Maria Soboleva

Filters, frames, aesthetics: what is more important in sunglasses?

Hot summer without sunglasses not enough. The eyes just need reliable protection. At the same time, everyone also wants to decorate their appearance with this accessory. How to choose sunglasses suitable for all criteria, what is more important: beauty or benefit? Find the answers in this article.

UV Protection

Those who consider sun glasses as just one of the accessories, face decoration are mistaken. This function is also important, no one argues, but the main purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from harmful effects ultraviolet. Sunglasses are divided into classes - depending on the amount of UV rays that they let through:

• cosmetic (on the label we read - Cosmetic). They can protect from the inactive sun, they pass from 51 to 100% of the rays. Their function is more aesthetic;

• universal (under the General marking). Well suited to mid-latitude climates, they transmit 20 to 50% of ultraviolet radiation;
• special (on the label we see the High UV-protection marking). The most reliable glasses in terms of protecting the retina from sunburn. It is good to have them with you when going on vacation in the mountains, where the snow reflects sunlight.

The certificate for glasses and the label indicate the degree of protection: for example, 80% UVB, 55% UVA. Therefore, such lenses can block 80% of category B ultraviolet and 55% of category A ultraviolet. Ophthalmologists recommend choosing models where both indicators are above 50.

Light protection

Sunglasses have their own standards of light transmission, based on which they are divided into five categories.

Category 4 sunglasses are not suitable for car drivers, they are too dark. Optics of the 3rd category is the most popular among vacationers.

Quality first!

Experts say - no glasses are better than products Bad quality. Cheap optics (in fact, a fake) from street layouts and markets does not provide any protection to your eyes.

Even the darkest lenses in these glasses let in ultraviolet light, because they do not have UV filters applied. Saving is fraught dangerous consequences- acting on the eyes, the sun causes various diseases: burns of the cornea, retina, cataracts, blurred vision. In order to reliably protect our eyes, we buy sunglasses in opticians and specialized stores.

By the way, if you have already made a purchase, but doubt its quality, you can check the degree of UV protection and the light transmission of glasses in optics on specialized preparations. The glasses certificate and label must contain information about the manufacturer (brand, model, country, barcode), material (glass or plastic), degree of UV protection, lens category (range from 0 to 4).

What material is better?

There are only two materials for the manufacture of lenses - glass and plastic. Glass lenses cannot be scratched, but are heavier in weight and break easily. For the summer - not a very convenient option. Glasses with glass are also not recommended for children for safety reasons.

On the beach, of course, lighter glasses are preferable, because mostly modern manufacturers prefer plastic. Such lenses are thinner, but at the same time stronger than glass - they do not break. True, they are not resistant to scratches, they must be handled with care.

Some coatings cannot be applied to the glass, such glasses do not have the effect of polarization - cutting off glare that irritates the eyes. And this is a very important quality for drivers. On glass lenses do not apply an anti-reflective coating that increases light transmission.

If you are thinking about what material to choose, you should know that high-quality plastic is not inferior to glass in terms of optical qualities, but it is superior in consumer terms.

Spectacle lenses can be different color, you can choose any - yellow, orange, blue, green, even red.

Such sunglasses, of course, are extravagant and catchy, but fans of shocking need to know - yellow too bright at the height of the day, orange-red tones are too aggressive, Blue colour most people feel uncomfortable. It is better to choose all the same colors that are safe, favorably acting on our eyes - gray, brown or green.

Such tones do not distort the color perception of the surrounding world, they are able to effectively absorb radiation, and even have a calming effect on the eyes. Green color, by the way, has a beneficial effect on nervous system and reduces eye pressure.

Nearsighted people feel more comfortable in brownish shades, farsighted people are more comfortable with green and gray colors.

Another nuance is that the lenses must be colored evenly, the different degree of darkening of the lenses in different parts of the optics is tiring for the eyes.

How to choose a frame

Fashion magazines and various websites give a lot of advice about correct selection frame shapes to suit your face. Of course, you can follow the advice of experts and stylists.

But it is better to try on frames of various shapes in in large numbers nothing can be. Until you choose the option that suits you, feel free to measure whatever you like, even against the advice of connoisseurs.

But on following tips be sure to pay attention:

• preferably sunglasses big size with wide temples - they will completely protect your eyes from the sun and protect the skin around you from the appearance of wrinkles. And the so-called crow's feet” will definitely appear if you squint from the sun. By the way, delicate skin also ages from ultraviolet radiation;
• sunglasses should be comfortable to wear - they exactly fit the bridge of your nose, the temples do not press on your temples, they lie comfortably on your ears;
• glasses should not fall off your face when you bend over or turn your head;

• if you often suffer from headaches, it is better to choose sunglasses with leather temples - they are softer and your head will be much more comfortable;
• from metal frames experts recommend titanium, which is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum and harmless for allergies. But they have a more limited color range.

When to wear sunglasses?

Everything is good in moderation - do not abuse and wearing sunglasses. There are lovers to show off in them always and everywhere: when it's cloudy outside, at dusk, they don't take them off indoors, at a party, even at business meetings. Because of this, photophobia can develop - photophobia. And then even normal lighting will cause pain in the eyes and discomfort in a person.

When it is cloudy outside, and you still limit the already minimal access to light, you risk earning visual impairment, and with age, glaucoma. Do not wear sun glasses unnecessarily, the eyes need light. But from the bright sun you need to beware.

Today, choosing sunglasses is not a problem. Knowing all the requirements for this eye-protecting accessory, you can purchase a thing that will meet all safety and quality requirements (the price range can also be adjusted according to your wallet).

At the same time, your sunglasses will also be a nice addition to your summer outfit, they will give you a great sunny mood.

Choice of sunglasses. Ophthalmologist's advice:

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The selection of sunglasses is an important and difficult task. If you think that it is only about fashion brands, then you are greatly mistaken. Did you know that when you are going to walk around the city on a sunny day and packing your bags for a vacation at the sea, you should take different sunglasses?

Everyone knows that sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that are harmful to humans and must be protected from. Do you think that glasses save from them? Not at all. Ultraviolet rays such as UV-A and UV-B completely block ordinary transparent glass and some types of plastic. There is also a third type of UV rays "C", but the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere successfully copes with it. By the way, since we are talking about ultraviolet, reflective surfaces greatly increase the harmful effect of UV rays. That is why it is easy to get burned in the mountains and at the sea (snow reflects light by 90%, the water surface by 70%), and it is difficult on the shore of a forest lake or river (the reflectivity of green grass is only 30%). All these radiations are not visible, but only perceptible. And the dark glasses of sunglasses are designed to save our eyes from the visible part of the harmful sunlight. It is the visible bright light that makes us squint our eyes and “make faces”, albeit not on purpose.

So, all sunglasses have a filter designed for varying degrees illumination. In total, there are 5 degrees of protection for our eyes, and on the product of a responsible manufacturer, the category of sunglasses filter is indicated by the corresponding number.

• "0" means that the lenses of the glasses transmit 80-100% of the light. This is the lowest degree of protection, such glasses are suitable only on a cloudy day.
• "1" - 43-80% light transmission. Ideal for days when dense clouds give way to clear skies, that is, for partly cloudy and only for the city.
• "2" let in 18-43% of the light and are also suitable for urban life. A bright sunny day, a shopping trip - these are the ideal conditions for putting on glasses marked "2".
• "3". Light transmittance - 8-18%. Sunglasses with filter categories "1" and "2" are suitable for everyday urban life, and only these, marked "3", can and should be chosen for a trip to the sea. Such protection will withstand both sunbathing on the beach and boat trips.
• "4" means the most a high degree protecting the retina from damaging light. Throughput 3–8%. The choice of such filters for glasses belongs to climbers and tourists climbing mountains.

As you can see, choosing glasses is not so easy. It is hardly worth expecting the required amount important information about each copy of the goods on street stalls, where not every unit of goods has packaging. Once you've tried trusting a real quality sunscreen company, you're unlikely to want to go back to a suspect market range. Ours could be one of the best purchases of your life. The world famous brand RB has already made the lives of millions of people brighter and their views safer.

Take advantage of the best, because you are already with us!

At all times, people tried to protect their eyes from direct exposure sun rays: in China, the face was covered with wide-brimmed hats, in Japan, fabric bandages with slits were put on the eyes, into which mica was inserted, and in India they were covered with silk strips soaked in resin. Real sunglasses appeared 200 years ago, and they were intended for the soldiers of Napoleon's army.

Why do you need sunglasses?

The main purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from direct sunlight.
What is the danger of such an impact?
Sunlight is made up of ultraviolet And infrared beams of different lengths. And if infrared rays mainly scattered in atmospheric moisture, then ultraviolet rays from 280 to 380 nanometers long reach the ground, they are absorbed by the lens, which, while protecting the retina, suffers:

• Over the years, the proteins of the lens begin to lose their natural structure and begin to become cloudy, which leads to the development of cataracts.
• Also, the ability of the lens to focus on close objects is lost, its elasticity decreases, which leads to the development of farsightedness.

We will tell you which specifications sun-protection optics to pay attention so that you can choose those glasses that will protect your eyes from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Glass or plastic?

Despite the fact that glass lenses do not transmit ultraviolet rays at all, 95% of modern manufacturers prefer special plastic:

• Glasses with plastic lenses are lightweight.
• They are not traumatic, which is especially important if you choose models for children and drivers.

Be careful! Whatever material you choose sunglasses (glass or plastic), their main task is to protect against ultraviolet rays, and whether the glasses will reliably protect the eyes does not depend on the color of the lenses.

Dark lenses or light ones?

Lenses can be both dark and transparent, but they will absorb ultraviolet rays equally well only if they are covered with a special ultraviolet filter on top.

Manufacturers of quality sunglasses carefully monitor this, and be sure to indicate the degree of UV protection in the label.
If you see a sign on the temples of glasses or in documents for them UV400, this suggests that you have quality sunglasses in front of you.

The number 400 in the marking was not chosen by chance. It means that ultraviolet waves, the length of which is measured in nanometers and is equal to 400 units, will not penetrate through the protective coating. In cheap glasses, the lenses are only colored, darkened, and not covered with a special filter.
The pupil under dark lenses expands, ultraviolet rays easily penetrate under darkened lenses, are absorbed by the lens, which is very dangerous for vision.

Be sure to pay attention to Do glasses protect you from UV rays? and then choose degree of light transmission of lenses- their shading. A special marking will also tell about this, as a rule, the following inscription may be on the bow of such glasses: “ Cat. 3" or " filter cat. 3».

Classification of glasses according to the degree of light transmission

• Glasses with 0 degree of light transmission almost transparent. They let in 80 to 100% of the sun's rays. They are recommended for sports activities in the absence of bright light.
• Glasses with 1 and 2 degree of light transmission transmit from 43 to 80% and from 18 to 43% of light, respectively. They are recommended to be worn in low to medium sunlight.
• Glasses with 3 degrees of light transmission should be chosen for wearing in very bright sun.

The choice will depend on where and when you are going to wear sunglasses:

• For our latitudes in the hot summer period the best choice there will be glasses with 2-3 degrees of light transmission.
• For springtime and early summer mornings, glasses of 1-2 degrees of light transmission are ideal.
• If you decide to conquer the mountains, then choose the most sunglasses 4 categories.

Once again, we emphasize that the degree of shading of the lenses does not affect their properties of protection against ultraviolet radiation. But it depends on the color and size of the lenses whether the eyes will feel comfortable.

Lens color and size

Lenses of not all colors and shapes will be comfortable for the eyes.

• So, our experts advise choosing glasses with brown, green or gray shades of lenses, which are considered the most pleasing to the eye, and the choice of models with colored lenses should be treated with extreme caution.
• Drivers are advised to opt for glasses with gradient lenses that are darker at the top than at the bottom.
• Pay attention to lens size. They must be big. It is not recommended to choose glasses with narrow glasses. The whole point of UV protection in this case disappears, because small lenses pass rays through uncovered areas and limit the field of view.
• Glasses should sit comfortably on the face, fit to it, but at the same time not squeeze the temples and not press into the bridge of the nose. This may cause headache and fatigue.

A question of quality

Information about the quality of the materials used can always be found on the label, which indicates what the lenses are made of, as well as from the markings on the frame or from the product passport.

The abbreviations 89/686/EEC, ANSI Z80.3, AS 1067, EN 1836 mean that the glasses are of high quality and the materials used to make them meet international safety standards.

High-quality glasses are always equipped with instructions that describe all the features of the model you have chosen.

You can also check the quality of the lenses by contacting the specialists of the Eyewear and Fashion salon on the street. Vasenko, 4, where using optical instrument- spectrophotometer or calorimeter - you can make sure that the sunglasses you choose are safe.

It is better not to wear glasses at all than to wear poor quality glasses. Only wearing glasses with UV protection will protect your eyes. This is the first and most important thing you should pay attention to when choosing a quality product. How dark the glasses will be at the same time, and what shape they will have is already a matter of taste.

The degree of sunlight transmission and the level of protection from ultraviolet rays are two key indicators that determine the quality and scope of a particular model of sunglasses. So, let's look at how to choose sunglasses by type of protection.

The degree of protection of sunglasses

There are four levels of protection for sunglasses. Level "0" means that these glasses can only be worn on cloudy or overcast days, as they let in 80% to 100% of the sun's rays. "1" is suitable for weak sun, such as a summer evening. The degree of transmission of rays by lenses with this marking is 43 - 80%. Glasses marked "2" are suitable for strong sun, you can choose them if you decide to spend the summer in the city. They delay most sunlight, passing to the eye from 18% to 43% of the rays. "3" is suitable for relaxing by the sea, where the sun is already very intense. The percentage of transmission in them is only 8-18%. The most protected points have level "4". In such lenses, your eyes will be comfortable even on, as they let in from 3% to 8% of the sun's rays.

Information about what kind of protection sunglasses should have is worth looking at the label, which also contains information about the manufacturer. Any high-quality model should have such labels. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the higher the protection, the darker the lens. So, glasses with a protection level of "4" cannot even be used when driving a car, they are so dark.

Sunglasses with UV protection

How to determine the degree of protection of women's sunglasses, in addition to information about light transmission? To do this, there is another parameter on the label - data on how many ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB spectrum) this or that model passes. In total, there are three types of points, depending on this parameter:

1. Cosmetic- such glasses practically do not delay harmful radiation(transmission rate 80-100%), which means that they can be worn when the sun is not active.
2. General- glasses with this marking are perfect for use in the city, as their glasses reflect up to 70% of the radiation of both harmful spectra.
3. Finally, to relax by the sea or in the mountains, you need to pick up glasses marked High UV protection, as they reliably delay all harmful radiation, which multiplies many times when reflected from water.

For many people, sunglasses are an everyday accessory that allows you to emphasize style and create the look you want. However, we should not forget that these optical products perform another important function- Eye protection from UV rays. Consider what determines the degree of blocking of UV radiation in sunglasses.

Currently, there is a wide range of sunglasses on the market for ophthalmic products. The range is replete with the presence of popular brands, a variety of shapes, designs and colors. However, when buying eyeglass optics, you need to take into account not only the decorative component, but also protective properties lenses. It is important that the corrective agent provides the necessary level of protection of the organs of vision from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.

Many are interested in how to choose sunglasses according to the type of protection. We propose to look into this issue.

Should you protect your eyes from UV light?

To understand whether it is worth protecting your eyes from exposure to sunlight, you need to understand their types, the nature of their appearance and the impact on the human organs of vision. Up to 40% of the radiation is categorized as visible and allows us to distinguish colors. About 50% of the sun's rays are infrared. They make you feel warm. And finally, 10% of the sun's rays are ultraviolet radiation, invisible to human eyes. According to the wavelength, it is divided into several subcategories (long-wave - UVA, medium-wave - UVB, and short-wave - UVC).

Types of ultraviolet radiation:

• UVA - is in the range of 400-315 nm. Mostly reaches the surface of the Earth;
• UVB - is in the range of 315-280 nm. Mostly delayed by the atmosphere, but partially reaches the surface of the Earth;
• UVC - is in the range of 280-100 nm. It practically does not reach the Earth's surface (it is delayed by the ozone layer).

Do you need goggles to protect your eyes from UV rays?

Ophthalmologists say that in moderation, ultraviolet is good for the body, as it helps to strengthen the immune system, increase body tone, and even improve mood. Under the influence of UV rays in the eye, metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated, and muscle function improves. In addition, the body produces vitamin D, which strengthens musculoskeletal system, and histamine is produced - a substance that has a vasodilating effect.

However, with intense exposure, ultraviolet rays have a detrimental effect on the body, including the organs of vision. The lens captures long-wave UV radiation, gradually losing transparency and acquiring a yellowish tint. Experts recommend paying due attention to protecting the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, since clouding of the lens leads to the development of such a serious disease as cataracts. In 50% of cases in the absence timely treatment this eye disease is the cause of blindness. The mucous membrane of the eye and the cornea absorb medium-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UVB), which can significantly damage their structure under intense exposure. The use of sun protection avoids this problem.

To correctly approach the purchase, you need to decide what kind of UV protection sunglasses should have. This factor should be given priority when purchasing these products.

Why you should protect your eyes from intense ultraviolet radiation:

• The lens captures long-wave UV radiation, gradually losing transparency and acquiring a yellowish tint. This can lead to the appearance of cataracts;
• The cornea absorbs medium-wave ultraviolet (UVB) radiation, losing its optical properties.

How much protection should sunglasses have?

Many people do not know how to determine the protection of sunglasses and mistakenly believe that the darker the lenses, the better they block UV rays. However, it is not. Clear lenses can absorb harmful radiation just as well as dark lenses if they are coated with a special coating. Moreover, the pupil under dark lenses dilates, so in the absence of a filter, ultraviolet rays are easily absorbed by the lens.

Products from world famous brands without fail have a special marking that characterizes the degree of protection. Spectacle optics marked "UV400" are considered to be of the highest quality. It filters up to 99% of UVA category ultraviolet with a wavelength of up to 400 nm. However, it should be borne in mind that with the systematic wearing of such glasses in summer time a "mask" is formed on the face, since the skin around the eyes does not tan. Much more common are products labeled UV 380, which filter only 95% of UV rays. Inexpensive products provide blocking from 50% of radiation. All products that capture less than 50% of UV rays do not protect the eyes from them. negative impact. Often they are used only for decorative purposes.

Sometimes there is a label that indicates the degree of protection from UVA and UVB rays at once: “Blocks at least 80% UVB and 55% UVA”. This means that the filter applied to the surface prevents the penetration of up to 80% of UVB rays and up to 55% of UVA rays. Doctors advise choosing products where both indicators are above 50%.

In addition, there is another option for marking glasses:

• cosmetic. Optical products that block less than 50% of UV radiation. These glasses are not recommended for use on sunny days, as they do not protect the eyes from the sun;
• General - universal products with UV filters that block from 50 to 80% of UV rays. Such glasses can be used for everyday eye protection in the city, at mid-latitudes;
• High UV-protection - models with enhanced UV filters that block almost 99% of ultraviolet radiation. They can be used on a bright sunny day in the mountains, near the water, etc.

How to choose sunglasses according to the degree of darkening?

After you have decided on the degree of protection of glasses from UV radiation, you need to choose the level of their light transmission, or darkness. This parameter will determine how brightly you can perceive the world. As a rule, such marking is located on the temple of glasses and consists of two components: the name of the model and the darkness index, for example, “Cat. 3" or "Filter cat. 3".

Classification of sunglasses by darkness:

• Marking (0). This product is almost completely transparent. It transmits from 80 to 100% of visible sunlight. Such glasses are recommended for use by athletes when exercising in the absence of bright light.
• Marking (1,2). This optics has a light transmission from 43 to 80%, as well as from 18 to 43% of the light, respectively. This is the best option for wearing in low and medium solar radiation.
• Marking (3,4). These glasses should be used in very bright sunlight.

In the hot summer period for our latitudes, optical products with 2 and 3 degrees of light transmission will be the best choice. For use on summer mornings, as well as in spring and autumn, models with 1-2 degrees of dimming are suitable. Points with an indicator of 4 are recommended for travelers in extreme conditions, for example, when conquering mountains.

It should be clarified once again that the degree of darkening has nothing to do with protecting the eyes from the adverse effects of ultraviolet rays. This indicator affects only the brightness of the image perception and the comfort of wearing optical products.

What else can protection glasses have?

Modern manufacturers of sunglasses make sure that their products are as comfortable, practical and durable as possible. Therefore, in addition to the UV filter, additional coatings are often applied to the surface of products.

• Polarizing filter. Fully blocks glare - rays reflected from horizontal surfaces (water, snow-covered field, car hood, etc.);
• Anti-reflective coating. Cuts off some types of sun glare, increasing the comfort of use;
• Mirror finish. As a rule, it is applied to one degree or another on all points. Reflects visible sunlight, providing extra comfort to the eye;
• Abrasion resistant coating. Increases stability spectacle lenses to the appearance mechanical damage(scratches, cracks, etc.);
• Melanin spray. Applied to inside lenses to prevent eye fatigue.
• Gradient coverage. Allows you to increase safety while driving. The upper, darker part of the lens provides good visibility when looking at the road. In turn, the light bottom of the lenses contributes to good review dashboard.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with a wide selection of glasses and contact correction products on the website. We offer you high quality products from world brands favorable prices. With us you can easily place an order and receive the goods in the shortest possible time!