While the main purpose of sunglasses is to keep bright light from the sun out of the eyes, several factors should be considered. Athletes use specialized sunglasses for their sports. People of all ages include sunglasses in the fashion statement they make to accent their style and personality. The right pair of sunglasses provides protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Step 1
Assess the conditions under which you will use the sunglasses. Consultants at Optics Planet report that athletes should look for sunglasses geared toward specific uses, such as if you'll be playing contact sports or water sports. Consider whether you'll be wearing them while playing a sport that uses a ball or if you'll be playing in the middle of the day in the brightest sunlight or later in the day when the sun is waning.
Step 2
Choose a pair of sunglasses with brown lenses if you're playing golf, tennis, volleyball, baseball or another sport that utilizes a ball. Brown lenses allow light to transmit more readily through the lens so that your eyes can focus better on the ball.
Step 3
Use glare-reducing sunglasses if you are a cyclist. Biker sunglasses are high-contrasting and allow in more light while reducing glare. Many biker sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses that can be switched out for night riding. They allow light to get through even in cloudy and overcast conditions. Look for heavy-duty polarized lenses that wrap around the eyes to protect them from debris if you drive a motorcycle. Lenses made of polycarbonate are the best choice for motorcycling.
Step 4
Find sunglasses that are polarized if you are a boater or spending time on the water. Mirrored lenses that are polarized work well if you'll be spending most of your time in direct sunlight as a participant or spectator.
Step 5
Wear lightweight, high contrast sunglasses if you are a runner. Joggers and runners should get non-slip nose pads on the frames to prevent slippage.
Tips and Warnings
- Take into consideration the shape of your face when buying sunglasses that look good on you. Round frames can add length to a square face. People with symmetrical oval faces can wear most size sunglasses as long as they are proportionate to the size of the head. Angular frames add definition and can sharpen the features of a round face.
- While glass lenses provide superior clarity, consultants at REI report that glass lenses are heavy and will spider when they are hit. Additionally, polycarbonate lenses, while protective, do scratch easily, and acrylic lenses are less durable and distort images slightly. Long-term exposure to UVB and UVA sunlight can cause eye damage, so look for maximum protection when choosing the right sunglasses.
Things You'll Need
- Sport-appropriate glasses
- Correctly shaped glasses
- UVB and UVA protection
