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Importance of Quality Sunglasses
for Every Adventurer

Quality is a key factor to consider when shopping for good sunglasses.
Learn the benefits of quality shades and why they’re crucial for outdoor adventures.

The Undeniable Benefits of Quality Sunglasses

When it comes to outdoor activities, one accessory stands out as an essential piece of gear: quality sunglasses. Whether you’re hitting the trails, skiing backcountry slopes or casting your line, a pair of good sunglasses is a must-have companion. Read on to learn the benefits of quality shades and why Costa sunglasses are ideal for every outdoor adventure.

UV Protection

The primary reason for wearing sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Opting for sunglasses with the best UV protection helps shield your eyes from potential damage. Over time, exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions, including:

Cataracts
Age-related macular degeneration
Photokeratitis
Cancer in or around the eye
Growths on the eye, such as pinguecula or pterygium (“surfer’s eye”)

The best sunglasses for eye protection against UV rays are those that provide 100% UV protection or are labeled as UV 400. This means they offer protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. All Costa sunglass lenses provide 100% UV protection.

UV Protection-The primary reason for wearing sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Opting for sunglasses with the best UV protection helps shield your eyes from potential damage. Over time, exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions, including: Cataracts Age-related macular degeneration Photokeratitis Cancer in or around the eye Growths on the eye, such as pinguecula or pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) The best sunglasses for eye protection against UV rays are those that provide 100% UV protection or are labeled as UV 400. This means they offer protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. All Costa sunglass lenses provide 100% UV protection.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow and concrete. They filter the reflected horizontal light waves so that only vertical light waves get through to your eyes. This enhances your visibility, and colors may appear more vibrant.

Whether your outdoor adventure takes you skiing down black diamonds or fishing in the Florida flats, polarized lenses are a key aspect of high-quality sunglasses. All Costas come with polarized lenses, optimizing your visual comfort and clarity during every expedition.

Durability

Selecting a pair of high-quality sunglasses often means prioritizing durability. Good sunglasses crafted with durable materials often withstand the challenges of outdoor excursions.

But no frames are completely indestructible. Accidental drops or scratches from keys or other objects can affect a pair’s durability. Frequent use and exposure to the elements can also contribute to wear and tear over time. Choosing shades made of durable, quality materials can make them less likely to break or wear out.

Comfort and Fit

The physical demands of many outdoor activities make comfort and fit critical in eyewear selection. Lightweight, ergonomic designs offer a snug and secure fit during high-action pursuits. With comfortable, well-fitting shades, you can enjoy prolonged wear without discomfort or distractions.

The Role of Quality in Sunglasses

The role of quality in a pair of good sunglasses involves a few key factors. These contribute to their overall effectiveness, durability and functionality, and include:

Lens Quality

Lens quality is paramount when it comes to eyewear. Often, the quality of lenses is closely tied to the materials from which they are made. Sunglass lenses are typically crafted from glass or plastic (polycarbonate) materials. Choosing a premium option, such as Costa 580 lenses, can enhance your visual experience, especially in bright, reflective environments.

Costa 580 lenses come in glass and plastic options:

Glass (580G) – Made of Lightwave glass, these lenses are scratch-resistant and offer exceptional optical clarity.
Plastic (580P) – Lightweight, durable and impact-resistant, these lenses are made of polycarbonate or Trivex. (Trivex is used for prescription sunglass lenses.)

Most Costa sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, so you have plenty of options with or without vision correction.

Lens Quality -Lens quality is paramount when it comes to eyewear. Often, the quality of lenses is closely tied to the materials from which they are made. Sunglass lenses are typically crafted from glass or plastic (polycarbonate) materials. Choosing a premium option, such as Costa 580 lenses, can enhance your visual experience, especially in bright, reflective environments. Costa 580 lenses come in glass and plastic options: Glass (580G) – Made of Lightwave glass, these lenses are scratch-resistant and offer exceptional optical clarity. Plastic (580P) – Lightweight, durable and impact-resistant, these lenses are made of polycarbonate or Trivex. (Trivex is used for prescription sunglass lenses.) Most Costa sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses, so you have plenty of options with or without vision correction.

Frame Material

Equally important as lens quality is the frame material. This plays a key role in the comfort, durability and performance of your shades. Costa sunglass frames are made from top-quality materials, including:

Acetate – Acetate is derived from tree pulp and is naturally hypoallergenic. It offers a smooth, sturdy feel and allows for an array of patterns and color options.
Co-injected nylon – TR-90 nylon is a durable, flexible material ideal for hot and cold temperatures. It can be molded into a variety of shapes and is often favored for high-action activities.
Metal – Corrosion-resistant metals, such as titanium and Monel, are ideal for saltwater and other harsh elements. Metal materials may be stronger and longer-lasting than other options.

Select frame styles may include a combination of materials.

Frame Material -Equally important as lens quality is the frame material. This plays a key role in the comfort, durability and performance of your shades. Costa sunglass frames are made from top-quality materials, including: Acetate – Acetate is derived from tree pulp and is naturally hypoallergenic. It offers a smooth, sturdy feel and allows for an array of patterns and color options. Co-injected nylon – TR-90 nylon is a durable, flexible material ideal for hot and cold temperatures. It can be molded into a variety of shapes and is often favored for high-action activities. Metal – Corrosion-resistant metals, such as titanium and Monel, are ideal for saltwater and other harsh elements. Metal materials may be stronger and longer-lasting than other options. Select frame styles may include a combination of materials.

Frame Design

Frame design impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your sunglasses. It also influences various other aspects, such as:

Weight distribution
Stability
Coverage
Fit

Sunglass styles with fuller coverage reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes. Ergonomic designs enhance comfort and help keep your shades in place during more dynamic tasks.

These elements contribute to the overall performance of high-quality sunglasses across a variety of outdoor activities.

Frame Design -Frame design impacts both the functionality and aesthetics of your sunglasses. It also influences various other aspects, such as: Weight distribution Stability Coverage Fit Sunglass styles with fuller coverage reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes. Ergonomic designs enhance comfort and help keep your shades in place during more dynamic tasks. These elements contribute to the overall performance of high-quality sunglasses across a variety of outdoor activities.

The Adventure-Ready Features of Quality Sunglasses

When it comes to life on the water, Costas are often the preferred choice for quality sunglasses — and not just because of their UV protection and polarization. Many Costa sunglasses also offer the following features:

Hydrolite grip – Hydrolite rubber on the temples (arms) and nose pads helps keep your sunglasses in place.
Ventilation – Enhanced ventilation features built into the frames help prevent lens fogging.
Sweat management – Built-in channels wick away moisture, helping to keep your lenses clear.
Hydrophobic lens coating – This special coating repels water, sweat and oil, and helps prevent lens fogging.

Costa sunglass lenses also come in 10 different lens tints, with each color designed to work best in a specific light condition or environment.

Costa's Commitment to Quality and Eye Safety

Costa’s commitment to eye safety and optical quality is evident in every pair of sunglasses we make. From the Pro Series to the Lifestyle collection, Costa offers high-quality sunglasses tailored to meet diverse needs and enhance outdoor activities.

Embracing the Costa adventure lifestyle goes beyond wearing good sunglasses. It’s about exploring the world with confidence and doing your part to protect nature. Costa’s commitment to sustainability echoes through our eco-friendly practices and initiatives aimed at preserving the environment.

See What’s Out There

With Costa sunglasses, you’re not just protecting your eyes. You're embracing your outdoor adventures with clarity, comfort and style. Browse our collections today to find your next pair of quality sunglasses.