Cheap vs. Expensive Sunglasses

A pair of sunglasses seems so simple -- it's two pieces of tinted glass or plastic in some sort of plastic or metal frame. How much more straightforward can something get? It turns out that there are many different things you can do with two pieces of glass, and these things can have a big effect on you when you use the lenses. As you will see in this article, there really is a difference between the various sunglasses you'll find out there.

There are four things that a good pair of sunglasses should do for you:

• Sunglasses provide protection from ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light damages the cornea and the retina. Good sunglasses can eliminate UV rays completely.
• Sunglasses provide protection from intense light. When the eye receives too much light, it naturally closes the iris. Once it has closed the iris as far as it can, the next step is squinting. If there is still too much light, as there can be when sunlight is reflecting off of snow, the result is damage to the retina. Good sunglasses can block light entering the eyes by as much as 97 percent to avoid damage.
• Sunglasses provide protection from glare. Certain surfaces, such as water, can reflect a great deal of light, and the bright spots can be distracting or can hide objects. Good sunglasses can completely eliminate this kind of glare using polarization (we'll discuss polarization later).
• Sunglasses eliminate specific frequencies of light. Certain frequencies of light can blur vision, and others can enhance contrast. Choosing the right color for your sunglasses lets them work better in specific situations.

When you buy a pair of cheap sunglasses, you often give up all of these benefits and can even make things worse. For example, if your sunglasses offer no UV protection, you increase your exposure to UV rays. The cheap sunglasses block some of the light, causing your iris to open to allow more light in. This lets in more of the UV light as well, increasing the damage UV light can cause to the retina.

So there is a difference. Buying the right pair of good sunglasses for the conditions in which you use them gives you maximum protection and performance.

Many companies say they make the best pair of sunglasses, but no company comes close to the quality and price point of Randolph Eyewear.  Randolph has been making sunglasses for the military and have been standard issue for over 20 years.  Now that's quality you can depend on!  Still not sure?  Well, Randolph gives a lifetime warranty on all solder joints.  That's a company that knows that make a great pair of sunglasses.  

Randolph Eyewear offers the best deal this holiday season on frames like the aviator, concorde, and P3.  Check them out here:  www.randolpheyewear.com

Or follow us on facebook:  www.facebook.com/randolpheyewearmiami

Attention Holiday Shoppers!!!!  Right now Randolph is running a promotion for 10% off all frames and lenses.  Use promo code at checkout:  PROP747

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Friday Frame of the Day! - AVIATOR

Friday Frame of the Day!!!

AVIATOR - Gun Metal Frame, Skull Temples, Grey lenses

Randolph Eyewear

Randolph makes all their sunglasses frames to last the most rigid conditions.  For the past 20 years they have been making all the standard sunglasses for the United States Military.  These frames are so tough and durable that the company puts a lifetime warranty on all their solder joints.

These sunglasses are simply superior.  There's no way a Ray Ban could stand up to the kind of use a Randolph can.

This veterans day, give your hero a pair of Randolph's.  They are guaranteed to last a lifetime and their eyes will thank you.

Only the best Sunglasses for our American Hero's!

www.randolpheyewear.com

Randolph Eyewear - Aviator Style

Randolph Eyewear

STYLE  

As Winter peeks around the corner, peek back in style while protecting your eyes.Randolph Eyewear aviators ($129) were first brought to my attention by Michael Bastian (they are one of his five summer essentials for every guy’s closet). It is a solid aviator by an outfit who’s been supplying sunglasses to the U.S. Military and Air Forces world wide since 1982. They’re meticulously handcrafted in the United States using only the finest materials. Though lightweight, they feel like they could withstand mission after mission over Iraq...because they do. It’s a no brainer for guys. But for the ladies? Absolutely. You can customize frame, lens and temple configurations, ensuring a proper fit for your smaller frame.

The concorde is a popular choice for women.  The curved teardrop shape conforms great to a women's face.  And dont forget, Randolph gives a lifetime warranty on all solder joints.  

Photographed in New Canaan, CT

Spring for a classic American silhouette (in gold with gray flash mirror lenses) in lieu of overpriced designer aviators this summer. Configure your own pair at:  www.randolpheyewear.com

John a/k/a JetAviator7 left a comment on 1/14/2013 at 4:26 PM: 

I love these Randolph Engineering Aviators, and the new packaging for them is really awesome!

M Arthur left a comment on 2/20/2012 at 9:12 PM: 

The look deserves an “Oh behave!”. The aviator style is timeless.  This photo could have been shot in 1980!

MainLine BlueBlood left a comment on 5/19/2011 at 11:26 PM: 

I’ve worn the same pair of RE Concorde aviators for years and they are hands down the best aviators available. Spend the extra money - your eyes will thank you.

The Sporting Life left a comment on 5/3/2010 at 11:29 AM: 

I have smashed them flat w/o breaking the lenses, and bent them back into shape.  The best made sunglasses I have ever owned.

How to Choose the best Sunglasses for you.

Sunglasses: How to Choose

Sun protection, which includes the use of sunglasses, is one of the Ten Essentials. No wonder. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reduce eye strain in bright conditions and protect you from flying debris and other hazards.

For years the military has trusted Randolph to provide them with the best of the best in Sunglasses.  Click here to see all the style options.  Randolph solder joints are warranted for life. These may just be the last pair of sunglasses you will ever buy.  

www.randolpheyewear.com

Understanding Lenses

Lens Material

The material used in your sunglass lenses will affect their clarity, weight, durability and cost.

• Glass—PROS: Superior optical clarity; superior scratch-resistance. CONS: Heavier than others; expensive; glass will "spider" when impacted (but not chip or shatter).
• NXT polyurethane—PROS: Superior impact-resistance; excellent optical clarity; flexible and lightweight. CONS: Expensive.
• Polycarbonate—PROS: Excellent impact-resistance; very good optical clarity; affordable; lightweight and low bulk. CONS: Less scratch-resistance; slightly less optical-clarity than glass or NXT.
• Acrylic—PROS: Inexpensive alternative to polycarbonate, best suited for casual or occasional-use sunglasses. CONS: Less durable and optically clear than polycarbonate or glass; some image distortion.

Randolph Eyewear makes their sunglass lenses with Glass or Polycarbonate options.  They come in many different colors, sizes, and styles.  

Lens Color (Tint)

All sunglass lenses are tinted to cut down on overall brightness and enhance terrain definition. But your choice of tint colors affect your vision by influencing 1) how much visible light reaches your eyes, 2) how well you see other colors, and 3) how well you see contrasts.

• Brown/gray/green—Brown, gray and green lenses are color-neutral, which means they cut down on overall brightness without distorting colors. These darker shades are intended primarily to cut through the glare and reduce eyestrain in moderate-to-bright conditions.
• Yellow/gold/amber—Yellow, gold and amber lenses provide less overall brightness protection, but excel in moderate-to-low level light conditions. They provide excellent depth perception, which makes them perfect for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports. They also enhance contrasts in tricky, flat-light conditions.
• Rose/vermilion—Rose- and vermilion-colored glasses really do make the world seem brighter. They provide excellent low-light visibility and enhance contrast (perfect for skiing and snowboarding in cloudy conditions). They also enhance the visibility of objects against blue and green backgrounds, which makes them ideal for driving or exploring in forested areas.
• Mirrored or flash coating—This refers to a reflective film applied to the outside surfaces of some sunglass lenses. They reduce glare by reflecting much of the light that hits the lens surface. Mirrored coatings make objects appear darker than they are, so lighter tints are often used to compensate for this.

Randolph Eyewear makes a pair of glasses for each lens color you see here and more.  Randolph has lots of options to make sure you get the best protection for your eyes.

Lens Coatings

The more expensive the sunglasses, the more likely it has several layers of coatings. These can include a hydrophobic coating to repel water, an anti-scratch coating to improve durability and an anti-fog coating for humid conditions or high-energy activities.

Lens Construction

Two methods are commonly used. Lenses made via the injection process offer the best in optical clarity, but are more expensive. The bent-sheet process is used to make both performance and inexpensive glasses. High-end styles use a longer process to offer similar optical clarity as injected models, while lower-cost styles used a simplified process that yields a bit less clarity.

Interchangeable Lenses

Some styles come with interchangeable (removable) lenses of different colors. These multi-lens systems allow you to tailor your eye protection to your activities and current conditions. Consider this option if you need reliable performance in a wide variety of situations.

The Randolph Ranger collection has many different lens color options.  Each lens is $35, or you can get three lenses for only $75!  Each frame and lens package comes with a maintenance kit so you can keep switching your lenses quickly and easily.  

Polarized Lenses

Polarization is a great feature if you enjoy water sports or are especially sensitive to glare. When light reflects off of flat surfaces, such as a lake, the light waves align in horizontal patterns, creating intense glare. The filters in polarized lenses block these horizontal light waves, substantially reducing blinding glare and its resulting eyestrain.

In some instances, polarized filters react with the tints in windshields, creating blindspots and diminishing the visibility of LCD readouts. If this occurs, you should consider mirrored lenses as a glare-reducing alternative for driving.

The method used to polarize lenses affects both the optical-quality and cost of the sunglasses.

• Inexpensive casual styles have the polarizing filter applied as an external film coating.
• More durable and expensive sport styles sandwich the polarizing filter between layers of the lens.
• The newest high-end technology combines the polarizing filter with the lens material while the latter is in a liquid form. This allows the filter and lens to bond without the use of adhesives and sustains an exceptionally high optical quality.

Most of Randolph Sunglasses options have a polarized lens option.

Understanding UV and VLT

UV Protection

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. 

• UVB rays are the main concern for eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is linked to eye disease. UVB radiation is considered more dangerous to eyes and skin than UVA radiation."
• UVA rays are the primary ones absorbed by your eyes. While they pose far less concern than UVB, doctors still recommend that they be avoided.
• UVC rays are not a concern, as they are blocked by the atmosphere.

UV protection information should be printed on the hang-tag or price sticker of any sunglasses you buy, no matter where you buy them. If it isn't, find a different pair. Also keep in mind that cheap, tinted sunglasses with limited UV protection can actually do more harm than good, as they cause your eye lenses to open up wider, leaving them even more vulnerable to UV rays. Kids' eyes are especially vulnerable to UV light, since they don't have the same level of natural protection as adults.

Visible Light Transmission

The amount of light that reaches your eyes through your lenses is called Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Measured as a percentage, VLT is affected by the color and thickness of your lenses, the material they're made of and the coatings they have on them.

• All-purpose sunglasses have a VLT of around 15-25%. Aim for glasses in this range if you need a pair for everyday use and basic recreational activities.
• Glacier glasses (special sunglasses designed specifically to protect your eyes from the intense light at high altitudes) have a VLT of around 4-10%. Most glacier glasses also have shields to protect your eyes from light coming in from the sides of your lenses. Because of their low light transmission, glacier glasses should not be used for driving or other everyday activities.
• Photochromic lenses automatically adjust to changing light intensities to protect you in a wider range of conditions. These lenses actually get darker (to block more light) on bright days, and lighter when conditions get darker. A couple of caveats: The photochromic process takes longer to work in cold conditions, and it doesn't work at all when driving a car (UVB rays do not penetrate your windshield, so the process is moot).

Please click here to see the VLT of each of Randolph's lens options.  Randolph makes glasses to the highest quality.  Each pair of glasses goes through more than 200 production stages, mostly by hand, with the best materials possible. 

Frame Considerations

Frame Material

Choosing a frame is nearly as important as the lenses, since it contributes to the comfort, durability and safety of your sunglasses.

• Metal—PROS: Easy to adjust to your face; less obtrusive to your field of vision. CONS: More expensive than other types; can get too hot to wear if left in a closed-up car.
• Nylon—Manufacturers use different brand names for their frame nylons, including Grilamid and O Matter(TM). PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight; some have high impact-resistance for sports. CONS: Not adjustable, unless they have an internal, adjustable wire core.
• Acetate and Zyl—Sometimes called "handmades," these variations of plastic are popular on high-style glasses. PROS: More color varieties are possible. CONS: Less flexible and forgiving; not intended for high-activity sports.

Randolph makes their frames to withstand just about anything.  That is the reason the military has been standard issuing these since the 1980's.  Randolph sunglasses are truely superior sunglasses.  

Hinges

These depend on the frame material. On most nylon frames, hinges feature a molded pin that's actually part of the frame material. This creates a very durable hinge. Metal, acetate and zyl frames must use either a barrel-hinge or spring-hinge design. These offer the advantage of extra flex to fit larger heads, at the cost of some durability. Higher-quality frames may use nickel-silver hinges that are more rugged and reliable.

Randolph solder joints are warranted for life.  Randolph is so confident that their joints will not break that they are able to offer every customer a lifetime warranty.  Not many companies are doing that these days.  

Grippy Nosepieces or Temples

If you plan on working up a sweat, look for styles that have rubber nosepieces or earpieces that help keep your glasses from sliding down your nose.

Randolph sunglasses have silicon nosegrips.  These are made and designed purposely to not fall off the face.  

Find a Pair That Fits

Fit Tips

Here are some tips when trying on a pair of sunglasses:

• Frames should fit snugly on your nose and ears, but not pinch or rub.
• The weight of sunglasses should be evenly distributed between your ears and nose. Frames should be light enough to avoid excess friction on these contact points.
• Your eyelashes should not contact the frame.

Shopping online? Look for product descriptions that include fit guidelines such as "fits smaller faces" or "fits medium to large faces" for guidance. A few brands offer temples that are adjustable or come in several lengths.

Please click here to see how to determine what size Randolph's you need.  

Fit Adjustments

If you choose a metal or wire-core frame, you can usually adjust the fit by carefully bending the frame at the bridge and/or the temples. You may also be able to adjust the nosepieces, by pinching them closer together or farther apart, to rest on your nose more comfortably.

Lens Shape

There are no right or wrong lens shapes, but consider these guidelines:

• Wrap-around lenses block more of the light hitting your eyes from the side. They improve aerodynamics, cutting down on wind that can dry out your eyes, and provide extra protection against rain, sand and other debris.
• Different lens shapes complement the most common face shapes-oval, square, triangular and round:

Final Thoughts

When Is It Most Important to Wear Sunglasses?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology advocates wearing sunglasses anytime you're outdoors, but particularly when:

• It's summer (when UV radiation is at least 3 times higher than it is during winter).
• You're at the beach or near water.
• You're outside at high elevations.
• You're participating in snow sports.

In addition, if you have an eye disease, have had cataract surgery or are taking photosensitizing drugs, you should wear sunglasses whenever you go outside.

Are Pricey Glasses Worth It?

A $20 pair of sunglasses can look pretty similar to a $150 pair, so why pay more? The difference is in the technology, which offers more comfort, durability and performance. For around-town wear and while driving, an inexpensive casual pair may be all that you need. But for regular outdoor activities, especially high-impact ones such as cycling, performance glasses are usually well worth the investment.

Randolph glasses are very reasonably priced for the quality that they are.  Randolph's start at just $129 a pair and will last through all fashion trends and they have a lifetime warranty.  If you are going to invest in sunglasses, you should get the pair that wont let you down.  

How Do I Clean My Sunglasses?

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth (such as a microfiber) to clean your lenses.
• Avoid wood-based materials, such as facial tissue, which are too abrasive for safe cleaning.
• A spray-on lens cleaner or just plain water should also be used, since dry lenses are more susceptible to scratching when rubbed.

Accessories to Consider

• Protective Case: If your sunglasses don't come with a hard or padded case, buy one. A case protects your eyewear from scratching and crushing, and helps keep the lenses clean.
• Cleaning Cloth: A basic supply for cleaning.
• Retainers: These are a must for active sports.
• Storage Clip: A visor-mounted clip for your car keeps your sunglasses safe and accessible when not in use.

All Randolph sunglasses come with a maintenance kit including a cleaning fabric swatch so you can keep them looking awesome all the time.  

All new Randolph Eyewear customers get 10% off their first order from:  www.randolpheyewear.com

Just enter coupon code PROMO747   at checkout

Randolph Eyewear - Polarized vs. Non-Polarized Lenses

Randolph Eyewear makes the best glasses in the USA. Polarized and Non-Polarized lens options.

www.randolpheyewear.com

Facts about Polarized Sunglasses and Exposure to UV Rays

Proper sun protection for your eyes:

• Not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays. The lens material and coatings applied to the lens determine the amount of UV protection sunglasses provide, not the color and darkness of a sunglass tint. Polycarbonate plastic sunglass lenses absorb essentially all UV radiation, with the added advantage of extreme impact resistance.
• Different tints can help you see better in certain conditions and reduce glare and reflections by changing the quantity and quality of light entering the eye, but the color and darkness the tint of the sunglasses lens do not necessarily indicate the UV protection provided.
• Wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Your eyes will still be exposed to UV rays reflected from water, pavement, snow, sand, windshields and other surfaces.
• Wear sunglasses in winter. Snow reflects more UV rays than most other surfaces. Take care of your eyes when you ski, snowboard, snow-shoe, snowmobile, shovel or any other outdoor winter activity.
• UV light can go right through clouds even when it is overcast.
• The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm so be sure to wear proper sunglasses especially during those hours.
• UV can reach the eyes from the sides and top of sunglasses, even with lenses that absorb all UV radiation. Polarized sunglasses with large, wrap-around style, sport wrap frames are good for peripheral protection.

Advantages of Polarized Sunglasses

Good quality, proper fitting, UV-protective sunglasses with polarized lenses in combination with other features can enhance your outdoor activities and sport experiences, whether you enjoy boating, fishing, in-line skating, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, kayaking, waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, driving or just relaxing.

Too much unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause “photokeratitis” – a sunburn of the eye. The symptoms are temporary eye redness,uncomfortableness, light sensitivity and tearfulness. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually short-lived, although long periods of UV radiation exposure can sometimes cause permanent eye damage. "Snow blindness" is the common term for severe photokeratitis, which causes temporary vision loss usually lasting 24-48 hours.

Randolph Eyewear has a number of lens options according to your exact needs.  Randolph Eyewear has a grey and tan polarized option, as well as flash mirror, polycarbonate lenses, and more.  

Shop online at:   www.randolpheyewear.com