What to look for when choosing sunglasses? How to choose quality sunglasses

Guys, we put our soul into the site. Thank you for that
that you are discovering this beauty. Thanks for the inspiration and the goosebumps.
Join us on Facebook And VKontakte

Glasses are not only the main summer accessory, they protect our eyes from harmful radiation, reduce fatigue and harmoniously complement the image. If, of course, you choose them correctly.

website I decided to figure out how to choose glasses specifically for your face shape and how to distinguish good lenses from bad ones. And at the end there is a bonus for you.

How to determine your face type

Take a washable marker, lipstick, soap or pencil. Stand in front of a mirror at arm's length. Without deviating, outline the contour of the face, starting from the chin and ending with the hairline. Take a step back and look at the resulting shape.

The goal is to visually lengthen the face, so choose dark-colored frames. They narrow the face and bring it closer to an oval. To balance your facial proportions, choose frames that are wider than they are tall.

Suitable for round shape faces:

  • Pointed, rectangular, square glasses.
  • "Cat" frames.
  • Butterfly glasses.
  • Glasses with a narrow bridge of the nose.
  • "Aviators".
  • "Wayfarers".

Not suitable for round face shape:

  • Round glasses.
  • Narrow frames.
  • Glasses with sharply defined corners.
  • Glasses in the form of geometric shapes.
  • Colored lenses.
  • Eyebrow-covering glasses.

The main task is not to disturb the harmonious proportions of the face, so avoid glasses that are too massive. It is better if the width of the frame is equal to the width of the face or slightly wider. Please note that upper part the frame coincided with the line of the eyebrows.

Suitable for oval face shape:

  • Frames of smooth shape: rectangular, oval, round.
  • Butterfly glasses
  • "Aviators".
  • "Cat" frames.

Not suitable for oval face shape:

  • Frames with sharp angles.
  • Frames are too massive.
  • Frames too wide.
  • Narrow frames.

Rectangular or square sharp shapes will overload the face. Rounded frames will help visually balance and soften the proportions of the face.

Suitable for square face shape:

  • Big glasses.
  • Glasses with frame widths equal to the width of your face.
  • Glasses with colored frames.
  • Oval, round, drop-shaped frames.
  • Rimless glasses.
  • "Cat" frames.
  • "Aviators".

Not suitable for square face shape:

  • Square frames with sharp corners.
  • Small, narrow and petite.
  • Glasses with frames wider than the face.

You should visually expand your face. Choose large, chunky glasses. Transparent glasses - with thin frames to match your skin tone.

Suitable for rectangular shape faces:

  • Large frames.
  • "Aviators" (with large frames).
  • Round frames.

Not suitable for rectangular face shape:

  • Narrow frames.
  • Small frames.
  • Bright colored frames.

The goal is to balance the upper part of the face while weighing down the lower part. Massive ones will make the top even heavier, we don’t need that. Choose glasses whose width is equal to the width of your face, preferably teardrop-shaped. Aviators are perfect.

Suitable for heart-shaped faces:

  • Rounded, round glasses.
  • Small frames with a narrow bridge.
  • Low set temples.
  • "Aviators".
  • "Wayfarers".
  • Rimless glasses.
  • Light and neutral color of glasses.

Not suitable for heart-shaped faces:

  • Heavy and large frames.
  • Acute forms.
  • Eyebrow-covering glasses.
  • Butterfly glasses, drop glasses.
  • "Cat" frames.
  • Frames with bright colors.

We are used to using sunglasses as an accessory. In fact, in addition to the aesthetic function, they perform another, much more important function - they protect the eyes from the sun. But why do eyes need protection, and do any tinted glasses provide enough protection? Let's find out how to choose the right sunglasses so that they not only preserve your vision, but also complement your stylish look.

The sun is a source of three types of radiation:

  • infrared,
  • visible
  • ultraviolet.

Visible rays of light are everything we see around us. Our eyes perceive them as color. This type of rays is not dangerous for vision.

Ultraviolet radiation is divided according to the wavelength of light into three types:

  • Long wave (type A);
  • Medium wave (type B);
  • Shortwave (type C).

The greatest danger is caused by type C waves. But they are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer. But waves of types A and B penetrate perfectly through it. It is from them that you need to protect your eyes and skin. At high intensity ultraviolet radiation You might even get a burn to your eye.

Important! The intensity varies in different regions of the planet. In northern and southern latitudes it is average, at the poles it is minimal, in tropical countries– high, and at the equator it reaches a maximum. The more intense the sun's ultraviolet radiation, the more protection our eyes need.

Infrared radiation is scattered in water droplets suspended in the air. But with intense ultraviolet radiation, it significantly affects the visual apparatus. Therefore, when choosing sunglasses, remember that you need to protect your eyes not only from ultraviolet, but also from infrared rays.

Criteria for choosing sunglasses

You cannot buy the first accessory you like in transition. Will it protect your eyes? Then the question arises: how to choose the right sunglasses?

There are many factors to take into account:

  1. Degree of protection;
  2. The material from which the spectacle lenses are made;
  3. Type and color of lenses;
  4. Frame material;
  5. Quality of construction;
  6. Shape and size of lenses.

Having decided on each of the parameters, you can go to an optical store. Don't buy sunglasses in non-specialized stores, in markets, and even more so in passages. They are made of low-quality materials that are of dubious benefit, and possibly even harmful, to the eyes. Real sun protection doesn't come cheap. It is better to pass by accessories cheaper than 1000 rubles.

Degree of protection

When choosing safety glasses, think about where you will wear them and for what purpose. The degree of protection of the future accessory depends on this:

  • "0". This group includes glasses whose lenses transmit from 80% to 100% sun rays. They practically do not perform a protective function, therefore they are suitable only for northern latitudes or cloudy days in the southern regions.
  • "1". These glasses transmit from 43% to 80% of solar radiation. This is already an optimal option for city life in temperate latitudes. Suitable for middle zone Russia.
  • "2". Spectacle lenses transmit from 18% to 43% ultraviolet radiation. This class of accessories is also intended for cities in the temperate and southern regions of Russia.
  • "3". Lenses with this level of protection allow only 8-18% of solar radiation to reach the eyes. You need such an accessory if you are going to relax at sea or in tropical countries.
  • "4". These glasses have maximum protection, as they transmit from 3% to 8% of the rays from the sun. They are needed only in the highlands and in countries lying on the equator.

Not all manufacturers indicate the degree of protection sunglasses use numbers. Sometimes, to choose sunglasses, you have to decipher the special markings on them:

  • Cosmetic;
  • General;
  • High UV protection.

Glasses labeled Cosmetic are intended more for aesthetic purposes than protective function. They transmit from 51% to 100% of light. This accessory is suitable only for moderate intensity of solar radiation, and in the south it is better to replace it.

General marking is designed to limit the access of ultraviolet radiation to the eyes to 20-50%, which is ideal for wearing in all regions of Russia. But it is better to wear such glasses in the city, where due to tall buildings The brightest rays of the sun do not penetrate.

Glasses marked High UV-protection are classified as special. They protect the retina from sunburn, which is especially important when relaxing in snowy mountains, where rays are repeatedly reflected from snow crystals.

Lens material

Once you have decided on your degree necessary protection, think about which glasses to choose: glass or plastic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

From the comparative table it is clear that plastic has a large number pros. Therefore, he should be given preference. This is especially true for drivers who are always at risk of getting into an accident. In case of an accident, the plastic will not break and will not damage your eyes. For the same reason, acrylic or polycarbonate lenses are more suitable for sports. However, for some, it is important to wear glass: it is durable and stylish.

Lens type

The protective functions of a lens depend on its type. They are:

  • Painted;
  • Polarizing;
  • Photochromic.

The vast majority of sunglasses you and the people you know have tinted lenses. Moreover, it is believed that the more intense the color, the darker they are, the better the eyes are protected. But this is nothing more than a delusion. Indeed, with dark glasses you can hardly see anything. But this only means that the lenses do not transmit the visible spectrum of radiation. This does not mean that they block ultraviolet radiation. Even if they reduce its penetration, damage to the retina is still caused. This is related to the dilation of the pupil, which enlarges reflexively at a low dose of visible light rays. It’s as if a gate is opening for ultraviolet light.

Lenses polarized glasses are designed in such a way that they do not allow anything that is in excess of the norm to reach the eye, no matter how much this norm has been exceeded. This accessory suppresses reflected light and glare caused by water, ice, snow and wet asphalt, as well as bright flashes. Everything is clearly visible in it. Compare the two pictures below. The first photo illustrates what a person sees in regular glasses, and the second is what is visible in polarization ones. The difference is obvious.

Preference for polarized lenses should be given to car enthusiasts and elderly people. This is an indispensable accessory for people with photophobia and for those who have undergone retinal surgery. It will not be amiss for fishermen and simply those who love relaxing by the water and on the water, which always reflects the bright sun.

How to choose sunglasses with polarized lenses so as not to end up with a nosebleed? To do this, check their quality:

  1. Ask the seller for a hologram that cannot be seen without glasses. If you see her wearing glasses, then they are of high quality.
  2. Turn on white background and set the brightness on your phone to maximum. Bring the lenses to your eyes and turn them vertically 90 degrees. They should become dark.
  3. Take two accessories at once. Put some on, and bring the others to your eyes so that there are 10-15 cm left before the first. Then rotate them 90 degrees. If visibility has disappeared, then polarization works at 100%.

Glasses with photochromic lenses are called chameleons for their ability to change color intensity depending on the intensity of solar radiation. In the dark they look transparent, but in the sun they darken, blocking ultraviolet radiation. But keep in mind that the photochromic agents in lenses are temperature sensitive, and they react less well in hot weather. Therefore, it is better to take these glasses with you to the mountains or use them in temperate latitudes. Remember that photochromic elements weaken over time, so the accessory will have to be replaced sooner or later.

Lens color

Sunglasses have multi-colored lenses not to match them with a suit. Their purpose changes depending on the light. The visibility in them will also be different:

  • Greens And gray lenses convey a picture of the world in the color in which it exists without distortion. Therefore, they are convenient to use everywhere.
  • Golden yellow glass blocks blue. Therefore, wearing them is comfortable for color perception only on rainy days.
  • Polarized The lenses do not transmit bright light. They are convenient to wear at sea, in the mountains and in the night metropolis.
  • WITH mirrored coating. Perfectly reflect light, suitable for relaxing in the mountains.
  • Photochromic The lenses change color from clear to black depending on the degree of lighting. Therefore, they are convenient to wear almost everywhere.

There are also graduated glasses whose lenses are colored only halfway on the top side. Sometimes bottom part also colored, but less intense. The color can be applied as a gradient. This accessory is suitable for drivers in sunny days when protection is needed from above, and nothing should interfere with direct perception.

Frame

Spectacle frames can be made from the following materials:

  • Plastic. Durable, lightweight and comfortable. It can have any shape, thickness and color. Suitable for everyone.
  • Metal. Durable but heavy. If the joints between the frame and the temples are overtightened, cracks may appear.
  • Metal with wood inserts. Looks stylish, especially suitable for men. With this accessory you can get an elegant masculine look. The frame is durable, even stronger than plastic.

To check whether the frames are of high quality, turn the glasses in your hands and try to slightly bend the temples. If they are made from good stuff, then they will return to their shape immediately after you complete the impact. But don't overdo it. Also check the screws. They must ensure a strong connection between the frame and the temples.

How to choose comfortable glasses

How to choose sunglasses so as not to be disappointed in the purchase when wearing them? To do this, they must be comfortable. Try your glasses on in store to see if they're right for you:

  • The right glasses only put stress on the area above and behind the ears. Even if you feel slight pressure for whiskey, choose another option. Ideally, the frame is 10-15 mm wider than your face.
  • The frame should only load the nose. If they put pressure on your cheeks, then this is not your option.
  • If you feel unpleasant pressure when trying on, but you really like the model, you should not hope that over time you will get used to it, or the frame will “break apart”. You will only become a prisoner of headaches.

Try to test the new product right in the store. Rotate your head actively, lean forward and backward. Do the glasses fit securely? If yes, they are right for you.

Choosing glasses based on face shape

To ensure that the accessory fits beautifully, you need to choose sunglasses based on your face shape. There are five types:

  • Round. The cheeks are the most prominent part of the face. Distance between extreme points cheeks are approximately equal to the height of the face. Square or rectangular lenses with rounded corners will suit you. In order for the face to be visually longer, the frame should stand out in color.
  • Square. Forehead and lower jaw have sharp corners. To round the face, you need the same rounded lenses: either from above or from below. The frame should be massive, but elegant, so as not to emphasize the rectangular features.
  • Triangular. If the chin is sharp and the cheekbones are high, then it is necessary to smooth out the massiveness of the upper part of the face. This can be done using oval or cat-shaped lenses that are slightly tapered at the bottom.
  • Oval. Those with this type of face are lucky because they can afford sunglasses of any size and shape. Lenses can be round, oval, square, rectangular, or even other intricate shapes. There are also no requirements for the frame. It can be discreet or bright, monochrome or multi-colored, thin or thick.
  • Elongated. If the face is long and lacks pronounced cheekbones, they need to be emphasized visually using lenses with soft lines. There should be no corners. A special highlight will be given by an accessory whose upper part of the frame has a different color.

The right sunglasses will not only protect your eyes and preserve your vision, but will also prevent the premature appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. You don't have to limit yourself to purchasing one accessory. There may be several depending on where you are going to spend time and how you are dressed. Then you will be not only protected, but also stylish.

Hello dear readers. Today we understand the rules for choosing sunglasses that ideally protect against ultraviolet rays and look good on your face.

Not everyone knows how to choose the right quality sunglasses that have a high degree of protection from harmful rays, look great, and last a long time.

This is a very responsible purchase, since counterfeit goods will not protect your eyes and will worsen your vision.

So it is necessary to take into account not only fashionability, design, shades of frames and glasses, you need to take into account a number of other characteristics, the first of which is quality.

How to choose quality sunglasses

Lens selection

What lenses are best for sunglasses? First, pay attention not even to the material, but to the markings.

This is much more important than choosing between plastic and glass lenses. If the UV is 400 nm (that is, the UV protection is 400 nanometers), then the glasses are of high quality.

If the indicator is less than 400, the eyes are not completely protected. Glasses are also available with a large indicator, which are needed high in the mountains or for surfing, but for normal conditions city ​​or vacation, the 400 nanometer parameter is just what you need.

All famous brands applied to lenses made of both glass and plastic, an additional coating, thanks to which it is achieved required parameter protection.

  • Glass. The advantages of this material include the fact that glass protects against harmful radiation (UVA and UVB rays), however, complete protection is only possible when additional coating is applied to glass lenses. UVA radiation with a wavelength of 320-400 nm is 9/10 of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun that reaches the Earth. Doctors classify these rays as less dangerous than UVB rays, which make up less than 10% of all ultraviolet light penetrating the ozone layer and have a wavelength of 280-320 nm. Glass will scratch less than plastic and is resistant to temperature changes. However, glass lenses are heavy and the frame puts pressure on the bridge of the nose. Glass sunglasses are easy to break and cause injury from the shards.
  • A big misconception is that plastic is worse than glass. Sometimes it's even better. With plastic, UVA and UVB radiation will not reach the retina, of course, if the glass has the necessary coating. Plastic glass is lightweight and does not break when dropped. Disadvantages: easily scratched, may become cloudy through certain time, become deformed in extreme heat.
  • If you are confused about how to choose good sunglasses, buy polaroid or photochromic ones. Polarized models have a coating that blocks glare and provides excellent UV protection. If you buy a polarized model, there is a way to check if it is actually a polaroid. You can look at the hologram with glasses (the seller must have one): you will only see the hologram with polarized glasses.
  • Photochromic glasses. Thanks to a special coating, ordinary lenses become “chameleons”: the more light, the darker the lenses, and when the light decreases, they begin to lighten. Accordingly, different amounts of light rays are transmitted. You can even drive a car at night: photochromic lenses become transparent in the dark.

If you need sunglasses for a driver, how to choose the right one?

Many experts recommend plastic glasses because of their safety in case of an accident: the lenses will either fly out of the frame or break, but the risk of injury is still minimal.

TO modern developments belong to photochromic-polarized glass, which is considered ideal for motorists today.


Protection categories, darkness

So, you've decided to buy sunglasses: how to choose the right level of protection?

UV protection is divided into five levels:

  • Zero: More than 80% of the rays pass through the filter.
  • The first and second levels refer to the average type of protection. 43-80% and 18-43%, respectively, reach the retina through glasses.
  • The third protective level is an excellent choice for walks, trips to nature, to the sea. 8-18% of ultraviolet radiation passes through the filter.
  • The fourth level is needed in the merciless sun. Radiation is transmitted 3-8%.

To understand whether the darkness of the selected model is suitable for you, evaluate your feelings. Your eyes should feel comfortable; you won’t squint in the sun.

Lens darkening and UV protection are not related to each other: with high-quality lenses of category zero you can be 100% protected from the sun.

So, sunglasses do not necessarily have to be dark, since the quality of absorption of ultraviolet rays does not depend on the intensity of the color of the lenses.

The pupils of the eyes behind dark glasses reflexively dilate and absorb more harmful rays if there is no protective filter-coating.

Even transparent glasses, the lenses of which either have special additives introduced into them or a special coating is applied to the surface of the glass, provide excellent protection from the sun.

  • Gray or green glasses convey all colors without distortion, and can be worn in any weather.
  • You won't see blue in golden yellows. Suitable for cloudy days.
  • Polarized ones will block too much light, very good in direct sun.
  • Mirror lenses will reflect light. High in the mountains you can’t do without them.
  • In photochromic (“chameleons”), the color will change with changes in lighting, suitable for all weathers and conditions. Most often, such lenses are available in gray, brown and gray-brown colors. Remember that metal frames in gold and silver tones and light plastic frames do not look good with chameleons.

Green, gray and brown glasses are considered the most comfortable.

When choosing, check whether the color of the glass is uniform. With greater darkness at the top, the glass does not absorb harmful radiation sufficiently.

I like this these glasses are for eye protection, protect from the sun. They are also comfortable for working on a laptop or reading.


What material should the frame be made of?

The frame can be chosen from any material. Plastic ones are very light, have good strength, and are durable.

Metal samples are more durable than plastic (but carefully examine the areas where the glass is attached to the frame: if there is constriction there, cracks may form).

Always choose steel frames if you opt for metal rather than plastic.

  • Hold the model and bend it slightly (a high-quality frame will immediately restore its shape).
  • Open and close the temples of your sunglasses.
  • Check how securely the screws on the arms are attached.

Glasses suit your face

Both women and men would like to wear sunglasses that look perfect on them.

This question, of course, worries the fair half of humanity more. How to choose women's sunglasses? In essence, all recommendations are suitable for the stronger sex.

Avoid glasses with frame edges that protrude far beyond your face. Massive products are not for wide people.

For a narrow face, sunglasses that protrude slightly at the level of the temples are suitable, this will allow the cheekbones to look a little wider. The thickness is usually selected based on taste preferences.

However, if you have delicate features, glasses with rhinestones, etc. obviously not yours.

At big lips And wide nose It’s better to avoid models that don’t have frames at all. Let's talk in more detail about how to choose the shape of sunglasses.

  • If you have a round face, it is advisable to lengthen your face with glasses. Buy a model with glass in the shape of a square or rectangle. The corners are rounded, the color of the frame is not pale. Wide arms will do.
  • A square (rectangular) face is corrected with a massive frame slightly rounded at the top and a low round bridge. Large rounded glasses are ideal for you.
  • For a triangle-shaped face, glass would be ideal " cat eye"or simply oval, slightly narrowed downwards. And no rectangular or square ones.
  • At oval face you can wear whatever you like.
  • For a long face, you need models that widen the cheekbones. Choose large models with soft contours. At different colors the upper and lower lines, the excessive narrowness of the cheekbones will be corrected for the better.

How to buy quality glasses, not counterfeit ones

  • Check out your passport.
  • The brand must be duplicated on the glass and on the inside of the bow.
  • The insert indicates the UV protection level, darkness and other characteristics.
  • If you wear glasses, objects will not be distorted.
  • The glass darkening is uniform.
  • The frame is made with high quality, the screws are tightly tightened.

Leading brands attach a passport to the product, which contains all the necessary data on the quality of the product. The kit also includes a case.

The answer to the question of where you can buy sunglasses is very easy: almost everywhere.

The main thing is that you know the rules for choosing quality models. Whether the place of purchase is a kiosk or a company store is not so important.

Buy only branded glasses that guarantee high-quality UV protection.

And remember that real models that are designed to protect your eyes are not suspiciously cheap.

Many optical stores have equipment for checking light transmission, as well as the degree of UV protection. You can easily check the sunglasses you have chosen.

Please note:

The eyes are the most revealing, and in a sense, the most intimate part of our body.

Thanks to this, even shy and insecure ladies allow themselves to sunbathe topless.

And most importantly, glasses give a feeling of anonymity, incognito, and hence a feeling of peace and confidence: in private we rarely have complexes. Figuratively speaking, a person wearing sunglasses sees more than himself is visible.

These mirrors of the soul give us away before anything else.

Therefore, we always want to hide them deeper.

It is much easier for us to cope with facial expressions and gestures, it is easier to maintain a conversation on a certain note, but it is much more difficult to control our eyes.

And nothing can disguise your eyes better than sunglasses.

Psychologists are sure that they have a double sexual effect.

  1. Firstly, the woman herself feels more “sexy” in glasses.
  2. Secondly, this feeling is transmitted to the man: a sexy lady seems more attractive to him.

So sunglasses are a very sexy attribute of our appearance.

Men's sunglasses are no less important!

Now let's look at the man wearing sunglasses.

According to established stereotypes, often originating from cinematic cliches, the man in sunglasses looks somewhat brutal, sometimes even sinister. There is some threat emanating from him - his actions are unpredictable. We do not see his eyes, and therefore do not know what to expect from him.

In short, sunglasses help you get rid of inhibitions and make a certain impression. And they need to be used in cases where it is necessary to overcome a certain barrier. They will help when meeting a girl (boy), on a first date, at any conflict situation when you need to show yourself cooler than you are.

However, it must be kept in mind that there are situations in which sunglasses as if outlawed. This happens in cases where it is customary to play openly, for example, during negotiations.

Let's find out what should be the first consideration when choosing.

How to choose the right sunglasses?

To protect your eyes from harmful effects ultraviolet rays and give your face more perfect form, woman needs sunglasses. An ophthalmologist, consultant at the Moscow medical center"Optical" Svetlana Grigorievna Ershova.

This is important!

Our eyes are very sensitive to various external stimuli.

Perhaps the most important of them are ultraviolet rays, the activity of which increases significantly in the spring and intensifies even more in the summer. Their constant impact on the cornea of ​​the eyes can provoke general deterioration vision and even the appearance of early cataracts.

To prevent any of this from happening to your eyes, make it a rule: in spring and summer, on sunny days, when going outside or driving a car, always wear sunglasses. Fortunately, choosing suitable optics with dark glasses, including diopters, is now not a problem.

The main thing when choosing is the right lenses

The main thing in sunglasses is not the frame, as some women believe, but the lenses. They must be glass.

If the lenses are made of plastic, they may become deformed when exposed to high temperature and any image through such lenses will be perceived distorted.

Pay attention to the color of the lenses - most often brown, less often - gray or green. The darker the shade of any of these colors, the more light the lenses are able to absorb.

Take a good look at the inside of your glasses. The markings you'll find on one of them will tell you what color the lenses are and what percentage of light they absorb.

So, “B-15” are brown (from English brown) lenses that transmit 15% and block 85% of light; “G-20” - gray (from English gray) or green (from green) lenses that transmit 20% and block 80% of light. It is advisable to choose glasses with a lower number, for example “B-15” or “G-15”, rather than “B-20” or “G-20”. This way you can protect your eyes as much as possible from ultraviolet rays.

If you are going to spend a holiday at sea or in the mountains in the spring or summer, choose special, multifunctional glasses that protect your eyes well from the sun in any conditions. The lenses of such glasses can be of any color, but must have a mirror coating. It very effectively reflects especially bright, sometimes simply blinding sunlight from sea ​​water or on snowy peaks mountains Glasses with “mirror” lenses can be worn in the city, even if the sun is not so bright. It won't hurt your eyes.

But if you are an avid motorist, glasses with a mirror coating are especially suitable for you. During the day they will reflect the sun hitting your eyes through the windshield, and at night they will reflect the blinding light of the headlights of oncoming cars. In addition, pay attention to special glasses for motorists, the polarizing lenses of which not only protect your eyes from the sun and headlights, but also enhance visual perception the main “road” colors are red, yellow, green.

A tag attached to one of the temples should indicate that these are glasses for motorists. The color of their lenses should not confuse you - it can be anything. Polarizing substances included in lens glass do not affect their color in any way.

What are chameleon glasses

Standing apart in all the variety of lenses for sunglasses are photochromic lenses - with silver - which are commonly called “chameleons” in everyday life. They are famous for the most gentle protection of the eyes from light, as they darken gradually as its brightness increases. In this case, the strain on the eyes is reduced, because they are protected exactly as much as required. at the moment. This is why glasses with chameleon lenses can be worn all day without taking them off.

If you are nearsighted or farsighted, try to choose glasses with diopters, the frames of which have photochromic lenses inserted - “chameleons”. You will be comfortable in them both indoors and outdoors. If for some reason you don’t like them, buy sunglasses with simple dark lenses, but with diopters.

Finding these is not a problem now. This requires a glasses prescription from an ophthalmologist and good store optics, which not only sells finished products, but also accept orders for the production of glasses. Including extraordinary ones: for example, sun protection, with glasses with different diopters.

How to evaluate quality

No matter how good the store is, it is up to you to make the final assessment of the quality of the sunglasses. Therefore, first of all, pay attention to their price.

Branded quality glasses with good lenses and the frame cannot cost less than $50. Tempted by the cheapness, you risk purchasing glasses that are harmful to your eyes, the lenses of which only darken the image, but do not block the access of ultraviolet rays.

ABOUT high quality glasses is indicated by the inscription on inside one of the arms - “UV-PROTECTION” (translated from English as “ultraviolet protection”).

Try on glasses!

If they do not distort colors and images, the quality is obvious.

Good photochromic lenses - "chameleons" - should have a uniform darkening, which is easy to check in the sun, while bad lenses darken in turns, or in spots. Under artificial lighting, for example, good “chameleon” lenses do not darken at all, but bad ones will change color even under a table lamp.

In addition, the quality of glasses can be assessed by the frame. A decent plastic or metal frame should hold the lenses well and not have any burrs or sag, be fairly heavy and not bent. The temples of such frames move freely and are securely attached to the glasses - most often with the help of invisible, soldered hinges, similar to door hinges, which do not become loose during use and do not fall out. Bad frames of cheap glasses are usually very light and not entirely smooth.

The arms are always attached to them with screws, which fall out every time if they are not tightened in time. Typically, such glasses are enough for one spring-summer season, while high-quality glasses serve faithfully for several years. To prolong their life, always keep your glasses in a hard case and never place them face down on a hard surface. If necessary, wipe lenses with a special dry velvet cloth made of soft suede.

When the frame suits you

Even the most expensive sunglasses will look bad on you if you choose them casually, without taking into account your facial features. Meanwhile, they can highlight the attractive aspects of the face and correct its imperfections.

  • So, if you are round-faced, pay attention to rectangular glasses, without rounded parts, with frames of a very dark color. They will make your face look narrower.
  • A square face takes on a more regular shape if the width of the cheekbones is optically reduced and the chin is lowered. Glasses with a slightly rounded shape and a thin metal frame, sitting high on the bridge of your nose, will help you achieve this effect.
  • A rectangular face is characterized by some elongation, which can be reduced by wearing massive glasses with a wide bridge on the bridge of the nose, in black or dark brown frames.
  • If you have triangular face, choose glasses that sit low on the bridge of the nose, with thin oval-shaped metal frames, with small lenses in soft colors. In them, a too wide forehead and a narrow chin will look more balanced.
  • Almost any sunglasses will suit the most correct oval-shaped face.

It often happens that glasses, while giving the face a more attractive shape, cannot hide the imperfections of the nose. In this case, you will need to do several fittings. Please note that it is too long nose can be shortened by glasses frames with upturned edges and a double bridge on the bridge of the nose.

A large nose will be slightly reduced by large frames that go well over the cheekbones. A small nose will not seem like a button in a light frame with a curved bridge on the bridge of the nose. Taking the time to choose your sunglasses will make you look even more attractive and protect your eyes from UV rays.

source: http://www.medpulse.ru/health/sight/prophylaxis/4239.html

Why does the sun harm our eyes?

The natural protection of the eye is provided by the pigment melanin, the amount of which in the eyes decreases with age. Therefore, intense exposure to sunlight on the eyes can lead to problems and cause eye diseases such as central degeneration or cataracts.

For example, even short-term observation solar eclipse without appropriate eye protection led to a decrease in people's vision, which was subsequently only partially restored.

What to consider when choosing glasses

The selection of sunglasses in stores is so wide that it can be very difficult to sort through them. To do right choice, you need to understand where and how you are going to use your sunglasses.

High-quality glasses not only protect your eyes, but also provide comfort and image clarity. Ideally, sunglasses should change the brightness of the image, but not change the color rendition.

Material

Lenses made of high-quality polymer materials, for example, polycarbonate, block ultraviolet rays of types A and B. Glass also blocks ultraviolet radiation significantly, but not completely.

But infrared radiation, which is also undesirable for the eyes, passes through both plastic and glass.

Light and color

It would seem that the darker the glasses, the better they should protect the eyes. But intensely colored lenses are not always able to block solar radiation. If the lenses are simply colored and do not have UV protection properties, the dose is even greater than that received through clear lens. After all, the pupils dilate behind dark lenses.

Attention!

Poor quality sunglasses contribute to more eye damage from ultraviolet radiation. This is especially true for children and adolescents, since they are more likely to be outdoors during the day than adults.

A good addition to sunglasses is a visor or cap. They block about half of the sun's rays.

Radiation protection

High-quality sunglasses have special markings that help you make the right choice depending on your needs. The level of protection is indicated in the inserts supplied with the glasses.

They also contain information about the conditions in which the glasses are recommended for use (mountains, water surface, city, etc.).

  • “0” – light transmission 80–100 percent. Minimum protection against all types of ultraviolet radiation.
  • “1”, “2” – light transmission, respectively, 43–80 percent and 18–43 percent. These glasses are recommended for use in urban environments, since they only partially protect against ultraviolet radiation.
  • “3” – light transmission 8–18 percent. This type of glasses can be chosen for regular beach holiday and going out into nature.
  • “4” – light transmission 3–8 percent. This is a very dark filter designed for high altitudes and hot countries.

Polarized lenses

Polarizing filters prevent intense reflection of light from surfaces (wet asphalt, snow, ice, water) from reaching the eyes, leading to poor visibility. By cutting off the harmful part of the “light”, they provide more comfortable and clear vision.

Photochromic lenses

Photochromic lenses are able to respond to ultraviolet radiation by changing the amount of light transmitted.

They are used in so-called chameleon glasses, which darken in the sun, and in the absence sunlight their lenses become transparent. There are sun lenses that combine both polarizing and photochromic properties.

When choosing sunglasses with photochromic lenses, consider darkening speed and lightening speed, as well as temperature sensitivity.

By the way, photochromic agents - special substances used in the production of such lenses - are more active at low temperatures. That is, in the heat, the darkening of photochromic lenses is less, and the eyes are less protected by them.

Over time, the photochromic agents in the lenses may wear out and the lens darkening will weaken. Therefore, such glasses must be regularly replaced with new ones.

How to choose the right glasses?

  1. Decide in advance what you need sunglasses for.
  2. If you have vision problems or eye diseases, be sure to consult an ophthalmologist before choosing sunglasses.
  3. Avoid buying sunglasses from stalls and markets. Quality glasses don't have to be expensive. Choose from those sold in stores, such as travel stores, that have clear labeling and inserts.
  4. Carefully study the labeling of the glasses - it indicates how much ultraviolet rays the lenses of the glasses transmit, whether they are able to adapt to the brightness of the light or remove glare.
  5. If you drive a car or often go out into the sun and back, buy glasses with photochromic lenses. To relax in the snowy mountains, it is better to purchase glasses with polarized lenses.

To begin with, it is worth noting that there are three types of ultraviolet radiation: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. The greatest danger for us is type B. It is this that gives the skin a beautiful bronze tint, and at the same time leads to the development of neoplasms. But if her skin can somehow adapt by producing melanin, then her eyes remain absolutely defenseless. To reduce harmful influence ultraviolet radiation, we reflexively squint, which in turn provokes the formation of new wrinkles in the corners of the eyes. This is why doctors recommend using sunglasses in the summer.

When choosing sunglasses, the main thing is not to skimp. By buying cheap glasses from an unknown manufacturer, you risk further harming your eyes. The fact is that ordinary tinted glasses do not in any way prevent the penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays. In addition, when it darkens, our pupils reflexively dilate and even more destructive ultraviolet radiation enters our eyes.

Using low-quality glasses can lead to such serious problems, such as retinal burns, clouding of the crystalline and blurred vision. The most common condition caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation is photokeratitis (corneal burn). Redness, itching, watery eyes, and swollen eyelids are all symptoms of photokeratitis.

Considering all the above facts, it becomes clear why it is so important to buy quality sunglasses and not fake ones. When choosing the “right” glasses, you should pay attention to such parameters as the material and color of the lenses, shape, frame and markings.

Glass or plastic?

Today, most models are produced with plastic lenses. True, there is still an opinion that glass lenses better protect the eyes from the sun. Firstly, this is not entirely true - plastic prevents the penetration of ultraviolet rays no worse. Secondly, plastic lenses have a number of advantages: lightness, safety, variety of shapes and the possibility of applying additional coating.

Glasses with glass lenses are unsafe - they can easily break and damage the eyes, so they are not recommended for those who drive active image life.

Lenses

In addition to glasses with conventional protective lenses, today you can find a lot of models with additional coating. For example, motorists should take a closer look at sunglasses with a polarized coating - it improves contrast and protects against blinding glare.

Photochromic lenses (chameleons), depending on the degree of illumination, can change their shade from light to dark, thereby providing more reliable protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Mirror-coated lenses have better darkening properties than regular lenses and also deflect heat rays. Goggles with mirrored lenses are ideal for skiing and swimming.

When choosing quality sunglasses, you should also pay attention to such a factor as the color of the lenses. Most best option- These are glasses with gray and brown lenses. Gray allows you to naturally perceive the world around us, A brown Provides excellent contrast.

Green lenses provide good contrast and better protection from ultraviolet and infrared rays. Orange color neutralizes the glare of bright light at night.

But glasses with blue and violet lenses are best avoided. The fact is that these shades slow down motor skills and the pace of thinking. At long-term wearing These glasses may cause headaches, irritability and fatigue.

Form

The shape of the lenses must be selected based on individual characteristics perception. For example, some people are more comfortable wearing glasses with flat lenses, while others, on the contrary, are more suited to convex lenses. In any case, if during fitting you feel even the slightest discomfort, then you should discard this model of glasses.

Frame

When choosing sunglasses, the material from which the frames are made deserves special attention. After all, not only weight, strength and appearance glasses, but also allergic properties. Your skin may react negatively if it comes into contact with nickel, which is often used in many alloys. Hypoallergenic materials include gold, silver, titanium and stainless steel.

Also, do not forget to evaluate the mobility of the nose pads. If they are too hard, there will be strong pressure on the bridge of the nose, which in turn will cause discomfort and lead to fatigue. The same applies to the temples - they should not put pressure on the area behind the ear and temples.

Marking

The most important parameter when choosing sunglasses is the UV protection factor. The “UV-400” label means that the glasses provide complete UV protection. True, this inscription may not be there, since this level of protection is provided for by manufacturing standards.

The CE mark must be present on the temple of the glasses - it is designated by numbers from 0 to 5, depending on how much sunlight the lenses transmit. The zero and first categories include the so-called image glasses. The second category is suitable for protection from sunlight in urban environments. With glasses of the third category, you can safely go to the beach, and with glasses of the fourth category, you can go to the mountains covered with snow.

Where to buy?

When going shopping for such an important accessory as sunglasses, you need to remember that good model cannot cost less than 5,000 rubles. Cheap fakes, which are sold on portable market stalls and in underground passages, not only break quickly, but also harm the eyes. That is why you should buy glasses only in specialized optical stores.