Essential Things To Look For In A Pair Of Sunglasses

From celebrity divas to hung-over party revellers, there is undoubtedly a pair of sunglasses to suit any occasion. However, many of us forget that there is more to this versatile fashion accessory than just style and price.

So whether you’re looking for a pair that are tough and durable or a pair that will protect you from those UV rays, here are a few top tips to get the most of your sunnies.  .

UV Or Not UV, That Is The Question

Most people will admit to becoming slightly confused to the abbreviated letters stuck on certain sunglasses lenses. Whether it’s CE, UV, UV-A or UV-B, the world of sunglasses shopping is a minefield of mystifying abbreviations. Eyes are extremely sensitive, as we all know coming out of a daytime cinema showing is startling enough, and when it comes to sunlight, protection is a necessity. Ultraviolet light damages the retina and cornea, so looking for the CE mark and these other signs shows the glasses conform to the European Community Standard and will provide high levels of protection against UV light.

Finding a pair of sunglasses with no labels, logos, or markings mentioned above is a sure warning sign of low to bad protection so make no sudden movements and back away slowly. Additionally, just because the lenses are dark in colour does not mean they are protecting your eyes, so bare this in mind when first choosing your shades.

Lenses For Sport And Hobbies

Mention sunglasses to the majority of us and we will immediately conjure up images of sunny beaches and days spent lazing by the pool. Meanwhile the rest, more adventurous, of the population may be visualizing up a whole different reality.

There are sunglasses for every sport occasion – we all witnessed Bradley Wiggins flaunting his yellow lenses last year – but there is actually another reason for this lovely, vibrant shade. Yellow and orange lenses heighten contrast in overcast days and filter blue light for a sharper focus. These lenses are ideal for cycling, skiing, tennis, and other outdoor activities.

Dark amber, copper, and browns meanwhile block large amounts of blue light to aid visual acuity; these colours are useful in improving the contrast against blue skies and grass and are ideal for golf fanatics, fishing enthusiasts and other water sports fans.

Youngsters

Whilst the above pointers should definitely be applicable to children, other precautions such as sunhats, umbrellas and lots of shade are vital for the little ones. It is also a good idea to make sure the glasses have plastic lenses in case they should break, and ideally be made out of polycarbonate lenses that will not harm them if they do. Disney’s sunglasses are worth looking into if they are after something fun and colourful that they are more than happy to keep on for long periods of time.

Something For Grandma

The elderly are just as important; if you have no medical needs then go ahead and make sure the CE sticker is there on the front of any pair of sunglasses. One consideration may be choosing sunglasses with grey lenses as this will reduce brightness while preserving normal colour recognition, at the same time reducing disorientation and darkness.

Everlasting Eyewear

Whether it is a 7-day holiday or a three-month summer break, sunglasses and their stability is an important factor when it comes to buying them no matter how long you need them for. Although it may seem that indestructible sunglasses only come with a hefty price tag, even the most accident-prone can now purchase unyielding glasses with GlobalVision at only £10.99 through Amazon. Their range stocks a variety of lenses and promises you stability with its extremely resilient nylon frame.

Be Bold

Choosing sunglasses should not only be safe, but fun. Whether you have a fondness for hearts, flowers, square, oval, vintage, aviator, skinny or thick-rimmed sunglasses, there is undoubtedly something for everyone. So be creative, be inspired, and always remember to check they’re protecting you properly.

Have you got any other tips for buying sunglasses? Share them in the comments.

Sara Majhutiak is an aspiring writer and recent graduate who enjoys nothing more than basking in the sun sporting a cool pair of shades. She recommends Discounted Sunglasses.