How to Judge the Quality of Sunglasses

Whatever type of sunglasses you are looking for, you must consider the quality, your budget, and your preferences in terms of style and color. Quality in particular is something to consider, because higher quality is usually better for your eyes. Here are some ways to help determine the quality of your sunglasses.

The quality of sunglasses is highly dependent on the quality of the lenses. Not many people are aware of the sheer variety of lens features and quality levels available in the market today. Top-of-the-line sports sunglasses use polycarbonate lenses, as these are shatterproof and the color of each lens is embedded and not tinted. If you want a longer-lasting pair, ask for one with polycarbonate lenses. Glass lenses are your best bet if you want top-notch optical excellence. The glass used has to be thick enough to prevent easy breakage, and it should also be scratch-resistant. With proper care, glass lenses can last a lifetime. Therefore sunglasses with glass lenses are often an excellent value for your money. Conversely, plastic lenses are the cheapest of the lot. They are lightweight, but they can scratch easily and optical clarity is not as good as with the other types.

Polarized sunglass lenses incorporate a chemical film which is used to coat the lens. This is the best type of sunglasses for outdoor activities occurring under direct sunlight or on horizontal surfaces like water. The reduced glare also prevents the eye fatigue that often follows extended outdoor exposure during peak daylight hours. The lenses are usually available in a variety of colors. Mirrored sunglasses also work well for extended outdoor activities. Mirrored sunglasses work like a one-way mirror, and the optical coating reduces the amount of light that passes through each lens. This style is also perfect if you don't want to make eye contact with strangers!

Photochromic lenses change color depending on the amount of UV rays hitting them. The lenses grow darker in direct sunlight and become lighter in shaded areas. Just one word of caution; these sunglasses are not recommended for daytime driving.

Also, quality sunglasses have anti-reflective coatings or AR coatings, which get rid of back glare. Back glare is the light that hits the rear of the lenses and springs back into the eyes, which can be very annoying. Test your sunglasses for back glare and check to see if you still squint with the sunglasses on. That's the simplest way to test the level of glare resistance. For back glare, if you can see your eyes reflected in the lenses, you'd better try another pair.

Experts agree that the more layering the sunglasses have - mirror coating, scratch resistance coating, polarizing film and anti-reflective coating added - the higher the quality. Please take note that non-signature sunglasses can still give the best quality in terms of UV protection and glare reduction.

The best quality sunglasses should be determined by their intended use. No matter how expensive your sunglasses, if they don't work well with your lifestyle, they are essentially worthless. Compare one type of lens against the others, and always consider the type and duration of outdoor activity you regularly engage in.

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