Oakley Sylas Prizm Sapphire

Author: Ferenc Soma Kovács (middle-distance runner of the SVSE national team, World Championship participant and European Championship bronze medalist)

First of all, why is it important to wear sunglasses as a runner?

UV radiation is present at all times of the year, even in winter and autumn. For example, in autumn, the sun's typically lower position means more direct exposure to our eyes. In winter, although solar radiation is much lower than in the summer months, the snowy landscape reflects almost one hundred percent of the rays, while in summer, brownish, greenish ground surfaces only reflect about 5% (and absorb the rest). In addition, significant UV radiation must be calculated even on cloudy days, as clouds only partially filter harmful UV rays, so up to 90% of them can penetrate them. These UV rays are usually reflected from the organic elements of our everyday running environment, such as snow, pavement and larger bodies of water. In other words, we, runners, are very exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

But why do we need to be so careful about UV radiation? UV rays damage the retina and increase the risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It is important to always choose glasses that offer 100% UV protection . Our sunglasses must filter out the two main types of UV rays, UV-A (315–400 nm) and UV-B (280–315 nm), as they are harmful to the eyes and surrounding tissues. Let’s not forget that the European Union requires all sunglasses sold within the EU to provide broad-spectrum UV protection, blocking harmful ultraviolet rays at least in the wavelength range above 380 nm . This protection above 380 nm ensures that the lenses block the entire UV-B range and most of the UV-A range. This EU directive, which requires protection from wavelengths above 380 nm, is guaranteed by the CE mark on the arms of the sunglasses. Therefore, only choose sunglasses for running that have the CE mark!

About the glasses themselves in a nutshell

I currently use two sunglasses alternately. The Nike Fire P FD and the Oakley Sylas Prizm Sapphire models. The Oakley Sylas Prizm Sapphire was released in 2019 and has been unwaveringly popular ever since. I bought these glasses in December 2022 at an optical store in Aréna Pláza. I was impressed by the design and quality of the lenses when I tried them on. You should know that this model is NOT a sports model, but a “lifestyle” model. Its appearance is understatedly elegant, so it can be worn both for sports and on the street. Its compromise size is somewhere halfway between small and large head sizes. This feature allowed me to have a perfect fit. However, the material of the temples is a bit slippery and does not hug the head enough. Because of this, it does not always stay in place during intense running. In addition, it was a problem when my nose and forehead were covered in sweat during the summer heat. The glasses sometimes slid down my wet nose as soon as I nodded my head slightly. The undeniable advantage of these sunglasses, however, is the crystal-clear vision provided by the lenses with Prizm™ technology. The lenses improve the details and contrasts seen, especially in bright light. For this reason, I always wear these glasses on the brightest days. On the other hand, on cloudy, overcast days, the glasses darkened the environment too much.

Specifications:

• It is CE marked.

• 100% UV-A and UV-B protection

• Size: regular

• Bridge length: 17 mm

• Stem length: 142 mm

• Lens width: 57 mm

• Lens height: 42 mm

• Frame width: 132.6 mm

• Frame material: made of lightweight and durable O Matter™ material. This material is a special nylon alloy that Oakley uses in most of its “lifestyle” sunglasses today.

• Lens Technology: Prizm™ technology plays a key role in reducing reflections and glare. The lenses reproduce colors more realistically than traditional lenses. The lenses improve the details and contrasts you see, especially in bright light.

Polarized: no

• Light transmission: 12%. This value means that the lens only lets in 12% of the light that hits it , filtering out the remaining 88%. These lenses are heavily tinted and are ideal for use in bright sunlight , such as at the beach, in snowy environments or in the mountains, where sunlight can be particularly intense.
• Price: 35,000- 44,000 HUF

Final Judgment

These glasses can be a good solution for those who are looking for glasses that they would primarily use in their free time (e.g. for driving, walking), but can also occasionally wear for running. The favorable price definitely makes this piece an attractive solution. If you have already purchased it, I recommend that you take good care of it, as scratches on the reflective lens can be extremely noticeable. Unfortunately, I say this from experience… :(