Amid record-high heatwaves affecting the country, California is experiencing some of the most notable temperatures. As per reports from just this past October, the West Coast is seeing temperatures so high that they’d still be considered significant even in the peak of summer. 

In some part of California, temperatures have exceeded 117 degrees. This puts upwards of 30 million people under heat alerts. Similarly, UV radiation has been rising.  Over the last few years, parts of California have seen a worrying surge in UV, with signs that it will only get worse over time. In 2021, Los Angeles County recorded severe UV rays, which peaked at 11 on the index.

That said, it’s essential for anyone in the state to keep sun protection as a priority. Aside from the usual methods like using sunscreen and staying hydrated, it’s equally important that sunglasses make it into one’s daily routine. After all, the eyes are some of the most vulnerable to the sun, with damage setting in as little as one minute. It’s not enough to settle for just any old pair of shades. Protect your eyes properly with the right sunglasses. Here are some tips that’ll help you find the right shades:

Note the UV protection

When picking out sun safety must-haves, it’s key to look into the specific UV protection they offer. After all, this is what will determine if a product can actually block out the radiation that poses a danger to you in the first place. This is why many leading sunscreen brands clearly state the SPF levels that they cover. For example, Kopari’s Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen highlights that it has SPF 50 on its packaging. In terms of sunglasses, what you need to look for is a tag or sticker that says either it offers UV400 absorption or up to 100% UV protection. Brands like Ray-Ban will also make it a point to indicate this on their packaging and official collaterals. Note that this is different from other markings that sunglasses are required to have in California, like Prop 65, which refers to certain materials used.

Pick lenses that block glare

As much as sunny weather is part of what makes California so popular among locals and tourists alike, this brightness can be overwhelming to the eyes. This is especially true when temperatures are higher and the sun is more intense That said, regular eyewear cannot help with brightness unless they’re polarized sunglasses. On retailer Eyebuydirect, these particular shades are noted to use special lens coatings that block out annoying glare. This ensures that you enjoy better visual acuity, color perception, and detail since any overly bright light is softened. Since this also reduces ocular straining, your eyes will feel more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your surroundings better. This is especially ideal in places like beaches or pools since the polarized coatings can compensate for any uncomfortable reflections from the water.

Choose corrosion-resistant materials

Regardless of whether you spend time under the sun for casual recreation or more heart-pumping exertion, you’re bound to expose your sunglasses to elements that can corrode their materials. Since the California coastline is over 840 miles long, you’ll definitely be spending time amid seawater and salty air. That’s not to mention your own sweat that can cause a nasty buildup. To prevent this, look for frames made with corrosion-resistant materials like beryllium, stainless steel, or aluminum. While these aren’t necessarily available in cheaper sunglasses, they are worth the investment since they’ll last longer. For instance, performance brand Oakley is known to create special, sometimes limited edition, eyewear collections. While their prices are higher, they use materials like their BiO-Matter tech, which is designed to withstand above-average wear and tear.