Introduction
Sunglasses have become an absolute necessity to safeguard your eyes from UV rays that can destroy the eye's lens, surface tissues, and cornea and may lead to serious vision issues. Before learning how to choose sunglasses for UV protection, you must have an idea about the practical utility of sunglasses.
UV rays are electromagnetic radiation invisible to the naked eye. It is of three types: A, B and C, all of which penetrate ocular tissues, affecting vision. UVA can cause skin ageing wrinkles and may cause skin cancer around the eyes. UVB is more damaging. It may cause sunburn as well as cancer of the eyelids. UVC has the maximum risk of causing skin cancers.
When you are not wearing UV-protected sunglasses, UV light can penetrate into the eyes and affect the lens proteins, resulting in cataracts. Long exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Sunglasses act as the best defence against all these ailments.
How to Choose Sunglasses for UV Protection?
Whether you're buying fashion sunglasses or prescription sunglasses online, you need to keep a few things in mind when making your decision.
1. Ensure 100% UV Protection Rating
The capacity to block UV rays does not depend on the price, colour, dark lens or the salesperson's marketing. The sticker or tag on the sunglasses will prove whether it provides 100 per cent UV protection from all UV light. The tags may also quote "UV absorption up to 400 nm" for maximum UV absorption.
2. Choose Bigger Sunglasses
This is not a fashion tip. Bigger sunglasses are for the safety of your eyes. Indirect sunlight can also affect the eyes. UV light reflected by clouds can reach the eyes from above, below and in all other directions. The bigger the lens, the more UV protection against sun damage.
Consider oversized or wraparound-style sunglasses to limit UV rays from entering from the side. Wraparound sunglasses around the temples act as a safety shield to minimise the amount of UV rays entering the eyes from the sides, too.
3. Understand the Limitations of Polarised Lenses
People tend to buy polarised lenses as they are more comfortable. Polarised lenses reduce the glare of light reflecting off surfaces. Even this feature is important. But polarised sunglasses are not sufficient.
It cannot provide protection from UV rays. Some polarised lenses may offer UV filtering, but for better protection, opt for lenses that offer maximum protection. Look for sunglasses which have both polarised lenses and UV filters.
4. Buy Better Quality Lenses
The first thought that may come to your mind while buying sunglasses may be 'the darker the lens, the better the protection’. No, it's not the right way to judge. In fact, look for uniform tint lenses, which are medium-coloured, like brown or rose-coloured, to block the rays better. These colours enhance contrast, which helps to see better.
To check the imperfections of the lenses, hold the glasses at arm's length and at a straight line - for example, the straight edge of the door. Then, slowly move the glass across the line. If the straight edge curves, the lens is not correct.
5. Look for Good Features in Lenses
Mirror coatings are thin layers of metallic coatings that reduce the amount of visible light entering the eyes. A photographic lens automatically darkens in bright light and becomes lighter in low light, making it an ideal choice for people who are frequently in and out of movement. It's for people who look for convenience and versatility.
Glass lenses are more likely to smash or break compared to plastic lenses. Sunglasses require minimum FDA standards, considering the impact resistance. Polycarbonate lenses are used for sports sunglasses for break resistance.
6. Know Your Face Shape
When buying sunglasses, features like UV protection, lens colour, and lens size are very important. But remember, the shape of the face will also matter. It has to balance your facial features, as they are usually worn for a prolonged time. The frame should fit well without pinching or slipping.
7. Understand the Functionality of Sunglasses
Varying activities require different levels of UV protection, comfort, and functionality. If you are a sports person, you will require lightweight, impact-resistant frames with specific lens tints for clear vision. And if you are wearing sunglasses casually, you can go for wider frame styles and a wider range of lens colours.
Shop for UV-Protected Sunglasses At Specsmakers
Specsmakers is a popular retail store down south that sells eyeglasses, sunglasses, and all kinds of lenses. It has more than 250 retail stores in cities like Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Erode, Karur, Karaikudi, Kumbakonam, Chennai, Bengaluru, Arakkonam, Guntur, Hosur, Kanchipuram, Tirupati, and Vellore, and it is also expanding into other cities. It also offers online deals for more convenience.
Specmakers deal with the vision that every individual should be able to access affordable eye care and make it a part of their daily lives to see the world better. The sunglasses or eyewear are made with high-quality material in both classic and modern styles to help you express your individuality. The sunglasses with UV protection are both pocket-friendly and smart. It is crafted with both style and functionality in mind.
Specsmakers deal in almost all brands, and their salespeople are so well-trained to provide tailored solutions for all your queries. They can suggest the shape of the frame and type of lens according to your requirements.
Key Takeaways
Sunglasses are an essential accessory today. Sunglasses are a fashion statement that enhances your look and your outfit. But simultaneously, it is an essential accessory for protecting your eyes.
Global warming is creating harmful UV rays that are damaging your eyes at an immense speed. This is the reason you should take care of it before investing in sunglasses. Look for UV tags or stickers and choose extra coatings and filters you would need depending on your lifestyle and daily routine.
It is always recommended to consider the factors mentioned above to ensure you get both aspects (protection and fashion) in check!
FAQs
1. Which is better, UV 400 or polarised?
Depending on your lifestyle, UV 400 is more essential than polarised lenses.
2. Does polarised mean 100% UV protection?
Polarised lenses don't protect from UV rays. They have a coating applied to them that filters light and reduces glare, which is also essential in certain environments.
3. What is the main purpose of sunglasses?
Sunglasses help protect the eyes from UV rays and other harmful elements such as sand and dust.
4. Can sunglasses be both UV and polarised?
Polarised sunglasses also include UV protection, offering a two-in-one solution.
5. Does everyone need sunglasses?
Everyone needs protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, and children also require it, just like adults.
