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An email from a customer about the Carvers sunglasses

An email from a customer about the Carvers sunglasses

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During an Indiegogo campaign last October we threw out a proposition that the first person to back the project would get a pair of Carvers sunglasses prototypes (sweet). It was literally insane how fast Jonathan was to grab that position.

We got in touch and let Jonathan customize one of the four possible pairs in existence at the time- he went with the midnight grey frame, ocean blue sides, and purple lenses. A solid choice for sure. Jonathan has had the sunglasses for a while now and recently sent an email about his Carvers experience that we thought was pretty awesome and wanted to share it with you.

We hadn’t realized at the time that Jonathan was a repeat backer and had backed our past crowdfunding campaigns (which is awesome). He’s a bit of a crowdfunding sunglasses guru (he gave us permission to use the above photo of his, depicting the crowdfuding sunglasses he has backed over the years). Yup. It’s a lot.

Below is a take on the Carvers straight from the man himself, an unbiased customer who we’ve now been lucky enough to get to know (we seriously really like getting to know you guys). We thought that what he wrote was way too good not to share and had to ask Jonathan if he would mind us posting it, which he kindly agreed to.

So without further ado, here are some unfiltered, uninfluenced words on Jonathan’s experience with the Carver’s sunglasses:

I’ve had a lot of sunglasses over the years, cheap off brand glasses, expensive brand name glasses, and lately I’ve been backing projects on indiegogo and kickstarter that have promised a mix between affordability and quality to mixed results.

One thing I have come to expect from the Epicstoke brand is quality and a unique style. I’ve backed projects that skimped on the arms of the glasses and ended up with glasses that felt flimsy or even became warped with casual use. As far as style goes, I can’t go anywhere wearing my Epicstoke sunglasses without someone commenting on the striking colors of the lenses. I work in a school and my students are fascinated with how the color on one side doesn’t match the color you see when you wear it.

Part of the fun, I think, is letting your lenses set the mood. My blue sunglasses turn everything into what my students call “an old fashion movie” due to the brown tint it gives everything and my fire red sunglasses turn everything a nice tint of blue for those hot summer days. I’ve never had a pair of sunglasses that fit my needs for both form an functionality that didn’t break the bank.

Frankly, you guys have been the first crowdfunded sunglasses that I felt really delivered on your promises. I backed enclave eyewear on kickstarter before sunglasses weren’t allowed anymore and while they promised similar “affordable polarized lenses” their glasses never felt like they did the job on a sunny day. Not to mention that they felt little different than my cheap Urban Outfitters sunglasses and their arms were not supported in the least and easily ended up bent in odd positions that didn’t go back as easily. The vivid colors of your sunglasses are striking and it turns heads wherever I go.

I own pairs of Oakley and Ray-Ban sunglasses but your double spring hinges make for a much more comfortable fit than what I am used to. If there’s any one thing I make sure I take with me before driving to work it has to be one of my three pairs of Epicstoke sunglasses, though now I’m stuck having to choose which lenses I want to set the tone for my day.

Photo of Jonathan’s girlfriend rocking the Carvers (she apparently steals them often, which we, of course, condone ;p)- (also, we’re jealous of the hat):

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Check out the Carvers sunglasses on Kickstarter!
Protip: having the right lenses on the water is more important than you may think

Protip: having the right lenses on the water is more important than you may think

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What’s in a lens color? You might personally prefer an opaque black, shiny silver, or any of the vast array of technicolor tints out there. How do you choose your sunnies? Whatever is the cleanest, meanest, steeziest? You probably know someone who collects sunglasses like they’re going out of fashion – they had to have every color frame, every style. Now there’s nothing wrong with a pair of sunnies for every outfit, but actually what’s more important is that we choose the right lenses for the type of light that we’re exposing our retinas to. This means you’ll either need multiple pairs of sunglasses or something like the Epicstoke Carvers, where lens swapping is an option.

The number one reason for having the right lenses

Before getting into the lenses you need while out sailing, wakeboarding, kiting, or just being out on the water this summer, let’s talk about one major reason this is important. You guessed it, keeping your eyes healthy is paramount. From snow blindness to the other not-so-fun things that could happen if you don’t take eye-care and eye-wear seriously, we want to help you make sure that they stay safe. Point blank, the long and short of it is the potential of damaged sight. No thank you. And what if you found out that the lenses on your sunglasses could be the difference between healthy and damaging experiences? As a result, we’re going into detail and talking to you about the best type of lenses for a particular activity that throws a lot of light at your eyes – water sports.

When you’re out on the water it’s not just about protecting your eyes from glare and from UVA and UVB rays. Yes this is vitally important, but, it shouldn’t affect your ability to perform and enjoy your ride. You need to be able to see the light waves, see across the horizon and also be aware of anything lurking under the water, so you don’t want to black out your vision too much.

Brown tinted, blue coated

Polarized lenses win hands down when it comes to cutting out glare and letting you see across the water to the horizon, but also help you cut through the glare to see what’s beneath the water. They’ll help when it’s particularly sunny.

Brown colored lenses are also a big win on the water, as they balance out variable light conditions so will help your eyes adjust no matter if it’s cloudy or sunny, but can also help improve vision through deep, darker waters by enhancing the levels of contrast that your eyes pick up. So that big shadowy rock is a lot easier to see, the sea life is much easier to spot and you’ll be able to make out currents and breeze directions.

Eyes behind a brown colored lens are more relaxed than with other lens colors too, because there’s no long lasting color distortion like would happen with blue or red lenses. This means less eye and this cognitive fatigue. Coole, eh?

Most importantly, brown lenses with a mirror coating, especially if blue, can help knock down blue light, the most harmful light to the human eye. If you’re lucky enough to sail the turquoise seas of the Carribean, head out on a Polynesian surf trip, or spend most of your summer days out on the water, then you’ll be glad you chose something to keep that blue glare at bay so that you can spend as much time out on the water as possible. Also, especially if you have blue eyes, your older self will be thankful as having some brown lenses with a blue mirror coating that are polarized will help ward off eye conditions like macular degeneration.

With all this in mind, we created what we believe is the perfect watersport lens: check the blue mirrored, brown tinted polarized lenses on our Carvers or Badpandas models. They’re a solid UVA/UVB blocking, polarized, summer choice. Enjoy.

9 of the Most Scenic Places to Surf on This Planet

9 of the Most Scenic Places to Surf on This Planet

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For the surfer with a steadfast dedication to slowly but surely visiting each of the famed, infamous, or not so famous surf spots from around the world here is a must know list of beaches that offer both beauty and challenges in equal measures.

  1. Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand

This river mouth beach features a sandy beach and two peaks; waves here are punchy and hollow with plenty of barrels to take advantage of.

Be aware of: The rocks; the rivers here have strong and sometimes unexpected currents.

  1. Waipio, Hawaii

Waipio is very often regarded as Hawaii’s best and most beautiful surfing destination and with hollow, fast and powerful waves to take advantage of (along with the very best views of Hawaii) there’s little wonder why.

Be aware of: Rips/underflow, Rocks and Sharks.

  1. Lofoten, Norway

Norway has only recently come to the attention of surfers, however with drastically differing beaches and destinations such as Lofoten it seems that Norway may well become the destination of choice for challenging surfs.

Lofoten specifically boasts a great way of taking advantage of the inconsistent swell patterns found in the North Atlantic, as well as settings which feature some of the oldest and most beautiful rocks in the world.

Be aware of: A dangerous stretch of water, known as the Vestfjorden, which is located between the mainland and the Lofoten Wall.

  1. Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura makes for a popular destination for tourists and surfers alike. The waves here emerge from swells that come directly from deep water, with multiple spots which can catch swell from both the north as well as the deep low pressures of the roaring forties. The waves here are big, powerful and hollow.

Be aware of: The water here is cold and the waves can be particularly fast and furious.

  1. Stoney Point, Minnesota

The waves here are fast and powerful and feature the heaviest wave across the lakes; this stretch of surf consists of a staggering 300 mile long trench. It is however a destination that features offshores that can blow hard, making it then impossible to paddle into the wave.

Be aware of: The rocky terrain.

  1. Cloud 9, Philippines

Cloud 9 is named as such owing to the unbelievable waves that it produces as well as the idyllic setting which surfers flock to. It offers a barrelling peak when the conditions are rights with a swell direction to the North East (although swell to the east can see Cloud 9 bypassed, whilst a swell to the North can shut the swell off).

Be aware of: These waves are really only for the experienced, intermediate surfers may struggle.

  1. Teahupo’o, Tahiti

This surf is particularly tube rich, although given the destination’s popularity with tourists and surfers alike the beach here can get pretty crowded.

Be aware of: This surf is hollow, shallow and powerful and surfers must know both their limits and capabilities when taking on this surf.

  1. Arrifana, Portugal

Arrifana offers waves that frequently reach fifteen foot or more, and when coupled with the very best of Portugal’s landscapes and vibrant blue sea here you then have a destination that is perfect for both sun seekers as well as surfers.

Be aware of: The Rocky terrain.

  1. Moorea, Tahiti

Tahiti makes for the perfect place to benefit from the very best of the consistent south/southwest swells (the peak of which can be experienced between April and October). Swells on average reach between 3 and 8 foot.

Be aware of: The locality and the local population: The people here have a deep sense of pride and as well as being sensitive to this you should also be aware of the shallow fire coral that, when teamed with heavy waves, can be particularly dangerous.

Are your eyes really the window to your soul?

Are your eyes really the window to your soul?

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Cicero, Shakespeare and John Milton certainly thought so, and now scientists may have the evidence to prove it.

The idea that the eyes are the windows to the soul is a persistent meme. William Shakespeare referred often to the secrets and emotions that could be seen through the eye. In his King John, Pembroke says,

“The image of a wicked heinous fault
Lives in his eye: that close aspect of his
Does show the mood of a much troubled breast.”

And in The Merchant of Venice, Bassanio says of Portia,

“Sometimes from her eyes
I did receive fair speechless messages”

The idea that the eyes reveal our innermost emotions dominates art and literature through the ages. The eyes are important on a cultural level too, even today. Whilst organ donation figures are growing all the time, there is a massive shortage of corneas. That is largely down to a mass reluctance to donate a part of us that we consider to be closely tied to our being, rather than just a body part. On tick box donation forms, the most commonly refused body part is the eye, with the heart a close second.

A study in 2007 by Mats Larsson, a graduate behavioral scientist from the Swedish Orebro University, looked at the crypts and contraction furrows of the irises of 428 participants. The irises were photographed at close range and analyzed in conjunction with a personality questionnaire. The results were startling. The study showed a strong correlation between the structure of the iris and corresponding personality traits. Those with more crypts than furrows were warm, tender and trusting. Those with more furrows tended to be neurotic, more impulsive and susceptible to cravings. Since these traits of the iris are genetic, it suggests that those personality traits have a strong genetic link too and that the old aphorism about the eyes being the window of the soul is more than simply creative metaphor.

Earlier scientific studies suggest similar links. For example, in 1965, Cattell observed differing cognitive styles between blue and brown eyed subjects. Successive studies have found, and failed to find, links between eye color and personality traits. Interestingly, some of these studies showed that these links were only significant in children up to the age of nine. That suggests that environmental factors gradually eroded the influence of genetics on social characteristics.

PAX6, a gene, is linked to the development of the iris and a part of the brain in the frontal lobe. A mutation of this gene has been linked to behavioral issues. Those include social communication and empathy. It could even be linked to Autism.

Adam Anderson is a professor of human development at Cornell University. He and his team believe that the widening and narrowing of eyes is an evolutionary trait, designed to protect us from environmental dangers. It was previously thought to have developed as a means of social communication, or body language. These involuntary emotional responses are visible through the eye and give rise to facial expressions that can be ‘read’ by others. It is likely, they say, that many other emotional responses can be seen through the eyes, hence this idea of seeing straight into the soul.

Without a doubt, our eyes reveal much about who we are and what we think and feel. That the very structure of the eye also reflects our genetic heritage, and our most ingrained personality traits, reinforces what we have always instinctively ‘known’. That the eyes are indeed the window to the soul.

The tale of the blue lens

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At Epicstoke it’s safe to say that we’re big fans of well made sunnies and if you’ve landed here then the chances are that you are too. You care about your eyes, but you also want to look good great. People are beginning to realize that a pair of sunglasses is not just a pair of sunglasses. The lens makeup and color have a lot to do with when that pair is optimal to wear.

If you’re looking to enhance color recognition while reducing glare from visible white light (i.e. fog, snow, and water), then the blue lens is your Huckleberry- meaning, it’s got your back.

The history behind blue lenses

Blue shades have a pretty long and illustrious history that begins with a medieval contraption and ends with today’s super cool shades straight from our very own shelves. So we thought we’d share with you our knowledge about the blue lens.

 

It seems that the history of the blue lens begins with one James Ayscough in 1750 and a pair of rather bizarre looking blue glasses with lenses for both the front of the eye, as well as the side; these glasses, though deemed to be optician glasses, served only to worsen a person’s eyesight as the lenses were pretty misty with veins of glass caused by what were, after all, pretty archaic manufacturing processes (woops).

Despite this incredibly early appearance of blue lenses (so early that it predates the first official pair of sunglasses by some 200 hundreds years) it would take until the 1940’s for such a shade to be worn once more, when fashionable 1940’s women teamed blue lenses with their thick round and often colorful frames.

After this short appearance it would then take until the 1970’s for blue lenses to become a permanent fixture within the world of sunglasses. It’s fair to say however that it was well worth the wait as blue lenses were immortalized by one John Lennon.

 

Today’s world of blue lenses

Aside from looking legit and providing the world with an amazing color recognition enhancing tint, blue shades can also make for an idea sporting partner.

 

Optimal environments for blue lenses

Choosing the right tint for the right environment very much depends upon the lighting conditions that surround you as well as the sport that you may be playing (and after all, who doesn’t want a sneaky hand up within a sporting environment?). In general opting for blue shade of glass lenses will enhance your color recognition, whilst also serving to reduce glare. This then makes them perfect for misty, foggy, or snowy conditions where color recognition is important. Think golf, tennis, reflective ski slopes or glaringly bright beaches, as well as for sports that are color based. In fact, blue lenses were endorsed by the USPTA for tennis professionals and have been given to players at the French Open.

 

 

Polishing it all up perfectly with an orange or yellow gradient

Mirror gradients offer an extra layer of protection from glare without changing color perception. In the case of our blue lenses, they are perfectly polished with a yellow or orange morrow gradient, which makes them idea for the the previously mentioned environments. More rays in the yellow to orange spectrum will be reflected off of these lenses, thus increasing acuity in environments that are closest to this spectrum, i.e. green and red (green more importantly until we start making our way to Mars we suppose).

 

7 Solid Reasons to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

7 Solid Reasons to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

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As a thrill seeker you probably think about your overall fitness a lot – your muscle tone, cardio health, immune system, energy levels… but do you ever consider the health of your eyes and how your eyes directly relate to your ability to get out on the slopes or water and perform optimally?
Don’t feel bad if the answer’s no. You’re young right? Only old farts need to worry about their eyesight? Sorry to add an extra concern to your list, but we want you to know that eye health is just as important as getting fresh air, eating right and exercising.
It’s not impossible to surf, ski or skate without good vision, but you’d certainly miss out on some of the awesome scenery. So here we have our 7 reasons to think a little more about those eyes of yours….

1. Outdoor sports involve sunlight and glare

We probably don’t need to tell you about the fierceness of the glare on the snow or sea. Glancing in the wrong place at the wrong time can mean a face-full of light and a moment of blindness. Not so good. Ever heard of snow blindness? Make sure you’re wearing some decent polarized sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB filtering to stop the glare getting to you.

2. Infections don’t look or feel good​

Well any kind of infection is pretty nasty! But eye infections are pretty gross, super itchy and can scar. You’re around sand, dirt track, or snow a lot of the time and if those pesky specks can get into your eye at any time. Plus, you sweat too, so there’s a chance of dusty drips getting into your eyes and we dare you not to rub them! So keep some fresh water and a clean cloth handy for an ad-hoc rinse and think about some anti-bacterial eye wear too.

3. Glasses are expensive

If your sight starts to deteriorate and you need regular check-ups with the eye doctor, and need new lenses and new frames every year to stay on trend and blur free, then you’re looking at around $200 per visit. We’d rather spend that on gear, wouldn’t you?

4. Headaches hurt

Yep – damaged eyesight can lead to some gruesome headaches if not picked up. We’re talking bran-splitting, ear bashing, and jaw clenching monsters of headaches. Not nice. Take care of your vision and you can avoid the side effects of bad eyesight.

5. A bash on the head can damage a retina, or two

Wear a helmet. That is all. Your occipital lobe (that thing that takes up 30% of your brain and is dedicated to visual processing) is precious. No one cares what you look like- you’re in it for the thrill not the fashion.

6. You eat with your eyes

You know how your mouth starts to water when you see those sausages sizzling on the barbie? Your eyes are telling your stomach that something good’s on the way; get ready to digest! And have you noticed that well-presented food tastes so much better? Your eyes are telling you it’s tasty too.

7. They don’t grow back

You’re only blessed with one pair of eyes in this lifetime and they’re the windows to your soul. Take care of what you’ve got and they’ll serve you well throughout your life.

Algae Could Cure Surfing’s Most Toxic Secret

Algae Could Cure Surfing’s Most Toxic Secret

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We all want to live in a world where our consumer goods are made from sustainable raw materials and thanks to a group of science students from UC San Diego, that reality is one step closer. The team of undergraduate chemists and biologist set out to solve a fundamental problem in materials chemistry, and in the process invented the world’s first algae-based surfboard.

The problem

We live in a world that is fundamentally dependent on fossil fuels for everything, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. It is a non-sustainable source of energy that is tied intrinsically to the way we live. Unless we find an economically viable and sustainable alternative, we have some major problems looming on the horizon.

It is the scarcity and environmental damage that are most worrying. Air pollution could be leading to a higher incidence of disease; global warming threatens the entire planet and if that wasn’t enough, the regular spills in our oceans kill thousands of animals and destroy their habitat.

The Solution

Algae.

A nutritional powerhouse in some forms and a pest and poison in others, it is also the 400 million year old ancestor of crude oil. And it could very well be the future.

In fact, Algae based bio-fuel could be the solution to a wide range of problems, including post Peak Oil decline and sustainable production.

Creating bio-fuel from Algae is not a new idea. The first commercially based conversion processes go back to 2008 and a company called Solozyme. It was the end of 2013 when scientists at the Pacific North West Laboratory first claimed to have converted algae into crude oil by using a pressure cooking method called hydrothermal liquefaction. This process duplicates the conditions in the earth that naturally turn algae into oil and cuts out a few hundred million years wait in the process. This process is so fast, and relatively cheap, that it has the potential to revolutionise the energy industry and in doing so, bring massive economic and environmental benefits to everyone.

A 2013 study published in the Bioresource Technology journal found that algae-based biofuels emitted 50 – 70% less CO2 when burned than petroleum. It also found that these fuels are pretty close to being as energy efficient, which makes them a very viable alternative to fossil fuels.

So what about the surfboard?

The surfboard is a microcosm of the wider environmental problem. A traditional surfboard is composed of a petroleum based polyurethane foam core wrapped in toxic polyester resin. It is a Frankenstein product that harms both the people that make them and the environment in which they are used. And the paradox is that these products are used by people who care about the environment and are connected to nature in a very fundamental way.

Sustainable surfing is the future, but until now, innovative eco-friendly surfboards just haven’t lived up to the mark in the performance stakes. That could be why surfers have been slow to convert to these products, despite their improved eco-credentials. The algae-oil based surfboard from the team at UC San Diego has the potential to change all that. It is composed of exactly the same polyurethane material core as a traditional board but made from a sustainable, eco-friendly source.  And with bio-resins not far behind in the technology stakes, a 100% eco-friendly, high performance board is no longer a pipe dream.

Perhaps the best thing of all is that these boards will be used in the very same aquatic environment from which they were created.

Your Brain on Ocean: The neuroscience and health benefits behind why we crave the sea
Your Brain on Ocean: The neuroscience and health benefits behind why we crave the sea

Your Brain on Ocean: The neuroscience and health benefits behind why we crave the sea

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We are made from it. We eat from it. We live from it. Humans evolved from it. We cannot survive without water so it makes sense that our relationship with it is deeper than a simple give and take transaction.

Human civilization has always gravitated toward the seas, rivers and lakes of the earth. Primarily, this is an evolutionary tactic. If you are near water, you are more likely to survive. But is this instinctive draw to water more than Darwinism in action?

There is certainly a well-established scientific principle at play, for starters. Like attracts like in chemistry and this applies to water molecules too. The composition of the human body is around 60 – 80% water. Perhaps those huge bodies of water like the sea, ocean and great lakes provide some kind of cohesive draw to the water in our bodies.

But there is a possible neurological connection too. If you have ever felt that overwhelming sense of calmness descend on you as you look out over the ocean, or as you listen to the waves lapping at the shore, it is not in your imagination because that too is a matter of science. In fact, as humans, we could be finely tuned to zone into a meditative state when in contact with any kind of water, but particularly the sea or ocean.

Marine Biologist Wallace J. Nichols has been researching this fundamental yet little understood link between humans and the ocean for almost five years. His theory is that humans are intrinsically connected with the sea and that when in harmony with it, we experience profound psychological benefits that can elevate mood, reduce stress and improve faculties such as concentration, clear thinking and memory. He calls this Blue Mind – something all humans share but few understand.

These theories are a welcome relief to thousands of surfers and seafarers who have, over the years, attempted to describe this phenomenon without the scientific underpinning to put it into the right words. At its simplest, being around water takes our busy minds off the endless sensory overload of modern life, allowing our brains the chance to escape from the endless onslaught.

The more complex theory is that our brains can ‘tune in’ to the frequencies of the ocean waves and when they do, it changes the patterns of our brainwaves, inducing a deeply meditative state that can heal and rejuvenate. There are a variety of studies available that show significant drops in stress hormones when exposed to the sounds of the sea. According to Nichols, this can be partly attributed to the actions of our biological stress messengers, catecholamine neurotransmitters, which operate at a lower level when exposed to certain sound rhythms. This is very similar to how mediation works.

Neuroscientists are working to catch up with Nichols’ theories and our systems of measurement still need some time before they can accurately measure the full effects of the ocean on the brain. Science may be lagging a bit here but anyone who has been within view of the sea, ocean, river or lake knows that there is something to this theory and the research thus far has been promising. The biggest mystery of all is why research is lacking and why it has taken one renegade Marine Biologist to provoke investigation.

10 Interesting Facts About Sunglasses

10 Interesting Facts About Sunglasses

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Sunglasses.

Cool? Functional? Ancient artifacts?

Sunglasses have a long and rich history but most of us see them as a modern invention designed to protect our eyes from the sun. Here are ten interesting facts that you probably didn’t know that will completely change your view on the world of sunglasses.

  1. The debate on whether eyebrows should show when wearing sunglasses is unresolved. Some think it is a matter of face shape; others view the presence of eyebrows above the glass rim as a heinous crime. There appears to be no right answer.
  1. The Chinese of the 12th Century are credited with inventing the first sunglasses, both to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun and to hide their facial expressions in a court of law. The idea behind sunglasses is much older, however, with the first examples being Inuit snow goggles. These were designed to reduce the amount of eye exposed to the sun’s rays.
  1. The Roman Emperor Nero is reported to have watched Gladiator fights in the Coliseum through polished emeralds.
  1. British singer Elton John is well known for his love of wacky sunglasses. So much so that he even inspired the 1998 play ‘Elton John’s Glasses’. It is no surprise then that he is thought to own the largest personal collection of sunglasses in the world at around 20,000 pairs.
  1. Polaroid filters offering UV protection were invented as early as 1936. Before that time, tinted lenses just reduced the glare and amount of sunlight exposure to the eye.
  1. The achingly fashionable and famous Ray-ban Aviators a la Top Gun are a product of science, not fashion. They were originally designed for the US Air Service pilots by medical equipment manufacturers Bausch and Lomb and were intended to reduce headaches and sickness caused not by the glare from the sun but from the intense hues of the sky at high altitude. They used the above mentioned Polaroid technology and a green tinted lens to create them.
  1. In 1980, American rock bank ZZ Top released a single called ‘Cheap Sunglasses’.
  1. Sunglasses started to filter into the US mass market in 1929 and by the late thirties, were considered a cool accessory. Life Magazine, in an article about the growing popularity of sunglasses, estimated that only around 25% of those purchased were worn to protect the eyes. The rest, like today, were considered a fashion accessory.
  1. Just one Luxury Goods Company produces 70% of the world’s designer sunglasses. Labels such as Burberry, Chanel and Ralph Lauren are all designed and made by Italian company Luxottica and they also own the Ray-ban and Oakley brands.
  1. Cheap glasses can be just as good at blocking harmful UV rays as expensive ones, but more expensive ones tend to combine all of the protective technologies required for full eye protection, including eliminating specific frequencies of light for use in particular conditions.

As you can see, there is so much more to sunglasses than meets the eye. Today, sunglasses are a must-have accessory and almost everyone owns at least one pair. Thanks to product placement and big marketing budgets, the names of some glasses, like Aviators, are in common everyday usage. These days, those in the know are looking for smaller, more out-there brands to differentiate from the mass market fashions. What type of sunglasses wearer are you?

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