Choose sunglasses with a label that states UV protection, a wrap-around or generous fit and lenses you find comfortable. Add a brimmed hat, keep a spare pair in the car, and reach for them before you step into bright light, not after.
Bright days are lovely, and squinting through them is not. A good pair of sunglasses makes walking, driving and sitting outside far more comfortable, and a few simple habits keep that comfort going all year.
This guide covers what to look for on a sunglasses label, how hats and fit work together, a few driving habits and ways to make the routine automatic. It speaks in general terms about product labeling, so always read the tag or sticker on the pair in your hand.
Reading the label on sunglasses
Look for a tag or sticker on the lens or frame that states the level of UV protection. Many labels say something like blocks UV rays or UV400, and a quick search of the term on a reputable consumer page will explain how a particular brand uses it.
Darkness of the lens and UV protection are two different things. A very dark lens without UV protection is a poor choice, while a lightly tinted lens with a clear UV statement can be great. When in doubt, read the label and pick the pair that states its protection clearly.
Polarized lenses are another term you will see. They reduce glare from flat surfaces such as water and wet roads, which many drivers and boaters find comfortable.
Fit matters as much as lens color
The best pair is the one you actually wear. Try several on and move your head around. The frames should sit comfortably on your nose and ears, and they should not slide when you look down.
Larger lenses and wrap-around styles cover more of the area around your eyes, which blocks stray light entering from the sides. Light frames reduce pressure over long days.
Kids' sunglasses deserve the same attention. Choose a sturdy pair with a clear UV statement and a snug strap, and let them pick the color so they enjoy wearing them.
- Comfortable weight on the nose and ears
- Lenses large enough to cover the eye area
- Wrap-around or side coverage for bright light
- Lens color you find pleasant, such as gray or brown
- A case that fits your bag or glovebox
Add a hat and a plan
A brimmed hat shades the upper face and reduces glare from above. A baseball cap or a wide-brimmed style both work, and the combination with sunglasses is more comfortable than either alone.
Think about the time of day too. Light at midday is intense, while early morning and late afternoon are gentler. Scheduling a long walk or errands outside peak hours is a pleasant way to dodge the brightest stretch.
Beach, snow and water all bounce extra light upward. On those days, wrap-around frames and a hat with a brim go a long way.
Driving habits
Driving into low sun is one of the brightest moments of the day. Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car, within reach, so you are never caught without them. Use the sun visor, and keep your windshield clean inside and out, since dirt and film scatter light.
Slow down and leave extra following distance when the glare is strong. If you wear prescription lenses, look at the options from your optician for options that darken in sunlight or clip on.
Take a minute to try on a new pair in the lighting where you will use it. A shop mirror can hide glare that shows up on a sunny sidewalk, so step toward a window or the doorway and look around.
Put your sunglasses on before you leave the house or step out of the car, rather than after the squint begins.
Make it automatic
Put sunglasses where you will find them: on a hook by the door, in the car, in your bag and on your desk. Owning two or three inexpensive pairs placed in different spots is better than owning one expensive pair that is never at hand.
Clean the lenses with a soft cloth and a little lens cleaner, since smudges create their own glare.
Part of a bigger routine
Sun-smart habits fit with the rest of your eye-friendly day: screen breaks, colorful meals, water and sleep. A person who keeps a daily capsule routine, say with Visivra at breakfast, can slot the sunglasses into the same moment, shades in the bag before leaving the house.
Tomorrow, set a pair by the door and see how it changes your morning.
Key takeaways
- Read the UV statement on the label before buying
- Choose frames that fit well and cover the eye area
- Pair sunglasses with a brimmed hat
- Keep a spare pair in the car and by the door
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further reading
Explore Visivra™
Learn more with our guides: What is Visivra™?, Visivra™ ingredients, how it works and kits and pricing, or return to the blog.