Say hello to the world of fashion and functionality with the perfect pair of sunglasses — the ultimate daily accessory. When you shield your eyes with the right shades, it’s a transformative experience that enhances your style while offering unmatched protection. Whether you seek prescription eyewear or classic sunnies, finding the right ones is a thrilling journey. To ensure you find the perfect match, we’ve curated a list of essential factors to consider when shopping for sunglasses.

1. Protection

When you find a stylish frame at your optical store, it can be easy to forget that UV protection should be your number one priority when shopping for a new pair of sunglasses. Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Most of the time, a sticker on the lenses will indicate this, so be sure to keep an eye out.

2. Shade

Contrary to popular belief, darker-shaded sunglasses don’t necessarily mean more UV protection. Ensure you’re looking for that UV sticker mentioned above while shopping. The shade of sunglasses that you select is highly dependent on your lifestyle. Think about the type of activities you will be spending the majority of your time doing while wearing your new shades. If you often wear them for driving, try to avoid yellow or rose-tinted sunglasses as they make it hard to see changes in traffic lights. Grey, green, or brown hues are the best for activities where you’ll get reflections off surfaces, such as driving and boating.

3. Polarized Lenses

If you spend most of your summer on your boat at the cottage, plenty of time commuting or road-tripping, or generally enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors, you should consider buying polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare from sunlight reflecting off flat surfaces like water, snow, the road, or the hoods of cars.

4. Ultimate Protection

UV rays can sneak in from all angles, even when you’re wearing sunglasses. Wraparound frames offer the most protection for your eyes and are the best to help prevent all types of eye damage from the sun. Ask your optician to help you find a wraparound frame that fits snugly to your face.

5. Lens Material and Coating

When it comes to sunglasses, the lens material plays a crucial role in determining the clarity of your vision and the level of protection they offer. Two popular lens materials to consider include:

  • Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate lenses are known for their exceptional durability and impact resistance and are an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle. They are lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear. Moreover, polycarbonate lenses naturally provide some level of UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from harmful rays.
  • Trivex Lenses: Trivex boasts similar impact resistance to polycarbonate but with enhanced optical clarity. These lenses are ideal for those seeking sharp, distortion-free vision. Trivex lenses are also lightweight and offer reliable UV protection.

6. Lens Coatings

In addition to the lens material, coatings can further enhance the performance of your sunglasses:

  • An anti-scratch coating will ensure your lenses remain free from annoying blemishes, preserving their clarity.
  • Anti-reflective coatings can help reduce glare and eliminate reflections from the front and back surfaces of the lenses.
  • Some lenses may also come with hydrophobic coatings to repel water and smudges.

7. Prescription Option

For those who rely on corrective lenses, sunglasses with prescription options help you experience the world in sharp focus while shielding your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays.

Prescription sunglasses eliminate the need to switch between regular eyeglasses and non-prescription shades, streamlining your eyewear needs. They are also available in various lens materials, including polycarbonate and Trivex, just like non-prescription options.

When opting for prescription sunglasses, it’s essential to have your most up-to-date prescription from your optometrist. This ensures accurate vision correction, allowing you to fully appreciate all the sights around you without visual discomfort.

Find the Right Fit

Your optician can help you find a pair of sunglasses that best fits your face and suits your style. If any adjustments need to be made to the frame, Laurier Optical is here to help you adjust them. Visit us in-store today to find the perfect option. Keep in mind that investing in high-quality sunglasses that meet your specific needs is an investment in your eye health and overall well-being — embrace the sunshine with confidence today!