Sunglasses: Offering Protection & Style

Sunglasses have been called the ultimate accessory. Not only do they add style, flare and personality to any outfit, but they also provide invaluable eye protection and even contribute to improved vision. Keep reading to learn how sunglasses can protect your eyes and to get tips on selecting sunglasses.

Sunglasses & Ultraviolet Rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are located beyond the violet segment of the visible light spectrum. Sunlight, of course, is the main source of UV rays. The sun's UV rays are divided into UVA and UVB rays, both of which are dangerous to the eyes.

The sun's rays are the most powerful between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but glare and reflections are present throughout the day. Wearing the right pair of sunglasses will provide your eyes invaluable protection from UV rays.

Sunglasses should feature lenses that block both UVA and UVB rays. When buying sunglasses, look for a sticker listing the pair's UV-blocking abilities. This sticker is typically located on one of the lenses. For optimal protection, the sunglasses should offer at least 99 percent UV protection.

When to Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from dangerous rays, but they can also improve your vision by reducing glare and reflection. You should always wear sunglasses when:

driving (to reduce sun spots and glare from windshields)
playing outdoor sports (to reduce direct sun, reflections and glare)
when taking drugs that increase photosensitivity
when using sunlamps or tanning beds (to shield eyes from UV rays).

Of course, if you wear prescription eyeglasses, you should make sure that you wear prescription sunglasses. You can get these from your eye doctor.

Children & Sunglasses

Children's eyes need protection from the sun too.In fact, children's eyes are more sensitive to the sun than adult's eyes. This fact, combined with the fact that children often spend more time in the sun, makes it extremely important to equip your child with a good pair of sunglasses.

Since UV damage is cumulative, encouraging children to wear sunglasses will help ensure eye health in their adult years.

Designer & Celebrity Sunglasses

While you can find a quality pair of sunglasses for less than $20, many people are drawn to designer glasses.You can find designer sunglasses in a variety of styles, shapes, colors and materials. However, designer sunglasses often come with a hefty price tag. Some styles cost well over $200.

There many high-fashion designer sunglasses, including:

Chanel sunglasses
Christian Dior sunglasses
Coach sunglasses
Dior sunglasses
Dolce Gabanna sunglasses
Gucci sunglasses
Prada sunglasses
Versace sunglasses.

With so many different styles of designer sunglasses on the market, you may become overwhelmed when shopping for a pair. However, shopping for sunglasses should be fun. By taking the time to try on different pairs, you'll no doubt find one to suit your lifestyle and face shape.

Designer Sunglasses for Sports

There are also designer sunglasses for those who lead active lifestyles. Many of these sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes when you're engaging in specific outdoor activities, such as snowboarding or running. Here are some of the more popular athletic designer sunglasses:

Bolle sunglasses
Electric sunglasses
Nike sunglasses
Oakley sunglasses
Ray Ban sunglasses
Spy sunglasses

Sunglass Lens Color

Sunglass lenses are available in many different colors. These different lenses provide different levels of eye protection. For example:

Clear lenses can provide UV protection but will not diminish overall light.
Brown and green lenses can provide UV protection and offer minimal color distortion and enhance contrast.
Grey lenses can provide UV protection and cut light without distorting color.
Orange and yellow lenses can provide UV protection and heighten color contrast and depth perception.
Red lenses can provide UV protection and offer color enhancement with distortion.

In addition to noting lens color, it is also important to pay attention to the material of the lens. Sunglasses are available in glass (excellent clarity but heavy), plastic (prone to scratching but comfortable and lightweight) and polycarbonate (shatter-resistant).