Things to Know Before You Purchase Sunglasses

Sunglasses are necessary for people with sensitive eyes and for everyone interested in protecting their eyes and improving their outdoor vision. It pays to invest a little money in sunglasses because they will you protect your eyes better and last longer than inexpensive sunglasses. Any sunglasses you buy should block at least 99% of UV radiation; most sunglasses will have a sticker advertising how much UV radiation they block. There are a few simple steps you can take before you purchase sunglasses to make sure they are good quality. Good quality sunglasses will have lenses that don’t distort what you see. Check for distortion by holding the glasses at arm’s length, close one eye, and look through them at a straight edge of a door or window. If the edge becomes wavy or curves as you move the glasses from side to side, choose another pair. Check to see that the lens color is evenly distributed. If the lenses are gradiated there should be a gradual darkening from top to bottom. Specific features affecting lens performance include materials, tint, mirror coating, and if they are photochromic or gradient. Materials: sunglasses are made from glass, polycarbonate plastic or acrylic plastic. Glass lenses have great viewing quality and are scratch resistant but can be heavy. Polycarbonate lenses are less likely to shatter and are good for sports. Acrylic lenses weigh and are the least expensive but they’re soft and scratch easily. Tint: lenses come in different colors designed for different lighting conditions. Gray and green lenses let you see the world most naturally. Amber and orange lenses block blue light and brighten the surroundings on hazy or cloudy days. Amber and orange lenses are good for variable conditions. Polarizing, though not actually a tint, but a feature manufactured in the lens itself, cuts glare and is great for snow and water sports. Mirror Coating: a mirror finish reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes and is a great choice for use at high altitudes. Photochromic: these lenses automatically darken and lighten when the light changes. Gradient: gradient lenses are permanently shaded from top to bottom. Double gradient lenses are dark at the top and bottom and are lighter in the middle. Driving glasses are often gradiated so you can see the dashboard clearly. Snow and water sports sunglasses are generally not gradiate. A good rule of thumb to follow when purchasing sunglasses is to put them on and look in the mirror. If you can see your eyes through the lenses, the sunglasses not dark enough. Picture Material: KGS e.V in Germany