With the amount of benefits it serves, Sunglasses are no longer just a fashion accessory. They are an important protection for your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun. They are used to prevent sun damage to your eyes, improve your vision and make a unique fashion statement. Learn about the right type of sunglasses. Given below are some necessary things to be kept in mind Protection from UV Rays Choose glasses that block ninety percent of ultraviolet rays. This is the most important feature of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that provide this protection. Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula and pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss.Almost all sunglasses block a portion of HEV rays, but some tints block more blue light than others. Blue-blocking sunglass lenses usually are bronze, copper or reddish-brown in color.And for the maximum results, it should be a daily habit. Like sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn whenever you’re outdoors, year round. Use of Impact-resistant lenses No lens is truly unbreakable, but plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone. Polycarbonate plastics, used in many sports sunglasses, are especially strong, but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones with a scratch-resistant coating. Choosing the right size and fit To prevent light from hitting your eyes from overhead, choose a pair that fits close to your face around the brow area, but not so close that your eyelashes are hitting the lenses.Sunglasses with large lenses and wide temples provide the next-best protection. Wear swimming goggles They are needed to protect your eyes from water-borne bacteria or chemicals. Make sure the goggles are block UV as well, since sunlight reflects off water and can increase exposure to UV. Quality of the Lenses Ultraviolet rays are immensely dangerous to your eyes. You need to filter as many of these as you can away from your eyes. Most sunglasses, coated with UV blockers, block the ultraviolet B rays, but the cheaper ones may cheat a little on ultraviolet A. Eye care experts agree that price isn’t a gauge of UV protection. But very inexpensive sunglasses are likely to contain lenses that are stamped out of a mold rather than ground and polished, and that can affect optical quality. *The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.