Everyone loves to wear sunglasses as they take care of your eye health and add a spark to your personality. We always pay attention to the design and look of the sunglasses and avoid the most crucial point while choosing the sunglasses which is their quality. Cheap sunglasses easily fit our budget but saving a small amount can damage your eye health. Some reasons have proven that one should not choose cheap sunglasses.
- Inadequate UV Protection
Cheap sunglasses frequently do not offer sufficient UV protection. They might assert to filter out UV rays, yet without the necessary certification or examination, their reliability is uncertain. Too much exposure to UV rays can result in severe eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer near the eyes.
2. Poor Lens Quality
The lenses in cheap sunglasses are usually made from substandard materials. These materials might cause vision problems or lead to issues like haziness or discomfort. On the flip side, top-notch lenses adhere to rigorous criteria for sharpness and optical efficiency, guaranteeing a more comfortable and precise sight experience.
3. Lack of Durability
Inferior sunglasses often feature weak frames and lenses that are susceptible to cracking or getting scratched. This not only shortens their lifespan but also endangers their eye health. A damaged lens or frame could harm your eyes, particularly during outdoor pursuits or sports.
4.No Protection against Glare
Sunglasses of good quality are engineered to minimize glare efficiently, improving visibility in sunny conditions. Cheap sunglasses might not have the right polarization or anti-glare treatments, leaving them unable to offer sufficient protection from sunlight bouncing off surfaces like water, snow, or pavement.
5. Potential for Pupil Dilation
Wearing sunglasses that do not block UV rays can actually be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all. When lenses don’t filter UV light, your pupils may dilate behind the lenses, allowing more harmful UV rays to enter your eyes. This increases the risk of UV-related eye damage over time.
6. False Sense of Security
One of the sneakiest dangers of purchasing cheap sunglasses is the misleading sense of security they can create. If you think you’re shielded from harmful UV rays with subpar sunglasses, you might spend more time outdoors without taking the necessary safety measures, which in turn, increases the risk of eye harm.
7. Impact on Vision Quality
Cheap sunglasses frequently lack the advanced optical quality checks found in more expensive brands. This can lead to lenses that are not properly ground or polished, resulting in visual distortions like astigmatism or haziness. Poor optical quality can also cause eye strain and discomfort, particularly when worn for long periods.
8. Potential Allergies and Skin Reactions
The low-cost materials used in cheap sunglasses, such as nickel or other metals, can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations around the eyes and on the bridge of the nose. This discomfort can render the sunglasses unbearable and diminish their protective benefits.
9. Shorter Lifespan
Due to their inferior materials and construction, cheap sunglasses typically have a much shorter lifespan compared to higher-quality, branded options. They are more prone to bending, breaking, or losing their shape over time, which means you may end up spending more money replacing them frequently.
10. Absence of Warranty and Customer Support
Reputable sunglasses brands often offer warranties and reliable customer support services. This means if your sunglasses break or have a manufacturing defect, you can easily get them repaired or replaced. Cheap sunglasses, however, usually come with no such guarantees, leaving you with little recourse if something goes wrong.
11. Environmental Impact
Cheap sunglasses are often made from non-recyclable or poorly recyclable materials. When they inevitably break or are discarded, they contribute to environmental waste. Choosing quality sunglasses made from sustainable materials or from brands committed to environmental stewardship can help reduce your carbon footprint.
12. Consideration of Style and Fashion Trends
Branded sunglasses often follow established styles and fashion trends, offering a wider variety of designs, colors, and frame shapes to suit different preferences. Cheap sunglasses may have limited options and can quickly become outdated, making it harder to find a style that matches your personal taste and lifestyle.
Choosing the right sunglasses involves more than just picking a stylish pair. Here are some tips to help you select sunglasses that provide adequate protection and comfort for your eyes:
Tips on Choosing Sunglasses
- UV Protection
Look for UV 400 or 100% UV protection: Ensure the sunglasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays or are labeled UV 400, which indicates they block all wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.
- Check for certification: Sunglasses that meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or CE (European Conformity) standards for UV protection offer reliable assurance of their effectiveness.
- Lens Quality
– Opt for high-quality lenses: Choose sunglasses with lenses made from polycarbonate or Trivex for durability and impact resistance. These materials also provide excellent optical clarity.
- Consider polarized lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or roads, enhancing visual comfort and clarity.
- Fit and Comfort
-Ensure a proper fit: Sunglasses should fit comfortably on your face without pinching or sliding down your nose. Look for adjustable nose pads or temples for a customized fit.
-Check coverage: Sunglasses should adequately cover your eyes and the surrounding area to prevent sunlight from entering around the edges.
- Frame Material and Design
-Choose lightweight and durable frames: Materials like acetate, nylon, or metal alloys are durable and lightweight, providing long-lasting comfort.
–Consider frame style: Select a style that complements your face shape and personal taste. Popular styles include aviators, wayfarers, round frames, and sport-specific designs.
- Lens Color and Tint
-Select lens color based on activity: Different lens colors enhance visibility in specific conditions. For example, gray lenses maintain natural color perception, while amber or brown lenses enhance contrast for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing.
– Avoid very dark lenses: Extremely dark lenses may dilate your pupils, allowing more harmful UV rays to enter your eyes.
- Brand Reputation and Warranty
-Choose reputable brands: Established brands often prioritize quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. They may also offer warranties or guarantees that protect your investment.
-Read reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from other users to gauge the sunglasses’ performance, durability, and overall satisfaction.
- Consider Prescription Needs
–Opt for prescription sunglasses: If you wear corrective lenses, consider getting prescription sunglasses. Many brands offer prescription options or can customize lenses to your prescription requirements.
- Price vs. Quality
Balance cost and quality: While price can be an indicator of quality, it’s not always definitive. Evaluate sunglasses based on their features, materials, and UV protection rather than solely on price.
- Use Case and Activities
Choose sunglasses suitable for your activities: Consider where and how you’ll use the sunglasses most. For sports, choose frames that stay secure during movement, and for daily wear, prioritize comfort and style.
- Try Before You Buy
– Visit a reputable retailer: Try on sunglasses in person to assess how they feel and look on your face. Ensure they provide adequate coverage and fit securely before making a purchase.
By following these tips, you can make an informed decision when choosing sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also suit your lifestyle and fashion preferences. Remember, investing in quality eyewear contributes to better eye health and enhanced visual comfort in various lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Investing in your eye health with high-quality sunglasses is an investment in both comfort and protection. By choosing sunglasses from reputable brands known for their optical standards, durability, and customer satisfaction, you ensure that your eyes receive the best possible care against UV radiation and glare. Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable, so prioritize their well-being by opting for quality eyewear that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
FAQ
Why is UV protection important in sunglasses?
UV protection in sunglasses helps shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to various eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea).
Are polarized sunglasses better?
Polarized sunglasses are beneficial for reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, or roads. They enhance visual comfort and clarity, especially in bright conditions. However, polarization does not necessarily provide additional UV protection; look for sunglasses that are both polarized and offer UV protection.
What are the best sunglasses for driving?
Sunglasses for driving should have polarized lenses to reduce glare from the road and other vehicles. Gray or brown lenses are popular choices as they maintain natural color perception while enhancing contrast and clarity.
Can I wear sunglasses with prescription lenses?
Yes, many brands offer prescription sunglasses that can be customized to your specific vision correction needs. You can choose from a variety of frame styles and lens options to match your prescription requirements.
How often should I replace my sunglasses?
Replace your sunglasses when they become scratched, lose their shape, or no longer provide adequate UV protection. As a general guideline, consider replacing your sunglasses every 1-2 years if worn regularly or sooner if damaged.
