DrivingWith Fitovers

People like to wear their fitovers when they’re driving. The glassesmake their trip less taxing on the eyes and can improve driver safety.However not all fitovers are the same. Some styles can reduce yourvisibility, possibly leading to taking unsafe risks.

Basically, there’s two types of fitovers; fashionable andfunctional. Both are worn over prescription glasses. Ifthey’re polarized they’ll eliminate glare, reducing eye-strain and fatigue. Certain lens tints, such as copper,increase contrast which also can contribute to a saferdriving experience. Fitovers created with performance inminds usually feature side-lenses. These functionallyoriented fitover sunglasses are designed not to obstructperipheral vision.

On the other hand, fashion fitovers focus on aesthetics.They’re made to look as stylish as possible. Functionality issecondary. To achieve a more fashionable look, somebrands eliminate the side lenses in an effort to create afitover that looks more like a conventional sunglass.

Your peripheral vision is important when you’re driving. Ithelps you to sense the presence of an object that is outof your line of sight. When you’re changing lanes forexample, your peripheral will let you know if there’s a carimmediately to your left or right. However, it doesn’talways pick up the presence of another vehicle that maybe in your blind spot. The blind spot is an area that is justoutside your peripheral, and can’t be seen with your rear-view or side mirrors. To properly check that your blindspot is free you’ll turn your head a little over 90°.

On the other hand, if you’re wearing fitover sunglassesthat completely block you’re peripheral vision, not onlywill you not be able to sense anything to your immediateleft or right, you’ll need to turn your head about 135°.Most people find it uncomfortable rotating that farwithout also turning their upper torso. These aren’t safethings to do when driving a car, boat or even cycling.

Blind Spot

Wearing a fitover sunglass that blocks your peripheral vision isn’t awise choice. Either wear a fitover with side shields or panoramicsweeping lenses such as those featured in Vistana fitovers. Vistanafitover sunglasses are highly fashionable and don’t have separateside ‘windows’. The front lenses curve around the outside corners ofthe sunglass frame seamlessly transitioning into side shields.

Vistana luxury fitover sunglasses and the world’s highest qualityfunction fitovers can be found at www.liveeyewear.com

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do notnecessarily reflect the official policy or position of Live Eyewear Inc. (c) Live Eyewear 2014