What type of Sunglasses You Choose?

Take a cue from celebs and fashion types who know that the right pair of sunglasses can add instant mystique, chic and polish to any look.

But also know that sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement: they are a necessity to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Protection

The color and degree of darkness of a lens doesn't tell you anything about sunglasses' ability to block UV rays which can harm your eyes, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology.

Look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of harmful UV rays (check the label!).

Lens

A sunglass lens can be made of glass or plastic and can have special hi-tech treatments.

• Mirrored - Thin layer of metallic applied to lens that may reduce visible light to reach eyes, but not UV rays according to AAO.
• Gradient - A tinted lens that is darker on the top fading to no tint on the bottom
• Polarized - Cuts the glare from smooth surfaces such as water, snow or pavement.
• Photo chromic - These lenses are sun-sensitive and transition from light to dark shade according to light conditions.
• Tints - A color called neutral density gray will shade but not change your color perception, according to Dr. Bert Dubow on AllAboutVision.com.

Styles

Sunglass trends have taken their cue from runway and street fashion. Retro looks like aviators and oversized, "Jackie O" frames along with sleek, futuristic shield shapes compliment what's going on in fashion.

Trendy tints span the rainbow, so look for a hue that flatters your coloring.

• Wraps - Extending past the eye to the temple, this style "wraps" around the face.
• Shields - One-piece shields have a modern look and are often partially rimmed or rimless and come in a wide range of tints.
• Aviators - Shaped like a teardrop, metal-rimmed aviators have enjoyed waves of trendiness since WWII when pilots favored this style.
• Clip-ons - An easy way to convert prescription eyeglasses to sunwear, clip-on shades can attach with either clips or magnets.

Flatter Your Face

In general, you should choose a pair of shades in a shape that is the opposite of your face shape.

For example, round faces look best in anything but round shades. A rounder face can carry off geometric shapes, ovals, wraps and shields.

More angular or thin faces look better in rounder frames; oval faces can carry off almost any style.

What Are Polarized Sunglasses?

Many people don't understand the importance of wearing polarized sunglasses when they are enjoying the outdoors.

 

Your favourite activity may be biking, climbing, surfing, volleyball, baseball, jet-skiing, snowboarding or fishing, the bottom line is that you need to understand the importance of polarized sun glasses and what they can offer you.

The biggest thing that polarized sun glasses offer is the ability to cut through the glare created by the sun, when it bounces off of reflective surfaces such as roads, snow, and water.

This might not sound like a big deal but it's most certainly true. Many times we're so used to seeing and dealing with this glare, that we can't imagine it not being there. Quality polarized sunglasses cut through this glare not only enabling us to see better, but also protecting our eyes from the nasty UV rays within the glare.

Nowhere is the effect of polarization seen more than by anglers, especially anglers that stand in the flowing water of a river or stream. With the help of quality polarized glasses, angler can actually see into the water, and spot not only fish, but also underwater debris.

The effects of wearing quality polarized glasses is also extremely helpful to anyone who spends time on snow covered mountains skiing or snowboarding. The glare created by the sun bouncing off of snow can be very dramatic, and a quality pair of polarized glasses will cut through this glare.

If you spend any time in the outdoors, you need to invest in a quality pair of polarized glasses. When it's all said and done, you'll be glad you did. Not only that, but your eyes will as well.