Benefits of expensive eye and sunglasses?

[josepidal]

Sounds silly, but I was wondering why exactly some eye and sunglasses are significantly more expensive? In another thread, for example, I saw a number swear by Ray Bans and other have specific designer favorites. Past a certain point, does functionality remain the same and does style simply turn subjective?

 

[operationexpat]

Isn't it the same with designer anything?

 

[kolecho]

I have used several pairs of Lindberg eyeglasses that are made of titanium. After several years of use, they still look like new. It is light, hypo-allergenic and sturdy. It has a balance of clean design lines and functions well. They are not cheap, but definitely great value as most of their designs are timeless and will last you forever.

The other brand that I use now is Mykita. These are made of stainless steel and has amazing workmanship. Also very light and durable. Its design is a little more fashion forward, but not extreme.

If you take care to select frames, they will service you for many years. SF members seem to spend lots on shoes. About time some of use spend on accessories that sit on our faces. This is the value of expensive eyewear.

 

[Tomasso]

I will not even consider sunglasses that don't have Polarized glass lenses.

 

[odoreater]

Originally Posted by josepidal

Sounds silly, but I was wondering why exactly some eye and sunglasses are significantly more expensive? In another thread, for example, I saw a number swear by Ray Bans and other have specific designer favorites. Past a certain point, does functionality remain the same and does style simply turn subjective?

I am one of the people from the other thread that swears by Ray Bans and yes, it definitely makes a difference. Cheaper glasses have ****** lenses that you can barely see through and flimsy frames that eventually break. My Ray Bans have much heavier frames than any other sunglasses I've worn and therefore don't bend and contort themselves into all different shapes, and the lenses are as clear as they were the day I bought them and have not developed that "film" that cheaper lenses develop.

Your question is like asking what the difference is between a Club Room dress shirt from Macys and a Turnbull & Asser.

 

[A Y]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

I will not even consider sunglasses that don't have Polarized glass lenses.

While polarized glasses do cut a lot of glare, they can also hide certain kinds of road debris like liquids. Spilled oil or especially spilled coolant can be very slippery. So be careful if you're driving with them.

--Andre

 

[Ed13]

I own the following sunglasses;

1. Bolle - approx $70
2. Mauai (sic) Jim Titanium - Found on street approx $300
3. Gucci - $400
4. Ray Bans - $160

The Ray Bans are by far my favourite of the four. The Gucci's were a gift and I like the least. Bolle's have a plastic lense and are a good value for the price.

I look for good quality polarized lenses. I will probably continue to buy Ray Bans. High quality frames and lenses. The Gucci glasses have the cheapest quality frames.

 

[MTeplitsky]

My long-time optometrist, Dr. Gary Tracy in NYC, just posted an article about buying sunglasses on his site http://www.garytracyod.com. He carries a nice selection of sunglasses and regular frame, all top-quality. Disclosure: I do marketing work for Gary and want to help bring his voice and expertise into more online conversations about eyecare/wear. He really does know his stuff.

 

[alflauren]

This is not really a benefit of "expensive" eyewear; it's just a benefit of eyewear that isn't total crap:

I have noticed that some of the cheap sunglasses in drugstores and even some of the mid-priced sunglasses on designer websites have glass lenses. This is dangerous as all hell. Once smack to the face that shatters the lens, and your vision in that eye is as good as gone.

If you see a deeply discounted design that you like, make sure you check the lens material.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

I will not even consider sunglasses that don't have Polarized glass lenses.
I've had a difficult time with American optometrists regarding glass lenses.

 

[thisisme]

safilo brand vs luxoticca group ? any major differences ?

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I've had a difficult time with American optometrists regarding glass lenses.

How so?

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

How so?
Some of them-even high end ones-refuse to do glass lenses. They claim it's illegal or something.

 

[SGladwell]

I've found a distinct difference in quality between Silhouettes and the knockoff hingeless frames (Maui Jim for example), favoring the original.

 

[stach]

I have three pair of moderate/expensive sunglasses from $300.00 to $150.00. They hold their balance well and they don't turn my skin green. I also have a few cheap dollar type pairs on hand to loan to friends if they need them or sometimes I will wear them just for the variety.