NO, Special Purpose is not just for extreme conditions, they are for any time you are out in the sun. Any time you put sunglasses on, your pupils dilate, letting in more damaging sunlight (UV RAYS). Special Purpose Sunglasses are not necessarily darker, I owned a great pair of SP sunglasses that were yellow/amber that were Photochromic... Hard to find, but great for low light. Some how, years ago standards were written that allows them to say 100% UV protection, dependent on what category it is in. These standard use to be available to the public, but now you have to be a manufacturer to get them... Years ago In Fisherman they had a article on this and that is when I became aware of it, since then I have, on a few occasions spoken with techs that design and manufacture sun glasses and they were well aware of this. I agree that the past few years the information has become harder and harder to find, is that on purpose or because the public does not care about what "might be" in the future for their eyes? I don't know... If I was the the head of the Sunglass industry, I would do my best to bury this whole thing, make everyone in the industry use Special Purpose standards, before all the baby boomers start getting cataracts and calling their lawyers... I believe the first part of that may be happening, but like most things/Companies, the second part (making everyone use only use Special Purpose standard), might cut into profits and they could not have that...
Never heard back from FishGillz.........wonder what that means.......?
By definition, cosmetic sunglasses will block less than 60 percent of visible light, at least 70 percent of the sun's shorter ultraviolet B rays, and 20 percent of the longer ultraviolet A rays. Glasses in this category are the least protective and are best used for activities out of direct sunlight.Sunglasses labeled general purpose will block 60-92 percent of visible light, at least 95 percent of UVB rays and at least 60 percent of UVA rays. These glasses are adequate for many outdoor activities in sunny areas, including driving and boating.Special-purpose sunglasses will block at least 97 percent of visible light, at least 99 percent of UVB rays and 60 percent of UVA rays. These are the glasses to take to tropical beaches and wear on ski slopes.