Buying a new pair of sunglasses for the summer? Well, then you may want to know what to look out for and also what not to really pay attention to. Take a look below and see.
When shopping for sunglasses there are four things you should consider:
- Check the numbers. The sunglasses you choose should block out 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation. The radiation blocked should be UVA and UVB. This information should be listed on the sunglasses label.
- Check the fit. If your sunglasses don’t fit properly, then you may not be getting full protection. In addition, poorly fitting glasses may feel awkward and uncomfortable, which may cause you to wear them less. Make sure the glasses are not too large or too small so that light does not enter from the sides. Wraparound sunglasses can eliminate this problem.
- Get the right lens. While a polarized lens will deflect glare, it won’t give you UV protection. If the sunglasses are made from real glass, they may not offer any protection. The best lens on the market today, are polycarbonate plastic lenses. These tough lenses can block UV rays and are sturdier than other types of lenses. Photochromic lenses are also a good choice because they block UV radiation and glare while maintaining visual sharpness.
- Don’t forget functionality. If you wear eyeglasses, you can order prescription sunglasses, add tint to your current eyeglasses or get clip-on lenses. Just make sure you’re getting full UV protection. There are also contact lenses available that offer enhanced protection, although you will still need sunglasses for full protection. A pair of Tom Ford glasses has a very different functionality to a pair of sports sunglasses.
Now, here are the four things that don’t really matter.
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Age. People of all ages need protection for their eyes. Children’s eyes actually need the more protection from the sun than adults. However, if you take a look around most beaches, playground and public pools, you’ll see adults with sunglasses and children without. Children have a clearer cornea and lens, which means their eyes take in more UV light than an adult. Sunglasses are available in all sizes. Many manufacturer’s offer sunglasses in kid’s styles with fun frames. Just make sure the sunglasses offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection from UVA and UVB rays.
- Season. UV rays do not go away after the summer ends. Your eyes need protection all year long. During the fall and winter, the sun may not be visible as much as it is in the summer, but that does not mean your eyes are safe. Beach sand, sea foam and snow can all reflect UV light into your eyes. In fact, snow reflects more UV rays than dry sand.
- Lens Color. While lens color may affect the way you see things through your glasses, it has no effect on eye protection. Super dark lenses can help a celeb go incognito or add a touch of mystery to your appearance, but it does not provide any addition protection from UV light. Amber and brown lenses may block out visible blue light, which can damage your retinas, but they don’t help with UV radiation.
- Cost. The amount of money you spend on a pair of sunglasses is not an indication of how effective that lens will be in blocking UV light. Instead of looking at the price, look at the label. Always choose the lens that will block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays.
