There are so many styles to choose from, how do you choose the best sunglasses for you? The following are some important points to consider.

Sunglasses are a necessary form of protection for anyone venturing outdoors. Sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and protecting our eyes from sun-related eye problems. With that said, there have never been more choices of sunglasses, designs, technology and styles to choose from.

Whether your sunglass needs are a pair of designer sunglasses, sunglasses for your kids, sports and performance sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription sunglasses, it will be difficult to select just one pair.

There are some useful tips to help you when shopping for sunglasses. It is important that the frame fits comfortably on the face; if you choose a frame that is too large, keep in mind that it can often be adjusted. If metal frames are chosen, they can sometimes be slightly bent for a better fit, plastic frames can often be heated for a better fit. There are recommendations for finding sunglasses shapes and colors that complement the shape and color of your own face. Ask your salesperson for ideas. It should be noted that sunglasses in general are getting larger sizes as wearers want maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

It is also important to buy only sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, the labels must be attached to the lenses. It’s a good idea to wear sunglasses that block the sun from all angles by wearing a large pair of glasses that wrap around your face. A wide-brimmed hat can also be worn for added protection.

Designer sunglasses have never been more abundant or popular. Sunglasses are often in tune with the particular image that the designer has already created with their clothing, advertising and accessory designs. Most of the time, if you like a designer’s clothing, you’ll appreciate their sunglasses line. The only way to know for sure is by trying on your glasses and finding out which one fits you best. Along with designer sunglasses, celebrities are bringing out designs. Like designers, they try to be consistent with the image they have created through their music, movies, television, and modeling.

Sunglasses are just as important for children as they are for adults, probably even more so considering that most children spend more time playing outside in direct sunlight than adults. However, it can be a bit difficult to get your children to wear sunglasses when they are outdoors. Fortunately, the kid’s sunglasses options are quite appealing to kids, and hopefully the designs available will keep them wearing the glasses on a regular basis. Children’s sunglasses are available for purchase at specialist sunglass stores, opticians and optical chain stores and at your optician. It should be noted that sunglasses lenses are impact resistant (this is required by the FDA) but not shatterproof, which is why many parents prefer polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses for their children’s sunglasses. as they are strong and durable. Sports sunglasses and sports glasses are another option for children instead of regular sunglasses, as sports sunglasses will be more durable. Sunglass clips can also be purchased for children’s prescription glasses.

The popularity of outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, golf, sailing and kayaking have created top-of-the-line designs and excellent technology in sports eyewear. Sports sunglasses are available in durable, lightweight materials, flexible designs with no slip designs, and wonderful lens options. Tinted lenses are made in a variety of shades to aid efficiency in certain situations. Polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses are extremely strong and impact resistant, which benefits those involved in high-impact sports. Polarized lenses are a great option for people who play sports like sailing and skiing that involve water and snow. Of course, there are multipurpose sunglasses, with some sunglasses featuring an interchangeable lens system design that offer different lenses for different conditions.

Prescription eyewear wearers can purchase prescription eyewear in all styles and options of regular sunglasses. The great thing about having prescription sunglasses is that you can wear your sunglasses outdoors and not have to continually search for your clip-on eyeglass shields. Prescription sunglasses are available for basic to high prescription needs with bifocal and progressive lens options. Prescription sunglasses are also available in designer and celebrity designs, unless there is a sharp curve in the wrapper, which could cause distortion. Photochromic lenses are a convenient option that allow the wearer to go from sunlight where the lenses would be dark to indoors where the lenses become lighter, unfortunately with these particular sunglasses the UV rays are not in the lens unless specially applied.

Over-the-counter (flat) sunglasses come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and materials. Shapes and styles for men and women range from sporty, retro, rectangular, futuristic and glam to jeweled and embellished looks. Jackie O shapes and a variety of tinted lenses from blue to coral are the hottest styles right now. There are also designs, which come in rimless and semi rimless options. Frame materials include plastic, metal, and specialty metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium—all offering lightness and durability. The classic ’50s and ’60s aviator style is another popular choice. Jewels and rhinestones on the front or on the temples is another trend.

Sunglasses come in more designs and styles than imaginable. It has never been more fashionable to be sure. Regardless of the design you select, the bottom line is that sunglasses protect an important asset: your eyes. Everyone is susceptible to sun-related eye problems, which can range from UV light damage to the cornea and retina to cataracts. Protecting your eyes is of utmost importance to ensure your eye health in the future. Always make sure you buy lenses with 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.