It is the time of the year when you can’t think of stepping out in the sun without a pair of sunglasses. And wearing the right shades is as much about protecting your eyes as being “cool and trendy”.

Sneha Khan, wife of television actor Iqbal Khan and a pre-school teacher with Billabong High School, Juhu, Mumbai, loves to flaunt a pair of sunglasses just to look cool. “I have five pairs of sunglasses and I wear them to suit my attire and the place I am supposed to visit. For instance, the shades I wear to the gym are different from the ones I sport when I go on holidays,” she says.

Sarvesha Karnani is no different. A Calcutta-based media professional, Karnani has around six pairs of sunglasses to match her mood. “I absolutely adore them. The ones that I have are round in shape and lend a retro look,” she says. Karnani goes for branded shades “because they come with a guarantee to protect your eyes”.

Karnani has a point. For, sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory. They also serve the purpose of protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Inferior quality sunglasses may expose you to these rays and damage your eyes. So the next time you buy a pair of shades, do keep a few things in mind.

Make sure to ask the salesperson whether the shades provide enough protection from ultraviolet (UV) A or B rays of the sun. Any pair of dark glasses offering 400 UV protection is good for your eyes as it manages to filter almost 98 per cent of the UV rays. On the other hand, sunglasses that offer protection below 400 UV may not be able to filter the harmful rays.

“The quality of the shades is of utmost importance. They should not only provide protection from UV rays but also help you see better in extreme glare. It’s best to buy polarised shades that are specially designed to reduce glare and enhance visibility. They have a darker tint and are good for sports and driving,” says a spokesperson for Fastrack, a lifestyle brand.

The price of branded shades start at Rs 695 (Fastrack) and can go up to a few thousands. Popular brands like Esprit, Oxido, Fossil and Guess start at around Rs 3,000 while Vogue and Tommy Hilfiger start at Rs 5,000. For a more upmarket brand like Armani or Oakley sunglasses , you will have to shell out at least Rs 10,000. And a pair of Gucci sunglasses can leave you poorer by at least Rs 11,000. But don’t be deceived by the cost of the shades. Expensive sunglasses do not necessarily ensure adequate protection for your eyes. Price may of course be an indication of better quality or durability, but more often than not, it is a reflection of the fashion quotient or brand image of the shades.

Another factor that you need to keep in mind while buying a pair of sunglasses is the colour gradient of the lens. Single-gradient lenses (dark on top and lighter at the bottom) can cut the glare from the sky but allow you to see clearly underneath. They are useful for driving because they don’t dim your view of the dashboard. However, they’re not good on snow or the beach. However, double-gradient lenses (dark on top and bottom and lighter in the middle) may be better for those who go sailing or skiing as they prevent light from reflecting off the water or the snow. Also, when you try out a pair, don’t forget to make sure that the shades are cent per cent distortion-free.

The lens colour of the sunglasses also plays a role in their effectiveness. “Amber, brown or copper coloured lenses enhance visibility, especially in poor light. Hence, they are recommended for driving at night,” says Ajay Kumar Bhootra, a Calcutta-based optometrist.

Experts feel that wrap-around sunglasses are best suited for those who spend a lot of time in the sun as they prevent the rays from entering the eyes from the sides. As Bhootra stresses, “Wrap-around shades help protect your eyes from dust and provide a complete cover from the sun.”

And those who wear glasses, don’t despair. You could always opt for customised sunglasses. For instance, Titan Eye+ not only has normal sunglasses but also makes sunglasses with the prescribed lens power. “We offer customised sunglasses for those who wear glasses regularly,” says Sujay Suresh Dangi, chief optometrist and head of technical services of Titan industries eye wear division, Bangalore.

According to Dangi, it’s best to opt for shades that are bigger in size and cover a sizeable portion of your face. “Small sunglasses are not good as they fail to prevent UV rays from entering your eyes. Opt for a reputed brand and big sunglasses. And avoid shades of inferior quality. The common acrylic lenses fail to screen the harmful radiation, thereby making your eyes vulnerable.” Non-prescribed lenses of good quality are made of polycarbonates that are scratch and impact resistant, adds Dangi.

So go for that trendy pair of shades to jazz up your style. But no matter what sunglasses you choose, make sure that they are not just a fashion statement, but that they also protect your eyes.