This is so right. The difference in clarity looking through a quality lens and a cheap one is massive when in full sun. $200+ might sound a lot for a pair of sunnies, but generally with decent ones you will try and look after them and they last a good few years. I'd agree with the Rayban recommendation - I've had my current pair for over 2 years and recently got the first tiny scratch on the lens - not bad going for me - the previous pair was dropped in the ocean somewhere!

I had a great pair of Oakleys, but lost them recently. Now I have two cheaper pairs, one is polarised, and both have good UV ratings. That way if I lose one I'm not stuck looking like a peering mole.

Polarised glasses do have benefits wearing them all day, especially for those who who have seizures or light sensitive.
Information from a hospital consultant for my daughter.

Gems.

I got into a bad habit of not wearing for several years. I am an office worker but I do drive.

I bought a pair of Oakley style shades for 40bucks from the Skin cancer joint..

I'm constantly amazed by how relatively few people seem to wear sunnies here. Mine are prescription and I practically live in them. Go for the best you can afford and ask to take some out to look at daylight with them if you're in a shopping centre, if they say no then go somewhere else.

I found David Jones had relatively good and stylish sunnies for only $80 compared to $200+ in sunglasses shop.

i wear a pair of prescription glasses that have transition lenses, they have a good uv rating... titanium frames are excellent practicaly indestructable ......and so they should be for $800 .................mm

My H who wears contacts bought some Maui Jims.
Apparently they are one of the most popular brands but have never advertised- word of mouth seems to work.

He loves them!

I have cheaper Bolle ones as I am always losing mine.

Just got some myself some transitions and now wouldn't be without them. I know what you mean about the cost though, although the OH's prescription Oakley sunglasses were even more expensive

I gave up on my transitions here, just didn't change well enough, optician told me that they need to have a cooler climate than we have up here. Many's the time I've forgotten to take my normal glasses out with me and ended up driving home in the dark wearing sunnies

My wife has 2 pairs of Maui's. Outstanding.

TK MAXX

stock up before you come or get someone to post them over, save $$$

i got some ted baker, smith optics, arnette and sting(??)

all under £20 a pair

My Maui's are pretty decent... but really any sunglasses costing >$200 should be ok - just find something you like the look of.

Polarised lenses is a definite must in my book...

$200 may sound like a lot but you will wear them almost 365 days a year often for hours at a time and a decent pair will last for year (or at least until you sit on them). Its not really that much of an investment is it?

In OZ the UV is so high people wear sunglasses at night

I must have a sunny fetish as I have a few pairs of Oakley's and a few pairs of Wiley-X.

I wear my Polarised Wiley-X Airage the most whilst at work as they are impact rated and come with a removable foam insert for those that wear contacts (ie, ME). This keeps out dust, debris, glare etc and ensures my eyes don't dry out. The Wiley X climate control series are highly recommended.

Disclaimer, I don't sell sunnies and have no involvement with WileyX other than they have saved my eyeballs on multiple occasions.