Fitover sunglasses are designed to be worn over prescription glasses, enhancing comfort and safety while driving by reducing glare and eye strain. There are two types: functional fitovers with features that support peripheral vision, and fashionable fitovers that prioritize style over utility. Wearing fitovers that obstruct peripheral vision can lead to safety risks while driving, making it essential to choose designs that maintain visibility.

1. Driving
With Fitovers
People like to wear their fitovers when they’re driving. The glasses
make their trip less taxing on the eyes and can improve driver safety.
However not all fitovers are the same. Some styles can reduce your
visibility, possibly leading to taking unsafe risks.
Basically, there’s two types of fitovers; fashionable and
functional. Both are worn over prescription glasses. If
they’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 safer
driving experience. Fitovers created with performance in
minds usually feature side-lenses. These functionally
oriented fitover sunglasses are designed not to obstruct
peripheral vision.
On the other hand, fashion fitovers focus on aesthetics.
They’re made to look as stylish as possible. Functionality is
secondary. To achieve a more fashionable look, some
brands eliminate the side lenses in an effort to create a
fitover that looks more like a conventional sunglass.
Your peripheral vision is important when you’re driving. It
helps you to sense the presence of an object that is out
of your line of sight. When you’re changing lanes for
example, your peripheral will let you know if there’s a car
immediately to your left or right. However, it doesn’t
always pick up the presence of another vehicle that may
be in your blind spot. The blind spot is an area that is just
outside your peripheral, and can’t be seen with your rear-
view or side mirrors. To properly check that your blind
spot is free you’ll turn your head a little over 90°.
On the other hand, if you’re wearing fitover sunglasses
that completely block you’re peripheral vision, not only
will you not be able to sense anything to your immediate
left or right, you’ll need to turn your head about 135°.
Most people find it uncomfortable rotating that far
without also turning their upper torso. These aren’t safe
things to do when driving a car, boat or even cycling.
Blind Spot
Wearing a fitover sunglass that blocks your peripheral vision isn’t a
wise choice. Either wear a fitover with side shields or panoramic
sweeping lenses such as those featured in Vistana fitovers. Vistana
fitover sunglasses are highly fashionable and don’t have separate
side ‘windows’. The front lenses curve around the outside corners of
the sunglass frame seamlessly transitioning into side shields.
Vistana luxury fitover sunglasses and the world’s highest quality
function fitovers can be found at www.liveeyewear.com
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not
necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Live Eyewear Inc. (c) Live Eyewear 2014