Sunglasses should not be your best friend only during the long summer days. Many go in for sunglasses to just up their style quotient, but there are others who buy shades to equip themselves with a convenient form of eye protection.

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can significantly increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. The main purpose of your sunglasses, except for reducing eyestrain in bright conditions, is to protect you from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, help you avoid serious eye problems and protect your eyes from flying debris and other hazards.

While their uses are many, finding the right ones is the key to your comfort. Read this article before you buy sunglasses online, to know more about what to look for, and make the right choice.

UV Protection

Make sure to give the ultraviolet protection number one priority when choosing your sunglasses. Hint: bigger frames and lenses, and wrap-around styles give you more UV protection because they block the peripheral rays. Once you’ve eliminated the threat from UVA/B, you can focus on other issues, such as reducing the glare and choosing lens colors that will affect how much visible light reaches your eyes and how well you see other colors.

 Lenses and Tint

Dark colors such as grey, brown, and green are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities, as they are intended to cut through the glare and reduce eyestrain in bright conditions. Grey and green lenses won’t distort colors, while brown ones may cause minor distortion and are great if you are heading to the beach, because they will reduce glare and blue light.

Go in for lenses that are light such as yellow, gold, and rose for low-level light conditions. They would be perfect for winter time, especially for activities like snowboarding, skiing, and other snow sports.

Polarized lenses block out sunlight and reduce glare, bouncing off windshields, pavement, and other smooth surfaces.

Shape

Sunglasses are available in many kinds of shapes, mostly playing the role in an aesthetic appeal, but they can also be important for specific activities. For instance, the sunglasses used for athletic purposes typically come in wrap-around style, to block UV rays from entering at the sides.

The many shapes of sunglasses you will come across include: round, rimless and semi-rimless (suitable for heart-shaped face); rectangle, square, wayfarer and wrap that are great choice if you have a round face; and cat eye, goggles, oval, pilot and round sunglasses that will perfectly soften the appearance of your square-shaped face. Almost all of the above would look equally good on an oval-shaped face, as it can rock pretty much any style. It’s no wonder that it is the most desired shape of face if you are looking to buy a pair of sunglasses.

Material

The material used in your sunglasses will affect their weight, clarity and durability.

The lenses and frames are usually made of plastic, and the stronger the plastic, the better, as it doesn't shatter easily, preventing unwanted injuries to your eyes. Even though glass is heavier than other materials, and more expensive as well, it offers superior optical clarity and scratch-resistance.

The material of the frames can also contribute to your sunglasses' comfort and durability. Metal is easy to adjust to your face, but it can get too hot and it’s not recommended for high-impact activities. Nylon is lightweight and more durable than metal, however acetate is best for high-style sunglasses.