Selecting the right sunglasses isn’t just about style – though, of course, that plays a significant part. More than just a fashion statement, sunglasses play a crucial role in shielding our eyes from harmful UV rays and ensuring our vision remains comfortable and clear on bright, glaring days. In this guide, we’ll dive into key factors to consider, ensuring you find the perfect pair for any occasion.
Consider Your Environment and Activities
Before you begin your search, reflect on when and where you’ll primarily use your sunglasses. Your needs might vary, from requiring a pair for outdoor sports to finding the ideal style to complement your wardrobe. Do you spend considerable time in open spaces or need ample protection in urban settings? These considerations are vital in selecting the right protection level and style that fits your lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Level of Protection
Glare Protection: The Case for Polarised Sunglasses
Glare, or the distracting light that reflects off surfaces, can reduce vision clarity, leading to eye strain and headaches. While darker tints lower the light reaching your eyes, they don’t fully block glare. Polarised sunglasses, filtering specific light waves, significantly reduce reflections and glare. Ideal for activities like fishing or driving on wet roads, they’re a must-consider, particularly if you’re sensitive to glare. However, note that polarised lenses may interfere with reading digital screens, so pilots and marine captains should test them out before committing.
UV and High Energy Visible Light Protection
The primary purpose of sunglasses is to shield your eyes and eyelids from harmful rays.Exposure to UV and High Energy Visible Light increases risk for various eye diseases such as cataracts, pterygium and macular degeneration. The skin around our eyes is thinner than that on the rest of our body, making it more susceptible to developing skin cancer due to UV damage. It’s important to note that darker lenses don’t always equate to better UV protection. In Australia, all sunglasses must indicate their protection category on the label. This information is useful in guiding you to choose the right level of protection:
Category 1: Great for cloudy days or as a fashion accessory. These offer lesser protection but more style flexibility.
Category 2: Provides great protection against UV, perfect for urban lifestyle and people who prefers lighter tint.
Category 3: Provides excellent level of UV protection and high energy visible light, suitable for everyday and outdoor protection.
Category 4: Ideal for high-altitude or watersports enthusiasts due to their superior UV protection. However, they’re not recommended for driving. Brands like Maui Jim excel in offering high protection while maintaining clear, vibrant vision.
If you are after good protection against harmful light rays and glare, Maui Jim Sunglasses are perfect for your needs. Check out our blog to read more on this amazing brand!
Selecting Sunglasses for Your Lifestyle
- Tint Colour and Its Functionalities:
Gray: Reduces light intensity without altering colors, perfect for extensive outdoor exposure.
Brown: Known for providing a comfortable visual experience, these lenses suit occasional outdoor activities, particularly in urban areas.
Green: Enhancing contrast and sharpness, green tints are excellent for sports where visual clarity is key, for example golf.
- Special Features for Specific Needs
Prescription Sunglasses: Essential if you normally wear prescription glasses. They offer more consistent protection than transition lenses. Even if you normally wear contact lenses, it’s a good idea to have a pair for times when your eyes need a break from contact lenses.
Wrap-around Frames: Ideal for high-speed activities like cycling, offering protection against wind, dust, and glare.
Floatable Sunglasses: A boon for water sports enthusiasts, brands like Bollé offer floating sunglasses, ensuring your shades won’t sink if dropped.
If you are enthusiastic about outdoor sports, ask our friendly staff about the Bollé sunglasses as they specialise in sports sunglasses.
Fashion and Design
Your sunglasses reflect your personality, so while functionality is essential, don’t compromise on style. The frame shape can dramatically alter your look, complementing different face structures. Explore ranges from brands like Furla and Police, catering to everyone from aviator aficionados to lovers of bold, edgy designs. Read our blog on sunglasses style and face shapes to find out more about how to choose the best design for you.
