How to Pick Sunglasses

Everyone wants sunglasses that are fashionable and protect their eyes. Still, there are other considerations, and quality sunglasses can be a pretty big investment, so read these steps for some suggestions that may help you.
Steps
1Get some that offer good protection from the sun. There should be a sticker on the lens telling you if they do. Perhaps the first consideration will be that they block 100% of UV-A and UV-B (or ultraviolet A and B) light, since these wavelengths of light can damage your eyes.
2ecide whether you need polarized or non-polarized lenses. Polarized lenses decrease the amount of glare by filtering out defracted, or bent, light waves, which can be an advantage to drivers and fishermen.
3Check how much light they block. For extremely bright light situations, such as walking on snow or bright sandy beaches, darker glasses will relieve a lot of the strain on your eyes. Long term exposure to very bright light, particularly reflected off of snow, white sand, or water, can cause photokeratisis (snowblindness), a type of "sunburn" of the cornea, which is a painful, temporary form of blindness.
4Make sure the lenses offer protection for your entire retina from UV light. Narrow, small lenses may look good, but curved lenses which "wrap" slightly around your face give better protection.
5Choose sunglasses made with impact resistant glass or plastic lenses. This will decrease the chance of severe eye injuries in the event you are struck in the eye and the lens shatters.
6Pick a color which does not distort or otherwise effect your eye's ability to distinguish colors. The American volunteer eye saftey organisation, Prevent Blindness America recommends amber, grey, brown, or green lenses.
7Check the weight of your sunglasses. If you don't want to carry a heavy pair, choose some that are lightweight.
8Make sure the sunglasses fit properly. Try them on and make sure they don't pinch around your head. But make sure they are not too big. Leave them on for a few minutes and see if they start to hurt.
9Look in the mirror that should be provided. See if they suit you. You should be able to tell how they look on your face.
10Take a friend for a second opinion. Make sure it is someone who will be honest and tell you if they suit you or not.
11Think of your face shape. Not all sunglasses look great on all people. The right sunglasses will flatter your face shape:
-Aviator are good with any type, but best with an oval shape face;
-Rounded frames are great with a square face;
-Rectangular frames are great with a heart shaped face, and square frames are great with a round face.
12Try aviator shades. They are perfect for any look and give any outfit a cool retro vibe. They're timeless.
13Try oversize frames. They glam up any outfit, but be sure you look good with them on, and not cheap or like a bug.
14Find unique frames. Frames are a reflection of your personal style. Too many people wear the same frames each season, so get some different ones if you're looking for fashion. Vintage shades are awesome. Alternatively, go for a classic look and wear it year to year to save yourself some money.
15Be picky. There are loads of different sizes and styles, so keep trying them until you find the ones that are just right for you.
16Be aware that as in most purchases, price will have a bearing on quality, and because you should consider your vision priceless, it would be wise to consider investing in protection for them carefully.
17Use the same approach to buying sunglasses for children, especially since they often spend much of their time outdoors. Never buy cheap, toy sunglasses for kids, rather, purchase protective, properly fitting quality sunglasses.
Tips
1Always put your sunglasses in a hardcover case to protect them when traveling out and about; otherwise you might sit on them and mangle them.
2Think about how you will be using the sunglasses.
-If you are athletic, you may want sunglasses that will stay on when you play basketball, keep bugs out of your eyes when you ride your bike, or not steam up if you're sweating.
-Do you need them to wrap around and keep the sun out of the sides of your eyes, too?
-Some shooters and other sportsmen prefer amber or even yellow lenses for their sports, since these are purported to improve their vision, as well as protecting their eyes.
3Consider "clip on" type glasses if you wear a prescription lens eyeglass. If your prescription glasses are already 100% UV blocking material, all you will need is a lens which sufficiently blocks glare and bright light to reduce eyestrain.