When you go to select your perfect sunglasses, don’t forget a very important factor: eye protection! Before you throw on your next pair of shades, set your sights on our guide to protective eyewear. From proper UV protection to frame size, find eyewear that truly makes your health a top priority.
To help us see things clearly, we tapped into the expertise of Utenzi Miller, an acclaimed optician, visual stylist, and owner of Elegant Eyes, Inc., an optical center dedicated to offering high-quality, fashionable eyewear, based in East Orange, New Jersey. Miller understands and operates in her mission to help people “Discover their EYE-dentity” with stylish frames fit for everyone.
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The Perfect Pair: Summer Eyewear Trends
When it comes to summer’s eyewear trends, she points us directly to the perfect blend of style and substance – highlighting that transitional lenses – “especially those with match tints or polarized lenses” – are a key trend. Miller explains, “These aren’t just practical; they’re all about personalizing your look, letting clients pick gradient or ombré shades from cool to warm to perfectly fit their ‘EYEdentity.’”
The protective power of transitions here comes from photochromic technology, which shields eyes from UV light by quickly transforming into sunglasses (in at least 60 seconds or less). Beyond the lenses, the “bigger the better” philosophy applies to frames this season. Oversized designs— think square, round, or geometric shapes—not only make a bold, fashion statement, but also provide ample coverage and great UV protection.
Utenzi Miller – Coltrane by Valley Eyewear $299
Elisa Johnson Lyric Leigh Sunglasses $150
DIFF Kylo Ren™ Sunglasses $59
Miller emphasizes that while summer eyewear is about expressing individual style, it’s essential to stay mindful of eye health – ensuring lenses provide adequate UV protection and considering features like polarization or blue light filters to meet specific lifestyle needs.
From Glares to Stares: What Your Lenses Need
Beyond just being a style statement, the real power of your summer eyewear lies within the lenses themselves. Miller highly recommends wearing summer eyewear with polarized lenses. She explains, “Polarized lenses reduce glare and significantly improve visual clarity in high UV or bright light environments. This adds more protection for your eyes and allows for clear sight, reducing eye strain due to light sensitivity.”
Other key coatings include Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating, which reduces reflections on the lens surface to improve clarity and reduce glare, especially in bright conditions. Scratch-Resistant Coating is also essential, helping to protect your lenses from daily wear and tear, which ultimately extends the lifespan of your sunglasses. Utenzi Miller restates looking beyond sunglasses to consider blue light filtering options if you spend a lot of time on screens, helping to combat digital eye strain.
livho High Tech Blue Light Glasses $15.99
Warby Parker Whitten Glasses $195
Shield Up – For Your Active Lifestyle
For those with active lifestyles, from outdoor sports and long days in the sun, to even a routine dental appointment, specialized eyewear is key. Miller reiterates that polarized lenses are a game-changer. “Polarized lenses reduce harsh glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads,” she explains, “and they also can enhance contrast and improve visual clarity.” Making them beneficial for extended outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, skiing, and even long drives, reducing eye strain and improving safety.
Specialized Protective Eyewear for Sports is Essential
Beyond lens technology, the frame design plays a key role in eye protection. Wraparound-style frames are ideal as they can protect the delicate eye area from sunlight, wind, and debris. They’re also designed to stay in place during physical activity, a significant benefit when you’re on the go. For summer activities like swimming and racquet sports, specialized protective eyewear isn’t just an option—it’s essential, especially if you typically wear eyeglasses or sunglasses for vision correction.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology makes it clear: about 90% of sports-related eye injuries are preventable with the proper eyewear. Meaning your regular glasses or fashion sunnies simply won’t cut it, and can make an eye injury worse.
If You Are a Swimmer or Diver, Rx Goggles are a Game Changer
For swimmers, prescription (Rx) swim goggles are a game-changer, offering crystal-clear underwater vision, plus anti-fog and 100% UV protection (yes, even underwater!). And for the athletes hitting the courts for tennis, racquet, or pickleball, you’ll also need protective sports glasses or goggles designed to take a hit. Whether you opt for clear lenses for indoor play or tinted prescription sunglasses for sunny outdoor matches, look for shatterproof polycarbonate or Trivex lenses that meet the same high safety standards and stay securely in place through every intense moment.
Look For Eyewear That Meet Industry Standards
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends checking for eyewear that meets recognized industry safety standards for impact protection, such as those set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), with specific standards for general sports and even tougher ones specifically for racquet sports.
Most high-quality sports frames are designed to take your custom Rx lenses directly, whether you need clear glasses or tinted protective sunglasses, or they offer secure inserts. Investing in the proper certified eyewear means you’re getting both clear vision and peace of mind so that you can enjoy your summer activities safely.
Speedo- Fastskin Hyper Elite Mirrored Goggles $78
Shaq Eye Gear 104Z Sport Goggles $99
Invest in Quality Protective Eyewear
When it comes to seeing the importance of spending money on quality protective eyewear, Miller has some clear recommendations. Miller names Oakley as a standout brand, known for specializing in sunglasses, goggles, and optical frames across sports, military, and lifestyle categories. “Oakley specializes in high-quality and durable products, making them a reliable investment for longevity and ultimate eye protection,” she adds.
Oakley- Hex Jector Introspect Collection Sport Glasses $187
Oakley- Sphaera™ Wrap Sunglasses $248
This Summer, don’t just throw some shade, throw on the right shades! As the days shine bright, remember that your eyewear is more than an accessory. Prioritize selecting styles with 100% UV protection, understand special lens features, and choose the correct frame sizes to fit your lifestyle and make wise decisions about your long-term eye health. Step outside with confidence, knowing you’ve got your vision covered with every bright moment in the sun.
