Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing glare, and maintaining long-term eye health. But with countless styles, lenses, and features available, finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to help you choose sunglasses that offer both protection and style.
1. Prioritize UV Protection
The most important feature to look for is 100% UV protection. Sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to prevent eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye).
2. Don’t Forget About Prescription Options
If you wear prescription glasses, consider prescription sunglasses or clip-on lenses to maintain clear vision while protecting your eyes outdoors.
3. Consider Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, making them ideal for driving, boating, and outdoor sports. While they don’t provide extra UV protection, they enhance visual comfort and clarity.
4. Enhance Comfort with Backside Anti-reflective coating
While many sunglasses have dark tinted lenses to reduce brightness, they can still let light reflect off the inner surface of the lenses—especially when the sun is behind you. A backside anti-reflective (AR) coating helps eliminate this distracting glare, improving visual clarity and reducing eye strain. This is especially helpful when driving, walking near reflective surfaces, or spending time outdoors in bright conditions. Though it’s often overlooked, adding backside AR can significantly enhance your comfort and overall sunglass performance.
5. Choose the Right Lens Color
Lens colors affect how you perceive light and contrast:
- Gray lenses: Reduce overall brightness while preserving true color balance.
- Brown/amber lenses: Enhance contrast and depth perception, great for sports and variable light conditions.
- Green lenses: Reduce glare and enhance contrast without distorting colors.
6. Look for the Right Fit
Proper fit ensures comfort and effective protection. Sunglasses should:
- Sit comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching.
- Fully cover your eyes, including the sides, to block peripheral UV rays.
- Have a snug fit without sliding down your face.
7. Opt for Larger Frames or Wraparound Styles
Bigger lenses or wraparound designs provide more coverage, reducing UV exposure from all angles. This is especially important for activities with prolonged sun exposure.
8. Consider Lens Material
Different lens materials offer varying benefits:
- Polycarbonate lenses: Lightweight, impact-resistant, and great for active lifestyles.
- High index lenses: Designed to be thinner and lighter than traditional lenses, making them ideal for strong prescriptions without adding bulk. They offer excellent optical clarity and UV protection.
- Trivex lenses: Similar to polycarbonate but with better optical clarity, Trivex lenses are lightweight, impact-resistant, and provide built-in UV protection, making them a great choice for both performance and everyday wear.
9. Match Your Style
While protection is key, style matters too! Choose frames that complement your face shape:
- Round faces: Rectangular or square frames for contrast.
- Square faces: Round or oval frames to soften angles.
- Heart-shaped faces: Cat-eye or aviator styles to balance proportions.
Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses is a balance between function and fashion. By considering these factors, you can protect your eyes while looking your best under the sun. Ready to upgrade your shades? Schedule an Optical Shopping appointment with one of our ABO Certified opticians.
