Not all sunglasses are made equal, and this is why it's important to invest in high-quality sunglasses
Table of Contents
- Why Not All Sunglasses Are Created Equal
- Quick Answer: What Separates Quality Sunglasses?
- 1) Frame Materials & Construction
- 2) UV Protection & Eye Safety
- 3) Lens Quality & Optical Performance
- 4) Fit, Comfort & Frame Engineering
- 5) Brand Reputation & Long-Term Quality
- Why AM Eyewear Is Different
- What to Look for When Buying Sunglasses
Why Not All Sunglasses Are Created Equal
Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory. They play a critical role in protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation, reducing eye strain, and maintaining long-term eye health.
Yet with thousands of sunglasses brands on the market especially online it’s become increasingly difficult for consumers to tell which sunglasses actually protect their eyes, and which simply look good.
After more than 20 years in the eyewear industry, Australian sunglass brand AM Eyewear has seen firsthand why not all sunglasses are created equal.
Quick Answer: What Separates Quality Sunglasses?
The biggest differences between high-quality sunglasses and poor-quality ones come down to five key factors:
- the materials used in the frame
- the level of UV protection provided
- the quality of the lenses
- how well the sunglasses fit the face
- the experience and reputation of the brand
Missing just one of these can compromise comfort, protection, or durability.
1) Frame Materials & Construction
The materials used to manufacture sunglasses directly affect their durability, comfort, and long-term performance.
AM Eyewear frames are crafted from Japanese and Italian bio-based cellulose acetate premium materials known for strength, flexibility, and comfort. These materials are certified by the ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) system.
In addition, AM Eyewear offers titanium sunglasses plated with 18KT gold. Titanium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, and exceptionally durable.
Key construction details such as rubber-coated screws and gold-plated hinges ensure frames remain stable over time without loosening, tarnishing, or warping.
By contrast, sunglasses made with low-grade plastics or poorly finished materials are more likely to bend, break, or lose their shape reducing both comfort and eye protection.
2) UV Protection & Eye Safety
The primary function of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
To be considered truly protective, sunglasses should:
- block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays
- offer protection up to 400nm
- meet recognised optical safety standards
AM Eyewear is the only Australian sunglass brand licensed to use original Carl ZEISS sun lenses across select collections. These lenses provide certified 400nm UV protection equivalent to 100% UVA and UVB blocking.
Sunglasses with inadequate lenses can expose the eyes to long-term damage, including corneal injury, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
3) Lens Quality & Optical Performance
Beyond UV protection, lens quality determines visual clarity, colour accuracy, and eye comfort.
AM Eyewear uses high-quality bio-based nylon polyamide lenses, with Carl ZEISS sun lenses featured across may styles, which are chosen for their:
- distortion-free optical clarity
- scratch resistance
- anti-reflective properties
- accurate colour perception
Lower-quality sunglasses often use inferior lens materials that distort vision, scratch easily, or fail to reduce glare leading to eye strain and discomfort.
4) Fit, Comfort & Frame Engineering
Even the best lenses won’t perform properly if sunglasses don’t fit well.
AM Eyewear frames are engineered for balanced weight distribution, proper lens positioning, and long-term comfort.
Frames are milled from precisely cured acetate sheets, providing strength where needed and flexibility where comfort matters.
In addition, AM Eyewear sunglasses are designed with optimal pantoscopic tilt the angle at which lenses sit relative to the face improving visual clarity and reducing eye fatigue.
Sunglasses that prioritise appearance over fit often cause discomfort, slipping, headaches, or uneven vision.
5) Brand Reputation & Long-Term Quality
Brand reputation matters because eyewear is a technical product, not just an accessory.
Established brands invest heavily in research, materials, testing, and quality control. AM Eyewear has been producing premium sunglasses for over 20 years, supplying optical professionals and retailers globally.
Many trend-driven brands focus on short-term aesthetics, mass production, and aggressive discounts often at the expense of optical performance and durability.
Why AM Eyewear Is Different
AM Eyewear is first and foremost an optical company, not a trend-led fashion brand.
Every frame is designed with eye health, comfort, and durability in mind using premium materials from trusted Japanese and Italian suppliers, world-class Carl ZEISS lenses featured across many styles, and rigorous quality standards.
This commitment ensures sunglasses that protect your eyes, feel comfortable all day, and last for years.
What to Look for When Buying Sunglasses
When choosing sunglasses, prioritise:
- certified 100% UV protection
- high-quality lens materials
- durable, well-engineered frames
- a brand with proven optical expertise
Explore AM Eyewear:
Not all sunglasses are created equal.
Choose wisely, your eyes depend on it.
