Here’s a 5 step procedure to clean your eyeglasses:

First of all, the things that you’ll require:

Step 1

Wash your eyeglass lenses with tepid water and a mild soap so that maximum dirt and oil can be removed. This will help avoid accumulation and keep the germs away, keeping the eyeglasses fresh and clean. Make sure that you wipe clean the side arms also because if they’re dirty they can cause infections of the ear.

Step 2

Next step is to dry the lenses. For this use the soft dry cloth (which you might have got with the cleaning kit) or non abrasive cotton. Using paper towels are a strict no-no as they can cause scratches to the lens. Camera lens paper is also out of question.

Step 3

Now to remove the fingerprint marks and other smudge marks. Use the lens cleaning cloth or if you have a lens gel or spray you can use them also effectively.

Step 4

Now to make the glasses bright and shiny- hold the eyeglasses by the frames with your forefinger and thumb (Never ever hold your glasses by the lenses). Now gently rub or you can say buff the lenses with the lens cleaning cloth. Make sure that you don’t press too hard else you’ll break ‘em (If they’re designer eyeglasses, it’s a whole investment gone).

Step 5

Voila! Your glasses are all shiny and clean! Wasn’t that simple? It’s important that the cleaning cloth also remains fresh and hygienic. Wash it once a week with a mild cleansing soap or solution (non- abrasive). When drying the cloth, fabric softeners should be avoided.

Anyways, whether you buy them or not, it becomes imperative for me to enlighten you all on the spectacular history of the Ray Ban aviators. The stories of many top brands have been kinda chequered but for Ray Ban, it has been up, up and away! (Superman!)

So, how did it all start? Back in the 1930’s, fighter pilots found that the bright glares from the sun were becoming a major impediment in their military pursuits. However the sunglasses manufactured in those days were rarely used by pilots. Why? Because the traditional designs used in them were hardly of any benefit during combat. Then in 1936, Ray Ban
introduced a new tear drop shaped sunglasses for military pilots- these were the first aviators.

In 1938 this new style was launched for the general public and it quickly became the rage when many celebrities started flaunting them. It became a favorite with the American people when in WWII, several snaps of General Douglas Mc Arthur wearing  Ray Ban aviators appeared in various newspapers.

Slowly and surely, aviator sunglasses became a global icon and a status symbol. In the 1960s and 80s, one could find tabloids splashed with pictures of supermodels, movie stars and sports personalities showing off their aviators. The late king of pop, Michael Jackson made them famous through his music videos. And who can forget Tom Cruise looking super- cool in ‘Top Gun’ with his Ray Ban 3025 shades?

Today, one can see aviator sunglasses in nearly every part of the world. They’re the most preferred style with heyday celebrities and Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox, Will Smith are some who swear by them. They’re a huge hit with law-enforcement officials because of the superb anti-glare function that they offer. And of course they are the most loved by regular folks like
you and me because of their unbeatable style statement.

If you are planning to buy one of the most fashionable accessory then here is a quick sneak-peak into the different styles and shapes of sunglasses that are available in the market.

• Aviators

Almost everyone knows what Aviators look like. Sleek, chic and cool this style would suit almost everyone and would compliment at all given occasions. These are tear drop shaped sunglasses and have a thin metal frame. The style is synonymous with the international optical brand Ray Ban, who is also the creator of this style. Ray Ban 3025 is the most popular aviator style.

• Mirror-shades

Sunglasses with a mirrored coating on the surface are called mirror-shades. The mirrored-lenses protect the eyes by reflecting the glare from the lenses. These can also be used as an alternate for Polarized sunglasses.

• Polarized sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are worn to protect the eyes from the rays of the sun. These are mostly used by fishermen and sports men so that they don’t have any problem due to the disturbing solar rays. Polarized sunglasses are available in brands like Oakley, Bolle sunglasses, Roberto Cavalli and many more.

• Over-sized sunglasses

Over sized sunglasses were extremely popular in the 1980’s and have again taken the fashion-industry by storm. A pair of hot and sassy over-sized sunglasses would make you the centre of attraction instantaneously. Since these are large they provide protection from the sun and don’t let irritants enter the eyes from the sides of the shades. Available in all brands like Dior, Marc by Marc Jacobs etc.

• Wayfarers

The Wayfarers that were introduced in 1952 by Ray Ban sunglasses were a huge relief from the metal frames as they were made of plastic. The trapezoid lenses are wider at the top. The Wayfarers are said to be the most bought sunglasses and are a favourite amongst celebrities too. Available in many colors and also prints, Wayfarers though originally from Ray Ban are also available in other brands too. The Ray ban 2140 and Ray Ban 2132 are particularly popular with people.

These are some of the styles that are available in the market and can be obtained under almost all brands. Some styles are exclusive to some specific brands. But, in the end the one that fits and suits you the best should be your choice of buy.

The markets are flooded with sunglasses in all possible colors, designs, styles, shapes etc. One can also find a myriad range of sunglasses in branded as well as unbranded paid of shades. However the role of sunglasses has become more of a fashion accessory than a protective tool for the eyes, but the basic function that is protecting the eyes from the harmful glare of the sun still remains.

By and large people go in for sunglasses that suit their face-cut and look nice on them. But are all of these sunglasses safe to wear? Here are a few tips that one should bear in mind while buying a pair of sunnies, so that not only do they make the appearance of the person better but also perform their function well.

• Buy branded sunglasses only

There are a plethora of international brands that have taken the market by storm. These brands ensure the use of cutting-edge technology and material to craft their eyewear, this in turn assures the wearer that not only is the pair a style statement but also promises good quality lenses that would safeguard the eyes from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. One can opt for brands like Ray Ban,  Dior, Chloe, Gucci sunglasses etc. Replica sunglasses or locally made pairs are cheap but can damage the eyes as the sun protection factor is very low and also that they are made of extremely low quality materials.

• Standardized sunglasses

It is always better to go in for sunglasses that are standardized in terms of protection of the lenses from UV radiation. These standards are Australian standard, European standard and American standard. A pair of sunglasses with the CE or ANSI mark means that the sunglasses conform to the standards and provide 99-100% UV protection from the rays of the sun

• Go in for best fit

While buying a pair of sunglasses one should see the fit of the pair on the face and the nose. Not only does it enhances the look but also ensures a comfortable and snug fitting so that one can wear them for a long period of time. The metal frames can be bent for a better fit. There are certain shades like Oakley sunglasses where one can change the nose-bridge and get the temples easily adjusted. Then there are others like customized Ray Ban sunglasses by the brand.

• Prescription Sunglasses

It is also possible to get prescription lenses fit in your pair of sunglasses, not only such sunglasses provide protection from the sun’s rays but are also beneficial for people who have a problem with their eye vision. There are many brands that provide such services, but before that its better to visit a good ophthalmologist.

SO one should keep these points in mind while buying a pair of Designer  sunglasses and you are good to go.

Established in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan, Italy, the Prada brand was initially set up as a leather goods store. Though the brand achieved substantial recognition in the following decades, the credit of its makeover as a world renowned fashion label goes to Mario’s granddaughter, Miuccia Prada. In 1978, Miuccia took over the company and re-invented it using the prevailing fashionable and elegant trends popular with people. After the 90’s, Prada became a household name. It’s marketing as an affordable luxury brand surely catapulted it to the top of every person’s shopping list  Today, Prada is undeniably the favorite luxury goods brand with people and celebrities alike.

If you are a fan of the TV series  “Sex and the City”, you must have noticed that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character is forever raving about the brand Prada. There’s hardly an episode in which her Prada sunglasses do not make an appearance. And of course, the movie “The Devil wears Prada” was a direct ode to the brand’s ever increasing fame.

Among the wide range of Prada accessories, the sunglasses line is particularly popular with the fashion-savvy people. Typical of the distinct Italian style, Prada sunglasses are designed with smooth and clean lines to give a sophisticated look. Since they are available in different shapes- Aviators, oversized, butterfly- there is ample choice for everyone, whether it is the high-society glamorous ladies or the hip-hop, casual going youth or the regular office-goer. Many a times, it has been seen that whenever people have to spend a considerable sum in designer accessories, they opt for Prada. This is because they know that they are investing in a brand which is popular as a status symbol world over and which will never go out of style.

Two of the bestselling Prada sunglasses models are the Prada PR 51MS and Prada PR 29LS. The aviator shaped  Prada 51MS for males is available in 5 distinct tones. The incredibly popular design of the sunglasses is one of its USP’s in being a favorite of everyone.

The rectangular shape Prada Prada 29LS are simply breathtaking and the sleek and clean designs along with the intricately adorned temples make it the best choice for ladies desiring a glamorous look. These are available in 4 different colors.

There are many other similar Prada sunglasses models for men and women, each one unique in its own style. If you are seeking for the ultimate glamour in designer eyewear then Prada is the brand you are looking for.

On the verge of being discontinued in 1981, the optical brand signed a deal in 1982 worth $50,000-a-year with Unique Product Placement of California wherein the company had the task of placing Ray Ban in movies and television shows. This decision completely maneuvered the fate of Ray Ban Wayfarers and the model made a huge come back. Its popularity back then can be ascertained from the very fact that celebrities have sported the style not only in movies but also in their personal life. However, in the late 1990’s the popularity of the Wayfarers started registering a decline once again, to safeguard its position in the market, the model which was being crafted of acetate was replaced by lighter injected plastic. And the style returned and how…

Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Johnny Marr, Madonna, Audrey Hepburn and many other Hollywood celebrities have been spotted flaunting the Way farers. The A-listers include John F. Kennedy. With such a huge fan following, the evergreen pair of shades is still amongst the most purchased sunglasses today.

Many brands manufacture the Wayfarers and some also try to do something different from the original design, but Ray Ban takes the cake away when it comes to style, fashion, creativity and innovation.  Some of the best selling Ray Ban Wayfarers are:

• Ray Ban RB 2132: This Wayfarer is the smallest in its family.                                                  Engineered with light-weight outstanding quality material and durable frame, the Ray Ban 2132 will definitely make you get noticed in the crowd.

• Ray Ban RB 2140: This pair ensures optimum clarity and best fit. The                                 pair is on the cutting edge of style and fashion and similar to the original Wayfarer that was introduced in 1952. Providing you with a cutting-edge appeal, the Ray ban 2140 it would get the crowd ogling you.

• Ray Ban RB 4105: This pair of Wayfarers has an added advantage i.e.                                    this pait can be folded by the nosebridge and the middle of the temples. So apart from ensuring optimum visual clarity and comfort, this pair also provides the benefit of being stored compactly. Seeing the clean finish of the Ray ban 4105 one can never make out that there are cuts in the nosebridge and temples.

Most of the Wayfarers by Ray Ban Sunglasses are unisex. They are durable, enticing and comfortable. The enthusiast in you would not be able to resist the temptation to possess one of these unique and interesting pairs.

Complement your outfit with one of these pairs and you are all set to reign in the fashion arena!

Polarized lenses are used mainly by fishermen and boaters who need to reduce the glare that is reflected from the surface of the water. But apart from these, people have realized the importance of polarized lenses in outdoor sports like skiing, golf, jogging, surfing etc.

These days one can find polarized sunglasses with many more functions. Some of the brands that offer the best polarized shades are:

Oakley Sunglasses-

Oakley polarized sunglasses

Oakley is renowned world over and is the best brand as far as polarized sunglasses are concerned. The company lives up to its claims of manufacturing the best polarized shades by offering a range of top  performance models.  The sunglasses by Oakley sunglasses are also loved because of their functionality and scope of being customized. Features like changeable nose-pieces and Hydrophobic Lenses etc make the brand unique in its own. The brand also boasts of a number of patents to its name. One can find a number of sportsperson flaunting eyewear from Oakley. Although slightly expensive than other brands, the superb quality and great functionality justifies the higher price tag.

Bolle Sunglasses-

Bolle sunglasses

Bolle manufactures some of the best polarized sunglasses in the world. The  sunglasses by  the Bolle sunglasses are made from the finest quality materials ensuring the best quality frames with maximum comfort and optimum clarity in vision. The lenses are impact-resistant and are coated with Carbo Glas which makes them scratch resistant also.

Some of the other equally good brands that manufacture polarized are ,  Nautica, Arnette, Nike, and Ray Ban sunglasses but the two mentioned above take the top prize for constantly innovating in their models to churn out the highest quality and best performance polarized sunglasses.

The designer eyewear industry is huge and though decades have passed, Ray Ban has maintained its undisputed legacy as the leader of fashion eyewear- whether it be sunglasses or eyeglasses. You can look anywhere and everywhere, in the tabloids, in high profile fashion events or music festivals- this brand is the unanimous choice of many a celebrities and fashion divas.

Ray-Ban came into existence in 1937. Factually, it was a result of Bausch & Lomb’s research on trying to create a sunglass in order to prevent damage to the eyes when they were exposed to UV rays coming from the sun. Lieutenant John MacCready had complained to Bausch & Lomb about the damage his eyes suffered due to the sun while he was on his balloon flying adventure. The result was out soon and a patent was created on May 7, 1937.

An anti-glare prototype was created having an extremely light weight of about 150 grams. The lenses were made of green mineral glass and had the ability to filter out infrared and ultraviolet rays. They were immediately adopted by the Pilots in the United States Army Air Corps. The Ray-Ban Aviator soon became a highly popular brand of sunglasses and in WWII, when General Douglas MacArthur was on the beach in the Philippines, there were several snapshots of him wearing Ray Ban aviators.

During the 1950’s, Ray Ban shades became immensely popular and featured in many blockbuster movies. Since then, different Ray Ban sunglasses have made numerous appearances in a wide selection of the world’s most iconic films. In 1961 the simply stunning Audrey Hepburn was seen flaunting Wayfarers in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Other movies in which the brand made memorable appearances include Reservoir Dogs, Risky Business, Blues Brothers and the super-cool Tom Cruise with his famous Aviators in Top Gun.

Apart from Hollywood, Ray Ban is also synonymous with the celebrity and fashion scene.-some of the fans being fans include Brad Pitt, Sienna Miller, Nicole Ritchie, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung to name just a few. Music is hugely associated with the Ray-Ban brand and the recent revamped Wayfarers which have retained their original style but added a splash of vibrant color, were a popular accessory at the recent iconic music festivals in 2009 including Glastonbury and V Festival.

The history of Ray ban is marked with achievements and landmarks and it will always remain the most popular brand ever. Ray Ban shades are flattering, stylish and have the most comfortable frames in fashion. And the best eye protection is always a granted feature in these sunglasses, after all this is the most celebrated brand in the history of designer sunglasses. You can never go wrong with a pair, just go buy one and feel the difference in your personality and confidence. To help you more, some of the popular models that last for seasons to come are the Ray Ban 4068, RB 3176 and Ray Ban 3362.

Since the summer season always sees a spurt in the demand for fashion eyewear (especially sunglasses) people are always on the lookout for the best deals available. A buy which will not only give them the best value for their money, but also complete satisfaction on all factors- quality, functionality, durability and any other which you can think of. A brand like Gucci which comes out tops in all the mentioned factors is a great option to consider. See folks, if allmost all the people are going for a particular brand then it must be something really good.

There are many models to select from in the Gucci collection range for men and women. You have a wide variety of styles- from ovals to oversized aviators to butterfly shapes. A single glance at the breathtaking designs and superlative styles will leave you wanting for more. Anyways, here are the current 3 top selling models which will give you an idea as to what are the prevailing trends of the season:

Gucci 1622/S sunglasses: If you totally dig oversize aviators then these are the best shades for you. The best selling Gucci sunglasses of summer 2010, Gucci 1622 are for the ultra fashionable and tech savvy male. These sunglasses are manufactured from the latest optical technologies which ensure a long lasting wear and the best comfort. And if you desire variety in color, then you can get plenty in gucci 1622 shades. To explain it in a simple way, the available selections are-

Gucci 1627/S sunglasses: Another popular oversized aviator. This one is a glamorous option for the discerning male who desires to stand out from the crowd and make a hot style statement. Available in shiny black frames with gray gradient lens, Gucci 1627 sunglasses are a class apart from others. If you’re gonna buy a Gucci pair, then be sure to have a look at this one.

Gucci 1628/S sunglasses: There is definitely something special about oversized aviators else how does one explain a single brand having similar 3 type of models dominating the sunglasses market. Next up are Gucci 1628 which exude the same glamour and style as the rest of the oversized aviators. These are particularly popular for their top performance and functionality.

The above mentioned models are just some of the top selling products in Gucci sunglasses. If you desire to go according to the prevailing trends then they are surely a great buy. But, if you want to look up the entire collection (it’s visually pleasing to the eyes, you have my assurance).

Protection of eyes is the most important aspect of healthcare. Unfortunately, the majority of people are ignorant about this fact and focus more on beefing up their bodies to show their physical fitness. 6 pack abs and perfect curves rule the mindset of people.

Eyes are a very sensitive organ of our body and if adequate protection is not taken then there is a high risk of being subjected to grievous injuries and damage. Particularly in the summer season when the sun is burning fiercely upon you and the UV radiation levels are at the maximum, there is every chance of contracting eye infections like cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. The high risk category people in such cases are mostly working professionals or people involved in outdoor activities like sports persons, people who have field jobs etc.

Which type of light can damage your eyes?

UV rays- These rays are invisible and because they carry a greater amount of energy than visible rays, the eyes are more prone to damage from them. Mainly there are 2 types of UV rays- UVA and UVB. These rays cause long term damage to the eyes, hence their effects cannot be reversed.

Blue Light- What exactly is Blue Light? In the color spectrum VIBGYOR, there are 7 different portions- Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. The visible light in the blue portion is known as Blue light. According to scientific research, if a person is regularly exposed to blue light over a period of years then ageing of retina is accelerated and blindness may also occur in people whose age is over sixty.

How can harmful light damage your eyes?

Light is nothing but a form of energy. When light is absorbed by the eyes, heat is created and chemical reactions take place which can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Lets see how-

The UVA rays are absorbed by the eye lens and the UVB by the outer surface layers of the eyeball. The visible light is absorbed by the retina. When there is too much exposure to UV radiation or intense bright light, then severe damage is caused to the retina and the front portion of the eyes. Medical research has proved that routine exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts.

Minimizing eye damage with designer sunglasses

Designer sunglasses are a great option for eye protection in summers. Not only will your eyes will be protected from UV rays, blue light, glares etc but you’ll also have a safety accessory at hand. Plus, they also make you look stylish and glamorous. Which types of sunglasses should you go for?

Polarized shades- They are the best suited for driving and other outdoor activities since they have the maximum anti-glare protection. Some of the best shades in polarized sunglasses are- Ray Ban sunglasses, Oakley sunglasses, Maui Jim sunglasses and Marc Jacobs Sunglasses.

Regular sunglasses- They are general purpose shades and a good option when you are at public places or out for a casual stroll.