12 tips for perfect sunglasses

12 tips for perfect sunglasses

The first hot summer days attract many hungry people outside. This again begins the season of sunglasses. In addition to UV radiation protection functions, sunglasses have long made the step towards fashion accessories. But the qualitative differences in the variety of models offered are very large. Many features of sunglasses are not recognized by the consumer himself. This is why qualified opticians are in demand. These 12 tips and information will help you understand what to look for when buying sunglasses.

1. Black glasses are dangerous

Glasses must be protected from UV radiation. These ultraviolet radiation are invisible. However, it can lead to painful inflammation of the connective and cornea of ​​the corresponding intensity.

Sunglasses that only attenuate the visible light, therefore harm more than they are useful. They degrade the natural protective mechanism of the eye, whose pupils normally decrease automatically in brightness and thus allow less radiation to penetrate.

Filtration of the UV radiation takes place through the spectacle lens and therefore does not depend on the degree of tinting. It's not the darkest glasses that are the best protection, but the sunglasses that are made of high quality materials with a built in UV filter.

2. UV protection: What is the name "UV 400"?

The term "UV 400" indicates the wavelength below which the UV light is blocked by the glass. A pair of glasses with this brand filters UV-A, UV-B and UV-C rays because their wavelength is below 400 nanometers. Visible light has a wavelength of up to 780 nanometers and thus penetrates into these sunglasses.

Make sure the sunglasses are labeled "UV 400". This value is usually sufficient when used in normal daily life. In the sea or in the mountains even more protection may be needed. Let us advise you!

3. Light Reduction: What is Absorption?

The absorption characteristics of colored lenses depend on the light reduction. This is the amount of light that is removed from the glass and thus does not get in the eye. With a light reduction of 65 percent, only 35 percent of the incident light gets to the eye, removing 65 percent by absorption and reflection.

In Central Europe, reductions between 50 and 75 percent are used. In a very bright environment, for example, on the beach or in a snowy landscape, you should use higher trim levels of up to 85 percent.

4. Color glasses also play a role

Brown and gray glasses falsify the color of the smallest visual impressions. For all other glass tins, the eye needs a certain amount of reaction time to neutralize the color again.

According to DIN standard, the color of the lens shall not affect the visibility of the traffic lights and the blue light of emergency vehicles. The color has no effect on the UV protection.

5. How to check the quality of sun protection lenses

Use the following criteria to check the quality of the sun:

Good quality glasses have no stains, bubbles or inclusions.
At a slight pressure of the finger, the glass should not yield.
An object fixed by a solar control mirror should not warp or distort when turning the glasses back and forth.

6. The size of the glasses must be good

The glasses should be large enough to protect the eyes from the side, from the top or - by reflection - from the sun's rays.

7. Is the CE mark available?

Since July 1, 1995 sunglasses can only be marketed if they carry the CE mark. This allows the sales of sunglasses in all EU states, it is attached by the manufacturer or importer. The CE mark guarantees a minimum of quality standards.

8. Sunglasses and driving

If you drive a lot, you should make sure that the grip and bracket are as narrow as possible so that they do not limit the field of vision.

Sunglasses are not meant to be worn at dusk or either. Drivers endanger themselves and others by wearing glasses when lighting is inadequate.

9. Choose your sunglasses according to the activity

When winter sports you need different glasses than on the beach, while surfing or surfing. Snow and white sand, for example, reflect more than 90 percent of the sun's rays (which is also the reason why you can get sunburn under a parasol).

10. The socket must fit

Each head is different. Therefore, the version of the top shape must be customized. The optician considers carefully:

head shape
temporal width
Eye distance
Position of the ears

11. How to care for sunglasses

Like any pair of glasses you should also clean your sunglasses regularly. To take care of sunglasses take a special cleaning cloth, available from the optician, or a soap dish and rinse with clear water.

Contact lenses contaminated with sun oil or cream residue should not be cleaned with wet wipes, but first with clean water.

12. Let us advise you

If you want to know more about quality features when buying sunglasses, it is best to contact your local optician