Sunglasses are indispensable accessories that guard our eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun and at the same time make a fashion statement.

Right from Ancient Egyptians to the film stars of modern times, the sunglasses have traveled down the ages and grown more than a pair of eyewear into a status symbol, a reflection of one's personality, and a signature style.  

A Brief History of Sunglasses

The earliest known sunglasses were made from smoked quartz, used by ancient Egyptians to protect their eyes against the brilliant desert sunlight. The Romans later used darkened glass to shade their eyes from the glare of the colosseum. Aviator sunglasses finally became popularized as a fashion accessory in the 19th century.

The ophthalmic lens was invented in the 1800s. This opened the door for corrective lenses to be fitted into sunglasses. By doing so, sunglasses were easier to wear for those with vision problems and became an increasingly prevalent choice for spending time outdoors.

Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

Beyond aesthetics, sunglasses have several practical uses for your eye health:

UV Protection: Sunglasses that offer UV protection can prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration because they are caused by harmful UV radiation.  

Reduced Glare: Sunglasses reduce glare, hence improve vision and reduce strain on the eyes.  

Improved Contrast: Those types of sunglasses, specifically polarized lenses, improve contrast, hence providing better visibility under bright conditions.  

How to Choose the Right Sunglasses

When selecting any sunglasses, one has to consider the following aspects:

UV Protection: The glass should be labeled as offering 100% UV protection.

Lens Material: There are several types of lens materials available in sunglasses; each has its special quality. For instance, polycarbonate lenses are light in weight and resist impacts, while mineral lenses have great clarity with good scratch resistance.

Frame Style: One must choose according to face shape and personal style.

Color of the Lenses: The color can affect the perception of colors and light for example; while brown-tinted lenses enhance contrasts in shades, gray-tinted lenses provide more natural views.  

Sunglasses as a Fashion Statement

Apart from these practical uses, sunglasses have also turned into one of the ultimate fashion statements. From classic aviators to the latest cat-eye frames, there is practically a style for any taste. Celebrities and influencers also use sunglasses as part of their overall outfit and to make their statement.  

Sunglasses for Special Occasions

Then there are sunglasses designed for specific activities or occasions, such as:

Sport sunglasses are those designed for athletes and normally possess polarized lenses, wraparound frames, and adjustable nose pads.  

Prescription aunglasses are designed to improve vision in people with specific needs. 

Fashion sunglasses generally are those that come as luxury items with high pricing, as they are designed by top fashion designers.

Sunglasses are both stylish accessories and a tool to protect the eyes from sunlight. Keep these tips in mind, you can find the best sunglasses and upgrade your fashion style!