Mirrored sunglasses employ a thin metallic coating on the outside surface of their lenses to help block glare and improve visual clarity in bright conditions, all while serving up a distinct style. These lenses offer similar performance in glare reduction and sun protection as polarized lenses, but often come at a more affordable price. For those who are sensitive to polarized lenses or don’t want to spend as much on their eyewear, mirrored sunglasses are a smart alternative.
Mirrored lenses come in a variety of colors. Whether blue, red, green or silver tinted, they offer the same amount of glare-blocking performance and eye shading capabilities. In other words, the color of the lenses doesn’t have an impact on the overall performance. The tint of the mirror may, however, slightly alter the viewing experience in certain environments.
But are all mirrored sunglasses created equal? Not quite.
The fact is that mirrored sunglasses are often the subject of counterfeiting. Many of these cheap copies are intended more as fashion accessories than actual functional eyewear. You might find that these fakes don’t block enough UV light to adequately protect your vision in bright sun. Nor do they offer comfortable frames, a durable construction or shatter-resistant lenses.
When shopping for mirrored sunglasses, make sure that they block at least 99% of UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. Sunglasses that don’t block these similar levels of UV rays can leave your eyes at risk of corneal damage, cataracts and even macular degeneration.
What are Three Benefits of Mirrored Sunglasses?
They block glare better than other sunglass lenses
They offer a distinct style and come in different colors
They hide yours eyes and make you look and feel like James Bond
Are Mirrored Sunglasses Right for You?
Sunglasses with mirrored lenses block glare and help improve visual clarity in bright conditions. It’s the same positive traits that polarized lenses offer, but mirrored sunglasses often come at a more reasonable price. However, note that some polarized sunglasses come with a mirrored finish–combining the best of both technologies. These sunglasses will come at the higher price that polarized lenses fetch (or even higher) to account for the mirrored finish.
Mirrored sunglasses are best for people who work or play in bright environments, but who can’t use polarized lenses. Who are these individuals who can’t (or shouldn’t) use polarized lenses? People who work around LCD instrument panels, such as pilots and heavy equipment operators, or those who have a sensitivity to polarized lenses, may find mirrored sunglasses a great alternative to provide the glare-blocking performance of polarized eyewear.
Instrument panels of airplanes and equipment will often appear dark when viewed through polarized lenses, making life dangerous for those pilots and operators. It’s the reason pilots don’t wear polarized lenses, and often choose glasses with the venerable G-15 lens while airborne. Plus, some people report a general sensitivity to polarized lenses, making mirrored sunglasses a worthy alternative.
Unlike others, Edge never charges extra for our sunglasses and safety glasses with mirrored lenses. We also offer polarized glasses with mirrored finishes. Our Aqua Precision Blue Mirror lenses help to block glare and increase visual clarity in the brightest conditions. Plus, all of our lenses are constructed of shatter-resistant polycarbonate. Most of our safety glasses and sunglasses come with anti-slip frame details and offer a level of durability that other brands simply don’t match.
Whether you’re looking for safety glasses with blue mirrored lenses or fishing glasses with polarized mirror lenses, we have the durable eyewear that delivers confidence and performance in an affordable package.