What To Consider When Buying Sunglasses

Whether you want a pair of fashionable sunglasses for the beach this summer, or a pair that will reflect the glare from the water while you're sailing, there are a few things to consider before you buy. For many people, sunglasses are a fashion accessory, while others are looking for practical features for sports or other activities.

UV Protection

First, you should always look for sunglasses with 99 to 100% UV protection. Just because a pair of sunglasses is darkly tinted or mirrored doesn't mean that they will protect your eyes against UV rays. There are no rules that a manufacturer has to provide a specific amount of UV protection, so some sunglasses will have little or no UV protection. Look for a sticker on the lenses that gives the percentage of UV protection, or ask your optician about options that will block out UV rays.

Designer Sunglasses

Next, consider the design you want. If you want the latest fashion seen on the runways, a pair of oversized Chanel glasses will look fashionable, but you'll pay the price. If you don't want to spend a lot, look for discount fashion sunglasses online, or buy a non-designer name. If you want sunglasses for sports, or want to invest in a pair of glasses that will last for a long time, look at brands like Oakley or Serengeti. Companies that specialize in sunglasses will give you unparalleled quality and protection.

Try on a variety of pairs to find sunglasses that suit your hair and eye color. For example, if your skin is olive-toned, a black pair of shades will look better than green tinted frames or lenses. If your face is smaller, opt for smaller frames as larger sunglasses will overwhelm your features.

Your Lifestyle

What activity will you be using the glasses for? If you want a pair of sunglasses for lounging by the pool, you don't need to spend extra on polycarbonate lenses and can easily find great looking sunglasses for less. However, if you plan on driving long distances or going sailing, polarized lenses will reflect the glare and help you avoid eye strain. Most regular sunglasses are now made of plastic, as its lightweight and scratch resistant, but it's not as durable as polycarbonate. For sports or outdoor activities, polycarbonate lenses are a much better choice.

Don't think that because you are spending a lot you are getting a high quality pair of sunglasses. A lot of designer sunglasses will look stylish, but lack good UV protection or other safety features. Look online at sunglasses shops or even auctions, where you can find a pair of durable sunglasses at a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.