Recent research carried out by YouGov on behalf of the eye research charity Fight for Sight has found that over 50% of adults in the UK admit to not wearing ultraviolet (UV) protective eyewear whilst outdoors.
“50% of adults in the UK admit to not wearing ultraviolet (UV) protective eyewear whilst outdoors”
Why should I wear sunglasses?
It is extremely important to protect your vision in bright sunlight, not only against glare, but also against the hidden dangers of ultra-violet (UV) rays.
Over exposure to UV light can damage different parts of the eye and the sensitive skin around the eyes. This may lead to cataracts and macula degeneration causing a reduction in vision in later life. Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to the affects of UV, and as such should always wear UV protective sunglasses and a wide brim hat.
“Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to the affects of UV”
As the prime function of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from exposure to this harmful radiation, we recommend that you choose only good quality sunglasses that block the maximum possible amount of UV rays.
If you already wear spectacles, you can still have quality sunglasses. They can be made to your prescription with single vision, bifocal or varifocal lenses and can also be made thinner for those high optical prescriptions.
Are all sunglasses the same?
We are aware that different lifestyles and sunlight conditions often call for different types of sunglasses. This is why we are happy to advise and recommend you the best style and lens options to suit your lifestyle, ensuring your eyes receive the best possible protection.
For example, polarised lenses are effective in combating glare as well as sunlight, for instance reflections from road surfaces whilst driving and water from when doing water activities.
Close fitting wrap around styles offer good protection from wind and light from the sides, making them ideal for sports. Also clip over sun clips are available to use on top of your existing spectacles as this saves you carrying a separate pair of sunglasses around.
Another option are photochromic lenses. These darken on exposure to bright sunlight and can help your eyes adjust to frequent changes in light conditions without the need to constantly having to remove your sunglasses, still offering 100% UV protection.
