Sunglasses

UV-Protection & Polarized Sunglasses: Essential Accessories for Any Season

Thanks to Hollywood movie stars, sunglasses became solidified as a must-have accessory in the early 20th century, going on to be mass-produced for fashion lovers everywhere. It wasn’t until the late 1930s with the advent of polarized, aviator-style lenses that sunglasses became as much of an outdoor essential as they were a fashion accessory.

Since then, Panama Jack has taken the iconic designs of the past and present and added increased comfort, functionality, and style. Whether you are looking for aviators, beach and surf classics, or contemporary club eyewear, our large range of styles and lens colors will leave you thinking you may just need more than one pair.

While you may have made it a habit to put on sunscreen to protect your skin before heading out, your eyes also need the right protection, and that means wearing a pair of sunglasses that provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. Panama Jack sunglasses do just that. The perfect eyewear choice whether you’re out on the water, hitting the open road, or lounging on the beach, these essential shades will protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

No matter which style you choose, you can rest assured that Panama Jack Sunglasses will keep you protected, and have you looking good in the process.

THE PERFECT YEAR-ROUND ACCESSORY

Regardless of where you live, summer is the time of year when the sun’s rays reach the earth at a more direct angle. This results in long and often sunny days as well as a higher risk of exposing your eyes to potentially damaging light. Not only does UV intensity tend to be stronger, but the amount of time we spend outdoors usually increases significantly in the summer. A summer beach day, for example, means you’ll likely spend hours and hours around sand and water, which reflect about 10% and 15% of UV radiation.

Summer isn’t the only time of year you can benefit from UV-protective sunglasses. Winter can be just as harsh on your eyes (if not more). Even on short, overcast winter days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage. People in snowy climates are even more at risk. Snow reflects 80 to 90 percent of the light that hits it, and without any eye protection, you could experience snow blindness, which is essentially a sunburn on your eye that can cause irritation and, in some cases, severe pain. Don’t take the risk and instead, throw on a pair of UV-protective sunglasses every time you head outdoors.

No matter the time of year, anyone who spends more time outdoors is at higher risk of short-term and long-term damage from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. In addition to limiting your time in the sun during peak hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), putting on a pair of sunglasses can go a long way in reducing your eyes’ exposure to the sun’s intense UV rays.

POLARIZED PROTECTION

With 100% UVA/UVB protection, our sunglasses are designed to minimize the damage the sun’s rays can do to your eyes. For even more functionality, many of our sunglass lenses are polarized, too.

Usually, light scatters in all different directions when it bounces off of an object, but when it hits a flat surface, like snow, water, windshields, or asphalt, it’s reflected at a sharp horizontal angle. When there’s nothing breaking it up, the light can cause a strong glare and, as a result, lower visibility and eye fatigue. That’s where polarized sunglasses come in. Using a special chemical filter, polarized lenses work by blocking horizontal light. Only vertical light can pass through, helping you see more clearly by eliminating sun glare.

When searching for the perfect pair of polarized sunglasses, keep these points in mind:

– Polarized lenses block glare by filtering light. Non-polarized sunglasses reduce the overall intensity of light but don’t have the same ability to reduce sun glare.

– Polarized (and regular) sunglasses do not automatically offer UV protection, so look out for a specific label if you want to minimize the impact of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. At Panama Jack, all of our sunglass styles offer 100% UVA and UVB protection

– Polarized sunglass lenses enhance contrast and colors in the environment around you. However, they aren’t ideal for viewing LCD screens and icy patches because of their darker-tinted lenses.

Polarized sunglasses are perfect for anyone wanting to see the world more clearly, but they can be particularly handy during specific outdoor activities. If you’re heading out for a day of fishing, polarized sunglasses can help reduce the glare from the water and make it easier to see any activity below the surface. Light reflection off of water can also cause problems while boating, especially for the driver. Wearing polarized lenses reduces the eye strain you might experience from a long day on the water, and it can help the boat driver better discern the “texture” of the waves and any obstacles that lie beneath the surface, such as large rocks or sandbars.

A day on the water isn’t the only place you can benefit from the power of polarized sunglasses. If you’re off on a road trip or simply running errands, light reflecting off the road, buildings, and other cars can irritate your eyes and even impact your ability to safely navigate the road. Polarized lenses can give you more comfort and confidence while driving during the day.

A PAIR FOR EVERY STYLE

Sunglasses are more than just a practical addition to any outfit. They’re a way to show off your personal style, and at Panama Jack, we have a design for everyone. With their iconic tear-drop shape, classic aviator sunglasses remain a fashion staple decades after they were introduced in the 1930s, and with their updated lenses and frames, they perfectly fuse performance and on-trend fashion.

For an unmistakably retro look, you can’t go wrong with the upswept shape of a cat-eye frame. Club sunglasses offer another vintage yet cool and timeless look. Putting a sophisticated spin on simple square styles, club sunglasses have a thicker upper frame and a thin nose bridge. For those that prefer a more sporty look, wrap-around and other sport-style sunglasses feature extended lenses, offering added protection from the sun during an active day outdoors.

If you’re searching for stylish shades for the whole family, Panama Jack has you covered. Just like our complete sunglass collection, our Kids’ Sunglasses are designed with 100% UV protection plus fun designs and frame shapes that your kids are sure to love.

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Whether you’re headed to the beach, tackling your favorite trail, hitting the highway, or just lounging poolside, Panama Jack sunglasses are built to be your favorite everyday accessory. View our entire line of sunglasses today and protect your eyes in comfort and style wherever your next adventure takes you.