The sun is shining and you want to go out and play. Perhaps you’re taking your boat out onto the lake or you’re headed out to the ballpark. Maybe you just want to lounge by the pool.

While you gathering the gear that will see you through any outdoor activity you love, don’t forget to grab one of the most important items on any list — a pair of sunglasses.

“The idea is to protect your eyes from the sun,” says Dr. Steven Rosenak of Dr. Rosenak’s Optical Options. “When you do that, you’re pretty much going to be safe.”

Just as the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage your skin, they also can harm your eyes. And it’s not only adult eyes that will feel the effects.

“Kids are outside far more often than adults,” says Tami Cavanaugh with the Spec Shoppe in St. Joseph.

Dr. Rosenak and Ms. Cavanaugh offer the following tips to help you pick out the perfect pair of sunglasses.

Frames: There are an endless variety of frames to choose from, and the choice will depend on what you like.

“Some people want what the movie stars are wearing,” Ms. Cavanaugh says.

You can choose star style, but you should make sure whatever frames you pick cover your eyes, Dr. Rosenak says. Remember, protecting your eyes is why you are wearing sunglasses.

Lenses: Always look for sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B rays.

“I associate the A part with aging and the B part with burning,” Dr. Rosenak says.

When purchasing sunglasses, look for a tag or label that says the product protects from both the UV-A and UV-B rays, experts say. Even inexpensive sunglasses should have that label. If not, find a pair that does. The adage that you get what you pay for does apply.

In addition to UV protection, a polarized lens also is a good choice, say the pros. That lens helps prevent glare, and people such as boaters, fishermen and skiers will find them especially useful.

The color of the lens pretty much is up to the wearer. Although there is a rainbow of color choices, gray and brown are still the most popular, say Dr. Rosenak and Ms. Cavanaugh.

If you don’t want to carry an extra pair of sunglasses, there are transition lenses that will darken when you’re out in the light and lighten up when you’re inside.

After choosing the style of sunglasses you want, you just need to remember one more thing: You have to wear them to get the protection for your eyes.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com