How Often Should I Replace My Sunglasses?

Are you looking to buy a new pair of sunglasses in Langley? When it comes to protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses are often your first line of defence. Like all eyewear products though, your sunglasses will inevitably experience wear and tear over time and will eventually need to be replaced. To continue benefiting from maximum UV protection, it’s therefore important to replace your sunglasses regularly. In this blog, we'll explore the key factors that affect the lifespan of sunglasses and share some helpful tips for purchasing a new pair.

Average Lifespan of Sunglasses

While sunglasses typically last between one and three years, their lifespan can be significantly affected by how you use and care for them. For example, someone who wears sunglasses every day may need to replace them sooner than someone who only wears them occasionally.

The Importance of UV Protection

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes over time, leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions. To protect your eyes from sun exposure and UV rays, it is therefore important to wear sunglasses during your outdoor activities.

Additionally, the protective coating of the lenses will fade over time, thus reducing the effectiveness of your sunglasses. It’s therefore important to remember to replace your sunglasses regularly, preferably every two to three years. People who engage in outdoor activities year-round and wear sunglasses frequently may also prefer to replace them annually.

Other Factors Affecting the Durability of Sunglasses

Over time, sunglasses may lose their protective qualities due to a variety of factors:

1. Wear and tear – Frequent use will inevitably cause some wear and tear to your sunglasses.  Additionally, prolonged exposure to outdoor conditions, such as excessive heat and humidity, will also affect the materials of your sunglasses over time.

2. Lens scratches – Scratches will naturally occur on the surface of the lenses over time. Noticeable scratches can not only weaken the lenses but also compromise the protective qualities of your sunglasses.

3. Frame warping – If you frequently use your sunglasses outdoors, the heat can cause the lenses to expand unevenly, leading to warped or bent frames.

Tips for Selecting Durable, High-Quality Sunglasses

Are you ready to purchase your next pair of sunglasses? Here are some tips to help you choose durable and high-quality sunglasses:

• Make sure that the sunglasses you choose offer protection against 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

• To increase the lifespan of your sunglasses, choose lenses with a scratch-resistant coating.

• For enhanced comfort and visibility, consider opting for polarized lenses.

• When selecting the frames of your sunglasses, opt for lightweight frames made from materials like acetate or metal.

Looking for Quality Sunglasses in Langley?

Langley Optometry Clinic is your trusted provider of quality sunglasses in Langley. Not sure which type of sunglasses might suit you best? Our optometrists are here to offer expert advice to help you find the perfect pair of eyewear in Langley. Our optometrists also offer comprehensive eye exams to Langley residents to assist them with their eye health needs.

We invite you to visit our clinic to browse a wide selection of stylish and durable sunglasses. You can also contact us today to book a visit with one of our optometrists.