Climbers require robust protection from falling rocks, as well as specialised lenses that enhance contrast to spot the small nooks and crannies. Ensuring both safety and optimal vision is crucial for a successful and enjoyable climbing experience.
Prescription Options
When it comes to prescription glasses for climbers, there are multiple options to choose from to ensure you have clear vision tailored to your needs:
- Direct Fit Prescription Lenses: You can have your prescription fitted directly into the frame, ensuring that your vision correction is seamlessly integrated.
- Optical Insert Adaptors: Another option is to use an optical insert adaptor, which houses your prescription lenses. This insert can be easily fitted and removed, providing flexibility.
- Combination with Contact Lenses: You can also opt to be fitted with contact lenses and then wear your sunglasses over the top. This approach allows for a broader choice of frame styles and lens types.
Lens Guide
Selecting the right lens type and coatings is essential for climbers to adapt to varying light conditions and protect against environmental elements:
- Photochromatic Lenses: These lenses are highly beneficial for climbing as they automatically adjust to changing light conditions. Often, climbers move from areas of shade into bright light, and photochromic lenses darken accordingly to provide optimal vision.
- Anti-Reflective Coatings: Applying anti-reflective coatings to the front and back surfaces of your lenses enhances vision clarity by reducing glare from surfaces like water, snow, and rocks.
- Mirror Coatings: These coatings are excellent for overall brightness reduction, making them ideal for bright, sunny conditions.
- Anti-Fog Treatment: This treatment is crucial for climbers as it repels mist and prevents lenses from fogging up, maintaining clear vision even in humid conditions.
- Oleophobic and Hydrophobic Treatments: These treatments stop dirt and grease from sticking to the lens, keeping your vision distraction-free and your lenses clean.
- Impact Resistance: For all-around protection while climbing, impact-resistant lenses are a must. They can withstand hits from falling debris and rocks.
- Lightweight Lenses: Comfort is increased with lightweight lenses, which reduce the strain on your face during prolonged wear.
- Optical Precision: We can create lenses with precise optical standards by glazing your prescription directly into the lens or using an insert.
- 100% UV Protection: It’s advised to choose lenses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Interchangeable Lenses: Having the option of interchangeable lenses for different conditions can provide tailored vision support for varying environments.
Tint Guide
The colour of your lenses can significantly affect your visual performance while climbing. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right tint:
Grey Lenses:
- Good all-purpose tint
- Ideal choice for climbing in bright sunshine
- Minimises colour distortion
- Suitable for sustained use in bright conditions
Brown Lenses:
- Provides high contrast
- Maintains good colour balance
- Soothing to the eye, reducing fatigue
Orange/Copper Lenses:
- Optimal for partly sunny conditions
- Enhances visibility of terrain, making it easier to spot potholes, rocks, and mud
Yellow Lenses:
- Most effective in low light conditions or overcast days
- Superior at increasing contrast enhancement, which is critical for spotting details in dim lighting
Frame Guide
Choosing the right frame is just as crucial as selecting the right lenses. The frames should be lightweight and comfortable, fitting securely on your face to prevent them from slipping during climbs:
- Lightweight Frames: Essential for increased comfort during prolonged wear.
- Wrap-Around Style: Provides better coverage and protection from wind, debris, and peripheral glare.
- Adjustable Nose Pads: Allow customization for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Thermogrip: Made with hydrophilic material which absorbs moisture, ensuring that the frame stays firmly in place even when you sweat.
- Adjustable Temples: Provide a better fit and ensure the frames stay secure during vigorous activity.
- Oversized Frames With Deep Lenses: Offer a wider field of vision, which is crucial for spotting potential hazards and navigating tricky terrain.
- Airflow Allowance: Frames that allow some airflow can help prevent lenses from misting over, ensuring continuous clear vision.
By considering all these aspects, from the choice of prescription options and lens types to selecting the right tint and frame, climbers can ensure they have the best possible eye protection and visual clarity for their adventures. This comprehensive approach ensures not only safety but also comfort and enhanced performance.