How to Pick the Right Sunglasses: A Complete 10-Point Guide to Avoid Eye Strain

They sit lightly on the nose, complete a look in seconds, and shield your eyes from the harsh sun. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. In bustling cities and tropical towns alike, the sun blazes on. Whether stepping out to buy veggies from the sabziwala or commuting on a jam-packed metro, there's no escaping UV rays.

But here's the twist, choosing the wrong pair can lead to tired eyes, blurry vision, and annoying headaches by the evening. Eye strain from sunglasses? Sounds ironic, but it's real. Not all shades are created equal, and many available in local stalls or trendy markets often skip the essential protections.

So how do you pick a pair that won't mess with your vision, looks sharp, and feels right for everyday use? Here's a deep dive into the ten tips that'll help you choose sunglasses that protect, comfort, and compliment, not confuse and cause chaos.

A Complete Guide to Pick Your Sunglasses From Myntra; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Check for 100% UV Protection, Not Just ‘Dark Lenses'

Darker lenses aren't always better. It's a common myth. Many folks assume that the darker the glass, the better the protection. But unless it blocks 100% UVA and UVB rays, it's like using an umbrella with holes in a downpour.

Look for a label that says “UV 400” or “100% UV protection.” That's your seal of safety. Without this, the pupil dilates in the dark lens, letting in more harmful rays. Ironically, those cheap shades from roadside stalls might be worsening eye strain instead of helping.

Investing in proper UV-blocking glasses doesn't have to burn a hole in the pocket. Quality sunglasses with UV protection are available from trusted brands starting at around ₹800–₹1500. The peace of mind? Priceless.

2. Pick Polarised Lenses for Glare-Free Comfort

That blinding shimmer off the bonnet of a car or the glare bouncing off the water during a holiday in Goa? That's glare, and it's brutal on the eyes. Polarised lenses have a special filter that blocks horizontal light, giving your eyes a much-needed break.

Great for driving, sports, or just long days under the sun, these lenses reduce squinting and help keep eye muscles relaxed. The result? Fewer headaches and less eye fatigue.

Many mistake mirrored lenses for polarised ones. They're not the same. Always ask or check for the word polarised on the tag or frame. Once you experience that clear, crisp vision, going back feels impossible.

Also Read: Why You Should Never Skip Wearing Sunglasses

3. Go for Lens Colour That Matches the Activity

Brown, grey, green, amber, no, it's not a paint catalogue. It's the colour guide for lenses. And yes, it matters.

Grey lenses are ideal for everyday use; they reduce brightness without distorting colours. Brown or amber lenses boost contrast, making them perfect for sports or road trips through hilly regions. Green lenses reduce glare and enhance shadows, ideal for outdoor chores under intense sunlight.

Choosing the right shade prevents your eyes from overworking. If a lens colour makes your surroundings feel strange or off-kilter, your brain works overtime to adjust, and that's a fast track to eye strain.

Your 10-Point Guide to Sunglasses that Prevent Eye Strain and Protect Your Eyes; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Mind the Fit, If It's Pinching or Sliding, It's Wrong

No one wants sunglasses that sit on the nose like a bulldog or keep sliding down like a rebellious child. Comfort is key. If a pair pinches near the temples, presses behind the ears, or leaves red dents, it's a no-go.

A poor fit leads to constant readjustment, squinting, and tension around the forehead, all of which can create strain and even cause headaches.

Opt for frames that gently hug the sides of the face without squeezing. Adjustable nose pads are a big bonus, especially during sweaty summer afternoons. A good fit disappears into your day, while a bad one nags from the moment you wear it.

5. Watch Out for Lens Distortion, Clarity Is Non-Negotiable

Have you ever worn sunglasses and noticed straight lines looking bent? That's lens distortion. It might seem like a small quirk at first, but over time, it can throw off depth perception and tire out your eyes.

Hold the glasses at arm's length and look through them at a grid, like windowpanes or tiles. If the lines bend or wave unnaturally, the lens is flawed.

Distorted lenses make your eyes work harder to correct what they're seeing. Avoid this silent saboteur. Spend a few minutes testing in-store; it saves hours of discomfort later.

6. Avoid Extremely Small Lenses, Go for Full Coverage

Tiny lenses might look trendy on Instagram reels, but they do little to protect your eyes from the sun's wrath. Ultraviolet rays can sneak in from the top, sides, and even reflect from the ground.

Larger lenses, or wraparound styles, offer better protection and reduce the amount of light entering from the periphery. This leads to less squinting and more visual ease.

While oversized doesn't mean “bug-eyed,” go for a frame that covers the eyebrows and extends slightly beyond the edges of the face. Function meets fashion when chosen wisely.

How to Pick the Perfect Sunglasses! Follow Our Complete 10-Point Guide; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Pay Attention to Frame Material, Lightweight Wins

Heavy sunglasses may look premium, but if they start to weigh down the nose bridge by lunchtime, they're not worth it. Long wear causes pressure points and discomfort.

Materials like TR90 (a lightweight thermoplastic) or acetate offer durability without bulk. They're flexible, less likely to snap, and comfy even during long errands in humid weather.

Metal frames with silicone tips are also a solid choice, as long as they don't dig into the skin. The key is balance. Sunglasses should feel like a natural extension of the face, not a burden on it.

8. Skip Trendy Fakes, They Cost More Than They Show

That ₹250 pair from the flea market might be tempting. The design screams “Bollywood star,” but the lenses often lack basic protection. They might even be tinted plastic, offering zero UV filtration.

Wearing these can trick your eyes into relaxing (due to reduced brightness) while letting harmful rays pour in. It's a trap, one that leads to faster vision fatigue and long-term risk.

Better to invest in one reliable pair from a known brand, even if it means skipping a few impulse buys. Consider it eyewear insurance, with returns every single day you step out.

9. Choose Anti-Reflective Coating for Extra Clarity

Ever noticed your eyes reflecting back at you while wearing sunglasses? That's internal glare, and it's exhausting. An anti-reflective (AR) coating on the inside of the lens cuts down this distraction.

It ensures your eyes get a clear view without double images or bouncing light, especially during late afternoon sun or while driving on open roads.

Lenses with AR coating feel calmer, more transparent, and friendlier to sensitive eyes. You'll find yourself squinting less and focusing more, with a lot less effort.

10. Try Before You Buy, Because Your Eyes Know Best

Online deals are great, but when it comes to sunglasses, trying them on is half the battle won. How a pair feels matters more than how it looks on a model.

Take a walk outside the shop, look at a distant signboard, test them under bright light. If your eyes feel relaxed and vision stays crisp, you've likely found a winner.

And if you're shopping online, ensure there's a return policy. Because no two faces, or eyes, are exactly alike. What suits one person can strain another. Let your eyes do the deciding.

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The right sunglasses do far more than shield against sunlight. They guard against hidden dangers, like UV rays, glare, distortion, and bad fit, that quietly wear out your eyes. By choosing wisely, you're not just investing in style but in long-term eye health and everyday comfort.

Think of them as your eyes' everyday armour. With the right pair, every glance at the sun becomes a little less squinty, a lot more comfortable, and undeniably cooler. Your eyes deserve that much.

So next time you're out shopping for shades, take a pause. Test, feel, and choose with care. Because good sunglasses don't just sit pretty on your face, they keep your world bright, without the strain. Check Today's Deals On Myntra 
 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories, and brands listed in this article.