Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
After the first few rides on my bike, I realized I couldn’t continue cycling without sunglasses. These rides were pretty dangerous, and I almost crashed multiple times because of a bug in my eye and watery eyes. But there are more reasons cyclists wear sunglasses…
KEY TAKEAWAY
Cyclists wear sunglasses mainly to protect their eyes against insects, UV rays, and other elements. Some sunglasses even have contrast-enhancing lenses that improve vision and allow them to spot potholes from a greater distance. They are also an accessory that makes them look more like pros.
The 3 Best Reasons to Wear Cycling Sunglasses
The following part includes in-depth explanations of the most important reasons to wear cycling sunglasses.
1. Insects & Bugs Protection
Cycling sunglasses are perfect for protecting your eyes against insects. Even a tiny fly can throw you off balance.
This is something I’ve been experiencing during my first rides without sunglasses.
If you have ever had something in your eye that shouldn’t be there, you know how unpleasant it is. Now, imagine you experience this when cycling.
It can result in just a temporary loss of your attention or a big crash caused by losing control.
This can be especially dangerous on group rides where you are not alone, and it is essential to keep your line.
Insects are tiny but can cause big issues.
Cycling sunglasses don’t have to be expensive. Check out these affordable cycling sunglasses.
2. Elements Protection
Protecting your eyes against elements like water, wind, mud, dust, and branches is just as important for mountain bikers, who often encounter them on rough terrain.
Road cyclists’ biggest enemy is often considered the (head)wind. However, you don’t have to ride fast to start tearing on a bike—a headwind can cause the same.
Once you return home from a ride without sunglasses in a strong headwind, your eyes will probably be irritated and burning.
With sunglasses, you can easily prevent these negative effects.
PRO TIP: If you want to take off your glasses during a ride, use air vents in your bike helmet or jersey collar. Your glasses will be easily accessible in these places, so you can put them on when needed.
3. UV Rays Protection
There are three basic types of UV radiation:
- UV-A
- UV-B
- UV-C
(Source)
UV-A and UV-B penetrate the atmosphere, even in the shade or in cloudy conditions. Over 90% of UV can penetrate a light cloud. (Source)
Sand, water, and snow can heighten these effects by up to 70 %. This means wearing cycling sunglasses is especially important if you ride in high mountains or near the ocean.
UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth’s surface.
So, why is this important?
In some cases, UV rays can cause eye cancer (ocular melanoma). However, according to the American Cancer Society, other eye problems caused by UV rays are more common. UV rays can lead to:
- Formation of cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens)
- Tissue growth on the surface of your eye (pterygium)
- Inflamed or burned cornea
The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirmed the effects of these UV rays on our eyes and added the following estimation.
Up to 20% of cataracts (or 3 million per year) could be due to UV exposure to the eye.
If you decide to buy cycling sunglasses, make sure they include a UV400 filter that filters the harmful UV rays.
Feel free to check out the best cycling sunglasses for inspiration.
Conclusion
If you don’t have cycling sunglasses, get one. They will make your ride much more comfortable and safe. Read my handy guide on how to choose cycling sunglasses.
They will protect your eyes against elements like wind, dust, water, etc., but also harmful UV rays, bugs, and insects.
This protection will ensure that you prevent potential health issues, loss of control over your bike because of bugs flying into your eye, and other scenarios.
Cycling Sunglasses FAQ
Preview picture: Sirotti (edited)
