How to choose the right sunglasses

Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory, but also a great tool for protecting the eyes. Today it is difficult to imagine a person who would go in the summer without glasses. Modern manufacturers supply various accessories for every taste and budget on store shelves. You can find colored or darkened lenses enclosed in a plastic or iron frame. In choosing sun glasses, you need to pay attention to important aspects.

What are sunglasses for?

The main objective of the accessory is to minimize the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the eyes and the skin around them. However, it is important to remember that not every sunglasses can perform this function.

Fashion trends leave their mark on society. People choose sunglasses, not paying attention to their quality. Indeed, in such a matter, the main thing, in the opinion of many, is beauty and compatibility with clothes.

But in fact, glasses must be chosen not only beautiful, but also high-quality. Lenses should protect the cornea from ultraviolet radiation and protect the delicate skin around them.

Otherwise, you run the risk of cataracts or eye degeneration. Such consequences will be extremely sad. The sun is especially harmful to the elderly, drivers and those who work a lot at the computer.

What the effect of the sun on the eyes can lead to

Specialists in the field of ophthalmology advise to pay attention to accessories that are used to protect the eyes. Ultraviolet rays damage not only vision, but also the general state of human health. After 2-3 hours of walking without glasses, colossal discomfort begins, which manifests itself in severe soreness of the eyes.

More sad consequences are manifested in the following:

• loss of vision (partial);
• getting a burn of the eye cornea;
• beginning of cataract development.

However, it should be understood that direct ultraviolet does not always lead to severe dysfunctions. Sometimes after a long stay in the sun without glasses, pain, tearing, decreased quality of vision, etc. appear. This is the beginning of something more, you need to see a doctor or immediately buy sunglasses.

Skiers, snowboarders, polar explorers or drivers often face such a problem as “blinding blindness”. This is a burn of the ocular cornea, which appears due to the reflective surface. For example, snow or water.

There is a single rule: the higher the activity of the sun, the more aggressive the action of ultraviolet rays. If you add reflective factors in the form of blinding snow or water, you expose your eyes to danger 3 times or more.

Types of Sun Lenses

Many mistakenly rely on the frame when choosing glasses, but in the case of eye protection, such a decision is reckless. So that the sun does not affect the retina and cornea, it is necessary to select high-quality lenses. Dark glasses do not always mean protection from ultraviolet radiation, some coatings simply can not cope with their task.

It should be remembered that poor-quality lenses (fake) will lead to even greater harm. Under the influence of the sun, the pupil becomes narrow, and in such glasses it takes over the entire solar wave, as if remaining in the shade.

Today, there are several main types of lenses - glass, plastic, made of polycarbonate.Each material is endowed with its positive and negative qualities.

Glass lenses

Glass lenses may be too fragile under mechanical action. But, nevertheless, they are better than plastic to withstand scratches. You should not buy glass glasses for playing beach volleyball or football, as well as those who drive.

Plastic lenses
Lenses of this type, unlike glass, do not crumble into small particles upon impact. In most cases, a long crack remains on the plastic, which then leads to a split of the lens in two. But the fragments will not fall into the eyes.

The material has the ability to transmit ultraviolet rays. Therefore, you should not count on 100% eye protection and skin in their area. In addition, at temperatures above the norm, glasses can lose their shape. Plastic lenses are stored in a case.

Polycarbonate Lenses
For those who don’t know, polycarbonate is a shockproof material that is also endowed with the ability to protect the cornea from direct ultraviolet rays. The lenses are made of polycarbonate 1-2 mm thick. Thanks to this, the glasses can withstand the tests even with a shot from a pistol (small caliber).

Numerous studies have also shown that polycarbonate does not break even under the blow of a hammer. It can be concluded that sunglasses with such lenses will be the most durable. They do not scratch or crack, but a decent amount will have to be paid for an accessory.

Most often, polycarbonate-based lenses are produced by famous Italian brands. They not only do not pass ultraviolet, but also have the ability to eliminate glare (snow, wet asphalt, etc.). Such lenses are ideal for drivers, skiers and those who spend a lot of time near the water.

Lens transmission
Accessories that are sold in specialized optics stores have a passport. There should also be a sticker on the glasses that indicates the degree of light transmission of the lenses.

If you notice “0” on the accessory, this indicates full light transmission and the lack of retina protection.

When the number “1” is on the lenses, the accessory will protect your eyes by 40–65%, no more.

With a value of "2", about 35-20% of ultraviolet rays will reach the retina. Such glasses are good for use in the city.

Models with an indicator of "3" are ideal for any work on the street. Also, this option should be chosen by people who spend a lot of time at sea or are going on vacation.

When marked in “4”, about 5-8% of the light reaches the retina. Accessories are suitable for skiers and those who travel a lot in hot countries with constant sun exposure.

Important!
If you don’t notice any markings on your sunglasses, prepare for zero efficiency. Such accessories will not protect the retina, so wearing them costs no longer than two hours.

Lens tint

The color of the sun lenses and the degree of their darkening affects the perception and well-being of the eyes. Conditionally, these characteristics are divided into 2 subspecies, we will consider them in order.

Green, gray, brown lenses are pleasant to wear, their eyes are not tired as much as when wearing other types of glasses.

Orange, red, pink, yellow is undesirable to wear. In the process of using such accessories distort visual perception, affect the psyche, contribute to eye fatigue.

An ideal option would be a mirror coating, but if improperly worn, such glasses quickly scratch and interfere with "viewing." The accessory should always be kept in a case.

Lens coating

Allocate a polarized and photochromic coating of the lenses of sunglasses. Spraying plays a role, so let's understand the intricacies of choice.

Polarized lenses
The polarized coating has the best protective characteristics among all available types of lenses. A positive feature is that glasses of this kind protect the eyes equally strongly, even if there is a sharp change in exposure to the sun.

For example, when driving a car it started to rain sharply. Asphalt will begin to glare, glasses will prevent exposure to the eyes, reflecting bright flashes. The same goes for relaxing on water or snow.

Glasses with polarized lenses should be given preference to car drivers. Such an accessory will prevent glare of the wet road and the impact of oncoming headlights.

Before buying, make sure that the lenses are of sufficient quality. Ask the seller for a passport, which will contain all the necessary information. It is important to find the mark “polarized lenses” or “anti-reflective coating”.

To be sure of the quality, put on your glasses and pick up your mobile phone. Set the maximum brightness on the smartphone and rotate the gadget at a certain angle. If the lenses begin to visually darken, this indicates eye protection. This option can be taken.

Photochromic coating
In addition to the fact that sunglasses with photochromic coating block light, they also do not allow a certain percentage of ultraviolet rays to pass through. An accessory with polarized lenses cannot boast of this quality.

This option is suitable for categories of people who are afraid of the light or feel uncomfortable with bright illuminations. To create a photochromic coating, specialists resort to the use of special materials for spraying. They do not have an effect in the sultry heat, but are great for socks at medium or low temperatures.

Accessories of this kind are not suitable for wearing on the beach. But they will be effective for drivers who spend a lot of time behind the wheel at night. In view of the good reflection of light, photochromic coating is ideal for skiers when snow reflection greatly affects the retina.

A selection of sunglasses for driving

1. In most cases, drivers pick up glasses for themselves, relying on comfort and the correct shape of the frame. Such people do not follow fashion. The accessory must completely protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
2. Drivers need to pick the right lens color. The glasses should have a green, brown or grayish tint. Lenses of such colors are great for driving and do not create artificial glare from the road. To control the situation in this case is much more comfortable.
3. When choosing glasses, lenses must be coated with anti-reflective coating. Such an addition is present on all high-quality and expensive accessories. The most suitable option would be an accessory with polarizing lenses.
4. Glasses of this quality can improve visibility by filtering out excess light. The only drawback of such models is that they are not available with diopters. The use of such glasses is permissible with temporary wearing of lenses to improve vision.

Choosing Sunglasses for Kids

1. If you decide to purchase high-quality sunglasses for a child, then you should not save. Browse for models marked Polarized. Glasses with special lenses prevent bright glare and refract the reflection of rays from bright surfaces.
2. An accessory with polarizing lenses blocks almost 100% of the reflected rays. Ordinary glasses with dark lenses only slightly refract glare and sunlight. As for the material, it is better to choose an accessory made of polycarbonate plastic.
3. Such glasses do not distort the image and color, they are difficult to break and scratch.For a child, such indicators are important. In case of an unforeseen situation, the baby will not be injured by a splinter.

Selection of glasses by type of face

Round face

1. If you have a round face, it is recommended to give preference to glasses with a wide frame. In this case, the shape of the accessory should resemble a cat's eye or a drop.
2. Do not choose glasses of round strict shape. You can also consider an attribute with rectangular or square lenses. Keep in mind that such glasses are only suitable not with a thin neck.

Square face

1. Owners of this type of face are recommended to consider an attribute with a thin frame and an oval shape of lenses. Keep in mind when choosing glasses, they should not be wider than the head.
2. If you accidentally purchased glasses that are wider than your face, the latter will seem much more massive. Also, do not consider too miniature models.

Triangular face

1. This type of face is quite rare. In this case, with the help of glasses, it is necessary to visually adjust the appearance of the head. A properly shaped accessory will reduce eyes, forehead and hide a small chin.
2. It is recommended to consider models with round lenses, while the attribute should not be too large. In this case, glasses with additional stickers and decoration will not spoil the appearance. Consider classic style glasses.

Face oval

1. If you have an oval type of face, you are very lucky. In this case, there will be no problems with the selection of points. Consider the attributes of absolutely any style. If the budget allows, you can change the attribute every season.
2. The only problem with the oval face is only that visually you need to increase your head in width. It is not recommended to consider glasses with an imperceptible or narrow frame. Give preference to extravagant models.

Practical recommendations

1. It is recommended to choose an accessory with a plastic frame. If you often visit the beach, metal material in this case is completely contraindicated. Such a frame better reflects the rays, thereby exposing the face to pigmentation and burns.
2. If you choose glasses not for driving, give preference to mirror lenses. The latter, in turn, better reflect ultraviolet rays. When relaxing in a resort with a scorching sun, you must wear glasses that will cover most of the face.
3. Do not wear an accessory with blue or pink lenses on sunny days. They transmit UV light well and do not protect the eyes at all. A similar attribute is best worn on cloudy or cloudy days.

If you want to buy really high-quality glasses that will meet all the requirements, the attribute should be purchased in professional stores. An ordinary accessory with dark lenses does not guarantee protection against harmful radiation. Good glasses should have a protective film. Select the option marked “High UV-protection”.

Video: how to choose sunglasses