Prescription Sunglasses To Suit Your Style
Sunglasses when combined with a designer frame are the ultimate fashion accessory but they also need to do much more than just make you look good – they need to provide the right protection for your eyes too.
Most people are now aware that too much sun can damage the skin but how many of us are aware that it also poses a danger to the eyes? Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight has been identified as one of the main risk factors for an eye disease called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) which causes central vision loss.
Exposure to the sun has also been linked to retinal damage and other eye conditions including cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lenses, as well as skin cancer around the eyes. But sunglasses protect them from UV rays which are a growing hazard due to the depletion of the ozone layer. You won’t feel it but the damage to your eyes is permanent. This is why it is so important not to choose your sunglasses for their fashion value alone.
What Type Should I Choose?
Sunglasses should block at least 70% of UVB rays and 60% of UVA. However, for the very best safeguard look for the ones which give 98% protection at least from both UVB and UVA radiation.
Look out for glasses carrying the European Standard 'CE' Mark and the British Standard BSEN 1836:1997, which ensure that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. Purchasing sunglasses that don’t conform to this standard is not advised.
In fact non UV absorbing lenses can do more harm than not wearing anything at all. Behind a tinted lens, the pupil opens wider allowing in more UV light than would happen normally and thus reduces the eyes’ natural protection.
Why come to us?
With so many styles and lenses to choose from it’s easy to be confused so let us help you to make the right choice. We offer expert advice and getting your sunglasses from us means that you can be sure that they fit correctly and are just right for you and your lifestyle. We are stockists for Ray Ban, Fendi, Prada, Dolce & Gabbanna, Calvin Klein as well as the exclusive Sean John Sunglass range.
Simply the best!
There are a huge variety of sunglasses available and even if you need to wear spectacles all the time, you needn’t miss out. The best suited for protecting your eyes are prescription quality sunglasses which are produced to the same high standards as our spectacles.
Over the last few years prescription sunglasses have grown in popularity as more people have discovered their many benefits. Our extensive range has top quality eyewear from Maui Jim through to our own Reflections range all of our prescription sunglasses offer a high standard of sun protection at a very competitive prices. Ask our optometrists or dispensing opticians for advice on the best sunglasses for you and your lifestyle.
Some guidelines to remember
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Which type of sunglasses are best for me?
There are three types of sunglasses to choose from, these include:
- Cosmetic sunglasses - These do offer some protection against the sun and are often worn as fashion accessories. At Hammond Opticians we stock designer sunglasses from Dolce & Gabbanna, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Sean John and Prada.
- General purpose sunglasses - These are better for reducing glare in bright light or in circumstances such as driving in daylight. Our range includes Ray Ban, Reflections and Maui Jim.
- Special purpose sunglasses - These are recommended for activities such as skiing, water sports or for people abnormally sensitive to glare. The best options are Maui Jim sunglasses which offer the highest level of sun and UV protection. These are available as stock or as prescription alternatives.
There also seem's to be a regular number of questions that get asked during the purchase of prescription sunglasses, so, to help you with your decision making, we've answered some of these below:
Does the colour of the lens make a difference?
Brown and Neutral Grey are the most popular colours and Maui Rose is one of the most effective for skiers. However, it is the overall protection that counts.
Which type are safest?
For safety reasons choose polycarbonate, plastic or toughened glass. They offer the best overall protection.
Are there such things as ‘sun contact lenses’?
Yes. This area is developing quickly. Ask your contact lens practitioner about the latest products available. Sports people involved in open-air activities may find these particularly interesting.
What about prescription lenses?
Both sunglasses and contact lenses are available to your normal optical prescription. Your practitioner will be pleased to advise you, but ensure that he or she knows that you wish to have UV protection built in.
Which sunglasses are best for driving?
The Highway Code states that tinted glasses should not be worn at night or in poor visibility. Sunglasses should not be used at night to stop headlamp glare. Polarised lenses offer even greater protection especially when driving in wet road conditions.
Photochromic lenses
These lenses darken on exposure to sunlight and should react efficiently in changing light conditions. They should not leave much tint present when the lens is not exposed to the sun. (photochromic lenses).
Polarising lenses
These lenses reduce reflections from wet or polished road surfaces, but they reveal the stress patterns in the older types of toughened windscreens, which can be hazardous. They are very useful for skiers, anglers and water-sports enthusiasts.