(18 December 2019)
In the UAE, we’re lucky enough to get an average of ten hours of sunshine a day. Even in the winter, we usually still get at least eight.
Our many hours of sunshine are largely good news for our health: getting out in the sunshine boosts our Vitamin D levels which is essential for our wellbeing, especially our bone health; it boosts certain ‘happy’ hormones for a positive effect on our mental health, and it even helps us to sleep by regulating our circadian rhythm.
However, we all know that too much sun exposure can harm our health, too. It’s something we need to pay careful attention to in the sun-soaked UAE. Too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun can expose us to a much higher risk of skin cancer. For this reason, we are encouraged to cover up or use strong sun protection creams.
But what about our eyes? What precautions do we need to take to protect them from the sun?
Why wear sunglasses?
Just like the skin, the eyes are susceptible to damage from the sun. Go without sunglasses and you are at higher risk of early macular degeneration, which is the age-related deterioration of the retina. This will result in blurred vision. Wearing sunglasses may also help prevent or slow down the formation of cataracts.
Sunglasses will also help protect the delicate skin around your eye from sun damage and harmful UV rays. Plus, there’s the added bonus of glasses helping to deflect dust and other irritants away from your eyes.
And finally, there is a whole host of practical reasons for wearing sunglasses. They make going about day-to-day life so much more comfortable, and they make driving a lot safer, too.
Sunglasses are often seen first and foremost as a fashion item. But, here in the UAE, we should see them as an absolutely essential item to wear anytime we’re outdoors.
Why go for a leading brand?
As you are probably aware, you can purchase sunglasses on any budget. So, why is it worth opting for a leading brand?
To shield your eyes adequately, sunglasses should offer 100 percent UV protection. This is difficult to find on a low budget.
Furthermore, leading brands will typically offer much better quality lenses. These will provide a clearer, sharper image than a low budget lens.
And, bear in mind that leading brands are likely to offer a far more durable frame that has been well-tested and designed to cope better with everyday knocks and drops. This makes them a good investment that will last longer.
What are the UAE’s top sunglasses brands?
These six brands represent the UAE’s most popular, high-quality sunglasses brands for men, women and kids. They all combine stylish design with the best protection available.
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban has been setting the worldwide standards for sunglasses design since they began in 1937. Their product range includes iconic Ray-Ban designs and this-season frames for both men and women. They also offer an excellent range of sunglasses for kids, Ray-Ban Junior.
This is a brand known for its high-quality designs that offer a great degree of protection for your eyes. Style is not compromised, however. Ray-Ban designs are cult classics and are recognizable from films such as Top Gun, JFK, and Breakfast At Tiffany’s.
Sunday Somewhere
Sunday Somewhere is a relaxed, contemporary brand that has made timeless, highly-wearable sunglasses their own. Choose from their ultra-cool retro styles or fresh takes on both men’s, and women’s classics.
Tiffany & Co
Tiffany & Co offers sophisticated and elegant sunglasses designs to women looking for something particularly refined and come with complete protection for their eyes. Tiffany & Co’s most iconic designs include their cat-eye sunglasses and butterfly sunglasses, which can be found in a range of classic muted colorways.
Dior
Dior is a name synonymous with the finest luxury goods, and their sunglasses do not disappoint. Take a look at their range of pilot sunglasses for both men and women, which offer a very contemporary feel. Or try their vintage style Hypnotic Round Sunglasses for an elegant look.
Lacoste
Lacoste produces great sunglasses for kids that provide all the protection they need. With vibrant color-blocking and the famous crocodile logo, these are sure to be a hit with your little ones.
Maui Jim
If you’re a fun-loving beach dweller or sports fan, then Maui Jim may have the right pair of sunglasses for you. Maui Jim is known for their colorful, weekend styles in fun colorways. Their unique style is combined with the highest quality engineered frames and best quality lenses. Maui Jim offers some of the most durable sunglasses out there, too.
By wearing one of these top brands that provide maximum eye protection, we can step out into the UAE sunshine all throughout the year, safe in the knowledge that we look good, too.
AUTHOR BIO
Firas Saab is an enthusiastic trainer with more than a decade in the retail and optical industry and loves to share his experience and help others to succeed in selling. He has recently acquired HND in Business and Management in addition to his Optical qualifications despite the work responsibilities; he believes in no excuses to succeed. Firas is an energetic speaker with merit in Toastmasters International. Before being a training manager, Firas has occupied different positions that helped him to create a guideline for a Successful Team & helped built a Leadership course that can help potential people to unlock their capabilities to achieve and inspire.