Sunglasses not only provide protection but also help you make a style statement. You can accessorize any piece of clothing with the right pair of sunglasses. They also offer protection against many eye ailments ranging from irritation to glaucoma. Hence, it becomes imperative to own sunglasses. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for sunglasses.
- Lens tint
The notion that darker your sunglass lens, the better protection it offers, is a myth. The color of your lens is more of a choice, often bases on the activity you are supposed to do. At a beach in bright sunlight, you it suggested that you go for a dark amber, copper or brown colored lens. Similarly, if you are on ski, yellow or orange lens would increase contrast and reduce flat light and if you out on a cloudy day it is you might want to go for a rose or amber lens.
You could also use mirrored sun lenses that block 10-15% more of sunlight. Nowadays, photochromic lenses are also available that darken automatically when you’re outdoors and lighten when you’re indoors.
- UV protection
Studies have proven, time and again, that long term exposure to UV rays can cause cataract, photokeratitis and macular degeneration. Both UVA and UVB are equally harmful and are known to sometimes cause skin cancer as well. By wearing sunglasses that block these rays should make your eye stay in good health. Sunglasses that control UV exposure is a must.
- Glare
Polarized lenses help reduce glare. These are essential, especially while you’re driving. They only allow limited amount of sunlight at certain angles to enter and help reduce the intensity of the light entering. These sunglasses can also be used while reading outside.
Another way to address the glare problems is the use of Anti- reflective (AR) lenses. An AR coat on your lenses, reduces eye strain by preventing light from reflecting off the lens surface. The coat, when applied on the back of your lens, can reduce glare when the sun is behind you or to your side as well.
- Frames
The larger the frame, the better protection the sunglasses provide. The larger sunglass blocks light coming from top, sides and bottom. If you choose to wear a pair of sunglasses with smaller frame, pair it up with a hat. This would block the light coming from the top. To provide you with the maximum protection, “fit-over” sunglasses, that you can wear over your regular prescription glasses, are a great idea and more economical. They filter light from all directions, providing maximum protection. They come in a variety of colors.
The frame that you pick, must fit properly and should not slide down from your nose. You might also want to use a gator, a band- style foamed neoprene retainer which attaches at your temples.
In addition to sunlight, you must be wary of water, dry sand and concrete, and even grass because they reflect 100%, 25% and 3% of UV rays respectively. Therefore, this is essential that you own a nice pair of sunglasses that provide an overall protection.
