Sunglasses are not just fashion accessories, they are also protective gears designed to safeguard the eyes from UV rays, avoid discomfort due to bright lights, and help prevent problems that sunlight exposure can cause such as retinal damage, cataracts, and photokeratitis.
Here are things you need to keep in mind when buying sunglasses, so that you can shop smart and snag a pair that doesn’t just suit your style but also keep your eyes safe.
- UV protection
Go for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. This feature is usually indicated on the tags, so make sure that you check the labels before buying.
- Lifestyle
Sunglasses comes in different forms and materials, and choosing from a huge selection can be daunting. To help narrow down your choices, you should factor in your lifestyle. Are you into sports or outdoor activities or will you generally use sunglasses to protect your eyes and at the same time add flair to your overall look? Considering your routine as well as when and where you’ll use your sunglasses will help you determine other necessary features to look for.
- Size
Generally, bigger sunglasses offer more protection than smaller ones. They provide more coverage that help block out UV rays from your eyes. However, you also need to consider if they can inhibit sunlight from seeping through the sides.
If you’re more fashion forward, you will have no problem rocking sunglasses with big lenses. But if you’re into sports, you can go for wraparound pairs.
- Cost
The cost of a sunglasses is not directly related to how sturdy it is and the level of protection it can provide for your eyes. However, it’s important to factor in the price according to how much you’re willing to spend for sunglasses. Depending on your budget, you can go for luxury brands or more affordable labels.
- Lens color
Sunglasses come in different colors and which one to choose will be mostly up to your preference. They usually come with dark lenses, but lenses can also be in other colors like amber and gray, which can help add contrast to vision. It’s important to note that darker lenses doesn’t necessarily equate to better UV protection.
- The truth about polarized lenses
Polarized lenses help in reducing glare and not in blocking out UV rays. While they don’t necessarily protect against sunlight, they can add ease and safety to activities like driving or spending time by the beach.
- Face shape
As mentioned, sunglasses is not just for protection, it can also help in elevating your style and adding emphasis to your fashion statement. While you want your sunglasses to provide the best coverage from UV rays, you will also want to look good in them. Consider your face shape and get lenses that are appropriate for it.
Here’s a quick guide on different face shapes and the lens type that complement them:
- Heart shaped face (narrow jawline)– retro square, cat eye
- Round shaped face (wide cheekbones) – retro square, cat eye, square, angular, rectangular
- Oval shape (longer than wide) – retro square, aviator, oversized, butterfly, top-heavy frames
- Square shape – round, aviator, and shield
- Fit
Your sunglasses may have all the recommended features, but they will all be for nothing if you choose an ill-fitting pair. Aside from looking awkward, a pair that doesn’t fit right may cause accidents and injury and are more prone to damages.
- Other important features
Scratch resistance is another feature that you would want your sunglasses to have. It’s also essential that you check your the lenses thoroughly before purchase and make sure that it doesn’t create a wave distortion as you hold it up to the light.
Img c/o Pixabay
