Maui Jim Receives The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation

LAHAINA, Hawaii, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Maui Jim, the premium polarized sunglasses company, has earned the Seal of Recommendation from The Skin Cancer Foundation. Maui Jim is one of three sunglasses manufacturers to have earned the seal, which is a symbol of safe and protective sun protection.

The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation is granted to sun protection products that have been reviewed by and meet the specific criteria of an independent Photobiology Committee (experts in the study of the interaction of ultraviolet light and the skin).  In order for sunglasses to earn the Seal of Recommendation, they must filter out at least 99 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.  

"The Seal of Recommendation is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection that is recognized by consumers worldwide," said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "One of the first programs offered by the Foundation, it quickly gained acceptance from consumers for setting the standard for effective sun protection. Maui Jim received our Seal because all of their sunglasses exceed our requirements and protect against 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays."

All Maui Jim sunglasses are able to meet the stringent requirements of The Skin Cancer Foundation because the company's PolarizedPlus2® lens technology uses up to nine layers of protection on both sides of each lens to eliminate 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.

"Eliminating the effects of damaging sun rays can help reduce the chances of contracting a range of eye and eyelid cancers and other damaging eye conditions from cataracts and macular degeneration," said Jay Black, Vice President of Global Marketing at Maui Jim. "However, some simple protective strategies practiced daily can help keep our eyes and the sensitive skin around them healthy throughout our lives."

Tips for Buying Sunglasses

Without eye protection, your eyes will be exposed to as much UV light as is created by a nuclear blast by the time you turn 60-years-old. Maui Jim recommends the following tips for buying sunglasses that offer the ultimate protection from the sun.

Sunglasses should block 100 percent of all UV rays, but in addition, they should also block glare. Many sunglasses only block glare that hits the front of the lenses. Maui Jim is one of the only companies whose lenses block 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens. Anti-reflective treatments that are specifically designed to eliminate eye fatigue are also incorporated in every lens. PolarizedPlus2 lens technology not only cuts glare, but also uses three rare earth elements and other compounds in the lenses to enhance the colors, depth of field and definition of what you see in the world around you.

Choosing the right lens material for how you use your sunglasses is also important. Glass lenses offer the clearest edge-to-edge optics. However, glass lenses are not designed for active sports where they might get bumped or fall off your face and break. If you wear your glasses for outdoor sports consider purchasing polycarbonate or some of the new hybrid lenses that offer the crisp optics of glass, but provide scratch- and impact-resistance. Maui Jim's MauiPure™ lens is the world's clearest non-glass lens that is also feather light, scratch- and impact-resistant.

Choosing a lens color should be based on the conditions in which you will wear your sunglasses. If you do many outdoor activities, you may need two or three pairs of glasses for optimal vision in a variety of conditions.  Neutral Grey lenses offer the highest level of light reduction for bright, sunny days. Maui Jim's HCL^® Bronze lenses have a versatile, all-activity, warm brown tint designed to improve vision in variable light conditions. For example, bronze lenses are good for sunny days when puffy clouds occasionally float over. Maui Rose™ lenses are high-performance and blush-colored for maximum contrast and crisp vision. They are good for fast-moving sports like tennis or driving. Maui HT™ is a high-performance, palm green color that lets the right amount of useful light into the eye to improve definition and depth perception without losing polarization efficiency. Maui HT improves your vision of objects at or below surfaces.

If you wear prescription glasses, consider prescription sunglasses because they offer crisper vision than wearing contacts with sunglasses. Maui Jim makes prescription sunglasses fabricated with digital precision to produce wider, clearer, more vivid views, without glare or harmful UV. If you need up-close vision to read maps, record golf scores, tie fishing knots, make cell phone calls, etc., Maui Jim's MauiReaders® have hidden bifocals encased in lightweight polycarbonate lenses with PolarizedPlus2 technology. Available in two styles – Ho'okipa and Makaha – they are available in add powers of +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50.

It is suggested that you try on a variety of sunglass styles, shapes and frame materials to find what looks best on your face. Frames come in colorful nylons, hybrid metals, light-weight titanium and rimless styles. Start by analyzing your face shape. If it's oval, almost any style will look good, especially square-shaped frames with gently rounded edges. If your face is round, look for frames that make your face appear longer. Minimize the curves and choose styles with a double brow or higher temples to pull the eye upwards. Square faces do well in soft, curvy styles. Diamond and triangular faces look terrific in rimless styles that are oval or have a slight cat-eye.

The trends this year point to an abundance of colorful frames that celebrate the vibrancy in the world around us – amethyst, cinnamon, honey, chocolate, green, ruby, mauve, smoke grey and sandstone. Sunglass shapes are reminiscent of classic styles from the past, but have been updated to fit today's fashions. Rounded squares and squared ovals are back in force. Soft cat-eye and wayfarer shapes make a strong retro-fashion statement. Styles that feature burnished metals and strong patterns are hot right now. The tortoise shell-look is back, but it's been updated with more colorful, aggressive patterns. Textures of wood and shell are popular. The classic aviator has been updated with bolder single- and double-bridges, larger teardrop frames or slightly squared shapes.

When shopping for sunglasses, remember that good sunglasses are about eye protection. First decide when and how you wear your sunglasses; then choose lens materials, lens colors and fashion-forward frame styles that offer features for the activities in which you wear them.

Maui Jim has been voted favorite sunglasses company and best sunglasses by optical retailers and many of the top health, fitness and outdoor sports media around the world. For more information, visit MauiJim.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest at @OfficialMauiJim.

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SOURCE Maui Jim