The Case and Care for Quality Sunglasses
Sunny, yesterday my eyes were filled with pain
Sunny, you helped me and eased the strain
Now the brightness is gone, and dark shades are here
You make everything so clear,
Sunny, one so true, I love you.
(Sung to the tune of “Sunny” by Bobby Hebb)
Sunnies, shades, specs. Some people even call them by brand names. Ray-Bans, Maui Jims, you name it. Whatever you call them, quality sunglasses are not optional if you spend time outdoors. Especially on the water.
That’s where I spend most of my time. Not so much on the snow anymore, but the sun and wind exposure still adds up. For years, my issue wasn’t that I didn’t like sunglasses. It was that I kept losing them.
The “I’ll Just Buy Cheap Ones” Phase
Fun fact: Seattle sells more sunglasses than any other city in the U.S. Probably because once the sun finally comes out, you can’t remember where you put yours.
That logic led me to buying cheap sunglasses for years. I figured there was no point in spending real money on something I’d inevitably lose. That changed one day at the Annapolis Boat Show. A friend gave me endless grief about my bargain-bin shades and physically dragged me to an eyewear booth.
I tried on a pair. Sold instantly.
The difference was undeniable. Clearer vision, better contrast, less eye strain. Yes, the price tag stung a little, but they also handed me a rum punch which helped soften the blow. And here’s the funny thing. Once I paid good money for sunglasses, I stopped losing them.
Another bonus? If you scratch the lenses or damage the frames, many quality brands will repair or replace them for a reasonable cost. Always check with the manufacturer before tossing them out.
Why Eye Protection Actually Matters
Because I was so used to losing sunglasses, I often didn’t bother wearing them at all. That was a mistake.
As I write this, I’m recovering from eye surgery for a pterygium. It’s a benign growth caused by long-term exposure to sun, wind, and glare. Mine had been there for years, but surgery wasn’t recommended until it started creeping into my field of vision. Once that happens, the situation changes quickly.
The surgery itself was short but intense. Local anesthesia came in the form of eye drops, which meant I was awake the entire time. I followed instructions like “look left” and “don’t move” while doing everything in my power not to leap out of the chair. Recovery has gone well, but these growths can come back.
Lesson learned. Protect your eyes early.
How to Take Care of Your Sunglasses
Once you invest in good sunglasses, take care of them properly.
If you’re on the water, never wipe dry lenses with your shirt. Salt and dust will scratch them fast. Always rinse with fresh water first. Your drinking water bottle works in a pinch.
Carry a microfiber cloth and a small bottle of lens cleaner in your case. Most optical shops sell travel-size kits. Boat shows will happily upsell you a giant bottle, which somehow always ends up happening to me.
Use the case. Religiously. If your sunglasses didn’t come with a solid case, that’s a red flag. It might feel like extra baggage, but it’s worth it.
And finally, buy a lanyard. Yes, like the one your grandmother uses. She may always be searching for her glasses, but notice they’re still right there around her neck. A lanyard prevents the “I’ll just set these down for a second” problem that leads to expensive replacements.
The Bottom Line
Good sunglasses are an investment in your eyesight.
Spend the money. Wear them consistently. Rinse before cleaning. Use a proper cloth. Store them in a case. Add a lanyard.
Your future eyes will thank you.
Verse 2:
Sunny, thank you for the UV protection you gave.
Sunny, thank you for the vision you helped me save.
You gave to me your all and all,
And now I feel ten feet tall.
Sunny, one so true, I love you.
Good sunglasses deserve a good view.
Take them sailing in the Caribbean.
