The glasses are not sunglasses. How to choose sunglasses

We are used to using the sun protective glasses as an accessory. In fact, in addition to the aesthetic function, they perform another, much more important function - they protect the eyes from the sun. But why do eyes need protection, and do any tinted glasses provide enough protection? Let's find out how to choose the right sunglasses so that they not only preserve your vision, but also complement your stylish look.

The sun is a source of three types of radiation:

• infrared,
• visible
• ultraviolet.

Visible rays of light are everything we see around us. Our eyes perceive them as color. This type of rays is not dangerous for vision.

Ultraviolet radiation is divided according to the wavelength of light into three types:

• Long wave (type A);
• Medium wave (type B);
• Shortwave (type C).

The greatest danger is caused by type C waves. But they are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer. But waves of types A and B penetrate well through it. It is from them that you need to protect your eyes and skin. At high intensity ultraviolet radiation You might even get a burn to your eye.

Important! The intensity varies in different regions of the planet. In northern and southern latitudes it is average, at the poles it is minimal, in tropical countries it is high, and at the equator it reaches a maximum. The more intensely the sun emits ultraviolet radiation, the more more protection our eyes need.

Infrared radiation is scattered in water droplets suspended in the air. But with intense ultraviolet radiation, it significantly affects the visual apparatus. Therefore, when choosing sunglasses, remember that you need to protect your eyes not only from ultraviolet, but also from infrared rays.

Criteria for choosing sunglasses

You cannot buy the first accessory you like in the transition. Will it protect your eyes? Then the question arises: how to choose the right sunglasses?

There are many factors to take into account:

1. Degree of protection;
2. The material from which the spectacle lenses are made;
3. Type and color of lenses;
4. Frame material;
5. Quality of construction;
6. Shape and size of lenses.

Having decided on each of the parameters, you can go to an optical store. Do not buy sunglasses in non-specialized stores, in markets, and even more so in passages. They are made of low-quality materials that are of dubious benefit, and possibly even harmful, to the eyes. True sun protection doesn't come cheap. It is better to pass by accessories cheaper than 1000 rubles.

Degree of protection

When choosing safety glasses, think about where you will wear them and for what purpose. The degree of protection of the future accessory depends on this:

• "0". This group includes glasses whose lenses transmit from 80% to 100% sun rays. They practically do not perform a protective function, therefore they are suitable only for northern latitudes or cloudy days in the southern regions.
• "1". These glasses transmit from 43% to 80% of solar radiation. This is already an optimal option for city life in temperate latitudes. Suitable for central Russia.
• "2". Spectacle lenses transmit from 18% to 43% ultraviolet radiation. This class of accessories is also intended for cities in the temperate and southern regions of Russia.
• "3". Lenses with this level of protection allow only 8-18% of solar radiation to reach the eyes. You need such an accessory if you are going to relax at sea or in tropical countries.
• "4". These glasses have maximum protection, since they transmit from 3% to 8% of the rays from the sun. They are needed only in the highlands and in countries lying on the equator.

Not all manufacturers indicate the degree of protection sunglasses use numbers. Sometimes, to choose sunglasses, you have to decipher the special markings on them:

• Cosmetic;
• General;
• High UV protection.

Glasses labeled Cosmetic are intended to serve an aesthetic rather than a protective function. They transmit from 51% to 100% of light. This accessory is suitable only for moderate intensity of solar radiation, and in the south it is better to replace it.

General marking is designed to limit the access of ultraviolet radiation to the eyes to 20-50%, which is ideal for wearing in all regions of Russia. But it is better to wear such glasses in the city, where due to tall buildings The brightest rays of the sun do not penetrate.

Glasses marked High UV-protection are classified as special. They protect retina from sunburn, which is especially important when relaxing in snowy mountains, where rays are repeatedly reflected from snow crystals.

Lens material

Once you have decided on the level of protection required, consider which glasses to choose: glass or plastic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

From comparative table It is clear that plastic has many advantages. Therefore, he should be given preference. This is especially true for drivers who are always at risk of getting into an accident. In case of an accident, the plastic will not break and will not damage your eyes. For the same reason, acrylic or polycarbonate lenses are more suitable for sports. However, for some, it is important to wear glass: it is durable and stylish.

Lens type

The protective functions of a lens depend on its type. They are:

• Painted;
• Polarizing;
• Photochromic.

Overwhelming majority sunglasses, chosen by you and your friends, have painted lenses. Moreover, it is believed that the more intense the color, the darker they are, the better the eyes are protected. But this is nothing more than a delusion. Indeed, with dark glasses you can hardly see anything. But this only means that the lenses do not transmit the visible spectrum of radiation. This does not mean that they block ultraviolet radiation. Even if they reduce its penetration, damage to the retina is still caused. This is related to the dilation of the pupil, which enlarges reflexively at a low dose of visible light rays. It’s as if a gate is opening for ultraviolet light.

The lenses of polarized glasses are designed in such a way that they do not allow anything in excess of the norm to reach the eyes, no matter how much this norm was exceeded. This accessory suppresses reflected light and glare caused by water, ice, snow and wet asphalt, as well as bright flashes. Everything is clearly visible in it. Compare the two pictures below. The first photo illustrates what a person sees in regular glasses, and the second is what is visible in polarization ones. The difference is obvious.

Preference for polarized lenses should be given to car enthusiasts and elderly people. This is an indispensable accessory for people with photophobia and for those who have undergone retinal surgery. It will not be amiss for fishermen and simply those who love relaxing by the water and on the water, which always reflects the bright sun.

How to choose sunglasses with polarized lenses so as not to end up with a nosebleed? To do this, check their quality:

1. Ask the seller for a hologram that cannot be seen without glasses. If you see her wearing glasses, then they are of high quality.
2. Turn on a white background and set the brightness on your phone to maximum. Bring the lenses to your eyes and turn them vertically 90 degrees. They should become dark.
3. Take two accessories at once. Put some on, and bring the others to your eyes so that there are 10-15 cm left before the first. Then rotate them 90 degrees. If visibility has disappeared, then polarization works at 100%.

Glasses with photochromic lenses are called chameleons for their ability to change color intensity depending on the intensity of solar radiation. In the dark they look transparent, but in the sun they darken, blocking ultraviolet radiation. But keep in mind that the photochromic agents in lenses are temperature sensitive, and they react less well in hot weather. Therefore, it is better to take these glasses with you to the mountains or use them in temperate latitudes. Remember that photochromic elements weaken over time, so the accessory will have to be replaced sooner or later.

Lens color

Sunglasses have multi-colored lenses not to match them with a suit. Their purpose changes depending on the light. The visibility in them will also be different:

• Greens And gray lenses convey a picture of the world in the color in which it exists without distortion. Therefore, they are convenient to use everywhere.
• Golden yellow glass blocks Blue colour. Therefore, wearing them is comfortable for color perception only on rainy days.
• Polarized lenses don't let through bright light. They are convenient to wear at sea, in the mountains and in the night metropolis.
• WITH mirrored coating. Perfectly reflect light, suitable for relaxing in the mountains.
• Photochromic The lenses change color from clear to black depending on the degree of illumination. Therefore, they are convenient to wear almost everywhere.

There are also graduated glasses whose lenses are colored only halfway on the top side. Sometimes the lower part is also colored, but less intensely. The color can be applied as a gradient. This accessory is suitable for drivers in sunny days when protection is needed from above, and nothing should interfere with direct perception.

Frame

Spectacle frames can be made from the following materials:

• Plastic. Durable, lightweight and comfortable. It can have any shape, thickness and color. Suitable for everyone.
• Metal. Durable but heavy. If the joints between the frame and the temples are overtightened, cracks may appear.
• Metal with wood inserts. Looks stylish, especially suitable for men. With this accessory you can get an elegant masculine look. The frame is durable, even stronger than plastic.

To check whether the frames are of high quality, turn the glasses in your hands and try to slightly bend the temples. If they are made from good stuff, then they will return to their shape immediately after you complete the impact. But don't overdo it. Also check the screws. They must ensure a strong connection between the frame and the temples.

How to choose comfortable glasses

How to choose sunglasses so as not to be disappointed in the purchase when wearing them? To do this, they must be comfortable. Try your glasses on in store to see if they're right for you:

• The right glasses only put stress on the area above and behind the ears. If you feel even a little pressure on your temples, choose another option. Ideally, the frame is 10-15 mm wider than your face.
• The frame should only load the nose. If they put pressure on your cheeks, then this is not your option.
• If you feel unpleasant pressure when trying on, but you really like the model, you should not hope that over time you will get used to it, or the frame will “break apart”. You will only become a prisoner of headaches.

Try to test the new product right in the store. Rotate your head actively, lean forward and backward. Do the glasses fit securely? If yes, they are right for you.

Choosing glasses based on face shape

To ensure that the accessory fits beautifully, you need to choose sunglasses based on your face shape. There are five types:

• Round. The cheeks are the most prominent part of the face. The distance between the extreme points of the cheeks is approximately equal to the height of the face. Square or rectangular lenses with rounded corners will suit you. In order for the face to be visually longer, the frame should stand out in color.
• Square. The forehead and lower jaw have sharp angles. To round the face, you need the same rounded lenses: either from above or from below. The frame should be massive, but elegant, so as not to emphasize the rectangular features.
• Triangular. If the chin is sharp and the cheekbones are high, then it is necessary to smooth out the massiveness of the upper part of the face. This can be done using oval or cat-shaped lenses that are slightly tapered at the bottom.
• Oval. Those with this type of face are lucky because they can afford sunglasses of any size and shape. Lenses can be round, oval, square, rectangular, or even other intricate shapes. There are also no requirements for the frame. It can be discreet or bright, monochrome or multi-colored, thin or thick.
• Elongated. If the face is long and lacks pronounced cheekbones, they need to be emphasized visually using lenses with soft lines. There should be no corners. A special highlight will be given by an accessory whose upper part of the frame has a different color.

The right sunglasses will not only protect your eyes and preserve your vision, but also prevent the premature appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. You don't have to limit yourself to purchasing one accessory. There may be several depending on where you are going to spend time and how you are dressed. Then you will be not only protected, but also stylish.

Anna Turetskaya

Reading time: 8 minutes

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As summer approaches, it becomes more and more common current topic choosing sunglasses. To make the right decision, you don’t need to chase popular models when purchasing. First of all, determine what type of face you have, and then choose a sun protection accessory that suits you.

How to choose glasses that complement your style

Glasses, in addition to sun protection, comfort and safety, should have a fashionable and modern design, as well as suit your style and emphasize your individuality.

• Don't choose frames that follow the shape of your face. Those. If you have a round face, glasses with round frames will not suit you. The exception is the oval shape - it suits everyone.
• It is advisable that the lower part of the glasses frame followed the lower contour of the eye sockets , it creates a feeling of integrity.
• Do not forget that glasses that sit high on the bridge of the nose are visually increase length of the nose, in the middle of the nose - reduce his.
• Pay attention to the glasses matched hair color, eye color and skin tone .

Choosing the right sunglasses for your face type

Oval face type

The face gradually narrows from the frontal part to the chin, the cheekbones protrude slightly.
This type of face is considered ideal, so all frame shapes are suitable for it: oval, round, square. When choosing, consider your individuality, emphasizing your natural proportions. Owners of an oval face have the opportunity to experiment: wear glasses from almost invisible, without disturbing the integrity of the image, to extravagant, attracting attention with their shapes.

Triangular face type

The first type is a high forehead, pointed chin. The second type is a narrow forehead, wide chin.
For the first type triangular face it is necessary to visually reduce the upper and middle parts of the face, as well as smooth out the “sharp” chin. For such people, oval or rounded glasses are ideal; butterfly glasses are contraindicated.
For the second type, when the forehead is much narrower than the chin, rectangular wide rounded frames are suitable. It needs to be emphasized here top part face, so the rim of the glasses should be expressive and attract attention at the top. The effect of expressiveness can be achieved not only by the thickness of the frame, but also by rhinestones, as well as by the contrasting color of the frame.
For all types of triangular faces, classic glasses with rectangular frames rounded at the corners are suitable.

Round face

The length and width of the face are almost the same.
In this situation, it is necessary to reduce the wide middle and lower parts of the face. The most acceptable form is " cat eye", oval type of glasses is acceptable. A triangular frame is perfect for making your look stylish and highlighting your individuality. Experiment with asymmetrical glasses, where the top and bottom of the frame are not the same.
You should avoid round frames, as well as massive, dark, bright glasses, which will make the face even rounder and will not add attractiveness. If you don't have a very thin neck, then square frames are ideal. If you have a thin neck, such glasses will visually make your neck even thinner.

Square face

Large forehead, wide jaw.
In this type of face, the disadvantages are angular shapes, angles lower jaw, which should be reduced and softened. To do this, you need to decorate your face with thin round glasses. They will make the face more feminine, soft and complement the image favorably. The frame should be the width of your face. Glasses with frames wider than the face or much smaller than the width of the face disfigure it. But frames with sharp corners or a rectangular shape are best avoided by people with this face shape.

Oblong face

High forehead, high cheekbones .
For this type, when the length of the face is much greater than its width, you need to visually increase the width of the face. With square, triangular or oval glasses with wide frames this is easy to achieve. Rimless glasses and glasses that are too small are not suitable for you.

Heart shaped face

Wide cheekbones and forehead, narrow chin.
To visually narrow your forehead, you should not focus on the eyes. To do this, you can choose frames in light colors or purchase glasses without rims. Focus on the lower part of your face. Glasses with round narrow frames are suitable. Avoid frames that are large or have overly geometric lines.

Diamond face

Small forehead, wide cheekbones, narrow chin .
People with this face shape should strive to visually reduce the volume in the cheekbone area. A win-win option would be the oval shape of the glasses. Smooth, soft frame shapes without sharp lines are ideal. Rimless glasses or vertically oriented models will look good. You should not focus on the eye line.

By choosing the right sunglasses, you will protect yourself from negative influence sun rays , and also favorably emphasize your image and hide facial imperfections .

Many people believe that sunglasses are just a fashion accessory. But they are primarily designed to protect the eyes. The question of how to choose sunglasses must be approached responsibly, since a low-quality accessory can do more harm than good.

What is sunlight and how can it harm your eyes?

So, if you are interested in how to choose the right sunglasses, you should first understand why you need to protect your eyes from the sun. Melanin provides natural protection to the eyes, but with age its amount decreases, so exposure to sunlight can trigger the occurrence of such eye diseases, such as cataracts or central degeneration. Even a short observation solar eclipse Without the necessary eye protection, it can lead to decreased vision with the possibility of only partial recovery.

Sunlight is predominantly a combination of infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Depending on the wavelength, ultraviolet radiation is divided into:

• longwave (A) is the safest range; it is rays of this type that cause tanning, but it should be noted that the effect accumulates throughout life and accelerates skin aging;
• mid-wave (B) - rays of this range have higher energy; their presence in a certain amount causes burns, dermatitis and other skin damage;
• shortwave (C) is the most dangerous range, which however almost completely blocks the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

Ultraviolet radiation differs at different latitudes. So, in the region of the equator it is very intense, and as you move away from it, the intensity of the radiation decreases.

Among other things, when reflected from certain surfaces, the influence of UV rays increases, which increases the total radiation dose. Thus, water reflects about 70% of sunlight, snow - almost 90%, and grass only 3%.

If we talk about infrared radiation, it is largely dissipated due to the moisture contained in the atmosphere, but in combination with ultraviolet it can also pose a danger.

What to look for when buying glasses

If you are interested in choosing good sunglasses, the first thing you should ask the seller about is the material from which the lenses are made and its quality.

Lenses made from high-quality polymer materials such as polycarbonate are capable of blocking UV rays of types A and B. Glass significantly, but not completely, blocks ultraviolet radiation. Infrared rays passes both glass and plastic.

Many people believe that the darker the color of the lenses, the better they protect their eyes. In fact, the intensity of lens coloring does not always indicate the ability to block sunlight.

So, if the lenses are colored dark color, but do not have protective properties, the dose of ultraviolet radiation affects the eyes even worse than rays received through a transparent lens. After all, behind dark lenses, the pupils dilate. Accordingly, a person who wears glasses that transmit ultraviolet rays increases the strain on the eyes, which can negatively affect vision over time and even cause clouding of the lens.

In the store, you should immediately check whether the accessory you like meets the requirements of safety and quality standards. High-quality glasses must have special markings. And the level of protection should be indicated in the insert included with the glasses. It also contains information about the manufacturer, the conditions in which the product is recommended for use (city, water surface, mountains), a note about its care, as well as an indication of the lens category in the range 0-4.

• “0” - lenses that transmit sunlight by 80-100%. They provide only minimal protection from ultraviolet radiation.
• “1”, “2” - lenses with light transmission of 43-80% and 18-43%, respectively. Glasses with such lenses are recommended for use in urban environments.
• “3” - such lenses transmit the sun’s rays by 8-18%. Glasses of this type are a suitable option for outdoor trips or beach holidays.
• “4” - lenses with light transmission of 3-8%. This filter is designed for hot countries and high mountains. Please note that category 4 glasses cannot be used when driving a car.

Polarized and photochromic lenses

If you can't decide between polarized and photochromic lenses, the following information will be useful to you and will certainly help you make a choice.

Polarized lenses block the reflection of light from water, snow, ice, and wet asphalt, which causes poor visibility. By cutting off glare, this accessory provides clear and comfortable vision. Glasses with such lenses are recommended for car enthusiasts, patients who have undergone retinal surgery, elderly people, people with photophobia, as well as vacationers near the water.

Also, polarized lenses will be very good choice for people who drive at night. They help the eyes adapt to changes in light brightness, and also significantly reduce discomfort during the transition from bright light conditions to twilight and darkness.

Photochromic lenses change the amount of light transmitted depending on the intensity of UV radiation. These lenses are used in chameleon glasses that darken in bright light. sunlight and brightening in its absence.

You can also find glasses with lenses that combine photochromic and polarizing properties.

When choosing glasses with photochromic lenses, you must take into account the speed of lightening and darkening of the lenses, as well as their temperature sensitivity. By the way, the substances that are used to produce such lenses are more active at low temperatures. Accordingly, in hot weather, photochromic glasses darken less, which means they protect the eyes less well. Additionally, over time, these agents in the lenses can wear out, causing the darkness to fade. For this reason, glasses of this type must be replaced regularly.

Convenience

In addition to tips related to the latest fashion trends, there are also some very important points, one of them is convenience.

1. In properly selected glasses, the load of the temple should be distributed only to the area behind the ear and above the ear. Exposure to whiskey is not allowed.
2. The load of the lens frame should be placed only on the nasal bone, not on the cheek. If the glasses are chosen correctly, the nose pads fit exactly to the nasal bone and follow its contours.
3. If the glasses are initially too tight, you shouldn’t buy them in the hope that they will “break out.” The frame will actually warp slightly, but that doesn't mean it will be comfortable.
4. When you turn or tilt your head, the glasses should not fall off.

Choosing glasses according to your face shape

A well-chosen accessory will help correct the shape of the face and some of its imperfections.

For those with a triangular face shape, balance it bottom part Thin frame glasses will help. You should avoid bright frames with large elements. Such glasses should not be worn high on the bridge of the nose; the eyebrow line should be clearly visible.

For those with a rectangular or elongated face shape, glasses that cover the central part of the face, with frames stretched wide, are suitable.

People with square face glasses in the shape of a trapezoid widening at the top are suitable. They should be worn high on the bridge of the nose.

Advice! If you are the owner of a round face shape, take a closer look at frames with straight or angular lines. Glasses of deep colors will help correct the roundness of the face. Glasses in the shape of a trapezoid expanding upward are also welcome.

Oval shape face is universal. Therefore, glasses of any shape are suitable for her, provided that the proportions of the frames and lenses are respected to the size of the face.

If you want to highlight your nose, you should wear glasses high on the bridge of your nose. If you need to hide the length of your nose, the frame is located in the middle.

1. If you have eye diseases or vision problems, you should consult an ophthalmologist about choosing glasses.
2. Glasses must be clearly labeled and sold with inserts. The marking must indicate the amount of ultraviolet rays transmitted by the lenses, the ability to remove glare and adapt to the brightness of the light.
3. For car drivers, experts recommend buying glasses with photochromic lenses. If you like to relax in the snow-capped mountains, give preference to glasses with polarized lenses.
4. It is best to buy glasses with large lenses that protect your eyes and the skin around them from the sun. Small glasses that do not cover your eyes well are of little use.
5. The eyes feel most comfortable in glasses with lenses of gray, gray-green, gray-brown color. Eyes quickly get tired of orange, pink, blue and yellow lenses.

Before making your final choice, ask the optical store to check the light transmission of the selected model and the degree of ultraviolet protection using a special device. You should not buy glasses that have recently become fashionable and are unlikely to remain fashionable for a long time, because high-quality glasses are an accessory that can serve you for many years.

Stylish images of girls in sunglasses

If you are wondering how to choose sunglasses according to your face shape for women, we will tell you and help you choose the best one. best option.

Initially, you need to decide what type of face you have, and then go shopping in search of the perfect sunglasses!


The selection of your wardrobe will also be important - after all, the neckline of a blouse, for example, can elongate a round face or shorten a long one, so here you also need to carefully select blouses or fashionable dresses.


Next, when choosing glasses you also need to take into account some nuances, for example:
A girl with small facial features simply needs to choose glasses that are not large in size.
For those with full lips, large frames are perfect.
If you have straight bangs, your ideal is a frame with raised corners.
A thin frame will decorate a graceful face, while a large frame will make it even more massive.
If a lady has a large nose, a frame with a low bridge is simply necessary.
If you want to preserve your individuality, choose glasses no higher than the eyebrow line, in as a last resort(which also a good option) - at the level of the eyebrows.

Face shapes

Text: Margarita Ilyina

How to choose sunglasses is not only a matter of aesthetics and fashion, but primarily of health. After all, even the name of this accessory, which is relevant in every season, indicates that its main function is to protect the eyes and skin around the eyes from harmful effects ultraviolet rays.

Take off your rose-colored glasses and put on sunglasses!

Summer is in full swing, and fashionistas have already updated their wardrobes: light airy dresses to match their mood, cheerful heels and miniature light handbags in unison with their outfits have come to the fore. And of course - sunglasses, often in flashy frames with a recognizable brand “on board”.

However, contrary to the common misconception among women, any fashionable decorations and designer colors of frames and lenses are far from the most compelling argument when choosing sunglasses. Tall ones are more important specifications sun protection optics, allowing you to protect the fragile structure of the eye from the destructive influence of the brightest star in the Universe.

Let's face the facts

Before you wonder how to choose the right sunglasses, it’s worth finding out why in sunny and hot weather this accessory becomes the most necessary part of your wardrobe. No one can say this better than physicists and ophthalmologists. And they usually give the following arguments in favor of wearing sunglasses:

• 1 Serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the organs of vision from UV rays can appear as early as 5-7 hours after active exposure to the sun on the eyes. To the most dangerous consequences UV irradiation includes: burns of the cornea of ​​the eye, the occurrence of cataracts, partial loss of vision.
• 2 If you notice watery eyes after spending a day in the sun without wearing sunglasses, painful sensations in the eyes in bright light, sharp deterioration vision (the image appears blurry, whitish), a feeling of presence in the eye foreign body, then most likely your eyes were attacked by UV radiation and lost this battle. The wisest thing to do in this situation is to consult an ophthalmologist.
• 3 For human eye exposure to ultraviolet radiation is always dangerous. In other words, UV waves, even in small doses, are not beneficial for our eyes; they are always a damaging factor.
• 4 Active exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes sunburn cornea (photokeratitis), which sometimes leads to temporary loss of vision. Previously, this phenomenon was often observed among skiers and participants in polar expeditions, which is why today ophthalmologists call it “snow blindness.” Although at present, photokeratitis is more often observed in those who vacation at equatorial resorts without bothering to wear sunglasses.
• 5 The closer to the equator you are, the more intense exposure to UV rays hits your eyes and skin. In the same way: the higher you go in the mountains or the closer to the water, the more aggressive and dangerous the UV radiation is. This means that the more you need the right sunglasses.
• 6 Cloudy weather is not a reason to stop wearing sunglasses. A sufficient amount of ultraviolet rays pass through clouds and clouds, which can damage the surface of the eye.
• 7 Doses ultraviolet irradiation accumulate throughout life (this is partly why in older people visual functions sharply weakened). This means that the older we get, the more we need sunglasses.
• 8 Tinted eyeglass lenses do not always indicate UV protection. Most sunglasses with plastic lenses, being a cheap replica of well-known brands or even a banal fake, transmit up to 100% of UV rays, even being “blacker than clouds.” And the more dangerous they are! After all, in bright light, the pupil of the eye contracts to reduce the risk zone of a potential burn - such natural protection nature gave us from UV radiation. Whereas in dark glasses without ultraviolet filters, the pupil remains “deceived” and does not narrow, thereby taking on sunstroke in full.

From a technical point of view

So, the benefits of wearing sunglasses are now obvious. The question remains - how to choose not just a beautiful accessory, but also reliable protection?

When choosing the right sunglasses, it makes sense to study several important parameters. The first and most important of which is the material from which the lenses are made. There are, literally, too many options here - usually lenses are made of either glass or plastic (acrylic, polycarbonate and other types). Both one and the other material have their advantages and disadvantages. Namely:

Plastic lenses

pros. Plastic sunglasses are quite difficult to break - as a rule, they do not crumble into hundreds of dangerous fragments, but simply turn into cobweb-like crumbs that are not dangerous to the eyes and skin. In addition, plastic lenses have little weight- this means that the sunglasses themselves are much lighter compared to glass ones.

Minuses. Any ordinary plastic, even very thick, transmits 100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which means the safety criterion for plastic lenses consists solely of the quality of the material and special filters that are used to create the blocking layer on the glasses. Another drawback: plastic lenses are easily scratched, so carrying them in a purse without a case is like scratching them with your own hands with a knife or fork. And finally, plastic lenses sometimes they “let down” their mistresses who love hot, sultry climates. The fact is that in high heat, plastic can become deformed, and then the whole world will appear before you in a distorted form.




Glass lenses

pros. Unlike plastic, glass, on the contrary, does not transmit ultraviolet radiation, even if the lenses themselves are completely transparent. This means that you can choose glasses with minimal darkening, but at the same time be completely calm about the health of your eyes. Another significant benefit of glass sunglasses that you should consider when choosing an accessory is that glass lenses are smaller and less likely to scratch.

Minuses. Glass is a very dangerous material, especially in such close proximity to the eyes. If you are interested in active sports, constantly drive a car, or, say, choose sunglasses for a child - oh glass lenses It’s better not to even remember, it’s a big risk.

How to choose sunglasses with maximum protection

Depending on the amount of ultraviolet rays transmitted, plastic lenses (and they are the most popular and widespread nowadays) in sunglasses are conventionally divided into several classes:

• Cosmetic(marking on labels - Cosmetic). It is more reasonable to classify lenses of this class as aesthetic rather than actually beneficial to health - they transmit from 51 to 100% of UV rays. It makes sense to choose such sunglasses to wear during the season when the sun is least active.


• Universal(marking on labels - General). According to ophthalmologists, this category of lenses is ideal for the climate of our latitudes. Such lenses transmit less than half of dangerous ultraviolet radiation, usually 20-50%. In addition, sunglasses of this class are well suited for wearing in the city, where a large flow of sunlight simply does not reach the ground.


• Special(marking on labels - High UV-protection). This class of lenses most reliably protects the sensitive retina from burns. These sunglasses are indispensable on vacation, especially in high mountains, near water, or vice versa - on the ski slopes, when snow endlessly increases the amount of sunlight.

Information about what class the lenses belong to may be available on the label, but it must be indicated in the certificate sunglasses. Most often, the inscription says something like this: “Blocks at least 80% UVB and 55% UVA.” This means that the lenses block 80% of ultraviolet B radiation (UV waves middle length) and 55% ultraviolet category A (long UV waves).

It makes no sense to go into the subtleties of the differences between UV waves of different lengths - both are dangerous to the human eye. Accordingly, the higher the percentage you see on the label, the more reliable eye protection you purchase. Ophthalmologists advise choosing those models of sunglasses in which both indicators exceed the threshold of 50%. Wear high-quality sunglasses - be not only charming, mysterious and elegant, but also healthy!