sunglasses?

[shootingstar]

I just meant to try before she buys. If she has to throw out a pair of polarized sunglasses because they make her nauseous (as I did), better it be a $15 pair than a $150 pair.

I really can't afford to spend $150 pr. of sunglasses.
So how does one know that a pr. of sunglasses is truly UAV/UB vs. fake?

[OakLeaf]

To the best of my knowledge... which may be wrong...

Polycarbonate lenses inherently block UV.

If they're another material, you just have to rely on the manufacturer's representations, regardless of the price of the glasses.

And remember that if you're not wearing wrap-around glasses, then your eyes are still exposed to UV from the sides and possibly the top.


Now, W/R/T polarization, I've heard that not all polarized lenses give the shimmer. But I'm not going to spend a lot of money finding out. Especially since you really can't tell inside a store.

[tulip]

I really can't afford to spend $150 pr. of sunglasses.
So how does one know that a pr. of sunglasses is truly UAV/UB vs. fake?

$150 for sunglasses is not much in my book. But I have Rx sunglasses, so I expect to pay more, and my eyes are worth it (I'm already blind in one eye, so I really go all out to protect my good eye). I rely on a good optician--they know eyes and glasses.

For non-Rx sunglasses, research the manufacturers. Most reputable companies will not fake UVA/UVB, but Walmart glasses might be faked (?)

[Ritamarie]

Good info! I'm generally a dollar store sunglasses wearer, but I'll be sorting through all of this and buying myself a really good pair of sunglasses this week! I just had a very scary thing happen with my vision after shoveling snow last Sunday in the sun for 6 hours with no sunglasses. Diagnosis: snow blindness. I had cataract surgery last April and so have implants with UV protection, but obviously that doesn't mean I can go without sunglasses. BIG wake up call.

[TrekTheKaty]

They did a special on TV and found that cheap sunglasses with UVA/UVB tags were as effective as expensive sunglasses. However I pay extra for women's style and "sport" nosepads that help they stay on my face (particularly during running).

I also love my Tifosi's. I bought them after Lasik--Dr. ordered big, wrap around lenses to protect my eyes from bugs and wind while I healed. Mine came with multiple lenses but I settled on brown.

WARNING: One day I forgot my cycling glasses and slipped on some RayBans. I discovered they gave me almost no peripheral vision, which proved dangerous when I glanced back to pass. So try before you buy, if you can.

Now this I'm not sure on--isn't there something about using lenses that won't crush on impact? Maybe that was skiing?

[tulip]

Now this I'm not sure on--isn't there something about using lenses that won't crush on impact? Maybe that was skiing?

Polycarbonate lenses are best because they don't shatter.

[OakLeaf]

Anything that meets ANSI Z87.1 is impact-resistant. High-impact resistant lenses bear the Z87.1+ mark. I don't think it's only polycarbonate that meets these standards?

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...AH0GEDgJVXEk-Q

[tulip]

I have no idea of what materials meet those standards. My ophthalmologist always gives me a prescription for polycarbonate lenses for safety, though.