Sunglasses Guide

Buying Sunglasses

Sunglasses give comfort in very bright conditions and protect the eye from the damage caused by UVB and UVA.

Both UVA and UVB are naturally occurring forms of ultra violet radiation from the sun.

Which to Choose?

Always look for British Standard BSEN 1836:1997.

This British Standard sets performance levels for quality, strength, stability, design and manufacture as well as the amount of UV they let through.

Purchasing sunglasses that don't conform to this standard is not advised.

Non UV absorbing lenses actually do more harm than not wearing anything at all.

Behind a tinted lens, the pupil opens wider than it would naturally during such bright sunlight allowing in more damaging UV rays.

Lense Colours

Brown and grey are the most popular colours whilst green is actually one of the most effective. However, it is the 'shade number' that counts.

Safety

For safety choose polycarbonate lenses.

Sun Contact Lenses

This area is developing quickly. Ask your contact lens practitioner about the latest products available. Sports people involved in open-air activities may find these particularly interesting.

Prescription Sunglasses

Sunglasses and contact lenses are available to your prescription.

Your practitioner will advise you, but ensure that they know you want UV protection built in.

Sunglasses and Driving

The Highway Code prohibits wearing tinted glasses at night or in poor visibility.

Sunglasses should not be used at night to stop headlamp glare.

Remove them if driving from bright sun into a tunnel.

Don't pick a very dark tint.

Medium density is sufficient safer as it transmits more light.

Graduated tints

Have a lighter area at the bottom of the lens for map reading or seeing the dashboard.

Photochromic lenses

These lenses darken on exposure to sunlight and should react efficiently in changing light conditions.

They should not leave much tint present when the lens is not exposed to the sun.

Polarising lenses

These lenses reduce reflections from wet or polished road surfaces.

8 Top Tips for Buying the Best Sunglasses

1. UV Rays. What really counts is the degree to which the lenses filter out harmful UV rays. Look for the European Standard 'CE' Mark and the British Standard BSEN 1836:1997
2. Sunglasses for Driving. Look for filter category range of 0-3 any more will be too dark for safe driving. Never wear sunglasses when driving at night or in poor light.
3. Lens Shade. Sunglasses are marked with a filter category number from 0-4, where 4 is the darkest lens. Category 4 offers more comfort in bright sunlight as it avoids straining the eyes.
4. Filtering Blue Light. Ideally sunglasses will also absorb high energy visible radiation, known as blue light. Allowing you to wear them for longer without your eyes tiring. It is recommended that no more than 95% of blue light should be filtered to avoid colour distortion.
5. Avoid Scratches. Look after sunglasses by keeping them in a case and cleaning them with a mild detergent and water or a special lens cleaner. When drying lenses, do not use a paper towel, as this will scratch the lens. Use a good microfibre cloth.
6. Contact Lenses with Protection. Contact lens wearers can now also enjoy the added protection of in-built UV protection. Contact lens practitioners will have details of all the latest products available.
7. Prescription Sunglasses. If you already wear spectacles, you can have sunglasses made to your prescription.
8. Size Matters. Make sure that the lenses are big enough to protect the eyes from stray light.