Hey everyone! I've spent a good chunk of my life working outdoors, and let me tell you, the right pair of sunglasses can make or break your day. It’s not just about looking cool; it's about protecting your eyes and being able to actually see what you're doing. Finding the perfect pair for fieldwork took some trial and error, but I'm excited to share what I've learned along the way. My goal is to help you avoid the mistakes I made and find sunglasses that will keep your eyes safe and comfortable, no matter what the job throws at you.
Early on in my career, I wasn't really thinking much about my eyewear. I figured any old pair of sunglasses would do. Boy, was I wrong! I quickly learned that fieldwork is tough on everything, including your shades. I went through several pairs of expensive sunglasses that ended up scratched, broken, or lost in the blink of an eye. It was frustrating and costly.
One time, I was doing a survey and realized my cheap sunglasses were making it difficult to distinguish subtle differences in soil color. That’s crucial for what I was doing! I had to constantly take them off, squint, and then put them back on. It was a real pain. Another time, I was working on a particularly bright day, and I realized I wasn't getting enough protection. My eyes were strained and tired by the end of the day. That's when I started to seriously consider what features I needed in a good pair of fieldwork sunglasses.
The first thing I realized was that I didn't need to spend a fortune on sunglasses for fieldwork. What I needed was something durable and easily replaceable. I started buying cheaper pairs, around the $15-$20 range. This way, I wouldn't be heartbroken if they got damaged or lost. But cheap didn't mean I could compromise on eye protection.
That’s when I discovered the importance of polarized lenses. Polarized lenses are a game-changer! I found that they significantly reduced glare, making it easier to see even in bright sunlight. They also helped me see differences in soil color much better. It was like a whole new world opened up. Plus, polarized lenses offer crucial protection for your eyes from harmful UV rays.
I also experimented with different lens colors. I tried pink and yellow lenses, especially on those mornings when I wasn't feeling my best. I found that they did make things seem a bit brighter and more cheerful. However, I also learned a valuable lesson about wearing sunglasses when assessing soil color. A colleague pointed out that sunglasses, even polarized ones, can distort your perspective. Now, I always take my sunglasses off when I need to make critical color judgments.
Because I need prescription glasses for reading, but not for distance, I've also explored options that work for me. I came across these Cinily.com frames, and they look like they might be a good option. I'm considering getting a pair with prescription lenses for reading and other close-up tasks in the field. Speaking of frames, durability is key. That’s why I started looking at titanium alloy frames. They are incredibly strong and lightweight, which is perfect for long days in the field. I actually found a pair that I'm thinking of trying out: Fashion Titanium Alloy Myopia Frames For Men Ultra-Lightweight Fashion Business Half-Frame Prescription Eyeglasses Frames Blue. They seem perfect for my needs.
I’ve been using similar frames for a few weeks now. They're so light I barely notice them, and the half-frame design gives me a wide field of vision. I also appreciate that they look stylish enough to wear outside of work. This is especially important since I often go straight from the field to meetings or other appointments.
Here are some practical tips based on my experiences: