Sun Glasses

Buying Sun Glasses was easy 50 years ago. It's a lot more fun now to go and buy a pair of sun glasses and you are able to make a statement with your sun glasses too. But don't forget that this verly large choice that you have, might alos lead to you purchasing the worng pair of 'shades'.

So let's look what the options are and whyt might be a good choice for you. We'll explore the different parts sun glasses are made of and look at the alternatives that the sun glass market offers:

Sun Glasses Frames

Like for any glasses, sun glasses frames come made of different materials:

• Plastic is not really the material of choice for a glasses frame. It cracks easily. If you choose a plastic frame, choose one that is reinforced with metal. Plasti frames are found mostly in the cheaper sunglasses.
• Nylon is a much better choice, because nylon frames are flexible, light and strong. If you bend the frame, nylon has a tendency to return to its original shape, so you risk less damage than with the much more brittle plastic frames.
• Metal frames are strong and lightweight, especially if you choose titanium. Their main disadvantage is that metal will bend and break more easily than nylon, especially steel frames or normal wire frames.

Also pay close attention to the hinges on your sun glasses. They need to be sturdy enough to take some abuse, otherwise you will edn up quickly with mor than one piece, because this is where glasses take the most strain. Opening and closing the glases a few times will tell you immediately, if the hinges are built to last.

Sun Glasses Lenses

Sunglasses with lenses made from Acrylic plastic are not recommended, even though this material weighs very little and is cheap. Acrylic plastic is also soft (means it scratches easily), and if not treated especially, will not block UV rays.

Better choices for sun glasses lenses are either glass, CR-39 plastic or polycarbonate plastic. Glass provides the best quality vision

If vision quality is the priority then choose glass lenses. Choose a plastic lens if safety or impact-resistance is required.

Glass Lenses: Quality glass lenses offer the best viewing quality and the most scratch-resistant. They will be heavier, cost more money and are more prone to shatter when hit.

CR-39 Plastic Lenses: CR-39 is thinner and weighs half as much as glass It exceeds the FDA requirements for impact-resistance.

Polycarbonate Plastic Lenses: A remarkable strong plastic, polycarbonate plastic weighs the least and is the most impact-resistant making it a perfect choice for rugged sunglasses. These lenses also offer built-in ultraviolet protection and are a good choice for kids sunglasses, sports and outdoor activities, and safety glasses.