Saturday, December 12, 2009

Learn About Maui Jim Sunglasses

By Julie Manther

Maui Jim Sunglasses originated as a little booth selling sunglasses, found on a Maui beach. They first opened in 1980. Shortly after they started selling sunglasses they found that there did not appear to be any sunglasses on the market that could stand up to the glare of the Maui sun without ruining the colors of the island. They started developing their own sunglasses, and were selling sunglasses with a new technology by 1986.

According to the company website, Maui Jim Sunglasses use a special technology called Polarized Plus 2. This technology uses polarized lenses to block out glare. It also protects against all types of Ultra violet rays.

There are three kinds of UV rays, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA is usually considered the least harmful. Until recently it wasn't thought to be harmful at all, but recently scientists have concluded that it can indirectly cause cancer. UVB is the most worried about type of radiation. UVB is what causes tanning, sunburns, and cancer. UVC gets blocked by the earth's atmosphere, so it is usually not a problem. All three types of UV rays can cause aging in skin.

There are several layers used to make a Maui Jim lens. The innermost layer is a polarized film. Around that there is a layer for optical correction, for those who want prescription sun glasses. Outside of that layer is a coating to protect the glasses from scratching.

Around that layer there is an anti-reflective lens on one side, and a bi-gradient mirror on the other. Both of these layers protect from different types of glare. The final layer is a waterproof coating. This protects the glasses and makes it easier to clean them.

With all of this advanced technology in them, you can expect that Maui Jim Sunglasses can't be found for cheap. Most of the sunglasses range between 270 and 300 dollars. That is the kind of price you should pay for sunglasses if you are really serious about your outdoor life. The glasses also come in a huge variety of styles, shapes, different frames, choices of lens type, colors, and everything else you can think of.

Other sunglasses come with UV protection as well. Really you should never buy a pair of sunglasses that doesn't have UV protection, but most sunglasses have it. You can find polarized lenses as well, although it is a bit more difficult. The combination of UV protection and polarized lenses doesn't really imitate what Maui Jim offers. If you ask Maui Jim enthusiasts though, nothing compares to the real thing. - 16887

About the Author:

No comments: