Learn more about: Sun Lenses Protection Performance Choosing Sunwear Care Tips FAQs Aside from protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses satisfy the fashion and lifestyle needs for all. From high-fashion to sporty and anywhere in between, sunwear today offers a variety of options for you to choose from. What we wear, including our sunglasses, speaks volumes about who we are. In fact, the average person owns multiple pairs of sunglasses which projects their sense of style and personality. What do your sunglasses say about you?

Sun Lenses Polarized lenses: are the top pick for eliminating glare. Hunters, boaters and fishermen, golfers and driver are a few who benefit from polarized lens' glare-cutting properties. Any surface can create glade in sunlight, including water, sand, snow, windows, vehicles and buildings. Polarization eases eye stress and fatigue in the sun, and it comes in several color and density options. Tinted Lenses: the majority of lenses can be tinted from light to very dark. Tints from sun lenses are usually medium to dark shades, and can be solid thorough the whole lens, or gradient, darker on top fading to lighter or clear at the bottom of the lens. Tints also come in a rainbow of color options. Mirrored Lenses: not only look cool, they are cool. Mirrored coatings provide a reflective surface that makes the eye virtually invisible to viewers, while keeping the wearers eye protected from glare and heat. Mirrors come in a variety of colors to enhance tints and visual performance. top of page

Protection Every day - whether it is sunny or cloudy, and despite the season - we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Most of the time we don't even realize it, considering UV rays are invisible to the eye. However, just as sun can damage your skin (burning, wrinkling, skin cancer and premature aging) it can be just as nasty on your eyes. Unprotected exposure over long periods of time can, and often does, damage the eye. This exposure can greatly increase the chances of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. These conditions can seriously impair vision and are usually impossible to reverse. Fortunately, vision damage can be prevented by shading your eyes from UV rays. Wearing sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems caused by sunlight. Wrap-around frames and large lenses can also help to provide an extra measure of protection. The sun’s glare can also pose a risk to ones health, severely affecting visual acuity and comfort. There are four levels of glare: Distracting glare caused by lens reflections. This is usually a minor annoyance, but can also result in eye fatigue. Discomforting glare caused by bright lights. This type of glare also results in eye fatigue, often as a result of constant squinting. Disabling glare caused by excessive, intense light, which blocks vision. Blinding glare caused by reflections from smooth surfaces, such as roads, water or snow. Blinding glare can be dangerous as it blocks vision in critical situations (i.e. driving or skiing) Luckily, there are multiple ways to reduce glare, including anti-reflective lenses, fixed-tint lenses or polarized lenses. For more information on these glare protection options, please click here. Aside from the important function of guarding the eyes from sun-related eye diseases and harmful glare, sunwear can also provide a variety of comfort and vision benefits, such as: Protecting the eyes from wind, dust and pollen Helping to comfort dry eyes Preserving good night vision (when worn during the day and not at night) Enhancing contrast Reducing tearing and squinting And don't forget about the kids! You wouldn't send your children to the beach without sunscreen, so don't send them without sunglasses either. Children's developing eyes let in more UV rays than adults'; and since children tend to spend a majority of their time outdoors, sunglasses with the most impact-resistant lenses ar a must for all kids. Remember, EVERYONE is at risk for UV-related eye damage! Visit your eyecare professional for the best protection for your eyes while in the sun. To learn more about UV protection, visit www.checkyearly.com. top of page

Performance Different lifestyles, occupations, and activities require different lenses and frame features. Matching your unique lifestyle needs with the right kind of eyewear can not only increase comfort and protect your vision, but it can also enhance your performance. Constant advances in technology and style options can give you a competitive edge that will help you to see better and look great. There has never been a better time to build an eyewear wardrobe that suits your personality and lifestyle, and enables you to always be on top of your game - whether at work or at play. Consider the following options when selecting the perfect sunwear lenses for your lifestyle:   Photochromic Lenses: These changeable lenses automatically darken and lighten to provide the right level of protection and comfort over a whide range of light conditions. Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses work exceptionally well to filter out reflected glare from shiny surfaces like water, pavement and dashboards. They improve contrast and visibility while reducing squint and eyestrain. Impact Resistant Lenses: All sunglasses in the U.S. must meet FDA impact requirements. Until recently the only lens material recommended for high impact or competitive sport use was polycarbonate. Now there are new high strength lens materials, including polyurethance, which bring new performance options. Tints: Certain tints that control the amount and type of light that reaches the eye can improve performance by enhancing contrast, colors and visibility. Click here for popular tint options. Anti-reflective Lenses: These lenses dramatically reduce distracting reflections, improving contrast, visual acuity and comfort in difficult lighting situations. There are a wide variety of frame materials which can impact performance, durability and comfort such as titanium, memory metals, stainless steel and numerous high-tech options in “plastic.” Style features such as: non-slip bridges gripper temples spring hinges shields wraps venting systems add value and comfort and pump up your performance at the same time. Sun clips and sunwear that fits directly over prescription eyewear are also available to meet specific needs. Talk to your eyecare professional for recommendations on sunwear that fits your lifestyle. For more information on eyewear for specific sports sunwear, please click here. top of page

Choosing Sunwear Quality is largely a personal issue. Depending on whom you ask, quality sunwear may mean high performance, uncompromised protection or a brand name. According to the Sunglass Association of America, the ‘best’ sunglass is the one which you will actually WANT to wear most of the time when outdoors, especially in the sun. Ultimately, what you want to get out of your sunwear will determine what you consider high quality. There are some key elements of sunwear that can factor into quality no matter what your personal preference, including: Flexibility Durability Comfort Visual acuity The ability for the sunwear to remain adjusted for a reasonable amount of time 100 percent UV protection Quality sunwear can be found at a variety of price points – just because a pair of sunglasses is inexpensive, don’t assume that it’s poorly made; or if it’s more expensive, that it is well made! Your eyecare professional can help you choose a quality pair of sunglasses in your price range to fit your sunwear needs. top of page

Care Tips Looking to make your sunwear investment last? Take note of the following tips to keep your shades in good condition. Always use a case. Using a hardcover case when you are not wearing your shades is essential to protecting your investment. With such high-fashion eyewear cases available, like mini-purses and chic bags, there’s no excuse not to accessorize with a protective case to match not only your eyewear, but your outfit, too! Never clean sunglasses with paper towels, tissue products or especially your clothes. To avoid scratching your lenses, use a professional eyeglass cleaner and cloth that is soft and lint free. There are a wide variety of cleaners and stylish decorative lens cloths available to keep your sunglasses radiant and smudge-free. Avoid extreme heat. Excessive heat and cold can cause sunglasses to warp over time. If you are going to leave your shades in the car, keep them in a case or hidden from the sun, not on the dashboard. Don’t use your sunglasses as a headband. We all love to give our hair that effortless look, but try your hardest to keep sunglasses off of your head! Constant use as a headband runs the risk of your sunglasses losing their shape. Have a professional re-adjust them. Sunwear that does not fit properly can compromise your vision comfort and performance, especially when you’re playing outdoor sports. If you try to adjust the temples or the nosepiece yourself, they may easily break. Visit your eyecare professional to maintain proper adjustment. top of page

FAQs Q: What should I consider when selecting my sunwear? A: You should consider both the frame and lens: Will they meet your needs and expectations? Does the sunwear provide the look and image you want to achieve? Does it have the performance features you need? Is the frame comfortable, lightweight, durable and flexible? If you have skin allergies, is the frame hypoallergenic? If they are intended for high impact use, are the lenses appropriate? Is the color and darkness appropriate to enhancing your activity and comfort? Does it provide maximum UV protection? What types of enhancements are available to improve your performance and comfort: i.e. polarized, photochromic, anti-reflective lenses? Q: What is quality sunwear? A: Quality sunwear is that which meets your expectations for fashion, performance and protection. “Quality” also reflects durability, flexibility, comfort, quality of vision and the ability of the sunwear to retain a comfortable fit. Q: How are quality and price related? A: Quality sunwear products can be found at various price points and there are many factors that can affect the cost. Higher price doesn’t always mean better quality and visa versa. That’s great news, now you can own multiple pairs. Note: The degree of UV protection offered by sunwear is not necessarily related to price. Q: How many pairs of sunglasses should someone own? A: How many pair of shoes do you own? Probably a few, at least - different pairs for different functions or style statements. Same rule for sunwear. Most people take part in a variety of activities and are exposed to different light conditions, requiring sunwear that meets the specific needs of each. Q: Do darker lenses indicate more UV protection? A: No, the amount of UV protection is not dependent on lens darkness. Lightly tinted lenses can easily block up to 100 percent UV. However, darker lenses can better protect night vision and may also provide greater comfort depending on the use and light sensitivity of the wearer. Q: Should sunglasses be worn for driving? A: Absolutely! Sunglasses are the favorite "necessary accessory" worn by drivers to reduce glare and improve visibility, according to the Sunglass Association of America. The right sunglasses can allow clearer, safer and more comfortable vision while commuting. top of page