Ever tried driving at sunset and found yourself squinting so hard you could barely see the road? One patient told us he avoided evening commutes altogether because of the blinding glare and constant eye strain. At Morgan Vision Care in Virginia Beach, we often hear how glare can make everyday driving uncomfortable—and sometimes even dangerous. The solution? The right pair of driving sunglasses.
When chosen well, sunglasses don’t just block sunlight. They improve visibility, reduce fatigue, and help you stay focused behind the wheel.
How Glare Affects You When Driving
Glare happens when intense light bounces off surfaces like the road, your windshield, or other vehicles. It overwhelms your vision, reduces contrast, and causes your eyes to work overtime. This leads to:
- Squinting and headaches
- Slower reaction times
- Increased risk of eye fatigue and distraction
- Dangerous driving conditions in low sun or bright daylight
For people with lighter-colored eyes or anyone who drives long distances, the right sunglasses are more than a comfort—they’re essential for safety.
What to Look for in Driving Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal—especially when it comes to driving. The best driving sunglasses go beyond style; they’re designed to enhance visibility, minimize glare, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Whether you're commuting daily or heading out on a weekend road trip, here’s what to look for to keep your vision sharp and your drive safe.
1. Polarized Lenses to Block Glare
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare by filtering out reflected light. This makes them ideal for driving, especially when sunlight bounces off wet roads or hoods of cars. They offer clearer, more comfortable vision compared to standard tinted lenses.
2. Gray or Amber Tint for True Color Perception
Color matters. Gray lenses preserve color accuracy, which helps you judge distances and traffic lights. Amber or brown tints improve contrast in hazy or cloudy conditions—perfect for early mornings or late afternoons.
3. High UV Protection
Prolonged exposure to UV rays—even through your car windows—can damage your eyes over time. Make sure any sunglasses you wear behind the wheel blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
4. Anti-Reflective Coating
This coating reduces reflections on the back surface of your lenses, keeping stray light from bouncing into your eyes. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference when you’re facing unpredictable lighting conditions.
Avoid These Common Mistakes with Sunglasses
- Overly dark lenses can reduce visibility, especially in tunnels or shaded areas.
- Large or bulky frames may interfere with your peripheral vision.
- Fashion sunglasses may lack necessary features like UV protection or polarization.
Instead, go for a lightweight, snug-fitting frame that won’t slip while you drive.
The Link Between Sunglasses and Eye Fatigue
Staring through glare or squinting for long stretches can tire out your eye muscles. This leads to eye fatigue—symptoms like dryness, burning, or blurred vision after time behind the wheel. Over time, it can affect your focus and reaction time.
The right sunglasses reduce this strain, keeping your eyes relaxed and alert.
Let Morgan Vision Care Help You Find the Best Driving Sunglasses
In Virginia Beach, we offer a wide selection of high-quality sunglasses designed for driving. Our opticians can help you choose polarized lenses that match your vision needs and driving habits—whether you're a commuter, rideshare driver, or weekend road-tripper.
Book an eye exam at Morgan Vision Care in Virginia Beach to check your visual clarity and find the perfect pair of sunglasses for safe, comfortable driving.