There’s something therapeutic about the road trips taken. The endless playlist of your favourite musician set to the beguiling scenery around, halting multiple times for grabbing a quick bite, or letting your impulsive thoughts take over because of a rustic board, promising an eye-catching view.
You’re entirely a new person when you take the wheel and accelerate to explore the road not taken. This is an experience where we often don’t realise how time slips away like sand. The unparalleled freedom to explore the less explored is simply ethereal.
I remember one such drive in the countryside, where the sun’s rays flirted and left my arms tanned. Besides, I realised that my eyes saw the most astounding views, were left fatigued. Why? Because I didn’t care enough to spare a thought for them. The eyes need optimal protection so that any road trip isn’t ruined.
Here’s an account of everything that I learned the hard way, slightly.
UV Rays CAN Permeate Through The Side Windows
First things first, you ARE safe when inside a car, but only from a heavy downpour or hailstorm, without a faff. Unlike the windshield that repels a significant amount of the UV rays, side windows are like that weak point from which you can be impacted by the UV rays. Extensive exposure to UV rays gives rashes, sunburn, and tanned arms.
I realised the first mistake with tanned arms.
The Blinding Wrath
Being behind the wheel for prolonged hours under the scorching sun is quite a battle in itself. Adjusting the seat height, focusing on the road while “trying” to enjoy the scenery around, and then you’re back again to step one.
Even though the windshield repels the UV rays, the glare still impacts the eyes by disorienting the vision. The sunlight reflecting from wet/snowy surfaces or from the surfaces of surrounding vehicles reflects & makes driving more tiring than enjoyable.
That’s a key reason for many drivers experiencing eye fatigue during sunny days or long rides. But it can be kept at bay with a pair of sunglasses with UV-400 coating or polarised sunglasses.
Blimey, I learnt this after experiencing fatigue myself because I didn’t carry one with me.
Hours Behind The Wheel Add Up
Driving for a short, 20-minute commute is different from a 4-hour drive. Road trips demand high concentration because the eyes are consuming different types of information through signboards and in the form of beguiling scenery. Throughout all this, the eyes feel the glare from the vehicles around, which poses a challenge for the person behind the wheel.
To avoid such hindrances and keep the trip smooth, drivers often take breaks and carry items like a neck pillow, a waist belt, and a pair of sunglasses/polarised eyewear. These items ensure that the whole road trip remains as smooth as butter.
Not So Hidden Surprises
While I was driving and admiring the beauty around (not my girl, hahaha), I realised that Mother Nature has her unusual ways of surprising us. Though I was tantalised by the charming snow-capped peaks and misty waters, my eyes weren’t able to withstand them for long.
The reason why I was constantly squinting was the amplified glare that bounced back from the snowy peaks and calm water bodies. Had I brought the polarised sunglasses, admiring the charm of Mother Nature would have been a breeze. The polarised eyewear eliminates the glare to see around without squinting.
And ironically, these are THE SPOTS where we all tend to roll down the windows & click quick snaps.
Relatable, right?
A Specta-cular Challenge
Having a pair of sunglasses with UV-400 coating doesn’t mean complete resolution. People who wear prescription eyewear may often struggle to see clearly, imagine how they manage the steering during a road trip.
Even I was curious to understand how people can get over this hassle, so I spoke to the team of experts at Specscart. They emphasised using Transitions XTRActive lenses. These lenses are light-sensitive & react inside the car as well.
Wearing eyeglasses with Transitions lenses simplifies the hassle of carrying multiple pairs, whether you’re inside a car or outside. The eyes remain safe & vision clear, without any problem.
I think I’d be more than happy to pay more for this kind of comfort, because I feel that fashion & comfort can co-exist. Choosing proper eyewear with adequate UV protection doesn’t mean the style must be sacrificed.
To whatever side your style leans, like browline, cat-eye style, geometric frames, or anything else, they should be a must-have for the journey.
Conclusion
Being a road trip aficionado myself, I can assert that road trips are remembered for seeing the sun melt on the horizon, letting impulsive thoughts go for another long turn, refreshing roadside snacking, and conversations that will never fade away.
Even though protecting the eyes with sunglasses or Transitions eyewear wouldn’t be a part of your conversation, looking back at those photos, you’ll surely recall how comfortable the entire trip was, without your eyes facing the slightest fatigue.
So, next time when you’re packing the travel essentials, for another road trip, make sure there’s room for the right pair of sunglasses or Transitions. At least, I’ll never forget to carry mine.
