In the eyewear industry, fashion sunglasses with non-prescription lenses are called “plano” sunglasses. When buying this type of sunglasses, you have many options to choose from with regards to styling, designer names and frame materials.
More than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, which helps to account for the popularity of non-prescription sunglasses. Sunglasses help to keep contacts from drying out, shield eyes from windblown debris and protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Besides, everyone looks cool in a pair of shades that suit their face. Here’s what to look for in non-prescription sunglasses.
Fashion Forward
Whatever your style, there’s a pair of sunglasses for you. Shapes and styles of plano sunglasses for both men and women can be sporty wraparounds, glamourous cat-eyes, sleek futuristic styles that hug the face, small retro-looking shapes, large, sometimes bulbous wraps, rectangular and angular styles and even sunglasses embellished with rhinestones or faux diamonds made of cubic zirconium.
Plano sunglass lenses can also be tinted in a variety of colours, including blue, yellow, rose, orange, purple, black or coral. Rimless and semi-rimless sunglasses have lenses held in place by a wire or plastic thread. They can have very unique lens shapes, cut in unusual angles. Some plastic sunglass frames feature cut-outs and other details that give them a distinctive look.
Sunglass Materials
Non-prescription sunglass frames can be made of plastic or premium metals such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum and beryllium. These metals are strong but lightweight for comfort, as well as being hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant. Many sunglass styles incorporate both metal and plastic in their frames to give them a unique look.
Shopping for Sunglasses
Plano sunglasses are just as much a fashion statement as they are for eye protection so the colour and shape of the frame you choose will depend on your personal style and preference. Beyond that, shop for sunglasses the same way you would when buying prescription eyeglasses. Follow these tips:
- Make sure the frame fits comfortably
- Choose frames that are wide enough for your face with the edge of the frames protruding slightly beyond your face so the sidebars don’t push against your head
- The sidebars should be long enough so that the curve at the end of the sidebar extends over your ear without pressing down on it
- Make sure that the nosepiece doesn’t pinch the bridge of your nose
- While wearing the sunglasses, bend over like you want to pick something up and move your head up and down. The sunglasses will stay in place if they’re fitting properly
Choose the Right Lenses
Make sure that the sunglasses you buy block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. You don’t have to pay a lot to get this level of protection. Choose styles with lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses for extra safety if you plan on wearing them for sports.
