4 Questions To Ask When Shopping For Your Summer Shades

It’s the time of year when everyone is thinking about getting an updated pair of sunglasses. But how do you choose the right ones? Here are four important questions to ask yourself when shopping for your new summer shades:

1. Do They Offer UV Protection?

Hear it loud and clear: UV protection is the number one most important feature of any pair of sunglasses!

When you’re looking for a pair, check the labels to make sure they block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Often, cheap sunglasses from department stores have little to no actual UV blocking protection built into them. It’s like the saying goes: you get what you pay for! It’s definitely worth it to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses that will actually shield your eyes from sun damage.

Also, consider getting sunglasses with large lenses that offer more coverage and protection for your eyes.

2. Are They Polarized For Glare Elimination?

A lot of the time, it isn’t just the direct light from the sun but the glare off of reflective objects that cause us the most trouble when we’re outside. Car windshields, the water’s surface, and snow are particularly big culprits. Luckily, modern sunglasses have that covered with polarized lenses.

Polarized lenses filter out light waves coming in at certain angles, which gets rid of the glare.

They’re an especially good option for fishermen, because no glare means you can see what’s under the surface of the water!

3. Is The Lens Color Tailored To My Outdoor Activities?

Depending on what your favorite outdoor activities are, you may actually benefit from different lens colors in your sunglasses.

Yellow or orange lenses filter out blue light, which will sharpen your focus for cycling, shooting, handball, racquetball, tennis, and even winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

Amber or rose-tinted sunglasses increase contrast on a bright day, so they help for water sports. Dark amber, copper, or brown lenses block a lot of blue light and help increase contrast and visual acuity, which is helpful for things like baseball, fishing, and golf.

And no matter what you like doing outside, an anti-reflective coating is key to reducing glare. 

4. Do They Reflect My Personal Style?

Now for the fun part – are you choosing sunglasses that are really you? Not everyone is cut out for Aviators and Wayfarers, and there are plenty of styles to choose from! Be sure to choose a pair of sunglasses you love and will want to wear consistently.

 

Now that you know more about what kinds of lenses to look for, you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses that protect your eyes while making you look great. Request your personal consultation with one of our opticians by clicking here, or simply stop by our optical to browse. We can’t wait to see what you pick out!