No other fashion accessory is more influential in changing or enhancing the style you’re looking for than really cool sunglasses.

In addition to being a fashion accessory, sunglasses play the important role of enhancing your vision and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and high-energy visible blue light.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when looking for your next pair of sunglasses that can help you choose quality outdoor eyewear that is both fashionable and smart.

When you buy sunglasses, you are improving your style

When shopping for sunglasses, it’s tempting to look for the latest styles and frame shapes. But this way of shopping can backfire when styles change (sometimes quickly) and your sunglasses that looked so cool when you bought them now look dated and outdated.

Often, a better way to shop is to choose variations of classic shapes, such as new versions of aviator styles, classic “P3” round shapes and sleek wrap-around styles.

Size is also important. Choosing a frame that fits comfortably on your head and has lenses that are not too large or too small is a good way to maintain a modern look in your sunglasses for years to come.

Keep in mind that sleek, streamlined styles of wrap-around frames are perfect for sports sunglasses, but usually don’t give you a modern look for more social activities. A better option is to buy one pair of sport sunglasses and one pair of fashionable sunglasses for social life.

Sport wrap-around sunglasses are also an excellent choice for the beach, snowboarding or skiing, boating, fishing and anytime you are on or near the water.

Why? Because wrap-around sunglasses allow the lenses to shade your eyes more effectively, protecting them from sunlight from the sides or reflections off surfaces below and around you.

Shielding your eyes from sunlight when you are young lowers your risk of sun-related eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. It also protects you against cancer of the eye and the delicate skin around it, and can decrease your risk of forming an unsightly pinguecula or pterygium on the surface of your eyes.

Is it necessary to wear sunglasses on a cloudy day?

Is it necessary to wear sunglasses during the winter? If it is cloudy? If you already have prescription glasses? If you have contact lenses with UV protection?

Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. UV rays are less intense during the winter, but can still be harmful. Also, UV rays can pass through clouds, so protective sunglasses are important even on cloudy days.

If you wear glasses, get a pair of prescription sunglasses as well (or choose photochromic lenses for your glasses).

If you wear contact lenses, definitely get a pair of non-prescription sunglasses to wear with them. In addition to blocking UV rays, sunglasses protect your eyes from wind (which can dry out your contact lenses) and prevent windblown dust and debris from reaching your eyes.

Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, they should protect your eyes completely, not just the part under the contact lens. Only sunglasses can do that.