How to choose sunglasses

Good-quality sunglasses aren't cheap, so to avoid wasting them, the first thing to do is choose the right model. This applies to both the filter and lenses, as well as the colors and shape best suited to your face. The information leaflet, which should be read carefully, contains three key details: the category and type of sun filter, the optical class, and the manufacturer's name.

Index of topics

The sunscreen

This is the most important part of sunglasses, and it's essential that they have a 100 percent UV filter, or a UV400 filter. It's best if they have a CE mark (which guarantees that the glasses are manufactured in compliance with European Union safety standards), which is the best guarantee of eyewear quality standards. The first type of filter completely blocks all UVA and UVB rays, preventing harmful UV radiation from passing through. UV400 protection is even more comprehensive: it indicates the wavelength in nanometers and guarantees that the lenses block all UV rays up to 400 nanometers. It's essentially the most complete protection.

On the contrary, sunglasses without these protections are even more dangerous than not wearing them, even on a sunny day: without the right filter, the pupil dilates due to the darkness and UV rays have the possibility of penetrating even more easily and deeply into the eyes.

Polarized lenses

Polarized lenses in sunglasses are a guarantee of both safety and comfort.

They eliminate reflections (water, snow, asphalt): the light thus becomes “cleaner” (it's like removing a veil from before your eyes) and more relaxing.
They improve visual comfort and reduce fatigue.
They are perfect for the guide, the sea, and the mountain.

The color

Choosing the color of your glasses is a personal choice and reflects your personal taste. However, each color has a specific effect, which you should be aware of. Clear lenses block only UV rays; green, brown, and gray have a more soothing effect; yellow is ideal for skiers on cloudy skies because it attenuates light contrasts; and, in general, along with orange, it's the perfect color for low-light conditions.

The frame

The frame should be chosen first of all based on the shape of the face.

Round face: square or rectangular frames.
Square face: round or oval shapes.
Oval face: a face shape that lends itself well to any type of frame.
Long face: large or oversized frames.

The fit

Fit is often overlooked when it comes to sunglasses, but this is a mistake because you risk ending up with uncomfortable and unhelpful glasses. For a well-calibrated fit, sunglasses:

They don't have to tighten on the temples.
They don't have to slide down the nose.
They must have lenses that cover the eye well, so that the sun does not enter from either side.

The brand

Sunglasses made in Italy are among the most popular in the world, for their elegance, quality, safety, and workmanship. It's important, however, to avoid purchasing Chinese products (those without the CE marking on the label or frame): their low price hides serious safety risks, primarily the fact that they don't guarantee the minimum standard protection from UVA and UVB rays. Without this crucial protection provided by sunglasses, excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause retinal damage, premature cataracts , and eye strain.