Why Some Sunglasses Make You Dizzy: Key Causes
Many people experience dizziness when wearing sunglasses, even though they don’t have prescription lenses. Here’s why:
Lens Color: Wearing sunglasses with dark lenses indoors or in low-light environments can strain the eyes, leading to visual fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
Frame Fit: Sunglasses with tight frames, especially around the temples or nose pads, can put pressure on sensitive areas, causing headaches and dizziness.
Lens Manufacturing Issues: If the lenses are too large and are forced into the frame, they can become distorted, leading to optical issues that cause dizziness and, in severe cases, affect vision.
Some individuals may also experience discomfort with progressive tint lenses.
Do Sunglasses Lenses Vary in Quality?
Not all lenses are created equal, and each material has its pros and cons:
- Glass Lenses: Durable and high-quality optics but heavy and less popular.
- Resin Lenses (e.g., CR39): Lightweight, impact-resistant, and easy to color, but prone to chipping.
- Polycarbonate Lenses: Lightweight, impact-resistant, and scratch-prone.
- TAC Lenses: Cost-effective and transparent, but less scratch-resistant.
- Nylon Lenses: Ideal for sports sunglasses with great impact resistance, though more expensive.
Precautions When Wearing Sunglasses
Certain individuals should take care when using sunglasses:
- Glaucoma Patients: Sunglasses can cause pupils to dilate, worsening eye fluid drainage and potentially triggering acute glaucoma attacks.
- Colorblind Individuals: Sunglasses may further hinder color differentiation for some colorblind people.
- Night Blindness and Retinal Disorders: People with these conditions should avoid wearing sunglasses.
Avoid Wearing Sunglasses Indoors
Wearing sunglasses indoors can cause your pupils to dilate in low light, leading to eye strain and visual fatigue. Director Wong Kar-wai, known for wearing sunglasses even indoors, explained that his eyes are too sensitive to light after years of adjusting to darkness while filming at night.
