The majority of us are familiar with UV glasses and sunglasses that are available in the market today. Through this article, we shall know how they are important to us and what are differences, a buyers guide, and care tips for such glasses. Post-reading this article, you shall not only be more informed to make a more decisive approach towards buying the right UV glasses and sunglasses in various aspects but also its importance in our daily lives.

Introduction

Whether you are a student, working professional, sportstar, or a retired person the need UV glasses and sunglasses is a must to protect the human eye from the damaging effects of electronic devices that emit blue light when indoors to the harmful UV rays of the sun when stepping outside. More than a fashion statement it’s also become a necessity for almost everyone across all generations. Right from the small kid to a teenager to a working adolescent and finally a pensioned person every one using glasses as prescribed. However, with the growing consciousness amongst the crowd, the need for this is an absolute must-have. Let’s see in more detail, which one suits the best according to needs.

Differences between UV glasses & Sunglasses

Types of UV glasses & sunglasses

The market is flooded with millions of varieties, colors, designs, and brands to choose from depending on a person's need and budget. We shall discuss in general the types of eyeglasses such as UV protection glasses for computers, crystal sunglasses and lastly the power ones.

A)   UV protection glasses for computers: - As the name suggests, these glasses are for those who have a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged exposure to blue light that emits from these devices leads to discomfort in the eyes. A good UV glass comes very handy and is beneficial for the better health of the eyes. Sunglasses on the other hand, not only offer protection from UV rays but also regular usage prevents the formation of glaucoma and cataract in the eyes. 

B)   Crystal glasses: - In contrast to UV and sunglasses, crystals can exhibit birefringence, as required for various types of polarizers, waveplates, birefringent tuners, and other optical components. Often used birefringent crystal materials are quartz, calcite, and sapphire.  

C)   Power Glasses:- Also known as prescription glasses, and are advised by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to be worn by the person needing to correct their vision by adjusting the existing power of the eyes to the prescribed ones after an optometric test. These glasses can be worn to correct nearsightedness (Myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).

Good buying guide for both UV Glasses and Sunglasses

A)   Quality & Brand: - Never compromise on the quality & brand, even if you have to fork out a bit extra! As that extra, goes a long way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV-A & UV-B rays. Look for brands that offer 100% coverage!

B)   Build quality: - Buying a sturdy and durable pair of glasses pays better than buying a cheapskate. Flimsy and unreliable quality, would not only lead to a dent in the pocket but also damage to the eyes in the long run.

C)   Halo effect: - A simple test is to wear a pair, and see if the halo effect (visible rainbow pattern on glass) disappears from the glass or not. If the halo effect disappears, it's genuine and worth a buy! This is a more predominant feature of polarized sunglasses.

D)   Timely checkup: - As we age, so do our eyes. It's good practice to get your eyes checked periodically by a certified eye specialist also known as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Wearing prescribed lenses not only improves vision but also saves from expensive treatments when optic issues are ignored for prolonged periods.

E)   Self Trial: - The modern AI technology has given us a virtual environment to choose, pick and try almost everything in the virtual inventory but the feel and experience of the real world can't be replicated. So whichever mode is convenient, give that a try!

Care guide for UV Glasses and Sunglasses

A)   Use microfiber cloth: - By all means, have a few clean pairs of microfiber cloth to clean the surface of the lens of your precious investment. Cleaning with anything else does not put fine scratches on the glass but also degrades the quality of the lens over a period of time.

B)   Cleaning of lens: - As many of us, we have the habit of touching the lens all day or whenever in use. It is very important to clean the lens with a neutral cleaner spray solution, available in most optometrist shops. Using any other cleaners or chemicals would eventually wipe off the protective UV layer or polaroid coating which would degrade the overall quality of the lens and the eyes would suffer the pain and burn of UV rays. It is highly advisable, to hold the frame and gently slide the stem above the earlobe for a snug fit.

C) Proper storage: - This might sound OCD to some, but storing the UV glasses and sunglasses in their provided cases by the manufacturers must be used when not in use and not left loose. The proper way for storage is to spray gently with a microfiber cloth, let it dry and then wrap it in a fresh microfiber and stow it away from kids or pets, if any!

D) Warranty care:- Almost all well-known brands offer the customers a year’s warranty from the date of invoice, keeping that safe and handy can be very beneficial in order to claim repairs or replacement, should there be a need. But the warranty doesn’t cover any customer-induced damage.