Now that we have entered summer, there will no doubt be more than a handful of days where the sun is brightly beaming and sunglasses will be required to stop us all squinting unattractively whenever we step outside. Whether you go for substance or style (or both!) when choosing yourself a pair of sunglasses, here are five things you might not know about the well loved accessory…
1 Sunglasses Should Be Worn All Year Round
It is rare that you will spot anyone donning a pair of shades in the colder seasons of autumn and winter (in fact, we would probably think anyone who does as a bit strange) but according to experts, sunglasses should be worn all year round.
31% of UV light still reaches the skin and eyes on cloudy days. We’re not even safe from the sun’s rays on snowy days, for the white of the ice reflects approximately 80% of UV rays.
Michael Repka, ophthalmology professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine argues that we should be protecting our eyes from UV light all of the time because constant sun exposure “can damage structures in the cornea, the lens of the eye and retina, as well as the skin around the eyes or eyelids.”
Many people prefer to protect themselves from the sun via the application of a sun block to the skin every day, as part of their morning beauty routine. This may help the skin around the eyes but leaves the actual eye itself unprotected.
It is worth pointing out that if you are a person whose skin burns easily in the sun then your eyes are likely to be more prone to sun damage too.
2 Sunglasses Should Be Worn Over Contact Lenses
Standard contact lenses offer eyes no protection from UV light whatsoever and they only serve to aid vision. Contact lenses which comprise UV protection are available but it is strongly advised that those who use them double up their protection by also donning sunglasses on bright days. This is because a contact lens does not cover the entirety of an eye, leaving a lot of the white area exposed to light – sunglasses can help to protect this area.
Even if your contact lenses offer 100% filtration of UV rays, it is still wise to double up – you can never have too much protection!
3 Most Sunglasses Are Putting Motorists At Risk
Fashion conscious women are putting themselves at risk because there is currently little in-store advice regarding what constitutes an ideal pair of sunglasses to wear whilst behind the wheel of a car. Oversized frames and thick arms are currently vogue but these are the worst offenders, for they compromise the driver’s vision significantly.
Dark lenses can obstruct vision whilst pink tints can distort colours, making it harder to read signs and/or spot road hazards and so both should be avoided when driving.
It is recommended that drivers select a pair of aviator style sunglasses with slim arms and lenses which are light brown or grey in colour for driving.
4 Luxottica Makes All Brands Of Sunglasses
Do you ever find yourself struggling to decide on which pair of sunglasses from Omnioptics to order yourself? Should you go for the oversized Prada’s or the Wayfarer Ray Bans? How about the totally gorgeous red, angular Oakley’s? Which pair is the most superior?
Well, it might surprise you to know that other than the branding and retail price, there is not much difference between these options, for they are all produced under the umbrella Italian manufacturing corporation of Luxottica. Just some of the other brands that Luxottica produces sunnies for include Burberry, Chanel, Paul Smith, Versace, Miu Miu and Ralph Lauren.
In addition, Luxottica also own LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sunglasses Hut – that’s right…the doctor telling you that you need new glasses, the designers and the in-store sales people all work for the same company.
Sneaky!
5 Expensive Sunglasses Can Be Better Than Cheap Sunglasses
I am sure that you have heard the argument that cheap sunglasses are just as a good as expensive ones when it comes to protection from the sun’s harmful rays. It is often said that as long as a pair of sunnies has a sticker on stating “UV400” than these offer perfectly adequate defence. They might well “do” (arguably; any sunglasses are better than no sunglasses), but premium priced shades often offer the additional benefits of protection from glare, intense light and the elimination of specific frequencies of light.
It should be noted that cheaper sunglasses which only filter out some UV rays actually see the iris open wider in response to the unfiltered rays that get through the lens and this increases exposure to damaging UV.
This guest post is written by Kat Cole.