Golf Sunglasses - Protective Eyewear on the Tee
Sunday, 07.01.2007, 02:01pm (GMT)
Name virtually any outdoor sport and chances are it requires or at
least involves the use of sunglasses – this includes golf. And this
makes sense. After all, the game is played outdoors, where the risk of
getting a full dose of ultraviolet radiation is the greatest. Golf
sunglasses, like many other types of outdoor eyewear, help protect the
eyes from these harmful ultraviolet rays. Using the right type of
sunglasses often enough would help prevent eye diseases like cataracts,
macular degeneration, and photokeratitis. Plus, sunglasses for golfers
look very good on them, too!
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” so the old saying
goes. And what could be easier for golfers to prevent eye problems
caused by sun exposure than slipping on a pair of golf sunglasses? And
it looks like a lot of professional players are taking this adage to
heart. We’ve seen them on television wearing sunglasses for golfers:
Karrie Webb, David Duval, Annika Sorenstam, to name a few. And various
types of golf sunglasses have been endorsed by the sports superstars –
such as Tiger Woods for Nike. Since golf has become a much
higher-profile sport, golfing accessories, apparel and paraphernalia
have increased consumer awareness about them, too. In fact, sunglasses
for golfers have enlarged their share in the global market for
sunglasses.
There are various styles and designs to fit every golfer’s need. Golf
eyewear with polarized lenses is especially helpful on bright, sunny
days because they cut down the glare from sunlight that bounces off
some surfaces. Different tints play a role, too, in how golfers view a
course. Lenses that are amber in color filter blue light, and these are
reputed to enhance viewing of far-off objects. Yellow and orange lenses
are ideal for low-light conditions, while clear lenses are good for
darker conditions. Some sunglasses for golfers also come with
changeable lens systems – just snap in the lenses that are most suited
for the current playing conditions. Whether one’s choice of sunglasses
has dark or light lenses, it is important to remember that it should
have excellent ultraviolet protection; some people mistakenly think
that there is little or no risk of ultraviolet radiation on overcast
days, but that simply isn’t so. UVA and UVB rays are just as dangerous
on a cloudy day as they are on a sunny one.
Certain considerations should also be remembered regarding the frames
of golf sunglasses. They need to fit well and be comfortable. Many
golfers prefer those whose frames are made of lightweight materials,
such as polyamide. The object is to feel that they are not there. It
can really be distracting to have to continually adjust ill-fitting
temple grips or nose pads just when you’re about to tee off or make
your drive. Wraparound sunglasses for golfers are also a good option.
They prevent ultraviolet radiation from entering from the top or the
sides of the eyewear. They are also helpful in shielding the eyes from
airborne irritants like sand, pollen, and dust.
A person who needs corrective eyewear need not feel apprehensive about
buying sunglasses for golfers. Many manufacturers offer prescription
sunglasses designed for outdoor sports. Just look at their online or
offline catalogs, select the desired design, inform them of the needed
prescription, and voila! You’ll be wearing them in no time at all. The
budget-conscious can choose from lines of lower-priced prescription or
non-prescription sunglasses at discount sites or in optical shops – but
it’s important to make sure that you are getting value for your money.
There’s no sense in buying inexpensive golf sunglasses if they can’t
give you the protection you need. For the fashion-conscious golfer who
is not averse to shelling out more money for his or her sports eyewear,
high-end brands may offer what they want: Tag Heuer, Oakley, Nike,
Adidas, Maui Jim, Dior, to name a few.
Players, coaches, caddies, even spectators – all can benefit from the
use of golf sunglasses. Looks are important, but they are secondary.
What is essential is having a pair of shades that one can put on and
forget about, leaving it do its work of protecting the eyes from the
punishing sunlight, from flying debris that can cause irritation, and
maybe even from the prying gaze of the competition as he or she seeks
to divine your playing strategy. Golf sunglasses are perfect for
enhancing performance and for preventive eye care!
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