Sunglasses: Research your needs

In order to end up with the sunglasses best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of sunglasses are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in sunglasses.

Research the market: Sunglasses essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the sunglasses market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Frame Type: The first place to start is with the frame. Frames are made of metal, plastic (polycarbonate or optyl), nylon, carbon, or a combination. Aviator sunglasses are a popular metal frame style that other frames are based on. Grilamid frames are made to withstand hazards that might occur in the outdoors while hiking, running, or even climbing. Hydrated nylon models will return to their original shape even if they are stepped on. Hydrophilic glasses are made to stick to the face even in the wettest of conditions, while wrap around glasses block out the sun entirely and allow full peripheral vision. 'Fit over' sunglasses fit over your prescription lenses and are a cheaper alternative than having prescription sunglass lenses made.

Types of Lenses: Whether you prefer glass, plastic, or stronger impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, the type of lens you choose depends on the type of activity you do. Lenses made of harder plastic resins tend to be used for sport because they are either shatter resistant or shatter proof. Many quality models are also scratch resistant, which helps lenses last longer, but has no effect on overall eye protection. Polarized lenses are great for water sports or fishing, or regular use. Sunglasses should be both ultraviolet light type A (UVA) and type B (UVB) resistant.

Coating: Blue-light filtering, flash coating, anti-reflective lenses (AR), mirror coating (best for high altitudes, water, wind, or snow), and even silver or gold coatings are available. Each type has a specific function, so it's best to read the manufacturer's claims. Regular gradient-coated lenses are shaded from top to bottom, while double-gradient models are shaded at both ends. Photochromic coatings will lighten and darken dependent upon how much environmental light is present.

Shade Coloring: Some amber-tinted lenses reduce glare, while brown lenses help lessen the strain on your eyes in the outdoors. Newer, gray-neutral lenses also help reduce glare, but don't distort colors. Green is often referred to as the best color for most general-purpose uses, while rose-colored glasses are great for regular daylight use. Yellow, on the other hand, is used for low-light conditions.

Bridge: One part of sunglasses that many don't consider is the bridge, which connects the two eyepieces over the upper nose. This part should not be too tight, but fit snuggly, without applying pressure on either side. The weight of the glasses should not rest here.

Hinges: The hinges are what connect the eyepieces to the earpiece side frames that rest or fit over the upper ears. These allow the frames to fold. These should fit tightly together and are most generally made of steel with springs inside to help the glasses fit closely to your face. Some modern hinges are made of nylon with a metal piece that connects it.

Kid's Sunglasses: Kid's sunglasses are made to match the complexity and durability of adult sunglasses. Sunglasses designed for children should be UVA and UVB resistant and are most often made of polycarbonate.

Sport Specific Models: The popularity of sport-specific sunglasses has been on the rise for over a decade. Professional athletes who don their own designer brand have allowed sunglasses sales to skyrocket. Sunglasses designed for sport are both fashionable and useful. Many are designed for action sports, such as those designed for use on motorcycles which help eliminate dust, wind, and debris from entering the frame. Sport sunglasses are lightweight, slip resistant, impact resistant, have anti-fog lenses and offer UVA and UVB protection.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in sunglasses. For example, will you use the sunglasses only for when you are driving?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have I used sunglasses before?
	If you have used sunglasses, work out what you did or didn't like about the sunglasses. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What kind of sunglasses am I looking for?
	A stylish pair of en vogue sunglasses might look great, but are they what you really need in the long run? Whether you're looking for a durable pair of sunglasses for a particular sport or are considering prescription sunglasses, a pair that fits your practical needs is always the optimal choice.

What kind of sunglasses will work well for my needs?
	Sunglasses are great when you are outdoors, but poor-quality ones might do more harm than good. Whether you simply want a pair for leisurely walks, fishing, or an extreme sport, invest some time into researching what glasses are going to protect your sight the best. Frame and lens types are constructed and designed for the type of activity (or inactivity) you have in mind.

If I am replacing an older pair of sunglasses, what did or didn't I like?
	A heavy, uncomfortable, or poorly designed pair of sunglasses is not enjoyable to wear. Some can actually cause headaches or nausea because of their weight on certain pressure points. Buying a pair of sunglasses that are light and that fit comfortably are important considerations. If you liked gradient-coated lenses, for example, then you could find a newer pair of sunglasses with that feature.

Am I purchasing sunglasses for my child or teenager?
	Kid's sunglasses or those designed for teenagers have smaller frames and the lenses are nearly always shatter resistant. If your child needs prescription sunglasses, then having a checkup at the ophthalmologist is always a good idea.

How much can I budget for a pair of sunglasses?
	Like regular eyewear, sunglasses can be expensive. Specialty models designed for sport are expensive. Custom designed pairs are the most expensive type on the market.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of sunglasses and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

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