Five Essential Tips for Buying Sunglasses

When Buying Sunglasses, Follow These Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Damage

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory; they are a crucial tool for protecting your precious eyesight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun can cause serious damage to your eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and 1 photo keratitis (sunburn of the cornea). That's why it's essential to consider several key factors when purchasing sunglasses to ensure you provide the best possible protection for your eyes. Let's take a detailed look at these five essential tips:  

 

1. UV Light Protection: A Strong Shield for Your Eyes

When you head out to buy sunglasses, the first and most critical aspect you should focus on is their UV light protection capability. Ensure that the sunglasses you choose block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Some sunglasses only offer a certain level of UV protection, so it's vital to read the label carefully. Sunglasses labeled "UV400" offer the best protection, as they block all UV rays up to 400 nanometers.

Cheap and low-quality sunglasses often fail to provide adequate UV protection. Not only do they not shield your eyes from harmful rays, but their dark tint can actually cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more UV radiation to enter your eyes. Therefore, always opt for high-quality sunglasses with certified UV protection for the sake of your eye health.

 

2. Tint/Color: Choosing for Vision and Style

Sunglasses lenses come in a variety of tints and colors, and each color offers different visual benefits and aesthetic effects. Selecting the right tint based on your activities and preferences is important:

Gray Lenses: These lenses minimize color distortion, meaning you'll see objects in their true colors. They are an excellent choice for general use and driving.

Brown/Amber Lenses: These lenses enhance contrast and depth perception, especially in hazy or low-light conditions. They are good for outdoor activities like fishing and golf.

Pink/Red Lenses: These lenses filter out blue light and can improve contrast. They can be helpful for computer use or viewing in low light conditions. Some people also find them useful in snowy environments.

Green Lenses: These lenses also provide good color accuracy and help reduce glare. They are a good choice for general use and various sports.

Gradient Lenses: These lenses have a darker tint at the top that gradually lightens towards the bottom. They are convenient for driving as they reduce overhead glare while allowing you to see the dashboard clearly. They are also useful for transitioning between indoor and outdoor settings.

The color of the lenses also affects your fashion preferences, so choose a color that complements your style.

 

3. Polarization: Eliminating Glare for Clearer Vision

Polarized lenses undergo a special chemical treatment that reduces horizontally reflected light. This significantly minimizes glare from surfaces like water, snow, or any smooth surface. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for driving, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities where glare can be a problem.

If you frequently find yourself in situations where glare impairs your vision, polarized lenses are a worthwhile investment. You can test for polarization in a simple way: look at a reflective surface through the lenses and then rotate the sunglasses by 90 degrees. If the glare significantly reduces, the lenses are polarized.

 

4. Style: Expressing Your Personality and Ensuring Protection

Various styles of sunglasses are available, each with its own aesthetic appeal and functionality:

Wayfarers: This is a classic and versatile style that looks good on almost any face shape.

Aviators: This style is iconic with its large, teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames. They were originally designed for pilots to provide a wide field of vision.

Sporty Frames: These frames typically come with a more wraparound design to offer maximum protection and stay securely in place during activity. They are ideal for cycling, running, and other sports.

Frame Size: The size of the frame not only affects your appearance but can also impact your field of vision. With prescription lenses, the frame size can also influence the thickness and weight of the lenses. Choosing a frame size that fits your face comfortably and provides good coverage is essential.

Select a frame style that suits your personal taste and the activities you'll be engaging in. Choose frames that fit comfortably on your face and make you feel confident.

 

5. Quality: Investing in Durability and Clear Vision

Finally, it's crucial to consider the quality of the sunglasses. Higher-quality sunglasses are made with better materials that are more durable and provide superior visual clarity. Cheap sunglasses may have lens imperfections that can distort your vision.

High-quality lenses offer clear and sharp vision and reduce eye strain. Sturdy frames are less likely to break and will last longer. Reputable brands often offer better quality and warranties, safeguarding your investment.

Buying sunglasses is not just a purchase; it's an investment in the health and safety of your eyes. By following these five detailed tips, you can choose sunglasses that will not only provide you with the best protection but also enhance your style. Take care of your eyes, and always opt for quality and appropriate sunglasses.