When shopping for sunglasses, you may notice that beautiful and stylish designs are available in a wide price range, many of which share similar features. So what is the difference among the more expensive models?
Some sunglasses do make use of better-quality lenses and frames while offering superior protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Expensive doesn't necessarily mean better, but how well sunglasses can protect from UV rays should be the most important consideration.
Read on below to learn more about the price difference among expensive and affordable sunglasses.
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What Difference Do Expensive Sunglasses Make?
Sunglasses are one of the most popular accessories out there. With an infinite choice of styles and colors to choose from in every price range imaginable, some people wonder if there really is a difference among the more expensive versions.
Determining if sunglasses are worth paying a higher price tag for can be done by analyzing the quality of its two main components: frames and lenses.
Frames
Some, not all, expensive sunglasses are made with better quality frames compared to lower end sunglasses.
However, it’s not uncommon to see many inexpensive brands use the same frame materials as designer bands. Many sunglasses are made with acetate, plastic, and metal though these aren’t as durable and can easily break.
On the other hand, more expensive sunglass frames may be made with titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, silver, wood, or Flexon. They offer a variety of benefits such as being more durable, water resistant, and lightweight, while others are hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. If a frame that’s lightweight, good for an active lifestyle, healthy for sensitive skin, or sustainable is a priority for you, it could be worth shelling out for more expensive frames.
Lenses
A good, quality pair of sunglasses regardless of the price tag should have lenses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays, which are the sun’s harmful rays. When the eyes are exposed to UV rays, it increases the risk for developing eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and degradation of vision.
The good news is that affordable sunglass models costing as low as $10 already offer the same UV protection as a $500 pair, so there’s no need to pay for designer sunglasses. It would also be beneficial for eye health if the lenses offer UV 400 protection, which means that the lenses can block rays up to 400 nanometers, preventing even the tiniest UV rays from reaching your eyes.
Polarized lenses tend to cost more, though they do provide significant protection for individuals who spend a lot of time on the water or engaging in outdoor activities. Polarized lenses are designed to block the glare caused by light rays that are reflected off water surfaces or the road’s surface. Because of this polarized coating on the lens, it offers much better visibility and clarity.
However, keep in mind that just because sunglasses are polarized doesn’t mean they offer UV protection. Polarized sunglasses with built-in UV protection tend to cost more because of the technology involved to manufacture the lens, as well as the price of these additional coatings.
In addition, individuals who need prescription sunglasses may need to pay more for lens of a higher quality. These are necessary for improved vision and UV protection. There would be no point in paying for expensive sunglasses if you aren’t able to see properly, or if it can’t help maximize your performance and lifestyle.
Conclusion
There are benefits involved when you pay a little more for a good pair of sunglasses. Designer pairs don’t necessarily mean better, but it’s helpful to know what to look for in sunglasses that meet your unique needs while protecting your eyes.