Are my 1994 sunglasses in need of an upgrade?
Do I need to replace my 1994 Oakley sunglasses? I wondering if the 100 percent UV protection in the lenses breaks down over the years with repeated exposure to the sun. If so, are glass and plastic lenses equally vulnerable? Joel Las Cruces, New Mexico
The hidden question is: Do I WANT to get new sunglasses? The answer? Of course you do. Today's sunglasses are amazingly good, with better coatings (reduced glare and better color rendition) and more rugged frame materials than ever. And, prices have held steady or come down after several years of truly excessive price hikes. Oakley's Eye Jacket 3.0 ($130), for instance, have temples covered with stuff that gets stickier as it gets wet, so the glasses stay on your head. They also have super-sharp coated lenses and look great. Or take a look at the Julbo Reflex, an all-purpose sport shade that comes with four sets of lenses, all for the bargain price of $90. Lastly, check out the Rudy Project Kerosene ($125), which has super-tough frames and a streamlined style, perfect for bicycling and other high-speed sports. Any of these will protect your eyes from UV radiation while giving onlookers a better you to look at.
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