There are a few key things to look for when picking the right pair of sunglasses. “When buying sunglasses,” says Dr. Cohen, “make sure they carry a consumer-protection label stating they’re 99-100% UV-absorbent, or provide UV absorption up to 400 nanometers (nm).
“Once you’ve eliminated the threat from UV light, you can focus on other issues, such as reducing glare and choosing a tint that will allow you to control the degree of brightness reaching your eyes.”
Here’s a rundown of other things to consider when picking the perfect pair of sunglasses:
- Go big or wrap it: Bigger frames and lenses, and also wrap-around styles, give you more UV protection because they block peripheral rays.
- Pick polar: Polarized lenses block out sunlight glare bouncing off windshields, pavement, and other smooth surfaces.
- Consider color: Gray lenses are best. Why? They don’t change colors. Green and brown lenses are good too.
- Purchase prescription shades: If you wear prescription glasses, why not add prescription sunglasses to your eyewear wardrobe?
- Shade your specs: You can make your regular glasses into sunglasses. Look for clip-on or magnetic tinted lenses that can attach to your specs.
- Automate: Ask your eye doctor about photochromic lenses. They automatically get darker outside, then return to normal inside.
Source: VSP