Best sunglasses for outdoor workouts

Sunglass-buying playbook

Before grabbing the first pair of sunglasses you see at the drugstore or mall, it's important to know what to look for. Dr. Grossman, Chief of Optometry and Eye Health at LensCrafters, says, "Sunglasses help your eyes in two important ways: They help block light and they protect against the damaging rays of the sun. Some of the damage can happen right away and some can occur over a lifetime of exposure." Outdoor sporting conditions can play a big part in this damage. Dr. Grossman explains, "Snow and water can reflect nearly 80 percent of the sun's rays, and reflected sunlight can be extra dangerous because UV rays are intensified."

To make sure you're keeping sun damage to a minimum, use Dr. Grossman's playbook for choosing the right pair of sunglasses:

• Never buy a pair that offers less than 99 percent UVA and UVB protection.
• Never buy a pair that doesn't fit properly.
• Avoid sunglasses that are labeled "cosmetic" or that don't provide UV protection details.
• Labels that say "UV absorption up to 400nm" is the same thing as 100 percent UV protection.
• If you have a prescription, purchase a pair of prescription sunglasses.
• Choose sunglasses that cover the sides of your eyes to reduce light from entering.
• Consider scratch-resistant coating if you're prone to falls or collisions in your sport.
• When it comes to fast-moving sports, make sure to have impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses and frames. The more flexible the frame and lens, the less likely they will break in a bad fall.

And, just like sports stars need to know the terminology of their sports, it's important for a sunglass-buyer to know the terminology of the purchase. Consider these terms before making your buy:

• Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses block glare created when light reflects off of flat surfaces, like roads or water — this feature can also reduce eyestrain.
• Anti-glare coating: This coating is placed on the back of the lenses, reducing glare that occurs when sunlight shining behind you hits the back of the sunglasses' lenses, reflecting into your eyes.
• Lens color: While yellow lenses may look cool, they may not be practical for your sport. The color of the lens will affect how much light reaches your eyes, as well as how well you see colors and contrasts. Green or gray lenses work best for bright, sunny conditions. Yellow lenses will brighten up your surroundings on early mornings or late evenings. And when visibility is an issue due to clouds or haze, choose a color that's not overly dark — like a light brown or rose.