While sunglasses with nonprescription lenses are a great way to accessorize and add style, they are worn as more than just a fashion statement. Nonprescription eyewear protects your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays and acts as a barrier against wind or dust when outdoors. Called “plano” sunglasses in the eyewear industry, the market selection is wide and varied, with many types of designer frames and materials.
One reason that nonprescription sunglasses are so popular is due to the huge number of contact lens wearers. More than 30 million Americans currently wear contacts! In addition to blocking the sun, sunglasses also help prevent contact lenses from drying out when outside.
Trends in Fashion
No matter what look you favor, there is a pair of plano sunglasses to express your unique personality. In the past few seasons, styles have ranged from glamorous cat-eyes and Jackie O’s to sporty wraparounds. Teeny retro shapes and oversized bubbles have graced many faces, in addition to angular, rectangular forms. Rimless and semi-rimless frames often present unique geometric lenses, cut in new and unusual angles. Without a full frame, these types have a wire or plastic thread that secures the lenses in place.
Similar to jewelry, sunglasses are often chosen and worn as attractive accessories. Many modern styles, such as sleek wraps and Jackie O versions, come embellished with sparkling jewels. Eye-grabbing features, such as crystals, cubic zirconia faux diamonds and rhinestones, adorn many pairs of chic sunglasses. Some plastic plano sunglasses feature cut-outs and other refined details that grant a distinctive, cool look.
Color also makes an appearance in the lenses, which are tinted in a rainbow of hues beyond classic black, such as rose, yellow, blue, orange, coral and purple. Gray lenses are considered the best because they distort external colors the least.
Sunglass Materials
The materials used to construct sunglass frames span the gamut. Sturdy and good-looking versions are available in plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, beryllium and titanium. These premium metals are durable, yet lightweight and hypoallergenic for enhanced comfort. For long-lasting function, they are also corrosion-resistant. Hybrid frames that combine both plastic and metal are contemporary and popular.
Choose the Right Lenses
Most important is that the sunglass lenses block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even inexpensive versions should offer this high grade protection. If you need sunglasses for playing sports, your best choices are lightweight and provide extra safety with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. If you spend time boating or fishing, polarized sun lenses help reduce glare and ease eye strain while on the water.
Guidelines for Sunglass Shopping
First and foremost, your nonprescription sunglasses need to fit comfortably on your face. The following tips are helpful for determining a proper fit:
- Choose frames that are wide enough for your face. The frame edges should extend beyond the sides of your face slightly. This ensures that the temples won’t squeeze your head as they reach back to your ears.
- Make sure the temples are long enough. The curves at the end of each temple should go over your ears without pressing down. Note that some specific styles have straight temples that are not designed to curve around the ear.
- Ensure that the frame fits snugly without the nosepiece pinching the bridge of your nose.
- Move around a bit, like you do in daily life. Turn your head, nod up and down, and bend over to pick something up from the floor. With a good fit, the sunglasses should remain in place.
- Stay within your personal zone of style and choice. Choose plano sunglasses in a shape and color that you prefer. Consider prescription sunglasses if you normally wear prescription eyewear to see. In addition to protecting your eyes and vision, sunglasses are a significant part of your appearance!
