Sunglasses shopping

We are having some glorious weather here in Southern Ontario, sunny and 26 degrees celsius. Summer's really here! Are you ladies shopping for cool new shades? If you're like me, I always need new ones every summer as I get sick of my old ones or destroy them too quickly. We must be vigilant about protecting our peepers and the delicate skin around them. Here are some tidbits that I read in this month's Loulou magazine on buying sunglasses.

What protects best? Here are two things you'll need to check before you buy a new pair of shades.

SUN-BLOCKING SECRETS: Untreated plastic lenses will only block about 70 percent of UV rays. This is not enough to prevent damage. Wear treated lenses that filter out all UV rays -- loo for tags that read "UV400" or "100% UV protection", explains Alexandre Fiorani, sales representative for Marchon Canada. Already got a pair but don't know what kind of defence they offer? Caroline Courtemanche, associate optician for Luc Doyle Eyewear, suggests taking them to an optician and getting them tested (usually a free service).

OPTICAL QUALITY: Make sure that, in addition to protecting your eyes from the sun's rays, the lenses are of good optical quality. Low-quality lenses can distort your vision and cause discomfort and headaches. Caroline's at-home trick for testing the quality: Slip a sheet of graph paper behind the lenses. if the lines become curved, there's a distortion problem.

Did you know?
* The effects of UV rays accumulate over your lifetime. Eventually they can cause damage that is often irreversible.

* It's better for your eyes if you go without sunglasses than wear ones that don't provide proper protection. When hiding behind untreated dark lenses, your pupils dilate and let in more harmful radiation.

* UV rays can damage the eyes starting at dawn, so slip on those shades early in the morning and keep 'em on all day.

* Even if most windshields now filter out UV rays, only sunglasses block out the pesky glare that can temporarily blind you.

* Adults with fair complexions or sensitive or light-coloured eyes are more vulnerable to eye-related sun damage.

* Snow reflects about 80 percent of UV rays, which is why it's just as important to wear sunglasses in the winter as in the summer.

As for the styles and shapes of sunglasses, the oversized (my fave) and the aviator are still extremely popular this year. And don't be afraid to get some ultra-glam ones too. Love these styles, not the price tags. Guess I'll keep my eyes open for the designer inspired shades.


Stella McCartney Oversized Plastic Frame Sunglasses $220


Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses Aviator Sunglasses $90

Juicy Couture Gloria Sunglasses $180

Roberto Cavalli Cicno Sunglasses $440

(Source: Loulou magazine May issue)