Spring is here and it is important to remember that sunglasses are much more than just a fashionable accessory. Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and glare during all seasons, especially when UV levels are high when the sun is shining.
Extended exposure to sunlight can cause discomfort and inflation to your eyes, as well as conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses serve as our primary defence against these hazards, filtering up to 99% of harmful UV rays. UV protection blocks or reflects UVA and UVB light - the two types of harmful sunlight.
Certain types of lenses protect your eyes in different environments, so the type and style you choose will depend on your unique needs. Let’s explore the lens and style options together.
Exploring Lens Options
UV Coating
Our sunglasses at M&S have UV protection embedded in the lenses. This UV protection filters 99% of ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays from reaching your eyes, thus providing protection for your eye health.
Polarised Lenses
Polarised lenses reduce glare from water, and roads, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
They are typically darker and enhance visual clarity, making them ideal for water, sports and driving.
Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses combine prescription lenses with sun protection allowing you to see and provide UV protection. In addition to protecting your eyes, prescription sunglasses are a great option for people who do not want to wear contact lenses or glasses in the warmer weather, or want an option that can help reduce eye strain and squinting associated with glare.
Mirrored lenses
Mirrored lenses can reflect light and decrease the amount of glare that enters your eye. They provide a more comfortable viewing experience in environments with harsh light, with the added bonus that they add a fashion forward twist and elevate your everyday looks.
Combining Style and Comfort
There’s definitely a fashion element to sunglasses that people look for, apart from the numerous health benefits.
Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on style when prioritising eye protection. Sunglass designers have recognised the demand for both fashion-forward and functional eyewear, offering a wide array of trendy designs with built-in UV protection.
Whether you prefer classic aviators, chic cat-eye style or round frames, there's a pair of sunglasses to suit every style and occasion.
The key to finding a pair of sunnies that perfectly compliment your look is to understand and embrace your face shape. Generally, you want to choose a style that offsets your face's lines and angles. You can find more information in our top tips below.
Oval faces: If you have this face shape, most styles will suit your face meaning you can be quite adventurous with the styles you choose such as including aviators, cat eyes, round, square, and wayfarers. The only recommendation we'd give is to choose a frame which is slightly wider than the widest part of your face.
Round faces: Look for angular glasses that add structure to your face. To add some deeper dimension, we suggest you go for angular, square frames. Our core M&S range of frames offer a wide variety of options to make you feel confident in your glasses.
Square faces: The typical identifiers of a square face shape are a broad forehead, with an equally strong angular jawline. If you wish to slightly soften your cheek bones we suggest round and oval. Curved glasses also work well as they balance your angular lines.
Heart-shaped faces: Sometimes referred to as the upside down triangle, a heart face shape narrows at the chin and is slightly broader at the forehead. Frames that bring attention downward will help elongate your face. We recommend aviator, cat-eye, and round styles, another great option is heavy or rimless frames to balance out your proportions.
Please remember that these are just guidelines. Give it a try if you fall in love with a style and think it would work well for you.
Find your perfect glasses at M&S Opticians
Discovering the ideal pair of sunglasses is all about recognising your personal style, facial features, and individual requirements. Seeking the latest in men's sunglasses trends? Browse our men’s sunglasses. In need of women’s sunglasses? Browse our collection of women’s sunglasses. Alternatively, visit your nearest M&S Opticians store and let our team help you find the perfect pair for you.