Andre Horn, a senior optometrist and assistant managing director at Mellins i-Style, warns that too much UV exposure can increase your risk of eye diseases. So, it goes without saying how important it is to invest in the right sunglasses. Here are some things to look for when finding the perfect pair:

• UV light protection Your sunglasses should block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Polarised lenses These lenses block diffused light, such as sunlight reflected off water surfaces or the pavement, which are particularly handy when driving and fishing as they reduce glare.
• Mirror lenses Besides that there is an undeniable summer-cool feel with mirrored lenses, they also reduce the quantity of light reaching the eye. However, these lenses don’t provide any protection from UV radiation.
• Gradient tint lenses The lenses fade from a darker coloured upper part to a lighter coloured bottom. Thus, the glare from above will be blocked, but normal downward vision is allowed for your eyes. These are useful for drivers, but not so much for the beach (or in snow if you’re planning a winter holiday this summer) because a strong glare can come from below.
• Photo-chromatic lenses Lenses that automatically adjust to the intensity of light – darken when it is bright and lighten when it is dimmer. Depending on the UV radiation and the temperature, the change in tint can be very quick.
• Side Protection or Wraparound lenses These features add in that extra bit of protection from the light that reaches your eyes from all sides.

Words: Dailyfix
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Info source: Mellins i-Style