Eyewear and Eye Care: Why They Matter for Truck Enthusiasts

As most enthusiasts will know, several things have changed in the custom truck scene. For one, there’s a shift in how OBS Chevy trucks and other OBS builds are customized or modified today. In the ‘90s, a typical OBS truck build included a raked hotrod-style stance, small paint, and smaller billet wheels. Today, the trend seems to shift towards heavy full-frame builds, large billet wheels, and full custom interiors. But amidst these shifting trends, one thing is clear: enthusiasm for OBS trucks over the years remains consistent.

However, as more people continue to delve into the hobby, it’s also essential to cultivate a penchant for things that complete the custom truck experience. Among these is a sustained enthusiasm for retro styling like eyewear.

Eyewear and eye care should be essential for truck enthusiasts, as driving can expose the eyes to harmful UV rays. Here’s a closer look at why:

Incorporating eyewear

As mentioned, enthusiasm for anything retro is an integral part of the custom truck scene, especially since OBS trucks found their roots in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when a generation of Chevy/GMC trucks were introduced and left a major impact on the custom automotive market.

Sporting eyewear can play a significant role in helping you rock a retro look, with various retro-style sunglasses and eyeglasses available to choose from. If you need vision correction, you can wear a pair of classic Aviator eyeglasses, an enduring eyewear style originally designed in the 1930s to help pilots avoid sun damage in the skies. UV-protective options are available from Ray-Ban, making these specs perfect for country or city driving on a sunny day. Otherwise, you can also opt for wraparound sunglasses from brands like Oakley, which offer a range of retro, sporty styles and have the added benefits of protecting your peripheral vision from glare and UV exposure.

But aside from helping you achieve a complete retro look, why is wearing protective eyewear important for truck enthusiasts?

Prioritizing eye care

Truck enthusiasts face an increased risk of sun damage, especially when driving or doing custom work outdoors. A study published on ScienceDirect found that sun glare – harsh solar light that bounces off surfaces like concrete – can adversely affect driving safety. When driving or modding your truck outdoors, your eyes can get exposed to sun glare that can compromise your vision and, in some cases, cause temporary blindness. This can lead to misperception of traffic road signs that can increase the probability of accidents. Choosing the proper eyewear is, therefore, crucial for hobbyists, as it helps you rock the retro look tied to truck enthusiasts and protects your eyes.

According to a 20/20 Magazine article, driving with polarized sunglasses – which help reduce glare – provides a 20% quicker reaction time for drivers than driving without sunglasses. If you need vision correction, you can opt for UV-protective eyeglasses like the Aviator glasses mentioned above. Aside from protective eyewear, you can also use a hat to provide extra eye protection while driving or customizing your truck outdoors. Wearing sunblock, like the Colorescience sunscreen that provides SPF 50 protection, can also help prevent sun damage in the delicate skin around your eyes, which is prone to wrinkling and premature aging.

While customizing and driving around with your OBS truck may sound exciting, truck enthusiasts can face increased risks of sun damage on the road. Choosing the right eyewear and prioritizing eye care are, therefore, essential to help preserve your ocular health. So if you want to accessorize to match your truck, make sure that you’re picking the right pair of eyewear for your health and style.