Not all sunglasses are created equal. Cheap glasses may look similar, but they often lack the materials that protect your eyes and keep them safe from harm. Find out why you should invest in a good pair of sunglasses this summer to protect your precious eyes. 

Better UV Protection 

Many cheap sunglasses advertise having UV protection, but few actually do. If you don’t take the time to research the sunglasses that you’re about to buy, you could end up damaging the cornea and retina in the long term. A high-quality pair of sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection can block out as much as 100 percent of UV light from our eyes. To ensure you’re buying a reputable brand with real protection, look for a label that says “100% UVA and UVB protection” or “100 percent protection against UV 400”. 

Better Protection from Glare

Water and asphalt can reflect light and cause glare that reduces visibility and makes it difficult to see. If you’re wearing a cheap pair that doesn’t have any anti-glare protection, the glare can irritate and damage your eyes, similar to a sunburn. For ultimate protection from the sun, you need a quality pair with polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings that can filter the reflective light and eliminate the glare. Not only will this help you see better and protect your eyes, but the anti-glare properties will be particularly helpful when driving or cycling in the summer too. 

More Coverage

Poor quality sunglasses are often made from the least amount of materials to save on manufacturing costs. This results in bright spots. A good quality pair of glasses, on the other hand, will cover more of your face and often wrap around to block out any light that makes its way in through the sides. This type of design also provides better coverage from the wind, dust, and debris that can irritate and damage your eyes. 

Longer Lasting

Most cheap glasses sold online are made of flimsy plastic materials that can easily break under the smallest amount of pressure. They can also have warped lenses, different lens sizes and uneven colouring. The same cannot be said for high-quality frames and lenses. A good pair of sunglasses will be made with better materials and higher quality workmanship. This means they’re less likely to break if you drop or mishandle them (which you will), and will have even tinting and curvature, giving you more bang for your buck in the long run.

Better Fit

Most cheap glasses that come from abroad are “one size fits all” which are designed to fit one standard face shape. That’s why these glasses often don’t fit properly. The materials are also made up of one solid frame that doesn’t have temple screws or flexible nose pieces to tighten them. After just one wear, these frames can start to slip down your face letting the harmful UV rays into your eyes. On the other hand, quality frames that are bought at an eyeglass store are properly fitted to your face and can be easily adjusted. The point being, when you invest in a good pair of sunglasses, you’ll get a proper fit every time.

The health of your eyes depends on the type of sunglasses you choose. Don’t cheap out, for your eye’s sake. Come see us at Laurier Optical and we’ll fit you for a quality pair of sunglasses for the summer. We have a wide range of styles, lenses and coatings to choose from including polarized lenses with UV protection and shatterproof glass.