In this issue: the basics of sun lenses.

Knowledge is something that sets apart the optical aficionado from the order taker. In this new Eyecare Business feature, each issue is devoted to refocusing attention on the basic principles of lenses. For seasoned ECPs, these may serve as remedial refreshers that may stave off bad habits formed. For those new to the industry, let these lessons be a foundational spark of interest to grow your optical knowledge.

The Topic: Sun Lenses

Regardless of what your clients’ visual needs are, plano or prescription, the focus when selecting sun lenses lies in the color and protective qualities of the lenses. This is where ECPs can excel at selling sunglasses in an optical environment, because the focus lies in the features, benefits, and visual experiences in combination with the overall style of the sunglasses as a whole. By educating clients on what qualities in sunglasses best suit their needs, you are reinforcing your expertise and solidifying a consumer relationship.

Tinted Lenses: A Primer

Tinted lenses—sometimes referred to as fashion lenses—offer an endless array of color and density options.

Tinted lenses—sometimes referred to as fashion lenses—offer an endless array of color and density options.

Lenses can be tinted solid, featuring a single uniform color and density across the entire lens surface.

Gradient: a lens that has a darker saturation of color at the top and gradually lightens to a sheer wash of color toward the bottom of the lens.

Double or triple gradient: a lens that has either two or three different colors in varying levels of saturation blended across the lens surface in a horizontal layout.

Tinted lenses also have the unique ability to address specific health concerns such as seizures, migraines, and a variety of vision conditions through specific tint colors.

Tinted lenses offer an element of personalization for plano and Rx lens styles. Once the color and style are selected, the saturation or intensity of tint must be decided. Tinted lenses characterize this through a percentage. An 85% tint will allow for a light transmission of 15%, while a 10% to 20% tint (often referred to as a tone-light tint) will allow for 80% to 90% light transmission and can be comfortably worn indoors.

While many patients may request the “darkest” sun lenses, a wearer must be made aware of how a 90% tint intensity would reduce their visual acuity. These lenses are recommended for only specific activities—such as high-altitude snowy mountain activities—and are not deemed a safe style of lens to be wearing while driving.

Tinted lenses do not get their UV protection from the color, but rather a UV dip that is done during the tinting process or an AR coating that is applied after the tinting process. It is also worth noting that the application of an AR coating can affect the tint color.

Color perception is viewed differently through the wearer’s eyes and many factors exist in achieving a tint match, such as lens material, lens Rx, thickness, and coatings. This is why it is always wise to use a tint or swatch sample to best align the patient’s expectations with what the finished result will be.

Polarized Lenses: Defined

Polarized lenses act to reduce reflective glare by counteracting the light waves that bounce off a horizontal surface, while still allowing vertical light to pass through. Polarized lenses increase contrast while keeping colors vivid, achieving a superior visual experience in bright sunlight. They allow the wearer to see through the surface of the water, help prevent rain or snow glare, and offer UV protection. Polarized lenses are available in a variety of different lens styles, materials, and colors, though the color cannot be modified in density or tone the same way a tinted lens can.

While polarized lenses are a great sun lens solution, it is important to discuss the “when” and “where” your client will be primarily wearing them. Polarized lenses can cause LED screens to appear “blacked out” when viewed at certain angles and can make tinted car windows appear “wavy,” making them less suitable for those who rely on looking at a screen when wearing them.

Photochromic Sun Lenses: The Basics

Although not abundantly common, photochromic sun lenses offer great flexibility as they adapt to changing light conditions from a light or mid-tint color to a darkened full-tint sun lens style. These variable sun lenses have different characteristics from traditional photochromic lenses as they always retain a lens saturation of approximately 20% to 50% in the “neutral” state. These sun lenses are especially popular for sports such as cycling and marathon running as wearers can perform without visual interruption regardless of the changing environmental light factors.