Protecting your eyes is essential, no matter what type of cyclist you are. Whether mountain bikers constantly come in and out of tree cover or roadies are taking on the big hills, quality eyewear is crucial.
UV rays are present year-round and can cause sunburn on the skin and eye damage. Photochromic lenses darken in sunlight, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays.
UVA
Known as “transition” lenses, photochromic cycling glasses darken in direct sunlight due to a chemical reaction. Millions of silver halide or chloride molecules embedded in the lens are invisible until exposed to UV light when they shift to a dark shade or tint. When a cyclist moves away from sunlight, the molecules return to their transparent state.
These lenses provide increased protection from UV rays, which can cause eye damage such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. They also reduce glare and eye fatigue and improve contrast and depth perception on the road.
Photochromic lenses are ideal for mountain bikers, who frequently transition between shady and sunny conditions. However, they’re not as quick to react to light as other lenses and may take up to a minute to darken when first exposed to sunlight. In addition, the transition may be less effective in extreme temperatures, with the lens failing to darken at all or becoming much lighter than expected. However, this shouldn’t concern most cyclists, as the benefits outweigh the minor drawbacks.
UVB
The ozone layer absorbs the shorter bands of UVC and some UVB. It is crucial because the ozone layer protects against UV degradation (photo-oxidation) of organic materials in our environment and the eyes and protects from certain types of skin cancer.
Photochromic lenses darken in direct sunlight to help protecting your eyes from excessive exposure and then lighten when in the shade. It helps improve safety and eliminates the need for a pair of sunglasses.
These lenses are also polarized, which helps to reduce glare by canceling out horizontal sun reflections like those from flat surfaces like tarmac or snow. It benefits mountain bikers who are frequently in and out of tree cover and can often be blinded by the sun’s glare.
The dual purpose of photochromic lenses also makes them an excellent choice for people who need eyeglasses to see indoors but require sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays outdoors. These convenient lenses provide improved vision and eye protection for all activities.
UVC
A key feature of photochromic lenses is that they darken in UV light. These lenses are made with carbon-based molecules called transition dyes that absorb UV rays, darkening the lens to make them sunglasses. When the lens is removed from sunlight, the molecules return to their original state, and the lenses become clear.
This technology is ideal for cyclists because it helps protect their eyes from UV rays, glare, and debris on the road or trail. It’s also essential to protect your eyes from UV rays even on cloudy days, as the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate deep into the eye to cause damage.
Photochromic cycling glasses may have a slow transition from clear to dark, but their benefits outweigh this minor inconvenience. They protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce strain during long rides.
Glare
Depending on the severity, glare can cause distractions and reduce performance. It is also a potential risk factor for permanent eye damage. Glare is caused by light intensity that exceeds your eyes’ ability to handle it. It may be emitted directly or from a reflective surface, such as water or snow.
Photochromic cycling glasses can darken when exposed to UV rays. They then clear as they move away from UV radiation. It makes them an excellent choice for cyclists who ride in areas with varying levels of sunlight and shade. It allows them to ride safely without switching between pairs of sunglasses.
The best photochromic lenses will be responsive to UV rays and have a wide range of tint adjustments. They should also be durable and scratch-resistant. Many premium brands have adjustable temple arms and nose pads for a comfortable fit. This feature is essential for mountain bikers, who often wear their glasses when climbing or descending in and out of tree cover.
Safety
Photochromic cycling glasses provide the ultimate eye protection on the road or on a mountain bike. Their larger frames and impact-resistant lenses help protect the eyes from dust, sand, debris, and other road hazards that can cause injuries.
These glasses are also treated with hydrophobic and oleophobic treatments that prevent water marks from forming on the lenses, making them more durable for use in harsh conditions. This treatment makes wiping away any dirt, dust, or debris from the lenses is easy.
Another advantage of photochromic cycling glasses is that they offer enhanced UV protection, which is crucial to keeping the eyes healthy and protected against long-term damage. The darker lens automatically darkens as it comes into contact with sunlight, while the clear lenses lighten when a cyclist is in the shade or indoors.
Choosing the best pair of cycling glasses depends on personal preferences, including lens tint, color, and material. Some cycling glasses are made with glass, while others feature polycarbonate or plastic lenses. Other factors are lens thickness, curvature, and fade-back speed.
