We all know that sunglasses are important to keep your eyes well protected. However, with so many different kinds of sunglasses available, how can you know which ones are the best for you? Don't worry! In this article we'll talk about the different types and their characteristics so you can find the right ones for your needs!
Regular sunglasses
These sunglasses don't have any magnification and can be usually bought at fashion stores. You need to be careful, though, as not all sunglasses are equally protective. Make sure that the ones you choose offer 100% protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Magnifying sunglasses
Magnifying sunglasses provide magnification and we can find two types:
- Reading sunglasses, the kind that you can find in most pharmacies. They are good for reading and looking at small detail. They usually cannot be used as a substitute to prescription glasses.
- Prescription sunglasses, these will be especially made for you by your optician. Their magnification will match that of your prescription glasses.
Filter sunglasses
These sunglasses can be a great alternative to traditional sunglasses for people with low vision and diverse eye conditions, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
They have special colour tints, each with different characteristics. Depending on the tint colour, they'll allow higher or lesser light transmission and will be suitable for different circumstances and eye conditions; although all of them should offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. Some of them can even block damaging blue light from computer screens.
Polarised sunglasses
The best thing about polarised lenses is that they reduce glare. This helps improve your visibility and comfort, especially if your eyes are more sensitive to light. They eliminate the need to squint your eyes, reducing eyestrain and issues related to it, such as irritation and redness. They don't necessarily offer UVA and UVB light protection, so you need to make sure that the pair you choose does.
Polarised lenses are also great for water activities, such as fishing or sailing, as they reduce the reflection from the water. On the other hand, their light-blocking properties make them unsuitable for nocturnal use.
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Just so you know, these categories are not clear cut and when shopping you'll find that some sunglasses could easily fit in more than one. Yes, you can find polarised prescription sunglasses or polarised sunglasses with a special filter. Read the descriptions carefully and make sure that they fit your needs before buying.
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If you need to wear prescription glasses but don't want to have a separate pair of prescription sunglasses, there are other options you can consider:
Clip-ons
These sunglasses have a clip with which they can be attached on top of a pair of spectacles. They can normally be flipped up when not needed, so they are very versatile and practical.
Fit-overs
They look like normal sunglasses, but their frames are big enough to be worn on top of your existing glasses. Some versions have side shields to give you 360° UVA and UVB light protection.
(Man wearing ImproVision fit-over sunglasses)
Other considerations
If you practice sports, you should consider the possibility that your sunglasses could slip or fall while exercising. Wrap-around sunglasses have special frames that adjust to the shape of your head; preventing them from falling. You can also invest in some high quality glasses holders, especially if they have been designed for this purpose.
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We hope you have found this article useful, but if you have any questions you can always get in touch with us. We'll always be happy to help!