Custom sunglass lenses

Types of Custom Sunglass Lenses

Custom made polarized sunglasses require careful attention to detail because, in addition to being an important accessory, sunglasses also fulfill an important function: protecting one's vision from the effects of UV radiation. This is why choosing the right lenses is so important, especially if they can be custom-made. Sunglass lenses alone can come in multiple types, each tailored for a specific purpose and characterized by a different degree of darkness, polarization, and material composition. Here are some common lens types:

Polarized Lenses

These lenses were initially developed to reduce glare, primarily over bodies of water, roads, and other reflective surfaces. By blocking intense vertical light, which leads to annoying glare, polarized lenses improve visual clarity and comfort and reduce eye strain. They are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those engaged in fishing, boating, and driving.

Photochromic Lenses

Also known as transition lenses, photochromic lenses can darken or clear up automatically in accordance with the intensity and amount of UV light they are exposed to. They provide great convenience since one does not have to switch between regular sunglasses and prescription sunglasses in different lighting conditions. This adaptability makes them suitable for individuals who move in and out of indoor and outdoor spaces frequently.

Mirrored Lenses

These lenses carry a reflective coating on top, which reduces the amount of light that can pass through the lens and, therefore, the amount of visual information that can be seen by the observer. However, they are very stylish and would, therefore, be considered as one of the most effective fashion accessories. The mirror finish is beneficial in highly illuminated environments, mainly due to the increased light reflection.

Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses are tinted darker at the top and gradually become clearer toward the bottom. This unique tint allows for reduced glare from the sun while still permitting sufficient light to pass through for better visibility of items at ground level. These lenses are commonly used in fashion eyewear and for drivers who need sun protection without losing outlook vision.

Anti-Reflection Lenses

AR lenses, also called anti-glare or anti-glare lenses, have a thin coating that reduces the amount of light that reflects off the lens surface. This minimizes glare from headlights and other bright lights at night, which is particularly beneficial for drivers and people working in low-light environments. In addition, AR lenses enhance vision by allowing more light to pass through, making them a popular choice for prescription sunglasses.

Bi-Focal and Multi-Focal Lenses

These lenses combine sun protection with vision correction. Bifocal lenses have a tinted portion for sunglasses and a clear section for vision correction, while progressive lenses offer a smooth transition between different lens powers. This is great for people who need vision correction and want to shield their eyes from the sun, too, all at the same time.

Designs of Custom Sunglass Lenses

Custom sunglasses are very popular because they grant the user a degree of freedom when it comes to making a sunglasses design that resonates with oneself. Sunglass lenses can be further classified based on the technical functions of the different lens materials, including pharmaceutical care. They not only optimize vision functionality, but some of them also do this to preserve the effect of the design only in the aesthetic sense. Here are some common lens designs for prescription sunglasses:

Single Vision Lenses

These lenses provide the same prescription all over the lens made to correct a certain type of vision problem: myopia or nearsightedness, for instance, or farsightedness. Single vision lenses are not only ideal for anyone who wants prescription sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun but also ideal for those who just want the benefit of sun protection without the negative glare effect.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses have two distinct prescription areas: one for distance vision and the other for near vision. The lens is usually divided with a visible line that separates the two prescription areas, which is useful for people who need correction for both distance and near vision at the same time. Bifocal sunglasses combine outdoor vision and reading capabilities, making them ideal for people with presbyopia.

Progressive Lenses

As many people refer to them as no-line bifocals; progressive lenses offer a smooth transition between different prescription strengths, thus eliminating the need for visible lines that separate the lens sections. This provides a more natural viewing experience. Progressive sunglasses are very adaptable, which makes them suitable for outdoor use, leisure activities, driving, or simply about daily living.

Polarized Prescription Lenses

These custom-made polarized prescription sunglasses combine vision correction with glare reduction. The polarized filter gives the prescription lens all the advantages of glare elimination over open water, roads, and other reflective surfaces, as well as the advantage of correcting sight.

Flat Top Bifocal Lenses

This type of lens has a wide near-vision segment with clear vision for reading at the bottom and is usually designed with a flat horizontal top. These lenses are mostly used in prescription sunglasses, where people may have vision problems concerning presbyopia and want protection against the sun.

Fashion Suggestions for Custom Sunglass Lenses

Custom detailing on polarized sunglasses not only serves a functional purpose but also makes the shades stylish. Polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering out intense horizontal light, improving outdoor visibility. Many customizations are available for adding prescription lenses, changing frame designs, logo printing, and more, so one can tailor the shades according to their style. Below are some fashion tips for looking good with custom sunglasses:

Lens Color

Depending on their functionality, polarized lenses come in a variety of colors for different degrees of light filtering and glare reduction. Brown and amber lenses enhance contrast and reduce glare, which is particularly useful for driving and outdoor activities. Grey lenses will cut off brightness without adding any tint to the view, making them ideal for general purpose use. Blue sea lenses are effective at reducing glare off the water, particularly for boaters and beach goers. Custom lens colors may be functional and trendy, allowing one to express their unique fashion sense while enjoying the practical benefits polarized lenses offer.

Frame Materials and Styles

The material and style of the frame can greatly impact the overall look. Lightweight and durable polarized lens frames are usually crafted from aluminum, titanium, and other alloys. In terms of style, people may opt for aviators with a rugged look, wayfarers with a classic look, or cat-eye with a feminine look. Each frame style can offer a different degree of comfort for various outdoor activities while contributing to their stylish appearance.

Customframes not only provide polarized lenses but can also be manufactured from different materials so that a unique effect is achieved. This versatility allows one to select a frame style that suits not only their personality but also the activities they engage in outdoors. Whether selecting a frame that embodies elegance, sportiness, or a rugged disposition, the design will add an appealing aspect to the enhanced vision protection that polarized lenses offer.

Logo and Branding Options

Custom polarized sunglasses are great for promotional work since they can be branded and will look very stylish on the users. There are a number of options for the logo, which can be made on both the lenses and the frames to make the sunglasses look neat for companies in a corporate sense or for any kind of promotion. Logos can be made in various ways – embossed on metal, printed on fabric, etc. – which will make the sunglasses feel personal to the users and the businesses' sunglasses, making them feel calm and confident about the exposure.

Maintenance and Care for Custom Sunglass Lenses

To maintain functionality and the stylistic aspect of custom polarized sunglasses, proper care and maintenance is essential. Here are some tips:

• Storage: Keep custom polarized sunglasses in a hard case to prevent scratching or breaking when not in use. Folding sunglasses and keeping them in a bag or a car with an open space where things get easily dirty or knocked over is not advisable.
• Cleaning: Clean polarized lenses with a microfiber cloth and a lens solution or water. Avoid using paper towels, clothes, or anything abrasive that could scratch the lens surface. When cleaning, do not use anything that has not been deemed hygienic because it will eventually result in some degree of scratch, reducing vision functionality and the appeal factor.
• Avoid Heat and Water: Do not leave sunglasses in a hot place, such as a car, or expose them to hot water, as excessive heat can warp frames and damage certain lens coatings. This will also apply to custom lenses because the frames are crafted to match the wearer's style and fit. It is vital that the integrity of these frames is preserved at all times.
• Regular Inspections: Check regularly to ensure screws are not loose. Tighten them as needed or take them to a professional for maintenance. Loose pieces will not only affect the quality of the sunglasses, but the look will also be diminished, as one will be seen with some sunglasses with parts hanging off.

Q&A Section for Custom Sunglass Lenses

Q1: Are custom made polarized sunglasses worth it?

A1: Custom made polarized sunglasses are indeed worth it because they afford an individual the opportunity to design and construct a pair of shades that will fit his face perfectly and do a great job of blocking polarized glare. In addition to that, exclusive fit and fashion combined with integrated glare-reducing technology make them worth the money.

Q2: Is it okay to clean the polarized lenses with soap and water?

A2: Although it's not harmful to clean polarized lenses with soap and water, just water and a microfiber cloth should suffice. Soap can potentially damage advanced coatings on the lenses, such as anti-reflective or anti-smudge coatings. For more effective cleaning that does not compromise coatings, use water with a specially formulated lens cleaner.

Q3: How do one know that their polarized sunglasses are genuine?

A3: The best and easiest way to know whether the sunglass is faithfully polarized or not is to perform a simple test: Hold the sunglasses at a 45-degree angle to a reflective surface like water or the floor and check whether there is any glare. Those that reduce glare are properly polarized. A polarized filter can be used to ascertain whether it is indeed polarized sunglasses.

Q4: Can one get prescription lenses in custom polarized sunglasses?

A4: Yes. Custom polarized sunglasses can be combined with prescription lenses, which address vision issues while providing protection against the sun and the glare that is present. An eye care professional will take the measurements required for a prescription to ensure that the sunglasses fit well if one decides to have customized polarized prescription sunglasses.

Q5: Why do sunglasses have to be 100 percent UV protected?

A5: As an ideal feature of the polarized prescription sunglasses, 100% UV protection would mean that no harmful rays are able to reach the surface of the eye and potentially cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other forms of eye damage. This is an important thing to consider: it helps to protect oneself from the effects of prolonged exposure to UV rays.