Women's Sunglasses

The UV Factor

Your first and foremost concern when purchasing women's sunglasses should be the amount of UV protection provided by the lenses. Ultraviolet radiation can damage both your eyes and skin; in fact, prolonged exposure to bright sunlight can cause extensive damage to the corneas and conjunctivas of the eyes. Moreover, many eye diseases such as cataracts are caused and aggravated by sunlight, which is why the United States government has proposed that all sunglasses, whether prescription or non-prescription, provide adequate blockage of ultraviolet rays. This includes both types of UV rays, the UVB and UVA. UVB requirements include the prevention of 99 percent of rays, whereas UVA is limited to a protection requirement of 95 percent.

Moreover, if eyewear makes no claim of UV protection, it is assumed that very little protection is provided. Lenses that are polarized protect from glare but they do not include UV blocking measures without the addition of other materials. And plastic lenses that are not treated with ray-blocking materials will not prevent your eyes from damage; so be vigilant when purchasing your sunglasses.

Types of UV protection

Women's sunglasses provide several types of lens treatments for the protection against ultraviolet radiation:

Blue-Blocking Plastic Lenses

If a pair of women's sunglasses boasts blue-blocking lenses, this means that blue, red, and amber lights are all blocked. However, though these lenses protect from sun damage, their wearers often find it difficult to distinguish between traffic lights, which makes these sunglasses far from ideal driving glasses.

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic Lenses protect the eyes from glare and UV radiation as well as bright sunlight. But above all, they do not cause color distortion which makes them superior to blue-blocking lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses

Generally the preferred choice of athletes, polycarbonate lenses protect from UV radiation; moreover, these lenses are such a stalwart defense that they can protect the eyes from physical injuries during sports.

The Fashion Aspect of Women's Sunglasses

Now that health and safety have been taken into consideration, the aesthetic appeal of your sunglasses should be the next major concern. High profile designers have been busily inculcating their influence into the world of eyewear. The designs of women's sunglasses have gone above and beyond colored lenses.

Some example of leading eyewear designers are:

• Chanel
• Dior
• Valentino
• Burberry
• Fendi
• Gucci
• Prada

In fact, nearly every major designer has his own take on the fashion of eyewear. Celebrities are largely into the accessory power of sunglasses. Whether you choose ample insect-inspired lenses paraded on the catwalk, or striking rectangular lenses that hit up the coffee house scene, the ambiance of your outfit can be fully accentuated by a proper choice of lenses.

Christian Dior makes many frisky colorful styles that add a touch of wild girlishness to you persona. Famous for the large lenses that you've seen on stars like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, Dior is a big name in eyewear because of its attention to color and distinguishing designs. Actually, there is a decent argument for the idea that sunglasses can actually "make your outfit", especially where large bug-eye lenses are concerned. After all, Jackie-O is remembered as much for her eyewear as she is for her Chanel couture. And just looking at a set of Dior Baby Shine lilac lenses is enough to inspire your American Express card into action.

Purchasing Information

Generally, it is best to purchase your sunglasses in-store from reputable retailers in order to ensure that your sunglasses are genuine designer products, and also that the fit of the frame is secure on your face. The Sunglass Hut is a reliable place to purchase designer styles and receive quality customer service, fitting, and warranty agreements.

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