Sun screens - What's New? - sunglasses from Bushnell Performance Optics - Brief Article

* Spring is fully entrenched and summer is well on the way, Obviously, it's time to break out the sunglasses to fight glare, protect your eyes, and oh, yeah, look cool. Some of this year's hottest models perform these tasks admirably.

Bushnell Performance Optics, Overland Park, Kan., has a pair of lines that make it hard to choose between them. Each is stylish and, most important, optically correct, so the best way to decide is to try them on and see which suits you. Or, go for them both and switch off, depending on your outfit and or mood.

The Serengeti Eyewear division features myriad technological marvels replete with Space Age nomenclature to make descriptions as jazzy as the performance. For example, the Strata 400 lens is polarized to cut glare and photochromic to adjust automatically to changes in light conditions, darkening when the sun is bright and lightening when it turns overcast: Spectral Control filters enhance colors, sharply define objects, and adjust to the full light spectrum; and UV 400 glass not only is precision ground to make it distortion-free, but absorbs 100% of ultraviolet radiation. Particularly stylish are the Argosy and Milos models with their elongated oval shapes, tortoise-shell frames with spring-loaded temples for a tight fit even when you perspire, and definitely cool henna lenses. Each retails for a suggested $199.99, including a sturdy case with a suedelike finish.

Bushnell's Bolle division aims at fashion-conscious sports enthusiasts who lead an active lifestyle. Its Turbulence model comes with interchangeable lenses in a sleek, durable, wraparound nylon frame. Depending on weather conditions and/or mood, you can switch from reflective mirror (for that state trooper look) to cinnamon (designed for the golf course) to vermilion (for ski slopes) to Competivision (for tennis). While they may not necessarily improve your game, you'll look great playing it. Meanwhile, the polarized lenses cut glare and protect against ultraviolet rays, while the wraparound design shields the eyes from dust and wind. Turbulence comes in a microfiber case with a Velcro-sealed flap and a sturdy clip to attach to a belt loop, purse strap, etc. It retails for a suggested $199.99

An unexpected name to encounter when shopping for sunglasses is Jeep. Nevertheless, its Action Eyewear from L'AMY Group, Wilton, Conn., does a spectacular job of protecting from the sun's rays and glare while making a bold fashion statement. The latter is reflected in its James Bond-like naming system--Jeep Action 005, 006, etc.--as well as the dashing wraparound frames with steel temples covered in slip-proof rubber and extended sides that block the sun both peripherally and from above, yet allow cooling breezes in through a series of oval slits. The action theme is echoed by the gunmetal case lined in a soft fabric to prevent the lenses from scratching. Action Eyewear ranges from $59.95 to $99.95, depending on the model.

Look for these superior sunglasses in fine optical stores.

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