Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory. They say something about one’s style and personality. But they also serve a much greater purpose then just letting the world know how hip, cool, and fashionable you are. A sunglass is a very important tool to help protect your eyes against harmful UV. Many people don’t know that sunglasses are just more then a standard frame with tinted lenses that you buy off a rack. There are many different components that go into just how well a pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes. That is why it is good to know what to look for when trying to pick the best sunglasses for yourself.
When Choosing the Best Sunglasses, Fit And Size Is Important
Most people would probably say that one of the most important aspects of their sunglasses would be how the sunglasses look. But a big part of how cosmetically appealing a pair of sunglasses looks can be attributed to how well they fit. If a frame is too small or too big for a persons face, cosmetically it can make the glasses look un-proportionate in appearance. However, a frame that is too small or too big is also not ideal when it comes to the fit of the sunglasses and how well the sunglasses protect the wearer from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Frames that are the wrong size for the wearer can let in extra harmful uv light around the sides of the frame, and also from the top and the bottom. A frame that fits incorrectly can also lead to discomfort while the person is wearing it, which in turn is never fun. So when picking a new sunglasses frame, first make sure the frame is acceptable size so not a lot of extra light comes in from around the sides, top, or bottom of the sunglasses. Also make sure the frame fits well on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears, as this will help prevent the frame from sliding and will also help maintain comfort while being worn.
UV Protection
Along with the fit of the frame, the sunglass lens is also a very important part of your sunglasses. The best sunglasses not only block out visible light, but also block out harmful UV light as well. This is why it is extremely important to select sunglasses with good quality lenses. Most people don’t know that not all UV protection is equal. There are different wave lengths of UV light, UVA & UVB. It is important to pick out a pair of sunglasses that protects the eyes against both UVA & UVB, as both of these different wave lengths can cause damage to the tissue of the eyes and the delicate skin around them. Alternatively, the amount of protection may also read up to UV400. A rating of UV 400 is very protective as it blocks both UVA & UVB wave lengths.
Picking the Best Lens Tint
Sunglasses often come in different frame and lens colour options. Although the style and colour of the frame is important because it can alter the cosmetic appearance of the glasses when they are being worn, the colour of the lenses is equally important. Lens colour determines how much visible light is let through the lens determining the “darkness” of a lens. For example a grey lens, is often a darker lens to look through then a brown or rose coloured lens. A grey lens is often appropriate for very bright sunny conditions and people who are more light sensitive then others. A brown or rose coloured lens, lets more visible light through the lens, therefor it is brighter to look through. This lens also increases contrast, so it is often performs better in cloudy, overcast conditions. Some people really rely on the added advantage of increased contrast while partaking in certain activities. For example, a golfer may prefer a brown or green lens, as it allows them to see the contours in the fairway and putting green, the same as a skier may like a rose lens to help identify counters in the hill. I always recommend the way to pick the best sunglasses is to try on the different lens colour options to see what feels most comfortable for you to look through.
Special Lens Coatings
Colour may not be the only options that you man have to consider when selecting a new pair of sunglasses. Many sunglasses now come with extra features and options. These options may include features such as backside anti-glare, polarization, gradient tint, solid tint, and mirrored coatings. These different features can affect how well the lens perfumes against reducing glare and protecting your eyes. For instance, a backside anti-glare prevents any visible light and harmful UV rays from being reflected back into the eyes from the back side of the sunglass lens. A polarization filter adds benefit by reducing reflective glare. This filter works by reducing certain angles of reflective light making the lens even more functional and comfortable to look through. Differences in lens tints from a solid tint to a gradient tint can again affect the amount of visible light that a lens is letting through to the eye and determine how dark the lens is to look through. Mirrored tints can again help reduce reflective glare, as well as adding a cometic element to the look of the glasses.
So as you see, there are many things to consider when selecting the best sunglasses. It is important to know just what you are getting from your new sunglasses, not just how good you look!
Article written by: Trina Vanaalst