Although they add a stylish touch to every ensemble, sunglasses are more beneficial to your eyes than you may realize. The best defense against UV rays, which may seriously harm eyes, is through sunglasses, however not all of them are effective.
Ocular surface injury, or harm to the outer surface of the eye, can result from not wearing sunglasses, according to James Dello Russo, OD of Dello Russo Laser Vision. It may result in issues including early cataract development and solar keratitis, or eye sunburn. Sunglasses are appropriate for everyone to wear outside. However, not all sunglasses offer UV400 or 100% protection, so be careful to check yours.
When purchasing sunglasses, UV protection is the most crucial component, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Lens coating, tints, fit, and frame shape should also be taken into account. All of these can be combined to create the ideal summertime accessory, but they can also safeguard your eyes when you’re out and about. We evaluated 40 pairs of sunglasses for two weeks in the real world to see which ones would best protect eyes. We looked at fit, polarization and UV protection, comfort, and stability during daily activities to determine which pair would be ideal for any activity.
Raen Keera Sunglasses
In addition to providing complete UV protection, a good pair of sunglasses should be pleasant to wear and strong. Because to their UVA and UVB protection as well as their strong, snug fit that doesn’t slip or pinch, the Raen Keera Frames received faultless scores throughout testing. During testing, we wore them all day since we felt they were so comfy.
Additionally, their huge lenses that block out the sun and wind making them our best choice overall. Additionally, their shade is ideal; we had no trouble keeping them on indoors despite the fact that they are dark enough for outdoor use. We really adored their stylish design, which fits most head shapes and faces.
Despite not being polarized, we felt that these sunglasses performed admirably at blocking off glare and offering enough clarity to make us think of other polarized pairs.
I-Sea All Aboard Polarized Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes requires high-quality sunglasses, but they don’t have to be costly. During testing, we were intrigued by the I-SEA All Aboard’s polarized lenses and traditional aviator design, all for less than $30. The large lenses for extra sun protection were particularly appealing to us. The nose pads provide further flexibility and guarantee that there is no pinching or rubbing when wearing these lenses, which are excellent for all-day comfort. For more customization, they come in six different hues.
We observed that the metal architecture of the larger frames may lead them to slide on smaller faces. However, even when moving quickly, we didn’t observe any sliding when we tested these glasses.
Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses
We prefer Eleventh Hour’s Essential frames because, like other health products, the greatest ones are the ones you’ll actually use. These polarized, comfortable, and stylish sunglasses are perfect for all-day use. They wore these frames for every activity during the testing time because we loved them so much.
We liked that the Essential frames’ high-quality construction allowed them to have a pleasant weight. However, they don’t weigh so much that they become uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, we thought the frames had enough give to accommodate any head shape or face without becoming loose over time. When we tested them on a windy beach day, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they didn’t move at all. No matter where you wear them, their large polarized, 100% UVA/UVB lenses should also protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
Indy Nolita Sunglasses
It can be difficult to wear the wrong sunglasses for long periods of time; if they don’t fit properly, they may pinch, rub, and slip. Because of this, it is tempting to remove them, exposing the eyes. However, when we evaluated the Indy Nolita frames for quality, fit, and comfort, they received flawless ratings. The thick, robust design of the frames astonished us; they fit perfectly on all face shapes and remained in place no matter how our heads moved. We almost forgot we were wearing them because they were so comfy. We also appreciated that they had a solid weight that was manageable for prolonged use.
The broad, triangular lenses of the Nolitas shield the entire eye from the sun. Additionally, they are polarized and provide 100% UV protection, protecting eyes while remaining comfortable enough to wear for any activity.
Although we didn’t discover many problems with these frames, we do find it a little disheartening that they are only offered in black and tortoise at this time.
Quay Australia After Hours 50mm Square Sunglasses
We enjoyed the Quay After Hours frames since they are strong, stable, and provide shelter from the sun and wind when you’re out for a walk. Despite not being polarized, they provide 100% UV protection, and our workers felt that the square frame form and wide lenses were excellent for keeping the sun and wind out when we were outside.
We like the After Hours frames’ robustness and durability, which stand up well during any outdoor workout, and their thick, BPA-free construction. Because it was simple to see through without making things too gloomy, we also enjoy the dark gray hue.
Smith Caper Sunglasses with Chromapop
One of our favorite pairs of sunglasses is made by the popular sports and outdoor company Smith, but these aren’t your average sports sunglasses. The Smith Caper frames, on the other hand, are stylish and have a subtle cat eye shape that protects the eyes while enhancing the face. Additionally, these shades’ hinges have adequate give to accommodate both wide and narrow faces.
In addition to its non-slip fit and security, the Smith Caper frames are our choice for hiking since they make use of the company’s Chromapop lenses, which enhance the clarity, sharpness, and vibrancy of any trek. Although the Chromapop lenses sounded like a marketing ploy, our editor pointed out that they actually produce a sharper, clearer image.
Additionally, we appreciate their broad polarized lenses, which lessen eye strain and provide protection from the sun’s glare when engaging in outdoor activities (or even just doing errands). Our editor also praised how easy it is to dry off these frames when kayaking, should you want to wear them for your most demanding outdoor activity.
Covry Merak Sunglasses
When looking for sunglasses to protect your eyes, UV protection should be your main priority. For this reason, Covry’s Merak frames are our best choice. We adored these frames for everyday use because they provide complete protection from UVA and UVB rays and have wide, dark lenses that help block out excess sunshine. Additionally, the stylish, thick design of these frames is excellent for blotting out too much sunshine.
However, not every face can wear sunglasses, and these frames were no exception. The sunglasses may not be as effective or protective against the sun on various nose shapes, and we discovered that they function best on a lower nose bridge.
Féroce Heather Sunglasses
When purchasing sunglasses to safeguard your eyes, UV protection should be your first concern, but polarization should also be close to the top of your list. A sharper image and less possible eye strain are two benefits of polarized lenses. The gradient lens on these shades performed admirably in shielding our eyes from the sun throughout testing. If you prefer a lighter lens, these glasses come in 12 different hues, but we went with the extra-dark top choice. In addition, Dr. Zhu suggests a gradient tint for driving in low light or changing weather since it shields your eyes while still enabling you to view the dashboard. We loved that the Heather frames fit snugly and didn’t need to be adjusted during the day when we tried them on.
Although we appreciate that these lenses feel high-quality due to their pleasant thickness, prolonged use may make them a bit hefty.
Persol PO0714 Folding Sunglasses
Foldable sunglasses aren’t always the best in terms of craftsmanship, but these Persol shades are made to last. It’s easy to fold and unfold the arms and the bridge. The sunglasses are the perfect option for someone who travels frequently and prefers to have as little luggage as possible because they fit in the palm of your hand when folded. Additionally, a hard-shell case is included to protect them in your bag.
We discovered that locking the arms into place required some work, but once they were in the proper position, they were sufficiently strong for all-day use. We believed they achieved a nice balance between tint and visibility, even in hazy conditions, and they were efficient at blocking light. Additionally, the lenses are polarized.
The portability of these sunglasses is unmatched if you’re searching for a chic pair to wear when you’re on the road. For those with round, oval, square, or heart-shaped features, Persol suggests the pilot shape of these sunglasses. Furthermore, if your nasal bridge is higher than your pupils, the high bridge will look best.
Knockaround Premiums Sport Sunglasses
If you participate in outdoor sports, protecting your eyes from the sun is essential, but finding a pair of sunglasses that are both lightweight and remain on your face while exercising can be difficult. During our testing, we discovered that Knockaround Premiums, which are made with sports in mind, passed the test in terms of fit, comfort, and sun protection.
Even when wearing them for extended periods of time, the polycarbonate frames feel nearly invisible. However, the sunglasses’ rubberized nose pads and snug-fitting arms ensure that they stay in place even with their lightweight construction. Long tennis or pickleball games on sunny courts would benefit from the glasses’ excellent ability to block glare and sunshine. The classic-looking, black-on-black glasses are made to fit all facial shapes.
Illesteva Wilson Sunglasses
There are other things to watch out for when you’re outside than the sun. We felt that the Illesteva Wilson frames did a fantastic job of shielding our eyes from grating blasts of wind, which may also be a serious threat when engaging in outdoor sports. Despite having a fashionable rectangular form, their 145mm width provides ample protection from wind and direct sunlight. The frames’ strong acetate construction allows them to withstand windy conditions while protecting the eyes. Although they are only available in one size and can get a bit tight behind the ears, we loved the thick acetate frames for their durability for all-day usage.
Although they aren’t polarized, we discovered that they worked incredibly well to protect our eyes from the sun when we moved from sunny to shaded spots. Additionally, you can choose the ideal shade for your outdoor activities from 17 different frame and lens color combinations.
Rheos Faris Sunglasses
You’ll want something lightweight if you spend a lot of time outside, particularly exercising or on the water. We enjoyed that the Rheos Faris sunglasses were so light during testing that we hardly noticed them. The company states that their sunglasses are designed to be lighter than most other frames, with certain models weighing up to 30% less. We felt that the lighter build made them feel a touch less expensive than their $65 price point, even if their lighter weight makes them ideal for swimming or boating because they are light enough to float. We did agree, however, that they never felt flimsy even though they were lightweight.
Along with their lightweight design, we really adored these sunglasses’ enormous size, which provides excellent protection from strong winds and sunlight. Even though the lenses are polarized, their light weight allows them to effortlessly switch between changing sunlight on days with unpredictable weather.
Randolph Elinor Fusion Polarized Sunglasses
Investing in high-quality sunglasses helps safeguard them while you’re out and about. The Randolph Elinor Fusion frames’ design was fantastic, but we particularly appreciated that they included a magnetic hard case in addition to a microfiber soft cover. The cases are especially helpful because these frames are somewhat pricey, making it even more crucial to safeguard your investment.
In terms of style, these were some of our favorite shades. They come in seven frame and lens options with polarized lenses, so you may choose the perfect shade. Because of their huge lenses, the Randolph Elinor Fusion has plenty of elegance and coverage, much like an aviator. Additionally, we like that the nose pieces on the frames could be adjusted, giving us the impression that we would never need to do so while wearing them. Although they only come in one size, which might not fit larger faces as well, they are also comfy enough to wear all day.
Randolph USA Aviator Matte Chrome Sunglasses
Randolph USA Matte Chrome Aviators show that comfort, quality, and sun protection don’t have to come at the expense of beauty. With lens technology that prevents eye fatigue and blocks harmful UV rays, the traditional aviator design has been upgraded. We were pleased with the degree of protection when we used them for walking and driving in sunny weather.
These sunglasses are on the more expensive end of our list, but after using them, we think they are well worth the money. The frames and lenses were of high quality from the moment they were packaged and are made to last a lifetime. We were initially unsure of our feelings regarding the bayonet arm style, which was created with headgear in mind, but after giving it a try, we were convinced of its comfort and style.
We strongly recommend these sunglasses if you’re a professional driver or pilot, but they’re a wonderful choice for anyone. Even on lengthy flights or long trips, the anti-reflective lens technology keeps your eyes from being fatigued, and the green lenses do a fantastic job of maintaining correct color contrast. To keep things safe while you travel, they also include a premium hard case and a microfibre pouch.
Our Testing Process
We evaluated almost 40 pairs of sunglasses over the course of two weeks, wearing each pair at least seven times, in order to determine which ones would best protect your eyes. Our final metric was whether the sunglasses appeared to be worth their price after testing them at different price points.
Quality: To begin the sunglasses test, we visually inspected the sunglasses to look for problems with the lenses, arms, hinges, and nose pads. We also assessed if the sunglasses appeared to be stable, strong, and of good quality.
Fit: We evaluated each pair by looking at how well they performed overall during each test activity as well as how well they fared in high-intensity light, glare, and wind. We evaluated the sunglasses’ level of comfort and security while wearing them.
Polarization and UV protection: We also quickly tested the polarization of lenses that the manufacturer claimed to be polarized. Finally, we evaluated their hue and sunblocking capabilities while we were outside.
The Professionals
Derek Lin, OD, an optometrist from Park Slope Eye, provided us with input during the testing process. In order to better understand what consumers should look for when purchasing sunglasses to safeguard their eyes, we also spoke with specialists. These experts included:
Dello Russo Laser Vision’s James Dello Russo, OD
DeCesare Eye Associates optometrist Victor Paul, OD
Harvard-trained corneal, cataract, and laser refractive surgery specialist Dagny Zhu, MD, is a surgeon at Nvision Eye Centers.
What to Know About Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes
UV Defense
When selecting sunglasses, look for ones that offer 100% or UV400 protection. Three levels of ultraviolet radiation—UVA, UVB, and UVC—are released by the sun and some man-made sources. Sunglass labels may highlight specific UVA and UVB protection because the ozone layer does not absorb ultraviolet A and only partially absorbs ultraviolet B.One All forms of UV radiation have detrimental effects on our eyes. By reflecting UV rays away from the eyes, sunglasses help to lessen this harm.
According to Victor Paul, OD, an optometrist at DeCesare Eye Associates, UV radiation can result in common growths on the surface of the eyes, such as pterygia and pinguecula. Additionally, they might hasten the development of cataracts, which can impair eyesight. Additionally, excessive direct contact with UV radiation might result in solar retinopathy.
Polarization
Polarized glasses, according to Dr. Paul, are preferable for sports involving water and snow because they shield your eyes from rays that bounce off these surfaces. When purchasing sunglasses, UV protection should be your first concern, but polarized lenses can also help shield your eyes from UV rays coming from any angle.
Dimensions and Form of the Frame
The bigger the frame size, the better, Dr. Zhu said. This is due to the fact that sunglasses also shield the skin surrounding your eyes. For optimal protection, Zhu advises searching for wraparound or large sunglasses.
Don’t worry if you think that in order to protect your eyes, sunglasses must be ugly sports wraparounds: According to Drs. Paul and Dello Russo, practically any frame form will safeguard your eyes, and you are free to choose your own design. For optimal protection, several of the frames we evaluated include wide lenses and sturdy arms.
Similar to spectacles, sunglasses should be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without rubbing on the nose or squeezing behind the ears. For optimal protection from the sun and wind, you should also select sunglasses with big lenses.
Color of the Lens
Choosing the darkest lenses possible may be your first impulse when searching for sunglasses to protect your eyes, but you may be doing more harm than you think. Dr. Paul claims that black lenses may actually cause the eyes to dilate more, letting more light into the pupil rather than reflecting it out. You should be safe, though, if your dark lenses provide 100% UV protection. For lesser light or shifting situations, Dagny Zhu, MD, a surgeon with Nvision Eye Centers and a Harvard-trained specialist in cornea, cataract, and laser refractive surgery, suggests lighter or gradient tints.
Consider the activity you want to use sunglasses for when selecting a hue, as many of the models we examined come in a range of lens colors. According to Dr. Paul, yellow or orange lenses are effective in lower light levels, while amber and brown lenses are efficient at minimizing glare on cloudy days. According to Dr. Zhu, athletes may benefit from the increased contrast that brown or rose-colored lenses provide when they are outside. Dr. Lin claims that simply by examining the mirror, you may determine whether a pair of sunglasses is appropriately tinted. If you can’t see your eyes in the mirror, your lenses are the correct shade. According to Dr. Zhu, a medium tint is ideal for daily usage, while polarized and mirrored coatings are ideal for outdoor activities.
- Additional Sunglasses to Think About
- Even though these sunglasses fell short of our expectations, you might still find them interesting:
- The Vincero Collective The Quinn: These timeless frames include clear, polarized lenses, but we discovered that they frequently slip and might be a bit big for some faces.
- Ray-Ban Erika: Although we enjoyed the dark lenses and felt the frames were comfy, we noticed that the arms appeared to become less stable and more floppy with time.
- The Marc Jacobs Oval Sunglasses: Although we enjoyed the way these sunglasses looked, we tested them and discovered that they weren’t as high-quality as we would have expected from a luxury brand. We also noticed that they slip easily and need to be adjusted quite a bit.
- Privé Revaux The New Yorker: Although these sunglasses’ dark polarized lenses shielded our eyes during testing, we thought the frames and lenses were of low quality.
