When it comes to choosing the right pair of sunglasses, there are a few factors that you need to consider. Sunglasses play an important role in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays while also helping you look stylish.

In this article, we’ll discuss 10 factors to consider when purchasing sunglasses.

1. UV Protection

The most important factor to consider when purchasing sunglasses is UV protection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause several eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye).

So, it’s essential to choose sunglasses that block out 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Polarization

Polarized sunglasses are popular as they offer better glare reduction and clearer vision. They are particularly useful when you are driving, boating, or participating in other outdoor activities.

The polarization reduces glare and reflections, and enhances contrast.

3. Lens Color

The color of the lenses plays a significant role in how your sunglasses will perform and how you perceive colors. Different colored lenses have different advantages:.

Grey: reduce brightness and glare, offer true color perception
Brown: enhance contrast and depth perception in low-light conditions
Green: offer high-contrast vision in low-light conditions and reduce glare
Yellow: improve contrast and depth perception in low light, ideal for overcast days or indoor/outdoor sports
Rose and Red: reduce eye strain in bright light, provide good contrast and depth perception

4. Lens Material

The material of the lenses also plays a significant role in how well your sunglasses will perform. Here are some common lens materials and their features:.

Polycarbonate: lightweight, durable, impact-resistant, and affordable.
CR-39: excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance, lightweight and affordable.
Glass: provides the best optical clarity, scratch-resistant, but heavy and expensive.
Acrylic: lightweight and affordable but with low optical clarity and scratch resistance.

5. Frame Material

The frame material affects not only the durability of the sunglasses but also their weight and comfort. Here are some popular frame materials:.

Metal: durable, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, but might not be as comfortable as other materials.
Acetate: lightweight, flexible, and comes in several colors, but is not as durable as other materials.
Nylon: lightweight, durable, and affordable, but not as stylish as other materials.

6. Style

Apart from the features above, the style of your sunglasses plays a significant role in their functionality and the look you want to achieve. Here are some popular styles:.

Aviators: classic, stylish, and offer full coverage sunglasses, perfect for all face shapes.
Round: trendy and perfect for people with square faces.
Wayfarers: timeless and perfect for all face shapes, especially people with round faces.
Cat-Eye: feminine and perfect for people with heart-shaped faces.

7. Fit

The fit of your sunglasses is critical as ill-fitting sunglasses might slip or cause pressure points on the nose and ears. Here are some tips to ensure a comfortable fit:.

Choose sunglasses with adjustable nose pads or a snug wrap-around fit
The sunglasses should sit comfortably on the sides of your head without slipping or putting pressure on your ears
Consider the size of the sunglasses and how they fit your face. Avoid sunglasses that are too big or small for your face

8. Brand

The brand of the sunglasses can affect their price, quality, and style. Some popular sunglass brands include Ray-Ban, Oakley, Maui Jim, and Costa Del Mar.

9. Price

The price of sunglasses can vary greatly depending on the brand, the features, and the materials used. However, it’s essential to strike a balance between quality and price.

Don’t hesitate to invest in a good pair of sunglasses, but don’t overspend on features that you don’t need.

10. Prescription

If you wear prescription glasses, you might want to consider prescription sunglasses. These sunglasses will allow you to see clearly while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. You can get prescription sunglasses from your optometrist or online.

By considering these ten factors, you’ll be able to choose sunglasses that will protect your eyes while also ensuring comfort, style, and functionality.