UV-shield, oversized: Choose the right sunglasses for sun protection

Nothing can replace sunglasses as a fashion accessory to complete your summer look. While you choose shades to match your look and OOTD , it is also important to note the original purpose of the sungalsses – a protective gear for your eyes. It is easy to be confused by a variety of colours, frames and sizes available in stores, but experts suggest that one should be extremely careful about selecting sunglasses for sun protection, especially those who wear lenses or have dry eyes.

Check for UV protection in tags
“The important thing is to look for a sticker or tag on the glasses with the UV rating and make sure it says the lenses block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful,” says Dr Nikhil Seth Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad.

Opt for dark grey lenses
“The colour or darkness of the lenses has no relation to UV protection. A dark-coloured lens is no better than a light-coloured one if there’s no UV protective coating. However, dark grey is probably best for most people because it offers the least colour distortion,” says Dr Nikhil.

Polarised glasses don’t provide UV protection
Polarised lenses reduce glare, but don’t block UV rays. They are designed to reduce the glare bouncing off reflective surfaces like water or roads. Polarisation itself does not provide UV protection.

Choose oversized frames
One should choose a frame that covers the entire eye area and for this reason, many experts suggest buying oversized or wraparound sunglasses for sun protection. It is also suggested that glasses should fit the bridge of your nose well.