What to Look for in Sunglasses

What to Look for in Sunglasses

Image of two women wearing sunglasses.

All sunglasses are designed to shield your eyes from bright sunlight. Many sunglasses go a step beyond and also promise protection from ultraviolet (UV) light rays and other types of natural radiation from the sun. Protecting your eyes from these damaging rays is essential for keeping your eyes healthy. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses can make all the difference.

What Should You Look for in Sunglasses?

Color and style are not the most important factors in choosing sunglasses. Their ability to block light and harmful UV rays matters most.

Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Look for sunglasses with this feature. Both plastic and glass lenses can absorb some UV light. UV absorption is greatly improved, however, in sunglasses where a special coating is applied to the lens or a chemical is added to the materials in the lens during production.

Check lenses to make sure they also block out enough visible sunlight. A good pair of sunglasses should block out at least 75 percent of visible sunlight. The lens should be dark enough to obscure your own eyes.

Buying wraparound sunglasses can further enhance eye protection. These type of sunglasses block light from entering in around your temples and further limits exposure to dangerous UV rays.

Quality Matters with Sunglasses

Sunglasses have plenty of extra features that can enhance their ability to protect your eyes. Consult with your eye care professional to see what features will help protect your eyes from being damaged.

Some eyeglasses feature polarized lenses. These are helpful in reducing glare from light bouncing off water, snow or paved surfaces. Sunglasses made with polarized lenses are especially useful when driving, boating, bicycling or doing other outdoor activities.

If you are looking for sunglasses that will work in outdoors and indoors, photochromic glass lenses can offer a good solution. The photochromic lens automatically darkens when exposed to bright light and becomes lighter again in low light. This feature is popular with people who already need to wear prescription eyeglasses to improve their vision.

Select impact resistant sunglasses. No lens is totally immune from breaking. Plastic lenses are much more durable, however, than glass lenses when struck by a hard object. They are less likely to shatter and cause potential injuries. Longer lasting eyeglasses will do more to keep your eyes from suffering long-term damage related to sunlight exposure.

Sources:

EyeCare America. “Sunglasses.” The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Glaucoma Research Foundation. “A Guide to Sunglasses.” April 16, 2013.

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • I have been seeing Dr. William Berk for the last 20 years and have always received top notch service. Highly recommend Dr. Bill and his wife Dr. Anne Berk.

    - July 26, 2022
  • dr. anne is the best! she is really caring, professional, and hilarious. not many can make an eye exam enjoyable, but she and her staff are successful! :)

    - June 9, 2020
  • Love Dr. Anne! She is fantastic and so helpful figuring out solutions for seeing well in all areas of life! Thank you! Also staff is friendly and caring and was super happy to have photos instead of dilation and no more air puffs for eye pressure! State of the art!

    - September 22, 2022
  • I have been going here for over 6 years. They are thorough and care sbout your eye health. They also have great service. I definitely recommend them.

    - January 14, 2023
  • Great people great service been coming to them for 30 years😍

    - October 27, 2022
  • Getting new frames is always a painless and pleasant experience here. The staff are professional and friendly.

    - August 27, 2022
  • This place is awesome. Everyone is so nice and you feel like you are getting the best deal. This is my new eye place. The best ever. Thank you all for treating me with professionalism.

    - January 15, 2023
  • Friendly staff, welcoming setting, professional opinions, and great prices! Dr Kimmi is the best! Can’t recommend this place highly enough!

    - January 26, 2023
  • I really love all the people at HV Vision Source! The doctors listen to any questions or concerns I have & never give up on helping me. Thanks so much❣️

    - January 28, 2023
  • My Happy Valley Vision Source appointment went well. Dr. Chan was very helpful and informative regarding my vision requirements. I recommend them if you need eye care.

    - May 19, 2023
  • This was my first time at this office. Everything from the booking experience to the exam to the final payment was great. Everyone was very professional. I'll definitely be back and recommend this place!

    - March 10, 2023
  • The doctor and staff were great. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer all my questions and help me select a new pair of glasses. Thank you for the great service.

    - March 18, 2023
  • I arrived early. Only waited about 5 minutes. I ❤️ Dr.Nguyen. She's like a breath of fresh air. She diagnosed my issue quickly and I'm on the road to recovery! Thank you!😊

    - July 5, 2023
  • Completed my eye exam within an hour and everyone there is nice. Probably the best office I have been to throughout my life having glasses.

    - May 11, 2023
  • Wonderful experience, and very helpful getting my vision back to perfect.

    - June 9, 2023
  • I had the best experience here! I would recommend Happy Valley Vision Source to anyone looking for a new place to have an eye exam. I love my glasses and contacts and the staff was amazing!

    - May 23, 2023

Hours of Operation

Due to appointment demand, you may be charged a minimum $39 fee if you cancel or miss your appointment without 24 hour notice.

Office Hours

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Office Hours

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

Locations

Find us on the map