The Best Summer Sunglasses
The best summer sunglasses will protect your eyes by keeping out harmful ultraviolet, or UV light. UV rays can prematurely age your eyes, cause blurry vision and wrinkling around the eyes, and cancer. Sunglasses don't block all UV light, and often your eyes are more exposed to UV bands if you wear cheap sunglasses. Choosing a pair that reduces the overall amount of light can keep your pupils from opening more and exposing them to harmful rays. The latest fashion trends in sunglasses can protect your eyes and make you stand out in the spotlight of the summer sun. Does this Spark an idea?
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Beach Sunglasses
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For the beach or the lake, try a polarized lens to block the intense glare of sunlight bouncing off summer waves. The aviator style is quite trendy. Health Canada advises, "Check lenses for distortion by putting the sunglasses on and looking at a rectangular pattern, such as floor tiles. If the lines stay straight when you move your head up and down, and side-to-side, then the amount of distortion is acceptable." Polarized lenses offer an anti-reflective coating, an optical coating applied to the lens surface to reduce reflection, which make them perfect for a day at the beach or on the lake.
Driving Sunglasses
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For driving on bright sunny days, polarized lenses can filter and reduce the glare from low-angle sun and from light that reflects off the surface of the road. Look for sunglasses with interchangeable tinted lenses that offer a range of filter levels. A Category 3 lens is optimal for bright sunlight, while a Category 2 is better for slightly, overcast days. Talk to an optometrist or sunglass brand sales representative to make sure the pair you choose has optimal protection; otherwise, your vision may be impaired, and the glasses could cause headaches if worn for a too-long period of time.
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Kids' Sunglasses
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The best places to find kids' sunglasses are specialty stores, optical stores, or your family optician. Some opticians even specialize in children's sunglasses. Choose a frame that is made specifically for a child's face and dimensions. Lenses can be any color, as long as they are certified. Ask your optician to certify that the lenses you choose block 100 percent of the sun's UV rays. Try to choose a style that is impact-resistant; polycarbonate lenses are often strong and durable enough for children.
Water Sport Sunglasses
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The best sunglasses for fishing and boating protect the eyes while giving you the ability to see into the water. Sunglasses for sport should wrap around the eyes to protect from wind, splashing water and dust. A flexible, lightweight and shatter-proof polycarbonate lens and frame work best. Polarized lenses, which contain a special filter that reduces glare from light that bounces off the water, are also good for water sports. Wear a strap to keep sport sunglasses on your face.
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References
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- Photo Credit sunglasses image by Augenblicke from Fotolia.com
