A recent national survey of American adults conducted by
N3L Optics found that motorcyclists are not protecting their eyes on the road. Only 15% said they wear sunglasses while riding. The rates aren’t much better for other popular outdoor activities such as cycling (28%), running (28%) and golf (19%); however, walkers (72%) have the best rate of protecting their eyes when outdoors.
N3L Optics, a sports performance sunglass retailer, recently did a study among motorcyclists which reveals that most riders aren't doing enough to protect their eyes.
Sunglasses can play a significant role in protecting eye health. They help reduce the risk of injuries caused by debris, wind and other road factors. In addition to injury, sun exposure can lead to eye damage including cataracts, macular degeneration and some cancers, nearly all of which are preventable with proper use of sunglasses.
N3L Optics, a sports performance sunglass retailer, also found:
• Eye injuries happen. One in five adults has experienced an eye injury while participating in outdoor sports and activities. The injury rate is highest for men (1 in 3) and ages 25-34 (1 in 4).
• Motorcyclists (69%) make the most effort to spend time outdoors year-round, beating golfers (65%), cyclists (62%) and hunters (61%).
• Motorcyclists (62%) make the most impulse purchases of sunglasses – more than those who participate in running, cycling, hiking, golfing and water sports – so they may not be selecting the sunglass that would best protect their eyes. They also want to receive sunglasses as gifts. Seven in 10 say they make a great present.
• Motorcyclists (66%) are more likely to choose a vacation destination based on outdoor activities. Nine of 10 like to motorcycle with friends or family, while only 7 of 10 like to motorcycle with their spouse or significant other.
N3L Optics’ revolutionary in-store technology helps customers select sunglasses that best suit their sport and active lifestyle. Our Gearus (N3L’s trained sunglass professionals) can take motorcyclists through the steps to ensure the perfect pair of sunglasses using the store’s environmental simulator, which replicates various light and road conditions, and wind speeds up to 35 mph –
http://n3loptics.com/technology/store_experience
On the open road sunglasses act as the windshield for your eyes, so make sure your sunglass provides sufficient coverage and fits perfectly with your helmet. N3L Optics offers motorcyclists the following tips for selecting a pair of sunglasses:
• Polarization: Polarized lenses reduce the blinding rays of glare reflected off flat surfaces; however, they are not recommended for riders who rely on an LCD instrument pane.
• Impact protection: Lens materials like polycarbonate and Impact X are shatter resistant and filter out 100 percent of UV light.
• Lens curvature: More curvature maximizes side protection against sun, wind, and impact. Wrap around lenses sometimes work best because they block light coming in from the sides. In addition, larger lenses may be more effective because they cover more of the eye.
• Secure fit: Rubberized grip points keep the eyewear in place during strenuous activity or with rapid moments.
• Hydrophobic lenses: An invisible coating easily sheds sweat, rain, sunscreen, skin oils, dirt and dust.
