Mirror Coating Sunglasses: Pros & Cons in 2023

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Mirror coating sunglasses, also known as mirrored sunglasses, are a popular type of eyewear that features a reflective coating on the lenses. The mirror coating reduces the amount of light that passes through the lenses, making them an excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time in bright environments.

Not only do they provide practical benefits, but they also come in a variety of stylish designs that can add a touch of personality to any outfit. Whether you’re hitting the beach, driving, or simply enjoying a sunny day outdoors, mirror-coating sunglasses can provide the perfect combination of style and function.

What are Mirror Lenses?

Mirror Coating Sunglasses

Mirrored lenses are just like what you’d imagine them to be as soon as you hear about them.

It deflects any light source that may land on its surface, so it’s playing into the “mirror” part.

And it’s also why you can consider this the polar opposite of the anti-reflective lenses because of how THICK its color is!

Have you heard about the typical creepy story surrounding the one-way mirror? Where can you see your reflection from one side, not knowing there’s someone else watching you from beyond the mirror?

That’s technically how the mirrored glasses work.

The lens’s exterior comes with a color tint to protect you from the light, and even though it looks like it’s hindering your movements, in reality, it’s helping you when you can see much more compared to when you’re not wearing it!

Did You Know…

Revo sunglasses is another name for reflective sunglasses, and it has a history you can consider “out of this world.”

Literally!

It all started on an average day in 1982 when NASA astrophysicist and optical engineer Dr. Mitch Ruda began a project protecting satellites’ porthole windows from any space radiation outside.

Because of this, Dr. Ruda had a light bulb moment and tried experimenting with sunglasses+ and lenses.

In 1985, Dr. Ruda finally succeeded, as he now uses NASA-developed protective coatings on a pair of sunglasses for the sole purpose of protecting your eyes.

Till then, Revo was born.

Pros & Cons of Mirror Coating Sunglasses

Pros

Tones Down the Glare

Has it been far too sunny lately where you live? Too challenging to enjoy your summer outside when you always had to narrow your eyes every time you wanted to look somewhere, all the while hoping you’re not glaring at someone by accident?

Well, excessive light will be the last of your worries because these lenses can block them out effectively!

All because of its reflective coating, you’ll be able to see clearly without straining your eyes any longer.

And without experiencing any strain, it’ll be easier for you to maintain good vision!

UV Shield

Other than glare, UV protection is another item checked off the list for you to look out for.

Having this be a part of the package does well in protecting your eyes from any harm that prolonged sunlight exposure can bring, be it UVA, UVB, or even UVC!

Not only that, but it also protects you from blue light!

Let It Snow!

Since the glare will be lowered tremendously, it is perfect for you to use in places where you’re outside around water or snow.

These two elements have light reflecting on them irrespective of how bright it is up on the snowy mountains, making them perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

But by using a pair of mirror-coating sunglasses, you won’t be bothered by these reflective surfaces ever again!

Because of that, if you’re an athlete for the snow Olympics or if you’re playing somewhere with a lot of water, wearing this kind of sunglasses can enhance your vision one step further.

Instead of absorbing the light, the coating bounces it right back, thus giving you adequate clarity with clearer vision.

Confused about Mirrors and polarized glasses? Do not worry! We got your back.

The Wonder of Anonymity 

Other than its practical uses, style is also something provided by mirrored lenses, especially when it offers so many colors and designs for you to choose from!

Not only that, but you can also enjoy a brief moment of respite as these glasses offer enough to build up a mysterious persona.

Heck, even cameras will have a tough time recognizing you as the mirrored lenses are tinted just enough for nobody to see through them and look at your eyes!

Mirror Coating Sunglasses

Cons

Too Dark In Low Light

Because they’re still technically sunglasses, using this in low light conditions won’t be recommended.

Without a lot of light present in the scene, your already darker-hued lenses can only do so much, thus confusing your vision even more.

Or worst, you’ll strain your eyes so much that your eyesight might degrade, further compromising your vision.

So word of advice: don’t use it in low light!

For example, if you happen to be driving through a tunnel, take your mirrored sunglasses off throughout the entire drive to prevent any accidents. 

Not Tech Savvy

Although this protects you from blue light, it doesn’t mean that it’s ideal to be used while looking at devices.

Specifically, those that have screens called liquid-crystal displays (LCD).

Because of the coating, the images in these LCD screens might look comparatively darker with those squiggly lines across them because of how distorted they’ve gotten.

Final Thoughts

With how fast technology has been advancing, it’s no surprise to have experts create many, many additions to every tool you’ll need that can make life easier.

And one of these additions is the mirror coating sunglasses.

Now that it’s officially 2023 summertime, you’ll need this embedded in your shades, among other coatings, to make sure your eyesight is all good to go for the long run!

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Author

Tessa Reynolds
Meet Tessa Reynolds, who lives in Denver, Colorado. She likes to write about sunglasses, and eye makeup so that she can share her knowledge, and help all the people who need something for their eyes. When she is not writing, you can find her skiing in the mountains of Colorado.