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There is a raging argument among sunglass aficionados regarding whether polarized or non-polarized sunglasses are "better." The real issue isn't which kind is better, but rather which kind fits a particular use. It matters whether you are driving a car in fog, fishing on a lake or flying an airplane.
In order to help understand which original aviator sunglasses are the best for a pilot, you need to understand what is important about sunglasses.
Here are the 6 most important things for pilots to consider before purchasing sunglasses:
- They should improve contrast and reduce eye strain while flying;
- Non-polarized lenses are essential for pilots;
- Know the proper tint and lens density for flying;
- Field of view is very important for pilots;
- Know how photochromic lenses work.
It turns out that some men and women have real differences when it comes to color vision. Men, whose color vision is more red-sensitive, often prefer neutral colored lenses like gray. Women, whose color vision is more red-deficient, prefer brown tinted lenses which they feel provides them with more natural vision. However, these gender differences are by no means universal.
The first thing to realize is that pilots will need more than one pair of sunglasses for flying. For the most part tint and lens density are not as important as comfort and coverage area to help reduce eyestrain. Tint, on the other hand, has a direct effect upon contrast.
Amber, brown and yellow tinted lenses work best in situations like fog and haze, so would be most valuable during approaches and flights in low visibility conditions. These tints provide an improvement in contrast so that visual cues are more easily recognized.
Gray, green or neutral lenses work best in bright sunlit situations like flying above the clouds and at upper altitudes where the sun's rays are stronger and the UV radiation greater. The darker the lens the more help in reducing eye strain and stress.
Polarized lens have a filter in them that reduces the ability to see glare from metal and glass objects, and therefore inhibits a pilot's ability to see the sun glint off the metal of an aircraft which may be on a collision or intersecting course. For military pilots it is essential to find and locate aircraft in their vicinity as quickly as possible, and to identify the aircraft immediately. It is essential for pilots to wear non-polarized sunglasses at all times.
Tint and lens density are important because of the altitudes at which pilots operate modern jet aircraft. Heavier and darker lenses are required to limit the amount of sunlight reaching the pilot's eyes while providing protection against ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is more powerful at higher altitudes in the atmosphere because the thinner atmosphere can not filter out as much uv radiation as it can at the surface.
Field of view requires that more of the eye socket be covered by the lens. This is one of the reasons that lenses for pilots have taken on a tear dropped shape. These kinds of lenses in sunglasses are known as aviator sunglasses. Typically the lenses should be between 52mm and 57mm in size, and shaped so as to allow the greatest field of view.
Photocromic lenses are not a good choice because they need ultraviolet light to react with the lenses to darken them, while at the same time the goal is to limit or eliminate ultraviolet light from reaching the pilot's eyes.
By now it should be clear that the best sunglasses for pilots are non-polarized tear shaped sunglass lenses with frames that hold the sunglasses snuggly in position and which have a high degree of impact resistance.
Military organizations around the world recognize these facts, and most choose Randolph aviator sunglasses for the pilots and soldiers.
About the Author
John M. White is an ATP pilot and internet publisher of the website All Things Aviation. On his website you will find some facts about the best original aviator sunglasses and a selection of Randolph Engineering Aviator sunglasses for pilots.
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