Sunglasses
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is important and should be tailored to your needs. If it's a fashion accessory your after or have seen the latest designs some celebrities are wearing you will find these all at Stephen H Davis Optometrists we stock the very latest and take great pride in our collection!
Of course sunglasses do have other purposes and protecting your eyes is still our number one priority. So there is absolutely no reason why a great looking snazzy pair of shades can not also be providing you with 100% protection from UV, be in the appropriate coloured tint for the task, and still comes with all the scratch resistant and polarising glare-free technology.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been attributed to the development of many eye problems including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). They will also help to prevent wrinkles by protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from premature aging. Good quality sunglasses protect your eyes from 100% of the sun's harmful UV rays.
Most surfaces will reflect light. Water, snow, car windshields and the road surface are some of the most common. Extremely bright reflections can be distracting and interfere with vision. This is particularly dangerous when driving, riding a motorbike, skiing or boating. Sunglasses that include polarised filters or mirror coatings will eliminate glare for safer and more comfortable vision.
Whether you are out cycling, skiing or just enjoying the view outdoors, sunglasses are an effective wind barrier. They reduce the rate of evaporation of tears and help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If you wear contact lenses, sunglasses will help to keep them moist and prevent windblown particles from getting in your eyes and causing a corneal abrasion. Consider close-fitting "wrap" style frames as these are a more effective barrier.
In very bright conditions, the pupil which controls the amount of light reaching the light sensitive retina, cannot constrict small enough to reduce light to a comfortable level. This causes a person to squint, using the eyelids to further reduce light entering the eye. Muscle fatigue associated with squinting and constant constriction of the pupil can lead to headache and eyestrain.
Sunglasses reduce the amount of light reaching the eyes to a more comfortable level, eliminating the need for squinting and severe pupil constriction.
All sunglass lenses are tinted to cut down on overall brightness and enhance terrain definition. However, your choice of tint colours affects your vision by influencing:
~ How much visible light reaches your eyes.
~ How well you see other colours.
~ How well you see contrasts.
~ By selecting the correct coloured tint for your sport or activity will help to improve your visual acuity for that environment.
When should you wear sunglasses?
It's generally a good idea to wear sunglasses any time you're outdoors but especially when:
~ In summer when UV radiation is at least x3 higher than it is during winter.
~ At the beach or near the water (one of the most reflective surfaces).
~ You're in the mountains or outside at any high altitudes.
~ If you have had cataract surgery or are taking photo-sensitising drugs (our Optometrist can advise you on this, you should bring the latest list of your medications to discuss ocular side-effects).
