How to Know the Quality of Your Sunglasses
How To Know The Quality Of Your Sunglasses
Updated on 17 May 2024 • Chloe from Kraywoods
Why do people wear sunglasses? Well, the main reason would be to ensure the maximum protection of the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. But, how can you be so sure that your sunglasses are giving you the protection that you need?
You’ll be surprised to know that not all sunglasses are equipped with double gradient lenses that filter out and blo1k 00% of the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. So, what can you do? Is there a test at home that you can perform? We're going to tell you exactly what to look for when shopping for high-quality men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses. Are you ready for the big reveal?
Let's explore the 7 ways to know the quality of your sunglasses and what you need to look for when purchasing high-quality sunglasses.
- Look For the UV Protection Label
- Test Your Sunglasses With a UV Flashlight
- Check the Expiration Date
- Watch Out For Dark Sunglasses
- Know What Polarization Is
- Check with an optometrist
- Check the lens quality
7 Ways To Know The Quality of Your Sunglasses
Should you do a sunglasses test online? No need, you just have to be a little more attentive. We know how disappointing it can be to want a pair of shades but can't get it because of their quality. High end sunglasses will be around for a long time. So, you might as well just look for the small details that make the big difference. Let's check them out
1. Look For The UV Protection Label
Trusted brands will produce the best sunglasses for eye protection. So, they will always indicate the type of UV protection on their labels. You can come across them in two ways: you either see the 100% UV protection or the UV filter category UV 400.
Sunglasses with a UV 400 lens block all light rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nanometers, which covers all UVA and UVB rays. The number one advice would be to always look out for either of these labels when you're shopping for wraparound sunglasses to make sure they provide the best UV protection for your eyes from sun exposure.
2. Test Your Sunglasses With a UV Flashlight
How can you tell if sunglasses are polarized? This is a question that is often asked. There is a simple test at home. It may seem ridiculous but it actually works! If you have a UV flashlight at home, you can use it to test your sunglasses' quality. Shine the light against any paper money. When the watermark from the bill lights up, put your prescription sunglasses in front of it. If it disappears, it has UV protection. It's as simple as it gets!
Apart from releasing UV light, which your eyes can not see, the flashlight will also release visible light. Some of the bright light will make it through your glass lenses and illuminate the paper. Just make sure to distinguish the differences between the straight UV light compared to when it passes through the lens, and the visible light hits the test subject.
Remember that if the visible light cannot penetrate your lens, then that would be abnormal, and in this case, you wouldn't be able to see anything through your sunglasses at all!
3. Check The Expiration Date
Well, this is odd. Did you know sunglasses have an expiration date? They do! The normal expiration of a pair of sunglasses is when it reaches two to three years and above. But, why do sunglasses expire? When they’re exposed to UV rays over time, the UV protection and special lens coatings of the lens gets damaged. As a result, it no longer becomes effective.
4. Watch Out For Dark Sunglasses
It is a common misconception to think that the darker your sunglasses are, the better they can protect your eyes from the sun. The reality is, the darkness of the lens doesn’t necessarily mean it can block UV rays more effectively. If the sunglasses are dark but not equipped with 100% UV protection lenses, then they are not protecting your eyes efficiently.
Dark high-quality sunglasses are mainly great to filter out ambient light and glare. However, there is a problem with dark sunglasses: they make your pupils open which lets more light actually enter your eyes. When the sunglasses aren't UV protected, the extra exposure to UV rays increases your chances of getting cataracts and macular degeneration. If you're opting for dark sunglasses, make sure to check that they are equipped with 100 percent maximum uv protection lenses.
5. Know What Polarization Is
Polarized sunglasses are becoming more and more popular to own. For a good reason, of course! Polarized glasses re equipped with a filter that only lets vertically-oriented light pass through and blocks horizontally-oriented light. Three things happen in this case:
- Polarized lenses reduce glare.
- They enhance contrast.
- They improve visual clarity and comfort.
Although polarized lenses are not essential for blocking the sun’s UV rays, however, they are an added protection for your eyes. As a result, they allow clearer vision in the sun, which can be useful specifically when driving or play sports.
Polarized sunglasses are strongly recommended if you're looking to buy a pair of good quality sunglasses. But, keep in mind that there are a few circumstances where polarized lenses may be less appropriate such as
- Night Driving
- LCD Screens
- Auto Dashboards
- Clocks
- Instrument Displays
Educate yourself on the difference of polarized sunglasses Vs non-polarized, it might come in handy when you're choosing high quality and durable frames.
6. Check with an Optometrist
If you want to be make sure that your good quality sunglasses are suitable for eye protection, you can have them tested by simply taking them to the nearest optical shop. Opticians and Optometrists have the right tools to test your sunglasses and find out what type of sunglasses lenses they are made of.
As per Dr. Andrea Thau, a New York-based optometrist and past president of the American Optometric Association, there is a way you can determine whether your sunglasses are safe or not by bringing them to your optometrist during your yearly comprehensive eye examination. She states: "We have methods of testing their UV protection, and unluckily, you cannot tell if they have UV protection from just looking at them."
7. Check The Lens Quality
The most crucial factor to check the quality of your sunglasses photochromic lenses would be for your optician to have a look. As per Muse Amawi, general manager of SEE Eyewear and New York optician, "The quality of the lens and mirror coating is what's important." Amawi also added, "Cheaper frames can be effective as long as you are getting them from an optical brand and not a fashion brand."
What to Look for When Purchasing High-Quality Sunglasses?
Now that you have an idea on how to evaluate the quality of your sunglasses, you're ready to take things to another level. In other words, you're ready to purchase a pair of high-quality and stylish sunglasses that will ensure optimal protection from the sun's harmful uv absorption that can lead to macular degeneration. Here's what you need to know beforehand for your next eyewear shopping trip:
1. How Does The Packaging Look?
Believe it or not, packaging can tell you a lot about a certain product. Though it is not the main thing you are paying for, however, it does give some sort of insight on the quality of the sunglasses. Keep in mind that marketers and designers put a lot of thought, planning and effort on the packaging to increase sales. When it comes to the high-end brands, it is more advanced and upscale.
With that said, packaging is a delicate detail in identifying authentic products, not just for sunglasses, but for every designer product in general. The right sunglasses come with top-end quality packaging and accessories like pouch, case, or cleaning cloth.
Every pair of Kraywoods wooden sunglasses come in a hard protective box, a vegan leather case, a pouch made from recycled linen and a micro-fiber cloth that ensures thorough cleaning.
2. What Material Is Used for The Frame?
High-quality frames make for good quality and durable glasses. Thus, the material used for the frame is an essential factor to look out for while shopping for sunglasses. You can usually find sunglasses made from these following material: wood, metal, acetate or a little bit of everything!
Kraywoods sunglasses are made with a variety of sustainably sourced veneer woods, stainless steel metal and premium acetate. The wooden sunglasses are all manufactured to be sweat resistant and water resistant, which allows the sunglasses to be more durable and long lasting. Additionally, all the sunglasses are handcrafted from raw materials that are ethically sourced to promote sustainable business growth. Take a look at our Oxford wooden sunglasses and you'll see what we mean.
3. Do Nose-Pads Feel Smooth?
As mentioned earlier, the smallest details can make a difference. One thing that can help you figure out the quality of your sunglasses are nose pads. Often it is seen that the counterfeit sunglasses have very tough nose-pads. The edge of the plastic lenses is not smooth which feels scratchy on the nose. The pads in the branded ones are a bit flexible and can fit the ergonomics of the nose and do not hurt the wearer.
4. How Do The Hinges Feel?
Have you ever experienced squeaky hinges? If so, they show a sign of poorly manufactured sunglasses. Also, if the wands do not bend smoothly, that indicates cheap quality too. Luxurious sunglasses are often equipped with stainless steel barrel or spring hinges. These hinges are very durable and will offer a high-quality feel and a more comfortable fit with the sunglasses.
5. Are the Lenses High-Quality?
The purpose of wearing sunglasses is to protect the eyes from sun damage. We're not going to lie, part of us also wants to look fashionable and stylish with our sunglasses. You still can as long as the quality polycarbonate lenses serve you best against harmful UV rays.
Kraywoods uses UV400 polarized lenses and reflective surfaces, which block out 100% of the UV rays, enhances contrast and eliminates all reflections and glare; So, rest assured about the quality of sunglasses lenses you are getting.
6. Does The Detailing Translate Into A Fine and Polished Look?
The details can make a significant difference in the appearance of any pair of sunglasses. Sometimes, it can determine how comfortable and useful the pair of glasses turn out to be. Handcrafted shades are made with excellent detailing and care, ensuring the perfect outcome. This meticulous attention to the details distinguishes high-quality sunglasses from cheap ones.
Congratulations! You can now officially consider yourself as a sunglasses connoisseur! You now know exactly what to look for when shopping for trendy high-quality sunglasses. The perfect pair is waiting to be worn by you! However, there are two important things you should remember: Never leave your house without them and look for a pair of glasses for your face shape! Now you're ready to shop your next pair of high quality sunglasses!
