B4-U-BUY(tm) FYI - Stylish New Sunglasses Are More Than Meets The Eye

Stylish New Sunglasses Are More Than Meets The Eye

A growing number of people are seeing the light and finding sunglasses an ideal combination of function and fashion.

Research has shown that people today are more aware than ever of the need to protect their eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. To accommodate this trend, the companies that manufacture sunglasses are providing an outstanding selection of sunglasses in thousands of styles, shapes and colors.

A major misconception exists in that people believe the darker the sunglass lens, the more it will protect the eyes. "Not true," says Dr. Jack Weber, O.D., Education and Research Director for Marchon Eyewear. Weber says choosing a lighter or darker sunglass lens is simply a matter of personal choice and eye comfort. He points out that the issue is "protection from UV rays." Weber recommends reading sunglass labels carefully to discover their degree of ultraviolet light protection. He advises choosing quality sunglasses that are 100 percent UV absorbing which provides the best known health protection for the eye.

With respect to fashion, many of us are unsure as to what sunglass shapes and styles best complement our face shape. Dr. Weber, Marchon's Director of Education and Research, offers these helpful tips for choosing the right sunglass frame for your face:

Oval face. Almost any style works for this shape of face. Experiment with the latest looks such as wraparounds and geometric shapes.
Round face. Frames should make the face appear longer and thinner. In general, look for frames equal to or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. Minimize the curves and add definition with soft, angular, rectangular styles or double brow styles.
Diamond shape. This face shape has wide or high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. Oval sunglasses will soften the contour of the face, although softly curved square frames will work as well. Make sure the styles are no wider than the top of the cheekbones.
Square face. This face shape consists of a strong jawline, a broad forehead and wide cheekbones. Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles that will give the face some definition such as cat-eye styles. The classic oval also works well for this face shape.
Oblong face. Widen and shor-ten the face with eyewear styles that do not extend beyond the widest part of the face. Round or square shapes will look great on this face.
Triangle shape. This face has a wide jaw and a narrow forehead. Soften the lower portion of the face by accenting the eye area. Styles such as cat- eyes should angle outward at the top corner and be wide enough to balance the jawline.
Heart face. Minimize the upper portion of the face by choosing frames no wider than your forehead and angling outward at the bottom corners. Very light colors and rimless styles work well on this face shape.

Remember, there's more to selecting sunglasses than meets the eye. When selecting quality sunglasses, buying from a reputable optical store offers an advantage to consider ...proper fit. Frames that slide down the nose, sit unevenly or lean on the back of the ear will not be worn as regularly as they should. Optical Dispensers are skilled professionals that will adjust the frames, front, temples and nose pads for a comfortable fit. (NAPSI)