Whether you purchase your sunglasses from a designer boutique or a discount store, fashion sunglasses are definitely a fashion accessory that should be worn all year long. But sunglasses are not just a pretty accessory; they protect your eyes from harmful sun rays, provide shade on a sunny day and improve visibility.
But did you know that not all sunglasses are created equal and are not of the same quality. It is important to keep that in mind when shopping for fashion sunglasses. The most important thing to consider when sunglass shopping is to find a pair that completely protects your eyes from both UVA and UVB sun rays. Some eye experts disagree about the effects that UVA rays can have on the eyes, but it is documented that UVB rays can cause permanent eye damage.
Fashion sunglasses come in many different styles. If being fashionable is your number one objective, pick a pair of sunglasses that you like and have custom lenses added to the sunglasses. On the other hand if sun protection is your number one objective, select a pair of wraparound sunglasses that completely block out UVA and UVB rays.
After you have select a pair of sunglasses you like, it is time to give some thought to the sunglass lenses. During your hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses you have probably come across sunglasses with different colored lenses. On cheap sunglasses color lenses are usually just for fashion purposes. On more expensive sunglasses, the color of the lens tells you what the sunglasses are best suited for. Becoming familiar with the different types of sunglass lenses will help you make a better decision when selecting sunglasses.
Photo chromic Lenses
Photo chromic lenses change color depending on the amount of sunlight. The lenses darken when they are outside and lighten back up when they are inside.
Amber Lenses
Amber lenses block blue light. People who spend a lot of time outdoors prefer sunglasses with amber lenses. They are great for the ski slopes, hunting or fishing.
Mirror Coated Lenses
Mirror coated lenses limit the amount of sunlight that reaches your eyes, which makes them great for really sunny days.
Gradient Lenses
Gradient lenses are tinted at the top of the lens and fade out at the bottom or they can also be tinted from the bottom up. Gradient lenses are great for driving.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the eye. Polarized sunglasses are perfect for wearing on very sunny days such as a sunny winter morning.
So keep this in mind when shopping for your perfect pair of sunglasses and remember almost every sunglass style, lens and frame can be adjusted to accommodate any special requests or prescriptions needs.