Secrets Of Superior Sunglasses

Shades That Offer Protection, Performance And Pizzazz

(CBS)  Now that summer has arrived, you may be thinking you need a new pair of shades. But with all the style and enhancement options, how do you choose a pair that fits your needs?

Rene Soltis, eye care and eyewear expert of the Vision Council of America, visits The Early Show to offer insight on protection, performance and pizzazz.

UV Protection
Every day, whether it's sunny or cloudy, and no matter what the season, we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. And just as the sun can damage your skin (burning, wrinkling, skin cancer and premature aging), it can be just as harsh on your eyes. By wearing sunglasses with maximum (99 percent to 100 percent) UV protection, you can shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and prevent any sun-related vision damage.

Glare
Glare can also be a big problem. It can be distracting, uncomfortable, disabling and even blinding. Investing in a good pair of sunwear with polarized lenses can help you beat glare.

Performance
Sunwear can not only increase comfort and protect your vision, but it can also enhance your performance. Whether you're a pro skier, an occasional biker or a fishing enthusiast, there's sunwear available that can help improve your performance.

A wide variety of frame materials, such as titanium, memory metals, stainless steel and numerous high-tech options in "plastic," can impact performance, durability and comfort.

Style features such as non-slip bridges, gripper temples, spring hinges, shields, wraps and venting systems add value and comfort and pump up your performance at the same time.

Sun clips and sunwear that fit directly over prescription eyewear are also available to meet specific needs.

Lens options:

• Photochromic Lenses: These changeable lenses automatically darken and lighten to provide the right level of protection and comfort over a wide range of light conditions.
  
  
• Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses work exceptionally well to filter out reflected glare from shiny surfaces like water, pavement and dashboards. They improve contrast and visibility while reducing squinting and eyestrain.
  
  
• Impact Resistant Lenses: All sunglasses in the U.S. must meet FDA impact requirements. Until recently, the only lens material recommended for high impact or competitive sport use was polycarbonate. Now there are new high-strength lens materials, including polyurethane, which bring new performance options to sunwear.
  
  
• Tints: Certain tints that control the amount and type of light that reaches the eye can improve performance by enhancing contrast, colors and visibility.
  
  Gray/Green-Gray: General-purpose tint reduces glare while maintaining natural colors.
  
  Yellow/Rose: Enhances contrast and definition, especially in lower light conditions.
  
  Brown/Amber/Copper: Reduces glare and improves contrast and visibility by selectively filtering blue light great for driving, golfing, water and snow sports.
  
  
• Anti-Reflective Lenses: These lenses dramatically reduce distracting reflections, improving contrast, visual acuity and comfort in difficult lighting situations.

Pizzazz
Sunglasses are a great way to show your sense of style. The following are a few fashion trends:

• Large plastic frames of all shapes, colors (especially white) and materials, with an elegant retro feel, reminiscent of the Jackie O days.
  
  
• Eye-catching temple treatments showcase jeweled logos, whimsical patterns and textures like leather. New twists on "temple worship" also include feminine jewels keeping the "bling" in sunwear, but with a more sophisticated flair.
  
  
• Color-drenched shades are giving frames some character this season. Gold is the metallic choice of the season, while rimless styles are getting in on the fun by adding color via the arms and the lenses.
  
  
• Streamlined aviators make the A-list. These traditional "pilot" frames are universally flattering. From rimless to metal to plastics these classics are updated as wraps or shields, as well as in oversized styles.
  
  
• Sports-inspired trends are a dominant force in the fashion world and the look carries over to eyewear as well. Features include flexible titanium materials, tinted lenses, sleek rimless frames, and vivid color contrast.

For more information, visit EyeCessorize.com