Running sunglasses are a must-have to guard your eyes from damaging UV rays, reduce glare, and enhance visibility when on the go. However, like any other running gear, they would wear out after long service. Knowing the right time to replace them will ensure high performance for eye protection. Signs that your time for a new pair of running glasses has come.
1. Scratched or Damaged Lenses
While minor scratches may not seem very serious, they gradually impair vision and distract the person using them, leading to reduced performance. Deep scratches also weaken the lens structure and make it more prone to breaking during runs. If the extent of damage to your lenses is such that they obscure your view, take it as a cue to consider buying a new pair.
2. Reduced UV Protection
Like any other sunglasses, running glasses lose their UV protection with time and constant exposure to sunlight. Protection from UV rays is vitally necessary for shielding the eyes from burns, cataracts or macular degeneration. If you have had your running shades for years now and your eyes feel more fatigued or sensitive to sunlight than they used to, it might indicate that your UV protection is fading out. To ensure their protection against UV rays, get them checked at the optical store.
3. Lens Discoloration or Fading
Lens discoloration or some yellowish tint in them may indicate the breakdown of the protective coatings. Good running shades come with several anti-reflective, anti-fog, and UV-blocking coatings that can erode with time. If your lenses are no longer providing the same level of clarity and colour contrast as they used to do, then it is high time to get rid of that pair.
4. Loose or Worn-Out Frames
Sunglasses get loose over time because of frequent wear, sweat, and temperature variations. If they are always slipping down your nose while running or are loose at the temples, chances are you are using them unchecked. Besides, brittle or cracked frames run the risk of breaking, which puts your eyesight in danger.
5. Compromised Nose Pads and Temples
Nose pads and the temple grips on sunglasses for running support a proper fit during running. If these useful bits are peeling off, disintegrating, or compromised, your sunglasses won’t sit firmly on your face. That may prove distracting and hamper your performance, making it harder to focus on the run. If new nose pads haven’t solved the issue, upgrade to a new pair.
6. Fogging Issues and Reduced Ventilation
In good-quality running sunglasses, ventilation systems help prevent fogging. Apart from that, if, after giving your lenses a good clean, they are still fogging up frequently, the anti-fog coating has probably started to wear off. Persistent fogging can obstruct vision and is dangerous for many runs in changing weather conditions. A pair designed with modern anti-fog technology should be tested in such a case.
7. Persistent Headaches
Persistent headache when wearing sunglasses may indicate that your sunglasses are no longer providing satisfactory UV protection. Visual distortions caused by mismatched frames or subpar lenses might make your eyes work harder. To ease these symptoms, swap out your old sunglasses for a high-quality pair that provides protection and appropriate lens alignment.
8. Broken Hinges or Structural Damage
Running sunglasses receive a lot of handling, impact, and movement. It might be necessary to replace the hinges if you observe that they are cracked, or loose. This makes them unreliable when you’re running. Longer wear and improved performance are guaranteed when you get a sturdy, high-quality pair.
Conclusion
Protecting your eyes and improving your performance are two important functions of your running sunglasses. Ignoring wear indicators can cause pain, blurred vision, and even harm to the eyes. You can guarantee that your runs will always be the clearest and most protected if you check your sunglasses frequently and know when to replace them. Consider replacing your worn-out pair with a high-quality model that fits your running requirements and offers the best comfort and vision.
