Aye, or eye? Aye, we need our eyes to spy. What else are eyes for?

We sure need our eyes when we’re cycling, but we need to remember to protect them.

There are many different colors of lenses. Which color is best for which conditions?

For me, when the weather is clear and bright, dark sunglasses are a must. It isn’t comfortable — and is surprisingly exhausting — to have to squint against the sun. Not to mention that I also need to see where I’m riding.

On a day when it’s overcast, but the light is still fairly bright, vermilion lenses are a great help. The sun doesn’t have to be in my eyes for me to suffer eyestrain.

Clear lenses for riding in the dark are another good idea. There won’t be blazing light and glare at night; but night riding has its own set of eye risks.

In warmer weather, there are insects to contend with. Who wants a bug in the eye; and possibly a scratched cornea as a result? I had a corneal abrasion many years ago, and I can tell you — it HURT! Even if it’s cool enough that there are few or no insects out, a wind brings the hazard of flying dust and other debris.

Lenses, I suspect, also help reduce the chances of dry-eye. Artificial tears can help help relieve dried eyes, but I’d rather prevent the condition in the first place — while I’ve got my eye on the next ride. If you ride with a group, maybe you could have a rolling game of Eye Spy!