How To Choose The Best Sunglasses?

Never have there been so many sunglasses designs, styles and colors to choose from whether you are shopping for discount sunglasses, children's sunglasses, designer sunglasses, replica sunglasses, prescription sunglasses or sports sunglasses the choices are endless. Whatever sunglasses you do have in your collection you'll want to be sure they are good quality eye wear that protect your eyes while looking great. There are so many styles to choose from, just how do you pick the best sunglasses for you?

Purchasing sunglasses can be an exciting and overwhelming experience given the vast array of styles, designs and colors of sunglasses frames and lenses to choose from. 

Some of the popular trends in sunglasses today can include;

• preppy look sunglasses with semi-rimless styles made with metal and zyl;
• sports optics sunglasses with special lenses to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light excellent for enhancing a golfers vision on the green;
• vintage look plastics with metal trims, visible studs and openwork designs, available in sunglasses styles that are large, square or with rounded corners;
• sunglasses with jewelry touches, rhinestones and facets and magnetic sunglasses clip-ons for prescription wearers.

For anyone who appreciates the look of the designer sunglasses but cannot afford the price that goes along with them, there is a wonderful selection of designer replica sunglasses that offer a much more affordable alternative.

Sunglasses are a necessary form of protection for anyone venturing outdoors. Sunglasses protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and protecting eyes from sun-related eye problems. 

1. Designer Sunglasses

A popular trend in sunglasses is that of designer sunglasses, with most clothing designers having a line of sunglasses designs. Whatever look you may prefer; whether it be feminine, urban, simple or conservative, there is sure to be fashion sunglasses to complement your lifestyle.

2. Clip-on Sunglasses

For prescription eyewear users who usually wear clip-on sunglasses there are many prescription sunglasses choices today. Clip-ons are wonderful sunglasses accessories but can be easily misplaced, whereas prescription sunglasses can be worn outdoors anytime without having to look for and keep handy your clip-ons. It is now possible to find basic to high prescription sunglasses, bifocal sunglasses, presbyopic sunglasses and progressive sunglasses lenses. The prescription sunglasses are also available in most of the trendy designs, styles and frame colors as regular sunglasses with the exception of some of the wraparound sports sunglasses that have a severe curve in the lenses. Sunglasses lenses can be made in many materials to include high index, polycarbonate and regular plastic with glass lenses rarely being used.

3. Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are another popular choice when it comes to selecting the right sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for water and winter sports where water and snow can increase the reflective glare. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for boating, fishing, water skiing, snow boarding, driving, golfing, cycling, motorcycling and jogging available in sunglasses and goggles styles. With polarized sunglasses absorbing approximately ninety eight percent of reflective glare they offer glare free vision. The polarized sunglasses are available in a wide variety of designs, styles and colors to complement whatever sport of activity you might be participating in. With a filter between the front and back surface of the lens, horizontally reflected glare is much reduced; very useful near water snow, ice, glass, etc.

4. Sport Optics Sunglasses

The selection of sports sunglasses and performance sunglasses have never been better with sunglasses to not only protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but sunglasses to enhance your sports performance. Sport optics sunglasses with special lenses are available to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light to come through, thus increasing the contrast on the golf green allowing golfers to see the subtle lines and breaks in the green without squinting. There are also sports sunglasses with specially tinted lenses for tennis which allow you to better see the tennis ball. You can find sports sunglasses in an excellent variety of designs, styles and colors also available in goggle designs great for skiing or snow boarding. Sports sunglasses are made of impact resistant polycarbonate substrate and the lenses are usually made with an antireflective, UV and glare reduction coating on the back of the lenses for added safety and protection.

Sunglasses FAQ:

F: Are mirrored lenses better?

Q: That depends on your attitude. If you're looking to hide your eyes like the medieval Chinese who invented sunglasses, mirrored lenses are definitely the way to go. As for reduced glare or UV protection, they offer no additional protection over colored lenses.

F: What about gradient lenses?

Q: These have a lot of color on the upper half and less (sometimes no) color on the lower half of the lens. If you're activities vary and you need clear vision mixed with your eye protection, these can be a useful alternative.

F: What about prescription sunglasses?

Q: Some cost a whole lot more than other corrective eyeglasses, but, if you don't like clip-ons or the new over-your-glasses sunglasses, these are the way to go. If you hate to trade back and forth every time you walk through a door, photochromic lenses have a coating which darkens in bright light and becomes clear again in low light.

Sunglasses come in more designs and styles than imaginable. It has never been more fashionable to be safe. Regardless of whatever design you select the bottom line is the sunglasses are protecting an important asset, your eyes. Everyone is susceptible to sun-related eye problems that can range from UV light damage of the cornea and retina to cataracts, protecting your eyes is of the utmost importance to ensure your future eye health. Always be sure to purchase lenses with ninety nine to one hundred percent UVA and UVB protection.