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Sunglasses 101: debunking common myths

Posted on Apr 30th 2007 7:00AM by Bethany Sanders

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Reviews & Products

Are you the kind of person who spends hours picking out a stylish pair of sunglasses that flatter your face and fashion sense, or do you pick up whatever looks good to you on a mad dash through the nearest store? Because I lose or break my glasses every summer (sometimes more than once a season), I tend to be the latter. Fortunately, cost isn't really a priority when it comes to choosing summer eye wear.

UV protection is a must when choosing eyeglasses. Fortunately for those of you who like the fancier models, expensive eyeglasses almost always offer full UV protection. But you can get also get good protection from a pair plucked from the rack at the drugstore as well. The key is to look for a sticker that says "100% UV Protection" or "UV 400." And if you aren't sure about your favorite pair, you can have your optometrist check the UV protection on them as well.

Want to learn more? Here's an article that debunks nine common myths about sunglasses, and will help you get set up with the perfect pair.

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13 Comment

Tags: sunglasses, UV 400, UV protection, Uv400, UvProtection

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Angela 5-12-2007 @ 2:25PM

Who in the name of god decided that those big bug-eye sunglasses look good? 5 years ago people were making fun of those stupid 70's aviator frames, and now those same people are rocking those ugly things because they saw Beyonce wearing them. Get a grip, losers.

Elyse 5-12-2007 @ 2:32PM

I love big sunglasses, much more protection from the sun, and they look great. I didnt even know that beyonce brought that back, but if she did... thanks beyonce.

Manda 5-12-2007 @ 4:18PM

Whats Rosie got to do w. Sunglasses ? Anyhow, who CARES about Rosie !!

Now about Sunglasses, big or small Sunglasses are still sunglasses, the important thing is it can protect you from the Sun & you feel good wearing them, fits your facial structure.

Big sunglasses look better for those who have high cheekbones & strong jaw -- hint Jackie O, smaller sunglasses fit better for those who have smaller facial structure. Otherwise the your face will disappear behind it which make it unattractive or simply too big.

Michael White 5-12-2007 @ 4:40PM

I have tried all types of lenses over the years and keep going back to the Ray Ban G-15. As a neutral gray color they don't distort colors of the things you see. And Ray Ban has a frame for about everyone. I been in the Side Street Gridlock's for years now.

Rick Feeney 5-12-2007 @ 5:02PM

Your text, and the related article, neglected an important point: eye damage occurs when unfiltered light refelects from the back of the shaded eyeglass lens into the eye.

Wearing "dark glasses" the eye's iris "opens up," thinking it is in a dark place. This opened iris admits the reflected harmful UV and infra-red light, causing potentiall serious damage. Damage prevention requires full eye coverage, with effective wrap-around or side shading construction, and a coating on the back of the lenses to prevent reflection -- a higher price to purchase, but a terrrible price to pay without the protection.

Children's sun glasses are notorious for lacking this protection. Children would be better off with no glasses, and have their eyes block excessive light naturally, than to have cheap glasses cause damage to young eyes, with insufficient front coverage, and no protection from reflected light.

Incidentally, your articles didn't address the harm from infra-red light.

RF

Jerry 5-12-2007 @ 4:57PM

What the hell is your problem Angela? There isn't anything wrong with wearing sunglasses, and if you don't like them, don't wear them, its that simple, and also, that's your opinion!!! Nobody is gonna make you wear them, your free to do whatever you want, but don't knock them just because you don't like them, gosh. Fact is, there isn't anything wrong with wearing shades, and it protects against the sun. I also agree with what Manda said about the facial structure, good point. Don't take my head off Angela just because I'm responding to what you said, I just don't agree with you, so instead of doing nothing I decided to post a comment because I just don't agree with you, no harm done to anyone, have a nice day.

Jerry

jaynal 5-12-2007 @ 5:19PM

gucci aviators all the way and the only people that dont like the big sunglass look are either those who cant afford them or are just to cheep so they buy the fakes, whether day or night you will see me rockin some big designer shades so kiss my ass haters

Jim 5-12-2007 @ 5:24PM

I think Robert's mommy needs to restrict his computer use. How childish!,,, anyway I wore aviators when they were in style, I wore them when out of style, I wear them now. If Beyonce wears them, great, if not, thats ok too. Anyway I think Jimmy Buffett was wearing them since forever as well. Get a grip, they are just sunglasses.

Len 5-12-2007 @ 6:56PM

Any one who copies anothers fashion statement, just to be cool, isn't. If you really like the look, that's OK. Truthfully, I wish all good looking women will "go commando" like Miss Spears. Wear what you like and screw some of these crazy "so called" fashions.

Jaculis 5-12-2007 @ 7:46PM

I seem to recall that it is important that whichever glasses are chosen do not distort the perceived image in terms of causing unnecessary eye strain due to bent lines and other distortions.

Simple put, I am grateful to be able to see somewhat clearly, no matter how fashionable or not the glasses are.
It seems that so much in life is catered to and designed for the sighted.

Janice 5-12-2007 @ 8:05PM

I bought a pair of Brighton glasses, then took them to my eye doctor to have my prescription put in these totally awesome glasses. I get more compliments since I bought these frames. They are not as expensive as the designer frames that I've seen at the eye doctors. All Brighton frames are optical ready, so if you want to look really hip, buy one of these frames & you'll be one popular girl.......

Crabby McSlacker 5-13-2007 @ 9:32AM

I just want a pair of sunglasses that won't get lost. Anyone know where I could buy a pair like that?

Crabby does her grousing at http://crankyfitness.blogspot.com/

shoppingsmart 5-24-2007 @ 7:32AM

RF is making a good point. The wrap around styles really give better eye protection. Too small sunglasses, or sunglasses with poor quality lenses can contribute to sun damage. I've rounded up a gallery of big and sunglasses on my web site, http://www.smallshoppingworld.com. Take a look!