Pick the right Sunglasses this Summer

May 07, 2014 in Glasses & Sunglasses

Pick the right Sunglasses this Summer

Have you been enjoying the surprisingly warm spring here in England? Well, get set for a scorcher of a summer. Experts have predicted that England could experience an El Niño weather pattern due to rising temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, there is a 75% chance of 2014 being the hottest summer ever. So keep your water bottle topped up and load up on the sunscreen. Bring out the umbrellas, hats or scarves and don’t forget your sunglasses.

Protect Your Eyes

Like your skin, your eyes are also vulnerable to the effects of UV rays. Just like you protect your skin by slathering on sunscreen, it’s important to protect your eyes too. Continuous exposure to bright light and sunlight damages your eyes’ natural lens. More the exposure, higher is the chance of developing cataracts later in life. Sunlight also damages the macula – the oval, yellow spot near the centre of the retina. The macula absorbs excess blue and ultraviolet light that enters the eye and acts as a natural sunblock. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to macular degeneration and eventually loss of central vision. The right set of sunglasses will not only protect your eyes but also give you a stylish look.

How to Choose Sunglasses

There is a plethora of sunglasses in the market. However, if you’re looking for eye protection, make sure that the pair you choose blocks at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays; anything less than that make the sunglasses practically useless. Avoid sunglasses labelled as ‘cosmetic’ and which have no UV protection information. Try on the sunglasses to make sure that they fit properly and don’t pinch around your head. Remember that your eyelashes shouldn’t touch the frame or lenses. Choose lenses made from NXT polyurethane – these are scratch-resistant, impact-resistant and have great optical clarity.

The Right Sunglasses

The frames you choose will largely depend upon the shape of your face. Just because a style looks good on Pippa Middleton or David Beckham, doesn’t mean it will suit you! If you have a round face like Adele’s, pick oversized rectangular frames and go retro chic. For a heart-shaped face like Victoria Beckham’s, good ole Aviators will do the trick. With an angular face à la Keira Knightley, you will want to soften the edges so circular frames will really complement your face. If you have an oval face like Emma Watson, thank your lucky stars, as most styles will suit you perfectly.

Try the cat-eye designs that are all the rage on the runways from New York to Milan.

So protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays this summer. Drop by at your neighbourhood Leightons Opticians store and pick a pair (or two) to suit the shape of your face and your lifestyle. If you are a sports fanatic (or an enthusiast), picking the correct fit and style is important, especially if you indulge in sporting activities such as cycling or running. We can also customise prescription sunglasses for you. Drop in and choose from our range of sunglasses and lenses and face the sun fearlessly!