Shades: Flyyy and Functional

Article By Dr. Darcova Triplett

The Eyes Have It!

Shades… Sunglasses… Tinted Specs… YOU NEED A PAIR! As the Springtime flowers bloom, the sun shines bright and you STRUT your Stuff, it is a MUST that you purchase AND ACTUALLY WEAR a pair of SHADES! Take the time to go SHADE SHOPPING and identify the right fit for the shape of your face, the color of your hair and the outfits in your closet. While one pair is sufficient, you will definitely make a STATEMENT when your SHADES Embellish your Total Look.

Sunglasses 101: Pick the Perfect Pair to Compliment the Shape of Your Face…

Oval face- For those who fall under this category – consider yourself lucky. “Oval faces typically have the most balanced proportions, so you have the pick of the litter and can wear almost any frame shape,” Holloway said. “That being said, if you tend to have more soft curves, choose square, rectangle, or geometric shapes, which will add angles to your curves, and vice versa.”

Square face- Balance out your strong angles with oval or round frames. “A butterfly shape is also ideal, as it is not too angular, but it also corresponds nicely to the width of your jawline and forehead,” Holloway said. Skip strong geometric shapes or sunglasses that have emphasis on the bottom of the frame. She adds those could draw unwanted attention to your chin.

Round face- Compliment your soft curves and add definition to your face with angular frames. “Aviator or square frames are going to be your ideal pick for this upcoming season,” Matheny said.

Heart-shaped face- Those like Reese Witherspoon will find round or butterfly styles look great on a heart-shaped face. For women, experts suggest the Stella McCartney Butterfly frame sunglasses.

Large head- Consider wider frames that will help the arms sit at a perfect 90 degree angle. “Another option is to try spring hinges that allow the arms to flex,” Hyden said.

Small head- Don’t go too big. Find smaller frames that are proportionate to your face so it can fit snug behind your ears. “Skip the trendy oversized designs and stick to cat-eye, wayfarer and smaller sized styles,” Hyden said.

*Note*Retrieved March 20, 2013 from http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/01/24/sunglasses-for-spring-break/.

5 HEALTH REASONS TO WEAR SHADES

According to results from a 2012 survey, less than half of 10,000 Americans polled recognized the health benefits of sunglasses, and 27 percent of respondents reported never wearing them. Yet this simple and stylish accessory can protect your eyes from a host of conditions caused by ultraviolet rays:

1. Skin Cancer
Up to 10 percent of all skin cancers are found on the eyelid.
2. Cataracts
The World Health Organization reports that, worldwide, approximately 900,000 people are blind because of cataracts—cloudiness in the lens of the eye—triggered by UV exposure.

3. Macular Degeneration
Over time UV light may play a role in damaging the macula lutea (an area of the eye with millions of light-sensing cells, which allow us to see fine details clearly), potentially leading to blurriness and vision loss.

4. Pterygium
This abnormal growth of tissue—also called surfer’s eye—may progress slowly from either corner across the white part of the eye, possibly leading to inflammation or disturbance of vision.

5. Photokeratitis
Essentially a sunburn of the eye, it’s temporary (healing within 48 hours) but can be painful, causing blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the sensation of having sand in your eye.

*Note* Retrieved March 20, 2013 from http://www.oprah.com/health/Reasons-to-Wear-Sunglasses-Health-Benefits-of-Sunglasses.

Contact Dr. Darcova Triplett at: www.facebook.com/StrutTheMagazine