Sunglasses
Shades of quality
Ultraviolet (UV) light increases your chances of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, eyelid cancer, as well as pterygium and pinguecula (growths that form on the eye’s outer conjuctival/corneal surface).
This is why everyone should wear sunglasses, which protect the tissues in and around the eyes from UV light. Sunglasses are not just for summer. We should wear sunglasses when:
- You are exposed to outdoor water, pavement, sand, and snow. (UV light bounces off of these surfaces.) Polarized sun lenses filter out this reflected light, reducing glare.
- Even when you are outside on cloudy days, UV light can still be emitted through clouds. Ultraviolet levels are at their highest from 10am to 2pm.
What Age Should I Begin Wearing Sunglasses?
If you believe your child doesn’t need sunglasses, or that you’ve reached an age where the sun won’t affect you, think again.
Truth is, you’re never too young or too old to wear sunglasses. Children have larger pupils and spend more time outdoors than adults. As damage from the sun is cumulative over time, children should wear sunglasses as young as possible. 50% of our lifetime UV exposure occurs by the age of 18.
Anyone who drives should be wearing sunglasses, too. If you require prescription lenses, a dedicated pair of tinted lenses with your prescription is recommended.
A good pair of sunglasses will reduce eyestrain and fatigue, and improve the safety of your driving by allowing you to see sharply without glare. Polarized lenses enable you to see oncoming traffic through the windshields of other vehicles.
With that said, don’t wait any longer to protect your vision from the damaging effects of the sun.
Differences in Lenses and What’s New?
UV400 – this filter is required to protect your eye by not allowing harmful UV light to travel through the lens and at your eye and surrounding tissues such as your eyelids and peri-ocular skin
Polarized Lens – this is a filter within the lens that blocks distracting and uncomfortable glare, which is light reflected off of horizontal surfaces, such as pavement, snow, and water
Transitions or Sensity – these are brand-name lenses that change color, they can be clear indoors and turn into tinted lenses when outdoors. The generic term behind the technology is called PHOTOCHROMATIC or PHOTOCHROMIC.
Xtractive Or Sensity Dark – these brand-name lenses also darken while driving, but not to the same level as when outside of a vehicle
NEW! Polarized Xtractive Sunlenses – these lenses become tinted (or transition) when outdoors, to a lesser extent while driving, but also become polarized as they tint. A polarized lens reduces glare and improves visual function and comfort by cutting out light that is reflected off of horizontal surfaces. They are superior sun lenses for driving and when around water.
Drivewear – these are brand-name lenses that are both permanently polarized sun lenses that can darken in brighter conditions. Drivewear lenses transition from a yellow color indoors or in cloudy conditions, to an amber color during sunny conditions.
How To Choose Quality Sunglasses
Dr. Jeff Sciberras is well-versed and happy to help you find the perfect sunglasses. At our eye care clinic, you’ll find a selection of fashionable sunglasses that meet every budget. From Polaroid to Polo, our goal is to provide you with the best vision and value in protective, well-made, and comfortable sunglasses.
Follow these tips when shopping for new sunglasses:
- Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
- Children should have polycarbonate sunglasses that are durable and unbreakable, with flexible frames.
- Frames, when incorporating prescription lenses, should avoid having a high degree of wrap, otherwise you may experience visual distortion and discomfort.
- Understand the different types of sun lenses available and how they’ll work for you. We recommend polarized sun lenses for all our patients, as those are best at reducing glare. Glare results from reflected light.
- Tints are important in the color and intensity for which they are used. Avoid blue tints and tints that are not dark enough, as glare and light sensitivity can result.
Get to know more about tinted lenses and polarized lenses by clicking on this video link.
We are pleased to be an authorized dealer of Rayban Meta Glasses. we can customize the lenses with your prescription to your choice of polarized, Transitions, or clear lenses.
Sunglass Offer: Purchase two pairs of complete eyeglasses and receive 30% off your 2nd pair of lenses. We also offer a $25 discount on plano sunglasses with your purchase of a 1-year supply of contact lenses.
