why they are often comfortable for daytime driving. Before buying, however, it is worth checking the readability of your car’s displays: with certain combinations of lenses and screens, the image may appear darker at certain angles.

Colour and intensity: it’s all about balance

Grey, green and brown are popular choices because they manage light well whilst offering different colour perceptions. Rather than seeking out an absolute ‘best’ colour, it is useful to compare light transmission, contrast and comfort under everyday conditions. Very dark lenses are not suitable for night-time driving.

Photochromic lenses may behave differently inside a car, as the windscreen filters out some of the radiation that triggers their activation. There are various technologies available: the actual performance should be checked on the specific product chosen, without assuming that the same level of tinting will be achieved as outdoors.

Frame, field of view and stability

A pair of driving glasses should be stable, comfortable and should not obstruct your peripheral vision unnecessarily. Very wide arms, unstable frames or lenses that are too small can make it more difficult to check your mirrors and monitor traffic at the sides.

When the glasses are prescription, their actual position on the face becomes part of the design. The behavioural alignment take into account posture and how it is used; in the Simulation Room It is possible to compare optical solutions before making a final purchase.

The choice at Isolani Experience

With theIsolani Experience The choice is based on specific questions: how many hours you spend driving, at what times of day, in what light conditions, and what prescription you require. The frame and lenses are assessed together, ensuring that you do not simply choose sunglasses without considering fit and everyday use.

For a personalised assessment, please contact Isolani Opticians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polarised lenses always the best choice for driving?

They are often useful when driving during the day as they reduce glare, but they should be checked against the car’s displays and assessed in relation to the conditions in which they are used.

Can sunglasses for driving be prescription?

Yes. The correction, the filter, the frame and the centring must all be designed together, taking actual habits into account.

Do photochromic lenses darken whilst driving?

The answer varies depending on the technology. The windscreen filters out some of the radiation that triggers many photochromic lenses, so the degree of darkening may differ from that outside the vehicle.

Can I wear dark-tinted lenses when driving at night?

No: a dark lens reduces the amount of light available. For evening driving, you should consider a clear lens that is suitable for your prescription and the conditions in which you will be wearing them.

The information on this page is provided for information purposes only and relates to the optical and commercial sectors. It does not contain any medical, clinical or diagnostic content.

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