Choosing The Correct Sunglasses

It is never a clever idea to purchase just any pair of sunglasses, says Vision Works national marketing manager Karin Human. Why? Because, she says, inferior quality lenses or badly fitted sunglasses lack the necessary UV-blocking capabilities to fully protect your eyes.

“This increases the amount of harmful solar radiation your eyes are exposed to, leaving you susceptible to developing eye conditions,” says Human.

Get your vision assessed 

“We suggest visiting an optometrist to have a comprehensive vision and eye health assessment done to find the perfect frame to fit your face shape and other needs,” says Human.

“Even if you have 20/20 vision, it’s important to wear sunglasses to ensure the protection and maintenance of your eyesight. Trends are fun to uplift your mood and outfit, however, if you’re looking for a style that could outlast the years, go for timeless frames such as aviators.”

Sandy Govender, marketing director at sa optometric association, says: “if a prescription for distance vision is necessary, this must be incorporated into the sunglasses. Dark tints decrease the quantity of visible light passing through the lens. If a visually impaired person purchases an off-the-shelf pair of sunglasses, their vision would be more severely impaired because of the lack of a full prescription in the lenses.”

What suits your face?

Sandy Govender, marketing director at SA Optometric Association, shares the different face shapes and briefly explains which sunglasses are suitable for which face.

Round: This face shape is curved and has no definite angles. Sunglasses should have sharp angular lines to help make the face look longer, thinner and sharper.

Square: This face shape has the same length and width. Sunglasses should have a round or oval shape. The curves balance out the angular face shape. Styles that work well here are aviators, butterflies, round, and cats’ eyes.

Oval: Most sunglass shapes look good on an oval face. Choose shapes that cover the eyebrows to the cheekbones. If too big, it can obscure the symmetry of a perfectly oval face.

Rectangular: Larger sunglass shapes work well on a rectangular face. Large Wayfarer styles and thick-rimmed frames can make a long face look wider. Vintage-style sunglasses with angular designs can sharpen soft features. Avoid small frames.

Diamond: This face shape has a narrow chin and wide cheekbones. Oval and rimless-style sunglasses can work well here. The style chosen should not be wider than the cheekbones.

Heart: This face shape is wide at the temples but narrow at the chin. Shield, butterfly, aviator, or rimless styles benefit these wearers.