If your idea of buying sunglasses is simply to try on different models and judge how you look in the mirror, the following instructions will do more than that. Have you considered UV protection? Durability? Visibility? Head and face shape? When buying sunglasses, there's a lot to consider besides the cool factor!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing Protection
Step 1. Prioritize eye protection
Overexposure to UV radiation can cause various eye problems, such as cataracts, burns, and cancer.
Step 2. Look for glasses that block at least 99% of UVB rays and 95% of UVA rays if you want to protect yourself from the above risks
Also, consider how much area can be protected. Notice how much area you can see through the glasses, will the sun be able to enter from above or from the sides?
Do you need sunglasses for exercising or doing outdoor activities for a long time? Choose glasses that fit, perhaps with rubber on the frames. If you are going to use the goggles for fishing or use in water, the polarization factor is mandatory. Polarized glasses provide more protection against the sun
Step 3. Don't buy sunglasses that are labeled "cosmetic" or don't provide UV protection information
Look for scratch resistance as many lenses have a brittle coating. If you have spent a lot of money, of course you want the item to last. Fortunately, most models allow replacement of a damaged lens.
Part 2 of 4: Determining the Model
Step 1. Choose the size
Glasses come in many shapes and sizes. In general, the contrast between the shape of the face and the shape of the frame will give a cool result. For example, a round face would suit a square frame, and a square face would look great with a rounded frame. Here are some popular models:
- Mirrorshades. These glasses have a mirror coating on the surface. This model is widely used by police in America. Usually in the form of an aviator or a wraparound.
- Aviators. Teardrop shaped lens with a thin metal frame. This model is usually used by pilots, members of the military, and members of the American police force. This model is suitable for all face shapes, but is best on oval faces.
- Wayfarers/Spicolis. Popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
- Teashades. Popularized by John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne. However, this model is not very effective in protecting the eyes from light.
- Wraparound. Associated with athletes and extreme sports.
- Oversized. Associated with models and movie stars. The shape of these glasses displays a glamorous impression.
Step 2. Consider the shape of the face to help choose the shape of the sunglasses
The following face shapes and glasses models are recommended:
- Oval face: An oval shape is usually referred to as the "perfect face shape," and can wear any type of glasses. Avoid frames that are too thick or too thin. Do not choose a frame that is wider than the width of the face.
- Square face: Since this face shape has a straight, defined jawline and sides, opt for round glasses for balance. Make sure the frame is not too thick. Try to go wider and avoid rectangular glasses with sharp corners.
- Round face: A round face has round cheeks and chin. Choose polygon or square glasses that have an angular design for balance. Look for a thicker frame.
- Long face: Choose a larger lens and polygon frame to modify the long face. Retro glasses and sports glasses can be considered.
- Flat face: Choose dark lenses and frames to accentuate facial contours. Bright colors will also display the impression of life!
Step 3. Make sure the glasses you choose really fit
Try and make sure the glasses don't press against the head. The weight should be evenly between the ear and nose, and the eyelashes should not touch the frame or lens. Glasses must be able to hold the bridge of the nose and ears. If it's leaning to one side, you'll need to adjust it. Also, use the rule that "eyelashes are less than lenses".
- If it doesn't fit, you can adjust it at an eyewear store.
- Make sure the lens area is not too small to block the sun's rays.
Part 3 of 4: Choosing Lens Colors Wisely
Step 1. Know that even though they're called sunglasses, they actually come in a variety of colors
Remember that lens color doesn't just affect style, it affects how well you detect contrast and distinguish colors. Some lens colors can increase contrast, and that's very useful, but they usually reduce color differences that cause problems (for example, when you're driving and need to be able to see the colors of a traffic light clearly). There are some glasses with interchangeable lenses so you can easily change the color according to your activity.
- Gray lenses reduce light intensity without affecting contrast or distorting colors.
- The brown lens half magnifies the contrast by blocking out some of the blue light. Great for snow sports. Also, brown lenses are generally good for hunting in bright light in open backgrounds.
- Yellow lenses magnify contrast significantly as they block most or all of the blue light, and that's why these color lenses are popular with hunters who benefit from contrast because they can see targets in the sky. However, this lens is not good for activities that require color recognition (such as driving). This lens is also great for snow sports.
- Red/orange lenses are great for snow sports, but only on cloudy days. If you're a hunter, orange lenses are great for viewing prey targets in open backgrounds.
- Violet lenses are great for hunters who need to see prey targets against a green background.
- Bronze lenses will tone down the sky and grass and highlight the whites of the golf ball.
- The blue and green lenses magnify the yellow contrast of the tennis ball.
Step 2. Check for distortion
Lift the lens toward the fluorescent lamp. Move it up and down, and check for wave distortion. If not, that's fine.
Part 4 of 4: Choosing the Right Lens Material
Step 1. Choose a lens that is resistant to scratches
Scratched sunglasses are useless. Lenses made of NXT polyurethane are impact resistant, flexible, lightweight, and have good optical clarity, but are expensive.
- Glass is heavier, more expensive, and will crack like a "cobweb" if it breaks.
- Polycarbonate is not scratch resistant, has less optical clarity compared to NXT polyurethane and glass, but is more affordable.
- Polyamides are rarely used, providing glass-like optical clarity, without the danger of shattering.
- The difference between polycarbonate lenses in scratch resistance is significant depending on the final coating during manufacture.
- Acrylic is also affordable, but it is less durable and has lower optical clarity. This material is also weak when exposed to heat and often deforms. The best choice is a glass or resin material.
Tips
- Round frames match square faces, square frames match heart-shaped faces, and square frames match round faces.
- If you have small eyes, try choosing dark lenses that can make your eyes look bigger.
- Place the sunglasses in a hard case to protect them while traveling. Otherwise, you may accidentally sit on it and break it.
- Check whether the glasses fit or slide when worn. Be aware of your surroundings when exercising because the goggles will fly off if they don't fit.
- Make sure the glasses feel good and look cool. You certainly don't want glasses that are too small/big, heavy, or cool but not comfortable to wear.
- Remember to check that the lens is smooth (no scratches, bubbles, or spots) before buying.
- Check that the lens color is deep enough.
- Light-colored glasses, using white or pink frames and lenses stand out and are great for dark skin.
- Store in a safe place when not in use to avoid scratching the lens.
Warning
- Wearing "cosmetic" sunglasses can actually damage the eyes. Dark lenses reduce visible light to the eye, causing the pupil to dilate. Because these ornate glasses do not block harmful UVA or UVB rays, they can still enter the eye through the dilated pupil. Never wear sunglasses unless they provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Photochromic lenses (which change depending on lighting conditions) are not great for use in warm conditions as they darken in colder weather, not warmer weather). These lenses are also useless in a car as they darken when exposed to UV light and the windshield already blocks that light.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare, but may also react with the color on the windshield and create a dark effect on both sides of the car, as well as reduce the visibility of the LCD display.
