Protect Your Eyes From The Sun

Just as wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the sun, wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from UV damage. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to retinas and increase the risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration. To help keep eyes properly protected from the sun, follow these simple rules:

• Wear high-quality sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Brands like Ray Ban and American Optical Pilot offer superior lens technology that blocks out sun without affecting visibility.
• Don't take off sunglasses in the shade. UV rays can reflect off other surfaces, so eyes are still at risk even if they are not directly exposed to the sun.
• Fresh snow can reflect 80% of UV rays, so protective eyewear is important even in the winter. Sunglasses will do the trick, but skiers and snowboarders should wear UV protected goggles for the best results.
• It is never too early to start practicing eye safety. Children's eyes are more sensitive than an average adult, so be sure they are always wearing the proper eyewear. It is also a good idea to keep children out of the sun during peak sun hours, typically between 10am - 2pm.

Finding the Right Style Sunglasses to Fit Your Face

The first step in finding sunglasses that best suit your features is to determine your face shape. Most people fit into one of these categories: round face, square face, oval face or heart-shaped face. Once you know which category you fit into, follow these rules to help find the best fit:

• If you have a round face, experts suggest wearing square frames to show off your cheekbones and make your face look slimmer. Go for Adidas Bonzer sunglasses to achieve a carefree, sporty look.
• In contrast, round lenses work best for a square face to help create a soft, feminine appeal. Giorgio Armani has a great selection of round frames for a high-style look.
• Heart shaped faces look best when sporting a cool pair of aviators. Try Carrera sunglasses for a sleek, modern look.
• Oval faces will look good wearing just about any style sunglasses, so enjoy the freedom and have fun picking out the perfect pair.

What is Polarized Light?

All types of light have both wave and particle properties. Polarized light is the result of the wave-like nature of light. Here is how it works: light waves move in many different directions, some are oscillating up and down, others left and right and others in-between. If there is an object introduced into this field of light waves, it can block the 'side to side' vibrations, but allow the vertical ones through. This is considered polarized light.

For example, when light hits water, the vertical light goes straight into the water but the horizontal light bounces back up into your eyes. The biggest culprits for creating this type of light are bodies of water, windshields and asphalt roads. Polarized lenses are helpful when trying to see through these reflecting surfaces, like when fishing, boating, or driving. They help to filter the reflective light, which reduces the glare associated with these activities.

If you are looking for a great pair of polarized sunglasses, try the Kapalua sunglasses by Maui Jim. Constructed from a strong, flexible beta-titanium alloy and combined with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, the Kapaluas are lightweight, tough, and very stylish.

Do Pilots Actually Wear Aviator Sunglasses?

While not all pilots wear aviator sunglasses, most pilots do wear some type of protective eyewear when they're flying during the day. Due to the bright light and physical demands of the job, finding the right pair of sunglasses can be a challenge (this challenge provided the initial inspiration for the aviator design). To assist pilots with making the right choice, the Federal Aviation Administration offers certain guidelines for selecting the best pair.

For example, lenses with a gray tint are recommended over other colors, like yellow, amber, or orange. Colored lenses make it difficult to distinguish navigation lights and signals, which could result in an unwanted mistake. Polarized lenses are also considered hazardous because they can blur digital instrument displays which pilots need to reference often when in flight. When it comes to shape and style, the ideal sunglasses should have large lenses that protect the eye from all angles and feature a durable frame that does not interfere with required headset equipment. The classic Aviator Ray Ban sunglasses are still a popular choice, and probably the most effective.