Designer wholesale sunglasses are not just about getting a certain look. They're also a good way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause various eye problems. Various outdoor activities are done more comfortably (and you can also see more clearly) if you can get rid of the sun's glare.

But since you'll be wearing your sunglasses while doing a variety of activities, you may need different types of sunglasses for different needs and lighting conditions, as well as the unique fashion statement you want to make:

Sports sunglasses. Sports enthusiasts need the visual enhancement (as well as the UV protection) that sports sunglasses provides. This can actual help improve their performance in a particular sport. For instance, bikers need eye protection against flying debris, as well as better vision means they can see the road and any obstructions. For baseball or softball players, sunglasses with tinted lenses help them see the ball more clearly. Sports sunglasses are invariably made from durable polycarbonate, rather than glass. Golfers need polarized sports sunglasses to get rid of the glare so that they are able to see the ball and the lines of the green better.

Aviator sunglasses. Reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Top Gun, these have gold or black thin wire frames and dark lenses that may be mirrored or reflective. Originally manufactured for pilots, these feature oversized lenses that provide maximum protection against the sun when in great heights. These can complete a dressy or casual look. Aviators can come in different sizes – small, medium or oversized.

Photochromic lenses. These lenses adjust to the amount of light present. It darkens in bright light and lightens as the amount of light decreases (such as when you go indoors or when the sun sets). This is especially useful to those who need prescription glasses who don't want to switch from one pair to another, depending on the light condition.

Anti-reflective coated lenses. This coating is applied behind the lenses to prevent light coming from behind to be reflected into the inner surface of the lenses. Glasses with AR coating usually also have a wrap-around frame where the lenses are closely fit to the face to lessen the amount of light coming in. This coating also adds another layer of protection to the lenses against smudges and scratches. It also helps repel water and dust.

Polarized lenses. These lenses block glare caused by the sun's reflection on horizontal surfaces. This is especially useful for people who are on the road, fishermen or outdoor sports enthusiasts. This is also ideal for people who need sunglasses indoors, such as light-sensitive persons or those who have recently undergone a cataract surgery.

Aspheric lenses. This helps correct any distortions caused by the curvature in conventional lenses and when the user looks away from the middle of the lens. Aspheric lenses feature a gradual change in curvature beginning from the center to the edge of the lenses. This means aspheric lenses are flatter than the regular lenses.

Polycarbonate lenses. These are lenses ideal for high-impact activities. These are impact resistant and are thus great for sports sunglasses, where flying objects or debris can hit the lenses or the wearer itself can bump into something and still be protected from the possibility of shattering glass.

Trivex lenses. A more recent addition, this type of lens is quite like the polycarbonate lenses. However, it offers improved visuals, is also impact-resistant and lighter. This is usually ideal for rimless sunglass designs.

Gradient lenses. These have different levels of tinting across the lenses. For most, the tint is from the top down, where the darkest tint is at the top of the lens. These prevent light from penetrating the lenses from the top but allows more clarity and more light through the bottom part of the lens for better vision. Double gradient lenses are ones where the darkest tinting are at the top and bottom of the lenses while the middle part of the lens has a lighter tint.

Blue-blocking lenses. This is popular for pilots, fishing enthusiasts, sailors and skiers since this blocks blue light so that distant objects appear clearer, even with the presence of haze.

The question is, do most sunglasses have these? No, it may be better to buy different designer sunglasses by the bulk for your various needs. Perhaps, when you are choosing which set of wholesale sunglasses to order, you can choose a couple for your everyday use while getting a pair of sports sunglasses or a pair of polarized sunglasses for those fishing trips.

With Olympic Eyewear, you can actually have a wide range of choices of designer sunglasses at very affordable prices. What's more, getting wholesale sunglasses by the dozen means that you have the opportunity to avail of a higher discount, depending on the size of your orders.