With the right pair of sunglasses, you can protect your eyes from the sun while also showing off your sense of style. If you wear eyeglasses, a pair of prescription sunglasses are a must for sunny weather.
When most people shop for sunglasses, they simply try on a few styles, checking out each one in the mirror. If that sounds like you, read on to find out what else you might want to consider when shopping for a pair of sunglasses.
Eye Protection
Sunglasses are more than just chic accessories. They also protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, regardless of the season. Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts and even cancer. But a quality pair of sunglasses should minimize that risk.
Look for a pair that blocks at least 95% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays. Consider how much of your eyes they cover as well. If you can see out around the frames, they’ll likely be letting sun in from the sides and top.
If you hope to wear your sunglasses for outdoor activities or sports, such as jogging, you’ll want a pair that’s a close fit. Rubber grips on the arms can help the glasses stay close to your face while you’re moving. If you plan on using them for water activities, such as fishing or boating, opt for polarized lenses. Polarized lenses provide additional protection from the sun, which will be reflected on the water.
Choosing a Style
Sunglasses come in numerous styles, and the one you choose should complement the size and shape of your face. If you have a large face, you can go with larger frames. But if you have a small face, you’ll probably find that large frames or larger styles look too big on you.
As a general rule, look for a shape that provides some contrast to your face shape. If you have a round face, square, rectangular, or other angular styles will look best. In contrast, if you have a boxy or angular face, try rounded or softer frames. Some popular styles include: aviators, wayfarers, teashades, bug-eyed sunglasses, and cat’s eye sunglasses. You’ll also want to choose a style that corresponds with your personal fashion sense. If it’s a vintage look that you’re going for, you’ll want to choose something that has retro appeal. If your style is more glamorous, large oval or bug-eyed styles are probably a better fit. Always choose a pair that you like.
Choosing the Right Lens
When choosing the lens, it’s a good idea to think about more than just making a fashion statement. The lens will also affect what you see and what colors you differentiate. Lens that feature colors that enhance contrast may make it difficult for you to make the distinction between a green and a yellow light when you’re driving, for instance. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that the lenses you choose are scratch resistant and also flexible. Materials such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic, and polyamide all provide different levels of affordability, scratch resistance, and flexibility.