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Investing in sunglasses is an efficient way to have eye protection against the harsh rays of the sun, especially during the summer. The choice of sunglasses depends on a number of factors, including your budget. The current style is a consideration, in order to avoid an outdated look. When you find a pair that you like, maybe because of the color or the attractive frame, if you do not feel content with how dark the lenses are, options can be considered.

Ask the sales assistants where you purchases your glasses to exchange your lenses. You can ask if they have a range of darker lenses, like the fire iridium or black iridium type. Alternatively, Craig Anderson of The Sunglass Fix, New South Wales, offers well-built and long-lasting replacement lenses, even on cheap sunglasses. As well as having a good range of shade colors to pick from, this company also offers a Custom Sunglass Rebuild, whereby custom lenses are shaped and installed. Shipping may be required.

Visit an optometric shop, especially if you already own the sunglasses. These shops may have dyes that they use to darken lenses to the customer’s satisfaction. AbbeyColor.com explains that polycarbonate lenses can be dyed with plastic dyes.

Determine the nature of the material used for the lenses, as some materials are better off with tinting as opposed to painting dye on them. Sunglasses which are of high quality have been equipped with preventive coatings of UV rays, polarization and dust/dirt/oil repellants, which may be altered or damaged by the dye. In that case, tinting may be more appropriate. Window tinting is basically placing a dark film on the lens, increasing its ability to block the harmful rays from the sun, as well as reducing the heat passing through to your eyes.

Mike Feldman, of Advanced Film Solutions, Inc., explains that window filming is best suited for lenses made out of glass because it was originally designed to darken car and home windows. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses have micro pores that pass air therefore tiny bubbles may appear after a while. This signals the likelihood of corrosion, hindering the visual capability of the sunglasses.

Buy a second pair of sunglasses. You will then have an extra pair with the desired darkness of the lenses, and you can save the other pair for a less bright day. Remember that your sunglasses appear darker according to the amount of light that goes through between your face and the lenses. Therefore, wearing them as close as possible will make your eyes less visible. Also, the true shade of the lenses cannot be perceived indoors, as it is usually darker inside than out, so try analyzing the lenses in an open setting.