Benefits

5 stylish sunglasses to elevate a person’s vision and look

This type of eyewear is great for eye health and style. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular styles — plus, how they keep the eyes healthy.

Women laughing outside

If people want to look like a celebrity and protect their eyes, sunglasses are a good place to start. They’re more than just a stylish, sunny weather accessory. They can also support better vision and eye health.  

Case in point: Sunglasses can protect the eyes from things like glare and the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. They can also protect the skin around the eyes from skin cancer.1  

It’s important to know how to identify the most protective pair — and the one that might be the best overall look for a person. Here are 5 sunglasses styles to help elevate a person’s vision and look, whether they’re working or playing in the sun:2 

Did you know that UnitedHealthcare Vision offers a huge selection of designer sunglasses — and your vision insurance can help pay for them? Start shopping.

1. Aviators

A person doesn’t have to fly fighter jets to enjoy this style of sunglasses. (Though they were originally designed for military pilots.)2 They have teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames. They’re a classic and versatile pair that suits various face shapes, including oval and round. They can also work well for square faces if the frame isn’t too large. 

2. Cat-eye

This type of sunglasses has an upswept, winged shape that adds a touch of retro glamour to a person’s style. (They’re most popular with women — but that doesn’t mean men can’t wear them, too.) They’re best for people with oval and heart-shaped faces. They can also work for round faces if the frame isn’t too wide. 

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3. Oversized

Need something a little larger and more dramatic on the style-o-meter? Oversized sunglasses, which often have rounded or square frames, do just that. They pair well with oval and heart-shaped faces. They can also work for square faces if the frame isn’t too boxy. 

4. Round

These sunglasses have a circular shape and are often associated with a retro or hipster vibe. They’re best for people with square and heart-shaped faces. They can also work for oval faces, too, if the frame isn’t oversized. 

5. Wayfarers

This popular style has been around since the 1950s — and even gets a shout-out in the Don Henley song “The Boys of Summer.” They’re marked by their bold, rectangular shape with thick frames. They’re perfect for folks with oval and heart-shaped faces. They can also work for round faces if the frame is slightly wider than the face. 

How to choose the right pair of sunglasses 

Style and face-shape are a great place to start when choosing sunglasses (see above). But there are also a number of other factors a person should consider when shopping for the right pair. These can include:1,3 

  • Level of protection. This is by far the most important. A person will want to choose sunglasses — whether they’re over-the-counter or prescription — that have 100% UV protection. Don’t settle for less. 
     
  • Durability. If a person considers themselves sporty or active, they’ll want to choose sunglasses that have lightweight, durable frames. They’ll also want to seek out anti-slip nose pads that will keep them in place. 
     
  • Polarized lenses can help with visibility and reduce glare, but don’t always block UV rays. Select polarized lenses that offer both benefits.  
     
  • Lens type. If a person wears prescription glasses, they may want to choose transition (photochromic) lenses. Inside, they’ll be like normal prescription glasses. But when a person walks outside, they “transition” into sunglasses. Cool, huh? 
     
  • Lens material. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact resistant. That makes them a good choice for active people. But they can work for anybody. 
     
  • Lens color. The color of sunglasses’ lenses doesn’t have anything to do with their ability to block the harmful rays of the sun. But certain colors can be good for certain people. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy may want to seek out amber or brown lenses. They help a person with contrast and allow them to see better. (They’re also good for people who play golf or sports like softball or baseball.) Lenses that are brown, gray, green or yellow are best for driving. They minimize issues with color accuracy.  
     
  • Make sure they match. A person will want to choose sunglasses that complement what they wear. Neutral colors like black, brown and gray can work with most outfits. Bold colors and patterns can add some personality. 
     
  • Setting matters. Different situations call for different styles of sunglasses. For example, oversized sunglasses could be good for a beach day. Classic aviators might be more suitable for a formal setting, like a wedding.

What else should people know about sunglasses?  

The right sunglasses can protect a person’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. But they can’t keep them safe from all forms of light. These include: 

  • Arc welding
  • Snowfields
  • Staring directly at the sun, like during an eclipse
  • Tanning beds 

Research hasn’t shown that UV protection fades over time. So, it’s probably OK to use those UV-rated aviators a person wore as part of their Halloween costume way back when.  

Not sure about their UV protection level? Take them to an optical shop that has a UV meter and check them out. 

Sunglasses can be a great addition to your beach bag. UnitedHealthcare Vision offers a huge selection online. Start shopping today.

Sources:  

  1. Do sunglasses actually protect your eyes? Cleveland Clinic, June 2023.
  2. Exploring the different types of sunglasses styles All About Vision, last updated April 2024.
  3. Tips for choosing the best sunglasses American Academy of Ophthalmology, May 2024. 

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