Sunglasses can be a reliable form of eye protection, especially during the summer. They can also be used when driving or during sporting activities. Plus, they should look good on you. But what should you look for when choosing them?

Choose the right UV filter

The basic parameter when choosing sunglasses should be their UV filter which protects the eyes from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, harmful during prolonged exposure. Glasses with a high-quality UV filter protect against long- (UVA) and medium-wavelength (UVB) radiation. There is also short-wavelength (UVC) radiation, but it is largely blocked by the ozone layer when entering the atmosphere. 

In any case, sunglasses should have a UV filter value of at least 400. Focus on this figure as the first parameter. You should also consider whether the product has the EEC standard, which shows the ability to absorb the above-mentioned UVA and UVB radiation.

Focus on the presence of a polarising filter

Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and they can also contribute to road safety by allowing drivers to see the road better in bright sunlight. If you generally use sunglasses behind the wheel, they should have a polarising filter that significantly eliminates glare. The design of these products is no different from other glasses.

Concentrate on frame and lens material

When choosing sunglasses, you should also consider the frame and lens material because it affects their functionality, but also their durability. What options are available? 

• Frame material – frames are usually plastic and metal. The first option is lightweight, but less durable, while the second has the opposite characteristics. There are also glasses with wooden frames, which are becoming more and more popular.

• Lens material – there are plastic lenses that are lightweight and resistant to breakage, but they have worse optical properties and can be scratched. Although glass lenses are easier to break, they have excellent optical properties and are scratch-resistant.

Consider the lens colour

Sunglasses can have different lens colours, which affects both the visual aspect and the practical properties. Each colour allows for different vision. Grey and black lenses are versatile. They reduce the light intensity, but do not distort vision, so they’re suitable for virtually all activities. But what about other colours?

• Brown lenses – improve contrast and are recommended for people with myopia.

• Yellow and orange lenses – they are often seen in sports glasses because they help with visibility on snow, for example.

• Red lenses – this option is also common in sports glasses and is suitable for both snow and the sea.

• Blue lenses – can help with hyperopia, but they affect vision so they aren’t recommended to drivers.

• Green lenses – reduce brightness so they are suitable for all outdoor activities and also have a positive effect on eye fatigue.

Consider buying prescription sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is not a problem if you wear contact lenses. But some people don’t want to or can’t use contact lenses. In this case, it’s possible to use prescription sunglasses, which are basically just sunglasses with prescription lenses. They protect against the sunlight and correct vision problems. Let’s add that you can also find special sunglasses for reading in some shops.

Don’t underestimate the size of the sunglasses 

Naturally, sunglasses should fit you well when you wear them. When choosing, focus on their size. There are three basic parameters which are really important.

• Length of earpieces – the earpiece on men’s glasses tend to be longer than those on women’s glasses and these, in turn, are longer than those on children’s glasses. 

• Lens width–width at the widest point; this parameter can also be important to ensure that your sunglasses fit perfectly.

• Bridge width – the distance between the individual lenses; this usually varies between 14 and 24 mm.

Consider your face shape

Each person has a characteristic face that makes them unique. When buying sunglasses, you should also focus on its shape, which can be divided into four basic types. What are those?

• Oval face – people with this type of face can use virtually any glasses and even experiment.

• Round face – square and rectangular lenses can be suitable, as well as glasses with narrow frames or rimless glasses.

• Square face – narrow frames or rimless sunglasses are suitable, in any case a round or oval shape is recommended.

• Triangular face – in this case, you should also choose sunglasses with oval or round lenses. 

Don’t underestimate the design of sunglasses

Sunglasses are not just a UV protection, but also a distinctive fashion accessory. In this respect, you can think about the frame’s colour and shape. The shape can be round, oval, square or rectangular, but also special (e.g. aviator or cat eye). It’s also good to choose based on your age and gender. Even though there are unisex designs, some sunglasses are suitable for women, others for men and there are also various children’s models for boys and girls.