People often decide on which sunglasses they should buy depending on the price, convenience or fashion. Many will buy cheaper sunglasses at High Street stores but there is also a high proportion of people who prefer to buy one of the many designer brands such as Oakley, Dolce and Gabbana, Bloc, Bolle, Armani, Quiksilver, Spy and Electric sunglasses to name but a few! However, you should also consider the primary reason why you are buying new sunglasses in the first place.

The first consideration should be that your glasses comply with certain set standards that differ depending on the country. In Europe the standard is EN 1836:2005, in the US the standard is ANSI Z80.3-1972 and Australia AS1067. Basically, don’t go by the financial outlay involved, but by the amount of UV protection the glasses give you.

When buying new sunglasses they should protect against 100% of UV rays and also filter out UVA, UVB and UVC. You should also remember that irrespective of the colour or darkness of the lens, it is actually the clear outer coating that filters the rays and not the colour.

Why are you considering buying your new sunglasses? Is it because you need them for driving, for fishing, for golf, water sports, cycling or perhaps mountaineering? Many people don’t even consider the reason and incorrectly use the same glasses for everything. However, the colour of the lens and the construction of the glasses can affect your vision in different ways. The range of uses for which people require their sunglasses is probably why some come with interchangeable lenses such as the Birdz Hawk sunglasses kits.

For example, some tints can elicit colour distortion that can affect driving performance. Driving glasses need to keep you alert and keep your eyes comfortable without causing headaches. Look for polarised lenses for driving, preferably with a grey tint as this is neutral and would not affect contrast or distort colour.

If you are a golfer, yellow is the colour of choice as it enhances contrast and depth perception. For cycling, you really need a tougher lens as you should consider the increased airflow to the face, you will also need to protect the peripheral vision and consider the fit of the cycling helmet with the glasses.

Some sports demand particular elements for sunglasses. For instance, for mountaineering and other altitude sports one needs to consider exceptionally bright conditions as well as the high altitudes. Altitude sports demand a category 4 lens that takes these conditions into account. Glasses or goggles required for water sports such a surfing or kayaking etc., should be shatter-proof, should fog resistant, have a nose cushion, be buoyant and have a means of fixing such as a strap. For example, Electric and Oakley have a respectable range of appropriate goggles and sunglasses.

In summary, think about the colour of the lenses and other considerations in relation to the intended use of your glasses as well as getting the best UV protection.

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