Summer is at its peak and the sun’s rays are very strong at this time of year. We all think to protect our body by applying sun screen, which is of course essential, but we often tend to neglect our eyes.

Good eye health is crucial to everyday living; we only have to have hay fever or a sore eye to realise how much we rely on these vital sensory organs. Sunglasses are a necessity for the whole family; here I will go through a few ideas for how to find the perfect pair.

Children

According to The World Health Organisation, up to 80% of exposure to UV light over a person’s lifetime occurs before the age of 18, so it is especially important that children wear sunglasses to avoid any long-term damage. Did you know, 76% of parents do not protect their children’s eyes in the sun?
Whether due to financial constraints or simply being unaware of the dangers, parents could be risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight. Staring directly into the sun can permanently scar the retina, so make sure your children’s sunglasses have 100% UV protection and carry the British Standard (BS EN 1836: 2005) or CE mark.

Style

Sunglasses are, of course, more than just protective eyewear; they are often a fashion statement that can elevate your overall look. Choosing the right pair can be a game changer, adding a dash of sophistication and flare to your style.

This particular accessory can be very expensive, especially when attached to a designer name. Before you splash the cash, it’s important to choose the right style for your face shape. Face shapes vary from round to oval, square to heart shaped, and some styles will enhance your face shape more than others.

Round faces, for example, benefit from a more angular frame, as it adds structure, while oval faces tend to suit most styles, as this shape has more balanced proportions. Once you decide the shape of your face it makes choosing the perfect ‘shades’ less of a challenge!

Frame colour

Frames also play a significant role; neutral colours like black, brown or tortoiseshell are all versatile and not only complement your colouring, they also enhance a wide range of your clothing choices. If you want to make a statement, red, blue or multi-coloured frames, as well as tinted lenses, will help make sunglasses the focal point of your look.

Try before you buy

Always try on sunglasses before making that important purchase. All brands and styles fit differently, so when you see a photo and think they will perfect, they might not suit your face shape. Indulge yourself with trying on multiple pairs; you will soon see which styles suit your face, ensuring your hard earned money has been well spent!