CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES: UV PROTECTION AND STYLE COMBINED

When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of sunglasses, it’s imperative to have both UV protection and incredible style.

100% UV protection is essential for protecting your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun, and the styling flatters your face and showcases your tastes. With that in mind, here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice when picking out sunglasses.

UV PROTECTION IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
The primary function of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, which include an increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (yellow growths on the white of the eye), skin cancer of the eyelid, and other detrimental conditions.

When picking out a pair of sunglasses, check the label for:
. 100% UV Protection: Make sure any sunglasses you pick block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. If the sunglasses contain no UV information, it’s safer to assume they lack the requisite protection.
. UV400 Label: This means the lenses block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, offering maximum UV protection.

INVEST IN A DURABLE PAIR
Sunglasses come in various materials, mainly plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Choose a material that complements your lifestyle and overall look. Metal frames tend to be more durable and classic looking, while plastic frames are often lighter, making them more comfortable for some, and come in a wide variety of shapes and colors.

For maximum wear and ongoing protection, look for lenses made from durable materials like polycarbonate to ensure clarity and impact resistance. For enjoyment outside, driving and playing sports, polarized lenses can reduce glare for optimal performance and comfort. The lenses as well as any coatings can affect the safety, effectiveness and lifespan of your sunglasses. Things to consider include:
. Polarized Lenses: Polarization reduces glare from the sun as well as reflective surfaces like water, glass and pavement.
. Lens Color: While lens color doesn’t affect UV protection, it can enhance visual comfort and clarity in different lighting conditions. Gray lenses can reduce overall brightness while preserving natural color balance. Brown/amber lenses can boost contrast and depth perception, making them great for sports and driving. Green lenses can provide a balance of contrast and color accuracy.
. Scratch-resistant Coating: If you play sports, tend to drop your glasses, or slide them in and out of a pocket or purse throughout the day, this coating can prevent minor abrasions.
. Transitions/Photochromatic: These specialty lenses change to perform for your current environment, darkening in bright settings and clearing in darker ones.

To protect your sunglasses, remember to store them in a protective case when not in use.

MAKE SURE TO GET THE PERFECT FIT
A good fit is crucial for both comfort and effective protection. To prevent slipping, choose a sunglass style that fits snugly but comfortably, to avoid pressure points over the course of the day. Make sure sunglasses rest on your nose and ears without pinching. A skilled optician can help ensure a perfect fit by adjusting the nose pads and temple tips to customize the fit.

PICK A STYLE THAT SUITS YOUR FACE
While UV protection is crucial, style is what makes wearing sunglasses fun and fashionable. The right sunglasses make your face and outfit dazzle! While the design of your sunglasses is entirely up to your personal sense of style, picking the right pair can be challenging. That’s why it’s always good to have a friend, or perhaps even more helpful, a skilled optician, on hand to help you pick out the most flattering sunglasses for your face.

While there are no rigid rules for picking a frame style (you do you!), different frame types can be especially complementary to certain face shapes.

For instance:
. Round Faces: Angular frames, such as square, rectangular and cat-eye, add flair and definition to rounder faces.
. Square Faces: Round or oval frames, wire frames and thin rim styles help balance strong jawlines.
. Heart-Shaped Faces: Frames that are wider at the top than the bottom are especially flattering to heart-shaped faces.
. Triangular Faces: A broad jawline and narrower forehead can be complemented by frames that draw the eye upward, such as rectangular and cat-eye styles.
. Oval Faces: Oval faces have the benefit of working well with most frame shapes, including bolder frames.

For sports and driving, you may want to consider wraparound frame styles, which deliver peripheral protection against UV rays, glare, and debris.

UV PROTECTION LENSES FROM LAKE EYE
Remember, investing in a good pair of sunglasses is about more than just looking cool, but also about protecting your eyes from the sun and other potential hazards. By choosing sunglasses that offer both excellent UV protection and a style that suits your personal tastes, you’ll protect your eyes, and look sensational doing it.

Need help choosing the right sunglass style, lenses or coating? Look no further than Lake Eye (a US Eye company). Each Lake Eye location features a full-service optical center with a vast array of sunglass frames by famous name designers, cutting-edge lenses and coatings, and skilled, friendly opticians ready to help you select the right sunglasses for your face, wardrobe and active lifestyle.

Lake Eye
352-632-2020
LakeEye.com