While we’re nervously awaiting autumn, summer is still here, and with some of the hottest days in recent years. Don’t get caught without a great pair of sunglasses to complete your look: wearing shades, just like sunscreen, is important year-round. Many of us are aware of the damage the sun has on our skin, but most of us don’t think about the damage it’s causing to our eyes. Frequent exposure to the sunlight’s UV rays can cause irreparable damage to your sight, even short-term over exposure. When buying sunglasses, be sure to look out for one of the three ratings to show they meet safety standards: a CE (European Community Standard), a BSEN1836 (British Standard) or a UV400 rating. “Despite public perceptions, sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to offer protection from the sun. It’s essential that they meet the safety standards to protect against UV damage. Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, they’re a legitimate form of sun protection,” Kerril Hickey, Specsavers Ireland chairman and optician told us. Just like all the best accessory trends, if you choose wisely, your shades will have longevity and look great year-round. Here’s our edit of the best sunglasses available online now …

Main featured image via Imaxtree.