Titanium Sunglasses

While many people will happily buy cheaper sunglasses at High Street stores, there are a large proportion of those who prefer to buy higher quality sunglasses that will last and keep their looks for longer. There are several designer brands that you can look for including Oakley, Dolce and Gabbana, Bloc, Bolle, Armani, Quiksilver, Spy and Electric sunglasses to name but a few! However, you should also consider the primary reason why you are buying new glasses.

Firstly, bear in mind that sunglasses, cheap or expensive, should comply with certain standards with regard eye protection. These standards carry different labels depending on the country. In Europe you need to check for EN 1836:2005, in the US the standard is ANSI Z80.3-1972 and Australia AS1067. Basically, do not go by price but by the amount of UV protection the glasses give you. Sunglasses should protect against 100% of UV rays and also filter out UVA, UVB and UVC as well. You should also remember that irrespective of the colour or darkness of the lens, it is actually the clear outer coating that filters the rays and not the colour.

So, why are you considering buying new sunglasses? For instance, do you really want them for driving, for fishing, for golf, water sports, mountaineering, or perhaps for cycling? Many people do not consider the reason, but you should because the colour of the lenses and construction of the glasses can affect your vision in different ways. The preferred use of your glasses is probably why some sunglasses come with interchangeable lenses such as the Oakley sunglass kits.

For example, some tints can illicit colour distortion that can affect driving performance. Driving glasses should help you keep alert and keep your eyes comfortable without causing headaches. Look for polarised lenses with a grey lens as this is neutral and would not affect contrast or distort any colours. However, yellow is the preferred colour for golfers as it enhances contrast and depth perception. For cycling, you really need a tougher lens and to consider the increased airflow to the face, you need to protect the peripheral vision and also consider the fit of the helmet with the glasses.

There are a few sports that demand particular elements for sunglasses. For example, for mountaineering and other altitude sports one needs to consider extremely bright conditions as well as the high altitudes. Altitude sports essentially require a category 4 lens that take the conditions into account. Glasses or goggles required for water sports such a surfing or kayaking etc., should be shatterproof, should not fog, have a nose cushion, be buoyant and have a means of fixing such as a strap. For example, Electric and Oakley have a good range of suitable goggles.

In summary, go for the best UV protection; consider the colour of the lens and other properties in relation to the use you are buying your sunglasses for.

Spring hinges are generally a good indicator of quality. They are more expensive to install and to integrate into the final product, and so tend to be included in the better quality frames. When grasping the side arms of the frame, you should be able to lever the sides away from the orthogonal by about 20 degrees without applying any significant force. You can easily see if the hinges are built to accommodate this. If they are, then they are spring driven and supported.

Pads that are mounted on metal need to be silicone rather than rigid plastic for a more comfortable fit. The silicone pads normally feel slightly softer or giving to the touch – so compare side by side with rigid plastic until you get a feel for it!

Always look for a “CE” mark on the frame. Any glasses manufactured or sold into Europe normally require the labelling to be printed on thee frame, and again implies that the manufacturer has a certified level of acceptable quality. Lack of it is more of a warning sign rather than the presence of it is a guarantee of quality however.

If you are considering a plastic frame, ask whether it is made from plastic or acetate. The latter is much higher quality for material construction and will wear much better over time.

Frames should be made from a nickel free material – or better still Titanium – as it is quite common for the skin to have reactions to nickel based or infused material over time.

Do the obvious – and handle the frames well prior to purchase if possible. Most people can discern the quality simply by feeling the balance and movement of the frame on their face.
Be cautious if you are considering “gold” frames – as the plating used on modern frames tends to be very thin relative to your old pair ! The coating can easily be rubbed off if it is in contact with your skin, in less than a year.

There are so many styles to choose from, just how do you pick the best sunglasses for you? Following are some important points to consider.

Sunglasses are a necessary form of protection for anyone venturing outdoors. Sunglasses protect our eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays while reducing glare and protecting eyes from sun-related eye problems. That said there have never been more sunglasses options, designs, technology and styles to choose from.

Whether your sunglasses needs are in a designer pair of sunglasses, sunglasses for your children, performance and sport sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription sunglasses it will be difficult to select just one pair.

There are a few helpful suggestions to aid you when purchasing sunglasses. It is important that the frame fits comfortably on your face, if you do select a frame that is too large keep in mind it can often be adjusted. If metal frames are chosen they can sometimes be slightly bent for a better fit, plastic frames can often be heated for a better fit. There are recommendations for finding sunglass shapes and colors that will complement your own face shape and coloring, ask your salesperson for ideas. It might be noted that sunglasses in general are taking on larger sizes, as wearers want ultimate protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

It is also important to only purchase sunglasses with ninety nine to one hundred percent UVA and UVB protection, labels should be attached to the lenses. It is a good idea to wear sunglasses that block the sun from all angles by wearing a large framed pair of glasses that wrap around the face. A wide brimmed hat may also be worn for further protection.

Designer sunglasses have never been more abundant or popular. The sunglasses usually keep in step with the particular image that the designer has already created with their clothing, advertising and accessory designs. Most often if you like the clothing from a designer you will appreciate their sunglasses lines. The only way to know for sure is to try the glasses on and find what looks best on you. Along with designer sunglasses celebrities are bringing out designs Like the designers they try to stay consistent with the image they have created through their music, movies, television and modeling.

Sunglasses are just as important for children as they are for adults, probably even more so considering most children spend more time playing outdoors in direct sunlight then do adults. It may however be a bit difficult to get your children to wear sunglasses when outdoors. Fortunately the options in children’s sunglasses prove to be quite appealing for children, and hopefully the designs available will keep them wearing the shades on a regular basis. Children’s sunglasses are available for purchase at specialty sunglasses stores, optical shops, and optical chain stores and from your optician. It should be noted that sunglass lenses are impact resistant (this is required by the FDA) but not shatterproof, which is why many parents prefer the polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses for their children’s sunglasses since they are strong and durable. Sports sunglasses and sports eyewear are another option for children instead of regular sunglasses, as the sports sunglasses will be more durable. Sunglass clip-ons for children’s prescription eyeglasses can also be purchased.

The popularity of outdoors sports such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, golfing, sailing and kayaking have created top of the line designs and excellent technology in sports lenses. Sports sunglasses are available in lightweight, durable materials, flexible designs with no slip designs and wonderful lenses options. Tinted lenses are made in a variety of shades to help efficiency in certain situations. The polycarbonate (shatterproof) lenses are extremely strong and impact-resistant giving benefit to people involved in high impact sports. The polarized lenses are a great choice for people participating in sports such as sailing and skiing where water and snow are involved. Of course there are multipurpose sunglasses, with some sunglasses in a changeable lens system design offering different lenses for different conditions.

Prescription eyeglass wearers can purchase prescription sunglasses with all the styles and options of regular sunglasses. The nice thing about owning prescription sunglasses is that you can wear your sunglasses outdoors and not have to continually be searching for your clip-on eyeglass covers. Prescription sunglasses are available from basic to high prescription needs with bifocal and progressive lens options. Prescription sunglasses are also available in designer and celebrity designs, unless there is a severe curve in the wrap, which would cause distortion. The photochromic lenses are a convenient choice allowing the wearer to go from sunlight in which the lenses would be dark to the indoors where the lenses become lighter, unfortunately with these particular sunglasses the UV is not in the lens unless specially applied.

The non-prescription (plano) sunglasses come in a vast variety of styling, designs and materials. The shapes and styles for both men and women range from sporty, to retro, rectangular, futuristic and glamorous to bejeweled and embellished looks. The Jackie O shapes, and variety of tinted lenses from blue to coral are the most popular styles of the moment. There are also designs, which come in rimless and semi-rimless options. Frame materials include plastic, metal and specialty metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and titanium (all offering lightweight and durability). The classic aviator style of the 1950 and 1960’s is another popular option. Jewels and rhinestones on the front or temples is another trend.

Sunglasses come in more designs and styles than imaginable. It has never been more fashionable to be safe. Regardless of whatever design you select the bottom line is the sunglasses are protecting an important asset, your eyes. Everyone is susceptible to sun-related eye problems that can range from UV light damage of the cornea and retina to cataracts, protecting your eyes is of the utmost importance to ensure your future eye health. Always be sure to purchase lenses with ninety nine to one hundred percent UVA and UVB protection.

Sunglasses are one of the most fashionable accessories known to man. Celebrities have known this for years, its there way of saying, I’m too important and good looking to even make eye contact with the average Joe. However for one of us normal people to pull of the sunglasses look without looking like a seventies throw back can be quite difficult.

The original sun glasses were more practical than fashionable, designed to shield ones eyes from direct sunlight. As scientists started to realize the dangers of Ultraviolet radiation, sunglasses became a popular beach accessory. Once the fashion conscious beach crowd started to wear sunglasses regularly, the designer brands got involved. Since the 1950’s there has even been pop and rock songs that mention sunglasses.

Its very very easy to look bad in sunglasses, what many people don’t realize is the fact that you have to get a pair that matches the shape of your face. Even after all this time, the sunglasses in the Matrix are still cool.

As a general rule of thumb, you are best going for a pair of sun glasses with the opposite shape to your face. For example, if you have a round face, square sun glasses usually work well.

Designer Sunglasses

Designer sunglasses are highly sought after which makes fake ones very common. Buying your glasses from a reputable store is usually a must. However, a pair of fake cheap sunglasses can often be a worthwhile purchase, as you won’t be too upset if you leave them on a beach or in a restaurant. I would be quite upset if i left my Oakley’s in a bar.

Three classic designer sun glasses to consider when making your purchase are Oakley, Dior and Chanel. These are great designers that have been creating beautiful eye wear for years.

Oakley sunglasses are efficient in combining beautiful design with high-tech materials such as titanium for frames or plutonite for the lenses. Oakley’s are a popular choice in the sports world as there lenses are second to non.

Dior sunglasses are popular amongst the fashion world and celebs. Wearing a pair of Christian Dior sunglasses will make you feel a part of the high class fashion world and will also get you noticed, depends on the circles you travel in of course.

Chanel sunglasses provide an elegance that makes any woman wearing them feel full of femininity and grace. Like anything Chanel however, expect to pay top prices.

Remember that popular brand sunglasses are usually expensive so you are best shopping around to get the best deal. Bear in mind that if you see a deal that’s too good to be true, nine times out of ten it will be. Nobody likes being ripped off so be careful when making your purchase. Avoid like the plague market stalls when your on holiday.

A good pair of sunglasses will last you forever, and will stay in fashion nearly as long, just look at the classes Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

When it comes to buying a new pair of sunglasses you obviously want something that looks great, comfortable and can greatly protect your eyes

Sunglasses Information - What you need to know!

Be prepared before you go shopping, you’ll be overwhelmed by the choices, colors and styles you’ll come across. Do some research and know what you need in a pair of sunglasses before you walk into a shop

Three big things you need to look for in a pair of sunglasses

1. Good eye protection
2. Comfort
3. Style

One of the most important is UV Protection, you must be 100% protected from ultraviolet radiation which is in the sunlight and can cause eye disease. The USA has a government agency called the Food and drug administration that overlooks the sales and manufacture of sunglasses. They recommend you purchase sunglasses with lenses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label on the sunglasses and look for “UV 400″ or “100% UV protection.”

About the lens

The lenses are probably the most important and there are various materials most commonly used today.

* Polycarbonate, a sturdy, long lasting light plastic.

* CR-39, a plastic used in lenses purchased with a prescription

* Glass, durable but heavy

Sunglass Tints

To help absorb light form the sun colors colors are added to the lenses which not only give them a certain style, also add color related benefits which are important -

- Gray tint will reduce the brightness, and at the same time leave the colors unchanged

- Brown and amber tint will reduce the blue frequency in sunlight but will distort the colors

- Yellow tint will reduce the blue frequency in sunlight more so than brown and amber, whilst really creating a sharpened view, they will produce more color distortion

- Green tint will filter blue light and emphasize the difference between objects

- Rose tint are recommended for outdoor use especially water sport activities due to the contrast provided for objects viewed against a green or blue background

Are polarized lenses recommended? Having a polarized lens helps alleviate the glare that’s reflected from some objects

Are scratch resistance lenses recommended? Plastic lenses are more susceptible to scratches than glass lenses! A layer of film can be added to improve the resistance and make the lenses more durable

Are mirrored lenses recommended? Mirrored lenses only add to the style and no way protect the lens.

Are Photo chromatic (or photo chromic) lenses recommended? Photo chromatic (or photo chromic) change lenses when they are made public to UV radiation. They become darker when you are outside and are exposed to the sun and return lighter when you enter inside a building

Are anti-reflective coatings recommended? These coatings are added to the inside of the lens keeping light from reflecting into your eyes

Sunglass frames

The frames are made from various materials including plastic, base metals, titanium, aluminum etc. Your personal taste the style you are looking for will help you decide what to buy.

Is extra eye protection recommended?

The bigger the sunglasses the better the protection, wrap around lenses offer more protection as they will keep out more light and UV Radiation than regular lenses. Consultants tell us that less squinting equals fewer wrinkles and a younger looking skin. Wearing sunglasses make sense

Your sunglasses should reflect your style

Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to look good. With fashion changing all the time getting a collection of sunglasses that will look good and add to your style is easily done and can be worn with any seasonal fashion trend. Go shopping and try on all the sunglasses you want, ask if you can walk outside with them to see how they really react to sunlight. Read the UV ratings.

It seems that everything these days is made from titanium. It used to be really something to have an aluminum bicycle frame. Now you can get a titanium (oooo!) frame. My wedding ring is titanium. Plus all that aerospace and airplane stuff is titanium. What else is often titanium, you ask? Eyeglass frames, of course! But before we go down that road, let’s talk more about the metal.

Titanium comes out of the ground. In rocks. It is popular because of a very high strength-to-weight ratio (thanks wiki!) To use an example, it might take a pound of steel to hold up king kong, but it only takes 1/2 a pound of titanium to do the same thing. While heavier than aluminum, pound-for-pound, titanium is twice as strong.

The benefits for using titanium in eyeglass frames now seems obvious. This metal will result in frames that are equally as strong as steel frames yet are only half the weight. Titanium makes a lot of sense. Don’t let any retailer tell you it will change the world, but it will provide a lighter pair of glasses equally as strong as a steel pair. Also, the other side of this is that if you know you’ll only be wearing a pair of glasses an hour or two at a time (e.g., sunglasses or fashion glasses), you might get the best bang for your buck out of cheaper steel frames.

A final note is that titanium is often alloyed, or combined, with other metals such as nickel. Some titanium frames are 100% and some are alloys. Unfortunately, the online retailers don’t seem to be disclosing this information. I will contact a few and post again in a couple of days. Generally, you want to avoid an alloyed frame if you are allergic to nickel or other metals with which titanium might be alloyed. The rationale behind the alloying process is that the manufacturing process is easier and the titanium becomes easier to manipulate.

This nice looking pair of frames is from EyeBuyDirect

The style name is “Free.” It looks like this particular pair runs about $40, plus probably $20 or so in coatings and upgrades. A whole lot better than the $400 I remember my father paying for a pair back in 1999.

Update: I stumbled upon this blogger whose father squished a pair of titanium eyeglasses. They were all mangled, but apparently they were able to be fixed without any breakage! Pretty neat metal, that titanium.