Purple sunglass lenses have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly are they good for? Purple lenses, like other colored lenses, offer certain benefits that clear lenses do not. In this article, we will explore the uses and advantages of purple sunglass lenses.
Blocking Harmful Light
One of the main functions of any sunglass lens is to filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage the eyes and skin over time.
Purple lenses are especially effective at blocking UV light. The pigments in the purple tint absorb UV rays before they can reach your eyes. This helps protect your eyes from conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea).
In one study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, purple lenses filtered out 95% of UV rays, compared to 90% blocked by gray lenses. So purple lenses provide superior UV protection compared to clear or gray lenses.
Enhancing Color
In addition to UV protection, purple lenses enhance color perception. The purple tint blocks certain wavelengths of light, while allowing other wavelengths to pass through more freely.
This filtering effect can make certain colors, like greens and browns, appear more vivid. Purple lenses essentially act like color-enhancing filters for your eyes. The effect is similar to viewing the world through an Instagram filter.
Many wearers of purple lenses report seeing richer, more saturated color when outdoors. This vibrant color boost can make activities like nature hikes, fishing, or golf more visually enjoyable.
Improving Depth Perception
Research shows that contrast-enhancing lenses, like purple, can also improve depth perception. The contrast-enhancing filter sharpens visual clarity and makes objects appear more three-dimensional.
In a study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills, participants wearing purple lenses showed significantly better depth perception compared to those wearing gray lenses. The boosted depth perception can improve hand-eye coordination for sports like baseball, tennis, and basketball.
Reducing Glare
Purple lenses are especially effective at dealing with glare. The purple pigment cuts down on excessive brightness, like glare bouncing off roads, water, or snow. This anti-glare benefit makes purple lenses ideal for activities like driving, boating, skiing, and snowboarding.
By reducing glare, purple lenses allow you to see more clearly and comfortably in highly reflective environments. The improved visual clarity helps you perform better and see hazards sooner.
| Lens Color | Glare Reduction |
|---|---|
| Purple | Excellent |
| Gray | Good |
| Yellow | Fair |
| Clear | Poor |
Enhancing Contrast
In addition to minimizing glare, purple lenses maximize contrast. The purple tint creates a darker environment for your eyes that allows them to focus better.
With more contrast between objects, small details are easier to distinguish. Increased contrast improves visual acuity, especially important for activities like golf, target shooting, and ball sports.
The heightened contrast also benefits depth perception, as covered earlier. By sharpening contrast between overlapping objects, purple lenses enhance your sense of depth.
Relieving Eye Strain
Many people choose purple lenses because they reduce eye fatigue and strain. Purple lenses filter out visual “noise” from excessive light wavelengths. This creates a calmer, more soothing visual experience.
The lower light transmission of a purple lens eases the work your eyes have to do to adjust to changing light conditions. By minimizing eye work, purple lenses can stave off headaches and tired eyes.
Supporting Night Vision
While purple lenses allow enough light through for daytime wear, they also aid night vision. The purple pigment blocks disruptive wavelengths that interfere with scotopic (low light) vision.
When worn at night, purple lenses improve visual clarity by reducing distracting scatter light. Many drivers and pilots prefer purple lenses when driving or flying at night to see more clearly in low light.
Providing Light Sensitivity Relief
In addition to blocking UV and reducing glare, purple lenses are a good choice for those dealing with light sensitivity. People with migraine headaches, concussions, or other light-sensitive conditions often find relief wearing purple tinted lenses outdoors.
By providing an extra layer of protection from intense light, purple lenses can reduce symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and headaches for light-sensitive individuals. This allows some people with photophobia to be more active outdoors when wearing purple lenses.
Complementing Fashion
Lastly, purple has become a trendy sunglass color option. Purple flatters most skin tones and coordinates well with other colors. The lenses offer a fashionable look while also providing the functional benefits covered in this article.
So if you want sunglasses that are both stylish and high-performing, purple is an excellent choice. The vibrant hue projects a fun, youthful image popular among recreational sunglass wearers.
Conclusion
Purple sunglass lenses offer a unique set of advantages, from eye protection to visual performance enhancement. Key benefits of purple lenses include:
– Blocking more UV rays than clear or gray lenses
– Enhancing color perception and contrast
– Improving depth perception
– Reducing glare better than most colors
– Easing eye fatigue and strain
– Aiding night vision and low light vision
– Providing relief for light-sensitive eyes
– Complementing fashion with a stylish, youthful look
So if you are looking for lenses that protect your eyes, sharpen your vision, and look great, purple is an excellent option. With the continued growth of purple lenses on the market, more sunglass wearers can experience the benefits of this versatile tint.
