Quality Sunglasses to protect eyes?

[indimom]

I need to invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses with good UVA and UVB protection for my daughter. (A style that is slightly "wraparound" would be a best.)

DH has a pair of Oakleys and I have a pair of Revo brand sunglasses. We like them, but I'm wondering what others wear and if they like them. (I'm also not certain about the details of the brands we wear as far as UV protection, but more is better in this instance.)

What brand do you wear and what do they cost?

Thanks.

 

[DrCavin]

Maui Jims are my favorite. I also have a pair of Revo's that I keep in the wifes car in case I forget.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Dh and I buy nothing but Maui Jim. Think my current pair was about $300.

 

[snapppyd]

Maui Jim all the way!!! I have Oakley's, but they are not polarized. Maui Jim are the best!!! You can look them up online, they have many wrap styles for men and women.


ETA: my DH got a pair for 40% off at a surf shop in NJ this winter!

 

[Christine]

I have a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. Costco sells discontinued styles for about $80 a pair. The current styles are close to $300. I'm fine with the Costco ones!

 

[tvguy]

Poloroids here. $10-$15 a pair and my opthamalogist says the lenses protect your eyes as well or better than any other brand, no need to spend a lot.

 

[mickeyboat]

Another Maui Jim fan, here.

 

[DaisyLynn]

I have a lot of sunglasses, included polarized Oakley and Revo H2O..and currently my favorite is a pair of Maui Jims. The lenses are awesome. I also have a pair of Serengetis and really like those for driving on the "not as sunny" days.

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I've had brands ranging from Ray Ban's to Gargoyles (before they were bought out by AI Foster Grant) to Oakley's. I loved my Gargoyles...Legends style wrap around - polycarbonate lenses which in the case of Gargoyles ("protective eyewear") were bulletproof - great for riding motorcycles or even bicycles, any sort of shooting sports etc. Difficult to find in a polarized lens, but available in several frame and lens colors (interchangeable lens system).

Ray Ban's - had them during the Top Gun era glass lens but very traditional/stylish lens.

Oakley - I currently have a pair of polarized Juliets and a pair of polarized Gas Cans - both are wraparound, and both are great pairs of glasses. The polarized lenses take some getting used to, but once you wear them you'll never go back to traditional tinted lenses.

Revo's are also a very nice brand of glasses, but I thought a good portion of their designs used a glass not polycarb lens...which for sports and strenuous activity are not usually recommended.

Always best to make sure that a lens doesn't distort images...especially with wraparounds - that was one of Gargoyles claim to fame was that they had a patented wraparound system to prevent that. Also if you are looking at colored/mirrored lenses you want to look for a polycarb lens process where the iridium coating is sandwiched between clear coats as the iridium is usually the most susceptible to scratching.

 

[ndelaware]

Bolle' makes excellent sunglasses.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I own Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, but in all seriousness, if you buy a higher end pair of glasses you can pretty much guarantee they will be UV protective so it really comes down to style and personal comfort.

 

[snapppyd]

I own Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, but in all seriousness, if you buy a higher end pair of glasses you can pretty much guarantee they will be UV protective so it really comes down to style and personal comfort.

I have Oakley's and Coach, they are not polarized like the Maui Jim's.

 

[snapppyd]

Poloroids here. $10-$15 a pair and my opthamalogist says the lenses protect your eyes as well or better than any other brand, no need to spend a lot.

They might protect your eyes, but once you drive on a very sunny day wearing Maui Jim's you will never go back. They take away all the glare on your dashboard, other cars, etc.

 

[HeatherH]

Another HUGE fan of Maui Jim's here. I have eyes that are very sensitive to the sun and NOTHING works like them.

Yes, they are expensive, but a pair lasts me MANY years. I didn't realize they were sold at Costco too, I'm going to have to check that out, I could use a spare pair.

 

[indimom]

Thank you, thank you for all the information and suggestions. I'll be checking into all of the brands you've named, even though Maui Jim seems to have won hands down. I'll also be checking with her eye doctor to see if they have any suggestions/recommendations. I really appreciate the input. Thanks.

 

[cbiss]

This may sound silly, but Target sells polarized sunglasses for around $15 a pair. I have very pale blue eyes and have always been very light sensitive. I also just had eye surgery (contact implants). My Target sunglasses worked better than the dark glasses the eye dr gave me....so brand name is not always best!

 

[mikehn]

Just to add a little clarification...Maui Jim offers a few lenses. You do not want the polycarb or the Evolution lenses. They are junk. Get the models with the superthin glass lenses. Those rock.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I have Oakley's and Coach, they are not polarized like the Maui Jim's.

Although polarized lens are a nice added benefit for glare, when it comes to UV, it by itself is not a guarantee of protection. I think its important to understand the difference.

Many manufacturers offer many lens types, from basic plastic to polarized UV protected glass, it all depends on the company, style and price points.

 

[indimom]

Although polarized lens are a nice added benefit for glare, when it comes to UV, it by itself is not a guarantee of protection. I think its important to understand the difference.
Many manufacturers offer many lens types, from basic plastic to polarized UV protected glass, it all depends on the company, style and price points.

Thanks for making the clarification. We do need to have both in whatever pair of sunglasses we buy. Polarization to cut back on glare issues in her right eye and 99-100% UV protection. Also, wraparound to give the best protection from UV rays.

The cost of the glasses takes second place to quality. (Absolutely, if we can get the same quality for a lower price, I would prefer that. She is a typical carefree teen.) But, I'm treating this like buying prescription eyeglasses. Quality is the number one deciding factor. And she will be using them year-round when she is outside so they need to hold up. Luckily, she is not active in any competitive sports, so that is not a factor.

I did some looking last night and it appears that the Maui Jims (which I had never heard of before) are sold primarily at optomotrist's offices around here. I'm taking that as a good sign that they are recommended for people with eye conditions?? She sees her retinal surgeon Friday, so we will get his input as well. He did not suggest a particular brand at her last appt. and they do not sell glasses at his office. But, I'm hoping he can point us in the right direction.

We're putting a lot of effort into getting the 'right' brand and style first. Then, she will be trying them on to figure out which lens color will give her the best vision possible.

Thanks again for your suggestions everyone!

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I am a total Maui Jim nut!! I have two pairs in my truck, one that is a extreme dark for sunny days, then I have the bronze which works well for overcast, foggy days!! they are like 400 a pair, but I LOVE them!!!

http://www.mauijim.com/kula-513.html

these are them, and it looks like they are now cheaper!!! I am getting a third pair! thanks!!