The summer heat may be fast-disappearing, but there’s always the winter sun to look forward to, and what better excuse could there be for getting yourself a new pair of sunglasses? But where do you look? How much should you spend? Are designer specs the best? Here’s some tips on how to look cool while also protecting your eyes.
Summer v. Winter
When the summer months start drawing to a close, many people may think it’s time to put the sunglasses away, but you should also consider wearing them in the winter too. The American Academy of Ophthalmology cites studies showing that sun exposure can hike the chances of developing cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer – all year round.
If you head off on a skiing holiday, it’s worth bearing in mind that sun reflecting off the snow can be hard on your eyes. The Academy warns that the reflection can damage the eyes’ front surface. So, you’ll want to consider getting the right protection if you plan to hit the slopes.
UV Protection
Yes, sunglasses can be a fashion statement, but you also need to remember the reason why they were invented – to protect your eyes from harmful rays. Experts always say you should look for a label on sunglasses showing they block 100 percent of UV rays. Many people don’t bother when they’re buying a new pair.
There’s also advice that you should buy big when it comes to sunglasses. The thinking being that the more your eye areas are covered, the less UV can enter. So, you may want to consider large-sized glasses or a pair that wraparound your face.
Pick the Right Shape
When it comes to choosing a new pair of sunglasses, it’s important to think about the shape of them. Should you go for a round frame or something more rigid? The key thing is that you need to select a pair that complements the shape of your face. You’ll find lots of tips about this, but the general thinking is that they should be the opposite of your face shape.
Try lots out in front of a mirror to get a feel for them before you buy. You should also be thinking about buying a classic shape so they won’t date – you’ll want to be able to re-use them for a few years if you’re investing a fair bit of cash in them.
Get the Color Right
You should also think about frame colors. Pick something that complements your facial tones – but you can be as bold or a subtle as you wish. You may want to make a big fashion statement, or go for something more natural. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out the ranges at Shop Splash.
Looking After Them
When you’ve invested in some sunglasses, you obviously want to keep them in good condition. Ask for a case when you purchase a pair – to keep them protected when you’re not wearing them.
Avoid using paper towels to clean the lenses, instead go for a microfiber cloth – it’s more sensitive, and will be more effective.
