Choose the Perfect Sunglasses for Men

Are you searching for the perfect men’s sunglasses? A pair that goes well with the shape of your face, the color of your eyes and your personal style, with all the features you need? Use this guide to find the sunglasses that are right for you.

What To Consider When Choosing Men’s Sunglasses

There’s no doubt about it. Shades can be the height of cool, but only if they suit your individual style and features. A pair of sunglasses that look great on your friend may not be a good fit for you.

Keep the following in mind when choosing sunglasses that make a statement and protect your eyes:
The shape of your face
The key to choosing eyeglass frames is to find a style that complements your face shape.

Faces are usually categorized as:

Round – the width of your face is roughly the same as the length between your forehead and chin. Your jawline is curved, not angular.

Heart – your chin is the smallest area of your face and your jawline is long and somewhat pointed.

Square – like a round face, the measurements of your face are similar up and down and side to side, except the jawline is sharp and angular rather than curved.

Oval – your face is longer than it is wide, your jawline is curved and your forehead is large.

Sunglasses Styles

Eyeglass designers have many names for their creations, but there are some classic styles that never go out of style:

• Aviator sunglasses – as the name suggests, these sunglasses were originally developed for pilots, and the frames are classic, teardrop and square shaped.
• Wayfarer sunglasses – developed in the 1950s, they were among the first sunglasses with plastic frames. The Blues Brothers made these shades famous.
• Clubmaster – Known as cool, sophisticated and retro, Wayfarers boast thick browlines  and may have a tortoiseshell design or a different hue than the rest of the shades.
• Wrap-around sunglasses – often worn on the beach, wrap-around shades are equally popular with athletes and other active people who want an extra layer of protection against sun and dust.
• Round sunglasses – these frames are as popular today as they were when John Lennon wore them.

Which Face Shapes Go Best with Which Sunglasses Style?

• Round Face – Aviators and wrap-around sunglasses
• Heart Face – Aviators, round and wrap-around sunglasses
• Oval Face - Aviator, Wayfarers, wrap-around and Clubmaster sunglasses
• Square Face – Aviators, Wayfarers, round and wrap-around

Colors and Designs

When choosing sunglasses, think about your skin tone, hair color, [eye color] and what shades of clothing you like to wear. Sometimes eyewear can really make an outfit, and in other cases it can clash. Consider investing in more than one pair of sunglasses to suit your different moods  and styles.

Protecting Your Eyes

Taking time to select sunglasses that flatter your appearance is a priority, but so is protecting your eyes and safeguarding your vision. UV rays can damage your eyes, so choose a pair that  screens out 100% of these harmful rays.

To shield your eyes from glare, particularly if you spend a lot of time on the slopes or the beach, invest in polarized lenses that are specially treated to dim light rays and reduce glare. Polarized lenses can also make driving easier, especially when there is a lot of glare, such as when the roads are wet.

If you regularly wear eyeglasses, consider photochromic lenses that get darker when exposed to bright light. This means you can wear one pair of glasses that will also become sunglasses.

Your Lifestyle

If you like skiing, biking and other outdoor sports, choose sunglasses that are suited to those activities. Skiers should wear glare-resistant sunglasses that wrap around and prevent harsh winds and debris from reaching the eyes. Consider sunglasses with shatter-resistant lenses if you play sports, such as baseball, that could damage your sunglasses if a ball hits them.

Are you ready to find the stylish shades that will not only make you look terrific but keep your eyes healthier? For a wide selection of prescription sunglasses, make an appointment with Dr. Alicia Harrison, at Laguna Eyes Optometry in Laguna Beach.

Q: Why do we need sunglasses?

• A: Prolonged exposure to UV rays raises the risk of developing macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and pterygium, among other eye conditions. Sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection significantly lower that risk.

Q: What are some disadvantages of photochromic lenses?

• A: Photochromic lenses are ideal for people with prescription glasses who don’t want to use clip-ons to shield their eyes from the sun. However, a car’s windshield may block the UV light that triggers photochromic lenses to darken, so they generally don’t become dark enough to use while driving. You can benefit from photochromic lenses, but keep a regular tinted pair of sunglasses or clip-ons in the car for driving.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Laguna Eyes Optometry for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.