Picking the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses this Summer

Summer is here and if there is one accessory that we cannot be without it is a trusty pair of sunglasses. With so many different styles to choose from, selecting the right ones can seem a little overwhelming. To help you get started, here is our guide to picking the perfect pair of sunglasses this summer.


 

Find a Style to Suit Your Face

You will probably be wearing your sunglasses a fair amount and as such, you will want to make sure that they complement your face and enhance your best features. One of the best ways to do this is to choose frames that are based on your face shape. There are some of the most common face shapes and the frame styles that suit them best.

Round face? People with a round face have a forehead that is as wide as their jaw and soft features. Frames with bold, squared-off angles and retro wingtip styles best suit their face shape and reduce the roundness of their face.

Square face? If you have a wide forehead and angular features, you may have a square face. Pick a frame style that softens your sharp angles such as oval, round and aviator shapes.

Triangular face? People with a triangular face have a jaw that is wider than their forehead. You should pick a frame that is widest and boldest on top, elongating your narrow forehead and helping to balance out your wide, strong jaw.

Heart-shaped face? If you have a wide forehead, high cheekbones and a narrow jaw and chin you probably have a heart-shaped face. Choose a style that has a deep base and is wider than your brows. Cat-eye frames and aviators look great on this shaped of a face!

Oval face? Symmetrical features mean that people with an oval face will find that nearly every frame style will complement your features – lucky you!

If you still aren’t sure which frames are right for you, your provider will be happy to offer their advice and help you select the perfect style that helps you feel confident and stylish.


 

Make Sure Your Sunglasses Have Adequate UV Protection

Although the overall appearance of your sunglasses will undoubtedly be extremely important to you, whatever style you pick will be rendered useless it actually has enough UV protection built into the lenses to efficiently shield your eyes from the damage caused by the sun’s rays. Believe it or not, the tint or darkness of the lenses has absolutely no bearing on their ability to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Too much exposure to UV light has been linked to the development of significant eye problems, including macular degeneration, cataracts, pingueculae, pterygia and photokeratitis. These conditions can affect your ability to see clearly, and in some instances, may have a permanent effect on your vision.

The best way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is to wear sunglasses that block 100% UV light, ideally whenever you are outside in the daylight. Even if it is cloudy, sunglasses are beneficial as UV light can penetrate cloud cover to still damage your eyes.

When you select your sunglasses, look for a tag or sticker that states that they block 100% UV rays. If you aren’t sure how effective they are against sunlight, most eye care professionals have the technology to measure exactly how much UV light your lenses will block. For added protection for your eyes this summer, choose a close-fitting style that limits the amount of light that can get around the lenses, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.  

Need more advice and support on picking the perfect pair of sunglasses this summer? Get in touch with our experienced and friendly team at Reed Optical in Claremont, NH or Sunapee, NH who will be delighted to assist you at (603) 543-3125 or (603) 763-7302.