Tips on buying sunglasses

 

Always look for the OSHA label with 99 or 100 percent UVA/UVB  protection.

Look for sunglasses that are close-fitting. Wrap-around will help prevent UV rays from getting in the sides and top of the frames.

Do not think that more expensive is better this is not necessarily true.  Cheaper brands can be just as good as long as they have the OSHA label with 99 to 100 percent UVA/UVB protection

Don’t go by color or darkness of the lens. The outer coating (which is clear) filters out the UV rays, not the color. The color does provide some comfort, but without a UV coating, the darker colors actually fool your eye into opening up more and let in more harmful rays.

Scratched lenses will scatter the sun's light and could cause glare around the area of the scratch. Keep your sunglasses in a case and clean them with a mild detergent and water or a special lens cleaner.   When drying lenses, use a good microfibre cloth; paper towel will scratch the lens.

Contact lens wearers can now also enjoy the added protection of in-built UV protection. Contact lens practitioners will have details of all the latest products available.

If you already wear glasses, you can have sunglasses made to your prescription.

There is a large variety of lenses to select from so it is important to consider your needs and when you purchase sunglasses.  For example, driving requires different things than playing golf, hunting or skiing.

The color of the lens has nothing to do with polarization. It can, however, have an effect on depth perception, clarity, and even glare.  Grey is the neutral color: it does not distort color or effect contrast. Red (and all shades of it) does effect contrast; it enhances it. It also distorts other colors. Brown and Green lenses enhance depth perception, reduce glare, and increase contrast and clarity. Yellow and Orange lenses increase both contrast and depth perception.

• Polarized Lenses - Light does not  travel in a straight line, it bounces back and forth from one reflective surface to another. Polarized lenses permit only vertical light rays to pass through them, not horizontal, and thus they reduce glare. 

• Driving Sunglasses- amber color or polarized lenses work best for driving.  You will find that Polarized lenses cut down on glare and create contrast so that you’re able to react more quickly.

• Sports Sunglasses - The color varies based on the sport. Golfers may want to opt for cinnamon or citrus colors whereas Tennis players benefit from teal lenses and skiers from vermilion.  There are manufacturers that sell sunglasses where you can changes the lenses.  Check out Bolle Sunglasses and Rudy Project  because they make fabulous sunglasses with athletes in mind.

• Hunting Sunglasses - Orange, gray, yellow, or vermilion lenses are ideal for hunters. If you’re trying to see through a haze or low light, opt for the orange or yellow lenses. Select vermilion if you are surrounded by trees. Gray lenses are the best for shooting in bright sunlight. However, the best option would be polarized lenses.
   

• Multi-Purpose Sunglasses - For all sports activities, aside from regular daily wear, polycarbonate lenses are your best bet. They’re impact resistant, and won’t shatter.

• Best Everyday Sunglasses - If you're only buying one pair of sunglasses, choose gray lenses with a classic shape appropriate for your face shape and coloring.

The color of the chosen lens is something you need to consider very carefully before you buy. Take them out into the light, preferably sunlight.

For more summer tips click here:  Sunscreen Tips .