(Image source from: How to choose your goggles?})

It's no secret that one of the best ways to protect your skin against the harmful effects of the UV rays of the sun is to slather SPF. But then, how do you protect your peepers – one of the most exposed regions of your body?

"Obviously you can't put sunscreen on them," says Anne Sumers, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology who is in private practice in Ridgewood, New Jersey."Sunglasses are the only way to protect your eyes," she adds.

Apparently, too much exposure to the harmful rays of sun can trigger a spate of health issues like sunburns and cataracts. That's why, it's important to cover your oculus when stepping out in the sun. But them protective goggles are only good as long as you  wear the right one. Baffled? Read on.

Turns out, your goggles is more than just a fashion statement. They not only add extra oomph to your appearance, but also protect against skin cancer, sunburn and cataracts.

While buying sunglasses, look for a label that says 99 to 100 percent UV absorption or UV 400. However, if its states something nebulous like “absorbs UV”, flung it back to the shelf.

Steer clear of polarized glasses — they play no part in keeping the UV rays away. Rather, polarized glasses are better for those looking for clearer, crisper vision while on water or road.

It's not like the darker the glasses, the better the protection. Gray, green, yellow, brown, rose works just as good as black.

Quality sunglasses will always have optically grounded lenses with little distortion while the cheaper ones will be made of plastic. Turn your eyes left and right to notice distortion while trying them on.

Oversized glasses are more than a style statement — they offer the maximum coverage and shield more UV.

AW: Suchorita Dutta