Aug 12, 2025: Sunglasses are a vital tool for safeguarding vision, like preventing premature ageing. Know how to select the appropriate pair for style and protection. While sunglasses may give your outfit an uber-cool edge and give you the "it factor," they also have a number of health benefits, despite their status as a chic fashion accessory. The shades aid in comprehensive vision protection. In order to learn more about the health benefits and the best sunglasses for different face shapes, HT Lifestyle spoke with experts. 5 health benefits of sunglasses

Sunglasses do a lot more than just complete an outfit. They also help keep your eyes healthy, making them a daily necessity. According to ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, purchasing high-quality sunglasses aids in the long-term maintenance of healthy eyes. It serves as a reality check against the habit of selecting just any pair off the shelf and emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality sunglasses. "They are an essential tool for protecting your vision, improving comfort, and supporting long-term eye health," he stated. Investing in a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses isn’t just about looking cool, it’s about seeing clearly and preserving your eye health for years to come." Other than being a style statement, sunglasses are a vital tool for supporting eye health in the long term.

Wearing sunglasses has five benefits, according to Dr. Sanduja:

1. Protection from harmful ultraviolet light
Sunglasses play a crucial role in shielding your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids can all result from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. High-quality sunglasses block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, offering essential protection that your eyes can’t get from squinting or wearing a hat alone.

2. Reduced risk of eye diseases
Regular use of sunglasses can significantly lower the likelihood of permanent eye damage. Excessive sun exposure is linked to conditions like photokeratitis, which is a sunburn of the eye, pterygium, which is a growth on the white of the eye, and pinguecula, which is a yellowish deposit on the surface of the eye. Sunglasses are your first line of defense against these conditions that can be avoided by shielding your eyes from intense light and UV rays.

3. Enhanced visual coziness
When driving, skiing, or spending time at the beach, bright sunlight can be blinding and uncomfortable, making it difficult to see clearly. In bright conditions, sunglasses reduce glare, increase contrast, and improve overall visibility. Polarized lenses, in particular, reduce reflective glare from water, snow, and road surfaces, making outdoor activities safer and more pleasurable.

4. Prevention of premature aging around the eyes
Your delicate and extremely thin skin around your eyes If you don't wear sunscreen, overexposure to the sun can cause crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles before they appear. By wearing sunglasses, you not only protect your eyes but also shield the delicate skin around them from UV damage, helping to maintain a youthful appearance for longer.

5. Improved comfort and recovery of the eyes
Your eyes are particularly sensitive to light if you have had an eye procedure like LASIK or cataract surgery recently. Sunglasses can help minimise discomfort and aid in recovery by protecting your eyes from harsh light and environmental irritants like wind and dust.

Tinted lenses frequently provide relief for people who suffer from light sensitivity or chronic migraines even without surgery. Five styles of sunglasses for different faces Now that you are aware of the health benefits, let's take a closer look at finding a frame that's suitable for your facial features.
The right pair of sunglasses not only preserves your vision but also flatters your facial features.

GKB Opticals Director of Brands Priyanka Gupta shared five frames that work with a variety of face shapes:

1. Angular: Round face Choose sunglasses with angular frames, such as square or rectangular ones, if your face is soft and equal in width and height. These frame designs give your face shape and make you look slimmer. Avoid frames that are round because they make the roundness even more obvious.

2. Oval face: Matches everything An oval face has a more slender jawline and is well-proportioned. A wide range of styles, including oversized sunglasses and aviators, complement this shape well. Make sure the sunglasses are the right size for your face—not too big or too small.

3. Frames with a rounder face: A square face has a wide forehead and a prominent jawline. Opaque or round-framed sunglasses are a great option for reducing sharpness. They cut the angularity and provide a casual, friendly look to your entire face.

4. Face with a heart: Cat-Eye With a wider forehead and more tapered chin, heart-shaped faces can be enhanced with frames that add width to the bottom half of your face.

Frames or styles with cat-eyes that have a subtle curve at the bottom can flatten the features and give the impression of balance. 5. Diamond-shaped face: Top-heavy frames

This face type has a forehead, thin chin, and broad cheekbones. Choose top-heavy frames such as oval lenses or browline styles to accentuate your eyes and reduce the prominence of your cheekbones.