With a variety of protective eye-wear to choose from, mirror sunglasses stand out by giving advanced protection from the sun, as well as minimizing glare. The tinted lenses are thickened with a reflective optical coating, usually a gold, silver or copper glaze. Called a mirror or flash coating, it stops light from passing through, better protecting eyes from irreversible damage. Due to the reflective property, a one-way mirror effect is created. The wearer can see through the lens, but the outside world sees a reflection. These lenses are far more effective in blocking Ultraviolet rays and High-Energy Visible Light than traditional sunglasses. Regular sunglasses rely on a dark tint to shield the light, letting harmful UV rays through. Mirror sunglasses use tint as well as reflection, giving additional UV protection from other sunglasses, ranging anywhere from 10% to 60% less exposure.
These glasses have been making various fashion statements for several decades, appearing everywhere from major motion pictures to professional sports arenas. Many people know them as “cop shades,” due to their popularity with police. Mirror shades are considered to give a psychological upper hand, as they hide the eyes, disabling people from reading the wearer’s expressions. This also presents the ability to hide dark circles and red, puffy eyes. They are most commonly seen in Aviator form, such as the ones worn by characters in The Matrix trilogy, as well as police forces. The other style is a wraparound, having the appearance of goggles, which are popular with athletes. While available in various colors, blue and yellow tints have been shown to enhance visibility.
Mirror sunglasses may be stylish, but their value comes from the superior UV protection. In some areas, natural elements worsen the sun’s effects. Snow covered terrain reflects light instead of absorbing it, consequently amplifying glare. For those who participate in winter sports, this glare can make it hard to concentrate. Water and sand are extremely reflective substances, and while most people bring sunglasses to the beach, it may not be enough to fend off the increased rate of harmful rays. Higher altitude also reduces the Earth’s natural UV filtration. In these scenarios, mirrored lenses pick up where other sunglasses leave off, offering as much as 100% protection from ultraviolet rays. The eyes are sensitive, and some damage cannot be undone. There is no reason to settle for less than full coverage when it comes to eye protection.