LabRevo 4010
For those who head to the
mountains, protecting one's eyes from the sun's rays has always been
rule number 1. The consequence is a fastidious (and painful) sensation
of having something in your eye, and this is usually accompanied by a
similar irritating tearing eye. In short, those who don't use correct
eyewear have to count on that affection (conjunctivitis) which can
require up to 24 -48 hours of complete rest. And we haven't even
mentioned the much-feared snow blindness, which is caused by an
inflammation of the cornea. In the worst cases, this can result in
cataract formation. All of these problems are caused by ultra violet
light which, in the mountains, is a far more serious issue: its
intensity increases by 12% every 1000m height gained. Superfluous to
say that these affections are without a doubt problems best avoided,
especially when climbing or trekking for a series of days. Therefore:
correct eye protection, and consequently the right eyewear, must always
come in first place. This is the reason why we tested the RE4010 by
REVO, the famous technical sunglasses brand belonging to the Luxottica
Group.
A first "external" analysis reveals that RE4010 have
all the right characteristics for being serious mountain use: they must
be robust, with a snug frame (thus guaranteeing maximum protection) so
that they don’t fly away during a sudden, brusque movement. The frame
is made of injected proprionate, making it robust to withstand impacts
while, at the same time, flexible enough, even if compressed deep
within the rucksack. This balance of robustness and flexibility plays
an important role in rendering the sunglasses stable, especially in
action: the RE4010 adapt and model themselves perfectly to the face. It
is worth noting that the frame is resistant to heat and aggressive
agents. And, last but by no means least, the RE4010 are suitable for
high altitude mountaineering, as they have been fitted with the
indispensable side protection shields. These have been cleverly
incorporated directly onto the frame.
Even within their
technological and most important core, the RE4010 satisfied the
conditions we set. We're obviously now talking about the lenses
themselves: it's they that do the job of protecting our eyes, that
"block" the ultraviolet light. And it is because of this that REVO
created the exclusive LMS technology, inspired from satellite portholes
that protect astronauts from space radiation. The tempered optical
glass, a guarantee for indeformity, transparency and resistance, has
been coated with a special multi-layer shield. Up to 12 layers of
titanium or silica microxides equalize, dose and select the light that
enters, blocking 100% of ultraviolet UVA and UVB light (it is important
to underline this duality) and 90% of infrared IR light. This LMS
(Light Management System) technology was developed by a NASA engineer
to protect the satellite portholes that block the extremely dangerous
space radiation. Apart from guaranteeing unique vision, exalting and
balancing colours, making them vivid and luminous, it produces
extremely sharp vision. Obviously the sunglasses meet CE certification,
as established by European law, and fit into protective category 3,
which means they are within the upper region of the CE scale (the
maximum is 4 and includes glasses not suitable for driving).
Furthermore, the RE4010 is also produced with polarised lenses.
We
used the RE4010 during our ski mountaineering trips, an ideal testing
ground with particularly intense light. We have to say that the
sunglasses lived up to our expectations, surprising us for the
exceptional quality of the lens and their robustness. The RE4010 are a
safe companion for mountain use: your eyes will definitely thank you.
