How to choose sunglasses
When summer is literally on the threshold, getting ready to enter your life with bright sunny days and good mood, it will not be superfluous to take care of protecting your eyes from ultraviolet radiation in advance. Such advice today can be heard not only from sellers of fashion accessories, but also from professional ophthalmologists who think about the health of your eyes, and not about a bargain.
Content
Why is it worth wearing sunglasses
Not without reason in the name of these glasses the word “protection” is present - this is true: the correct lenses absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to problems with the visual apparatus. Doctors say that those who underestimate all the dangers of UV radiation are the most at risk to partially lose their sight, to make eye degeneration or cataracts - such is the price of a thoughtless act. Now we turn to the opinions of professional experts, ophthalmologists who study the eyes of people in their normal and pathological states.
- Ultraviolet radiation is dangerous to human skin and eyes, even in small quantities - such results have shown all modern studies aimed at studying this issue;
- Five hours of active exposure to UV rays on the eyes is enough to get a retinal burn, pulling a lot more serious consequences up to the loss of vision;
- An overcast day is also not a reason to abandon sunglasses, the clouds allow not only light to pass through, but also the rays of the medium-wave range that are dangerous to humans.
What's really dangerous
In this matter, not only UV radiation itself is scary, from which absolutely no escape, but low-quality sunglasses, they only give the appearance of protection - for example, you think that you are safe, but in fact expose yourself to even greater at risk. It’s very simple to explain: when you look at a bright light source, your pupils automatically contract, but if your eyes are under the imaginary cover of a simple dark plastic or glass, you not only get a full dose of ultraviolet radiation, but also lose your natural protective mechanism.
Properly selected sunglasses are the only way to truly protect your eyesight. In addition to the eyes, they also protect the delicate skin around them, which burns very quickly in the bright sun, which can cause you a lot of trouble: from simple burning and redness to serious pain.
Studying Sunglasses
So, we are fully determined - glasses for protection against UV radiation are really necessary, now it remains to answer questions regarding their choice and purchase. We begin with the structure of the glasses: conditionally they consist of a frame (the frame itself and the frame) and lenses. The frame is evaluated according to several characteristics.
- Material. It can be made of various types of plastic, steel and composite materials - this mainly affects the weight of glasses and their strength. Recently, metal frames are very popular, but experts do not recommend stopping at this option: the metal is very hot in the sun, and this is fraught with burns;
- Thickness. Everything is very simple: the more massive the frame, the more side (peripheral) light it blocks. Not everyone likes the thick side arms, but this is a great option, for example, to go to the beach;
- Design. The frame and the arms can be ordinary and stylized, that is, have a specific pattern. The second option is mostly for women's glasses, male models are rarely so rich.
- Glass lenses. Glass itself absorbs a certain amount of UV radiation, so it needs fewer surface layers to ensure an adequate level of safety. Another advantage is scratch resistance; glass glasses can be freely carried in a purse without fear for their condition. Among the shortcomings: they can not be bought by a child, as it is simply unsafe, and they are quite heavy.
- Plastic lenses. Ordinary plastic does not completely filter harmful UV radiation, which is why such lenses need additional protective layers - they determine the value of glasses. On the other hand, plastic is safe, if damaged, it will not crumble into a small, sharp, kroshevo, but simply deform - only this type of lens is allowed for purchase by a child. Plastic is also light enough to not create pressure on the nose, even after prolonged wear. Of the shortcomings - the instability to scratches, for such lenses case is vital.
How to choose the shape of sunglasses
Properly chosen sunglasses can rejuvenate you, give a decisive look, or vice versa - cast a shadow of mystery on you. The wrong choice is likely to just look ridiculous, besides it is less effective, because the glasses should sit comfortably on the bridge of the nose, only then they “meet” the sun's rays at the right angle, thereby providing protection to your eyes.
Next, we will consider each type of person separately, giving him a brief description, then to give specific advice on choosing for each of the cases. In total there are 6 face shapes.
- Round. It is characterized by sufficiently full cheeks, a round chin and a broad forehead, with the chin and forehead approximately the same width. The task of sunglasses here is to create a contrast that “dilutes” too smooth forms. Experts advise you to look at medium and large-sized glasses with square (so that there are clear corners) rim.
- Oval. Cheekbones slightly protruding, gently tapering to the chin, which is slightly inferior to the width of the forehead. This face shape is considered to be almost perfect: the glasses should simply underline the already pleasant features - any option is suitable except for large glasses with wide frames.
- Square. Everything is clear already from the name: the proportions “forehead, cheekbones, chin” are about the same. You need to choose glasses like this: no angular shapes (especially with right angles), only round and oval frames, preferably more massively.
- Rectangular. Wide forehead, the same chin, which has an outstanding "angularity", the cheekbones are straight, not "sharp"; face is longer in length than in width. Glasses of the big sizes with rather thick frame will be ideal.
- Diamond shaped. The same sharp chin as in the case of a triangular face, however, this form is characterized by prominent cheekbones and a low broad forehead. In this case, as well as in the previous one, rims of a rounded shape are recommended, but by no means too thin. Perfectly suited for glasses with highlighted brow ridges.
- Triangular (heart-shaped). Wide forehead, clear cheekbones and narrow, as if chin chamfered. You should choose sunglasses with thin rounded rims, so you “balance” the lower and upper parts of the face with each other.
How to choose sunglasses by type of protection
All over the world there is one and only certified system for assessing the quality of sunglasses filters - it is divided into 4 classes, including zero.
- 0 - in the case of such a marking, you can rely on safety only on a light walk on an overcast day, because such glasses absorb only 20% of UV radiation.
- 1 - absorb up to 50% of radiation, already better, but not enough for safety.
- 2 - over 50%, ophthalmologists from all over the world recommend buying such sunglasses for daily trips around the city.
- 3 - most tourist glasses have such marking, lenses absorb over 80% of radiation.
- 4 - the maximum degree of protection, the lenses absorb over 90% of UV radiation.
- Cosmetic - most often designer models, that is, just for beauty, protection from such glasses should not be expected at all.
- General - correspond to the group "2" in the international classification: the lenses absorb more than half of the harmful radiation.
- High UV-protection - groups "3" and "4", great for sports and travel.
Knowing the marking, you can accurately determine the type of protection for any model of sunglasses - this is a huge advantage when choosing glasses, for example, in the online store.
Polarizing and photochromic lens coating
Modern manufacturers, using new technologies for coating lenses, can achieve incredible results - this is indicated by all sorts of development of space glasses, glasses for absorbing laser radiation, and so on. In the case of sunglasses, the two most popular layers are polarizing and photochromic, we will tell about each of them in order.
- Polarizing coating. Another name is “anti-reflective coating”: lenses simply acquire the property of “cutting off” the tops of the amplitudes of the light waves. Points will be useful for drivers, lovers of fishing, surfing and other sports, often also used by photographers to work with the flash. It is very easy to verify the authenticity of the polarization layer: look at a special hologram (must be at the point of sale), which under other conditions under bright lighting is simply impossible to see.
- Photochromic coating. Those are the most famous "chameleons": the brighter the sun, the darker the lenses, at night and indoors they are completely transparent. It sounds great, but there is one “but” - the photochromic filter wears out pretty quickly, which means that the durability of sunglasses is put at risk. Photochromic lenses are checked like this: they are held for some time in the sun, then the degree of darkness of the glass is evaluated - it should darken in proportion to the intensity of UV radiation.
These are the most popular "additions" to sunglasses, they are not mandatory, but their presence is sometimes just necessary - for example, when driving a car at night or while practicing some kinds of extreme sports.
Top Sunglasses Manufacturers
When you get points, you first of all evaluate them by quality, but in the modern world, quality does not always increase in proportion to the price of a product. For example, it is not a secret to anyone that designer models are expensive because you pay first for the brand. Therefore, do not rush to buy expensive sunglasses - you may find a satisfactory model at a lower cost.
Let's look at 5 world-famous manufacturers that create glasses for both men and women in a wide price range.
- Giorgio Armani. An Italian company that produces a huge number of various accessories, including, of course, sunglasses, specializes mainly in classic-style collections.
- Christian Dior. Insanely popular French brand - let Dior sunglasses and do not differ in democratic value, they will surpass any other company with originality. Therefore, if you want to find something absolutely unusual, your choice is Dior.
- Dolce & Gabbana. An excellent example of a brand that produces really stylish luxury accessories - at D & G you will find sophisticated minimalism, bright modern and restrained classics.
- Hugo Boss. The German company, known for its restrained and status accessories for business and celebrations, is the most popular model of sunglasses for men.
- Givenchy. Another French home specializes in luxury accessories for men and women. Givenchy produces sunglasses in many styles, among which collections will be found for everyday comfort, sports, outdoor recreation, and so on.
Naturally, you do not always want to spend a large amount of money on sunglasses, but you should always remember that health is more important, this is the main, unconditional truth. Today you can pick up good glasses from hundreds, even thousands of different brands - among the presented range you will definitely find something to your taste and wallet.
Watch the health of your eyes, especially during the summer period and do not forget: if you have vision problems, you must consult your ophthalmologist before you buy your sunglasses.
In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose the frame for glasses and secrets lens selection for glasses.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.
