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Sunglasses have evolved to do more than shade your eyes from the sun.Explore Costa lens technology and how it continues to shape the future of eyewear.
Sunglasses have come a long way over the years. From the humble beginnings of simple shades to the smart glasses technology of today, the evolution of eyewear is extraordinary. Some of the earliest sunglasses were fashioned by the Inuit people of the Arctic region, who used wood, bone and other natural products to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare. Since then, both frames and lenses have evolved to meet the stylistic and functional demands of our modern world. Established in 1983, Costa has been an innovator in fishing sunglasses and cutting-edge lens technology since we crafted our first pair of shades. We continually push the boundaries of eyewear innovation, bringing you best-in-class options and products that perform. Read on to learn about Costa’s role in advancing sunglass lens technology and why we’re obsessed with making premium-quality products. Sunglasses Technology: Beyond Just ShadeSunglasses are not only an essential part of your gear — they’re key to keeping your eyes safe on the water and beyond. Early on, sunglasses were mainly meant to shade the eyes from the sun’s bright glare. Today, they’re made to enhance your vision, protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and help you perform better in various light conditions. From polarization and UV protection to hydrophobic lenses and more, Costa lens technology goes well beyond just shading your eyes from the sun. These factors are important to consider when choosing your future glasses. Costa's Role in Advancing Lens TechnologyYour sunglasses should be as hardcore as your adventures. And you shouldn’t have to worry about your eyewear when fishing or enjoying other water sports and activities. At Costa, our goal has always been to create the best sunglasses for all of life’s epic journeys. Designed by anglers, Costa sunglasses were born from a need to boost visual clarity while providing eye protection on the water. Since then, Costa has continued to drive innovation forward as a leader in sunglasses technology. As the needs of anglers and water enthusiasts have changed, we’ve been there every step of the way, pushing the boundaries of what future glasses can do.
Costa is known for seamlessly blending style, function and cutting-edge sunglasses technology. Through research and development, we’ve introduced multi-patented lens technologies that have set new standards for performance and durability. Whether you’re fishing inshore or navigating choppy seas, our lenses offer superior clarity, color enhancement and functionality. The Science Behind Costa Lens TechnologyAll Costa sunglass lenses are polarized, meaning they filter horizontal light waves to reduce glare reflected off surfaces like water, snow and concrete. This reduces the need to squint when encountering glare, improving your visual comfort and making objects appear more detailed. Costa’s polarized lenses feature the highest polarizing efficiency of 99.9%. Costa lens technology also offers 100% UV protection, which shields your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Long-term UV exposure can increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions and other health issues. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection is an essential part of keeping your eyes healthy over time. But the science behind Costa lenses also involves two proprietary features: our 580 lenses and 10 unique lens tints. 580 LensesCosta 580 lenses are the pinnacle of sunglass lens technology. Named for the part of the light spectrum that features the harshest yellow light, 580 lenses filter light waves at 580 nanometers. This allows blues, greens and reds to stand out, enhancing clarity and sharpening contrast. High-energy visible (HEV) light, which can lead to long-term eye concerns, is also filtered by these lenses. All Costas feature 580 lens technology, which is available in glass (580G) or polycarbonate (580P). Each lens type offers various benefits: 580G – These lenses are made of lightwave glass, providing superior optical clarity and durability. 580G lenses are scratch-resistant thanks to mirrors encased between layers of glass. They are also 20% thinner and 22% lighter than standard polarized glass lenses, enhancing their comfort and functionality. 580P – Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight, durable and impact-resistant. They also feature a C-WALL molecular bond, making them scratch-resistant. Most Costa sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses for those who need vision correction. Lens TintsCosta offers a range of lens tints to meet the various needs that arise with specific light conditions. From fishing in shallow waters to daily use, there’s a lens tint for every preference and environment. We offer 10 diverse lens tints: Blue mirror – Designed for bright conditions and deep-water fishing Green mirror – Excellent for flats and inshore fishing Gray silver mirror – Perfect for overcast conditions and everyday water activities Copper silver mirror – Ideal for sight fishing, stream fishing and diverse environments Gray – Tailored for various water activities and conditions Copper – Suitable for overcast days, sighting fish and more Sunrise silver mirror* – Ideal for low-light fishing such as at dawn and dusk Gold mirror – Great for various light conditions and everyday use Rose gradient – Perfect for a variety of fishing environments and daily use Gray gradient – Ideal for different light conditions and everyday activities *The sunrise silver mirror lens tint is not suitable for driving. Costa lenses also repel water and moisture, helping to keep your vision unobstructed while you focus on the task at hand.
Advanced manufacturing techniques and premium materials are only one aspect of what sets Costa technologies apart. Through a commitment to innovation and excellence, Costa continues to redefine what’s possible in future glasses and eyewear technology. For over 40 years, Costa has brought the best in lens technology to anglers and water enthusiasts worldwide. We look forward to continuing our journey as we help shape the future of eyewear and beyond. The future of glasses looks bright. Browse our collections today to find your next pair of Costas.
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