Tips for buying sunglasses: how to protect your eyes and your pocket

Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to provide maximum sun protection. Here are some tips and some examples of pairs you can buy and stay cool this summer.

  Bar Refaeli  (photo credit: NIR PEKIN)
Bar Refaeli
(photo credit: NIR PEKIN)

Sunglasses in Israel are not only a fashionable must-have but a protective tool against exposure to the sun's rays and large light sources that may cause retinal degeneration, cataracts and even eye cancer. And yet, these are contraceptives whose price sometimes goes up to hundreds and even thousands of shekels, in cases where leading fashion designers sign the titanium or luxury metal arms. However, the argument that the higher the price of the glasses, the higher the level of protection for the eyes has been disproved in the past, and today you can find sunglasses at friendlier price levels, which also fit the current fashion edict.

Here it is important to note that according to the Israeli standard, all sunglasses sold in Israel require 100% filtering against ultraviolet radiation. Where will you find sunglasses that will provide you with the proper level of protection, squeeze compliments from your friends and leave you money in your pocket?

According to optometrist Moshe Blank from Or Ha-Ein Optics in Petah Tikva, UV radiation, or in its abstract name, ultraviolet radiation, is harmful radiation that comes from sunlight and causes accelerated aging of the skin and eyes. It also causes the lens of the eye to weaken and the quality of vision to decrease, which sometimes requires surgery to replace it. the lens.

"This is radiation that is not visible to the eye and can be measured by dedicated equipment. The established standard is UV400 and according to the instructions of the Ministry of Economy, all sunglasses imported to Israel must comply with it.Studies done on the subject found that people who spent a long time in the sun without eye protection and were exposed to ultraviolet radiation were diagnosed as suffering from impaired vision. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase sunglasses that meet the recognized UV standard in Israel."

So, as the optometrist recommends, we tested five models from the leading companies in the market and made sure that you will not spend more than NIS 300.

Here are the results:

Carolina Lemke Model: CL7335, women's fashion statement: butterfly glasses with a gold-black frame that is suitable for those who want to blur the angles of the face Degree of protection against the sun: 100% UV Where to get: at all Carolina Lemke branches throughout the country.

Iruka Model: ETR00802 Women Fashion statement: Cat glasses with a frame in a delicate mottled color on the outside and ceramic on the inside, which is the same color as the skin of the face. Suitable mainly for those who want to highlight the eyes and forehead and balance the facial structure. Degree of protection from the sun: 100% UV Where to get: In all Iroka branches, the frames can also be obtained with optical sun lenses.

Opticana Model: Seven, unisex The fashion statement: sunglasses with square lenses that are suitable for those with full faces who want to look bolder. Degree of sun protection: 100% UV.

Where to get: in all Opticana branches throughout the country.

Carolina Lemke Model: CL7333 Women The fashion statement: heart-shaped glasses that are suitable for women with a narrow face structure and high cheekbones. Degree of protection against the sun: 100% UV Where to get: in all Carolina Lemka stores and stands in Israel.

Iruka Model: 15EEV00300, men The fashion statement: sunglasses with square lenses in metallic black color that give a rough and distant look. Degree of protection against the sun: 100% UV Where to obtain: in all Iroka branches throughout the country.