Sunglasses – not just a style statement

I’ve been reluctant to start this blog. Talking about sunglasses and sunny weather will no doubt result in a May where the sun goes AWOL. Regardless, it is good to remember sunglasses aren’t just for the summer. There are benefits of wearing sunglasses even on a lovely crisp and chilly January’s day. Many fashion conscious folk don’t need encouraged to wear a pair but they shouldn’t just be seen as a style statement. They are essential to help keep our eyes healthy.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is harmful to the eyes and continued exposure to UV light can lead to long-term damage including macular degeneration and cataracts, both serious conditions affecting vision in later life. In addition, constant squinting can be very uncomfortable and lead to fine lines around the eyes. UV rays also affect the delicate skin around the eye area. This area of skin is probably the most sensitive skin on our bodies so should be treated with extra care. Jackie O had the right idea. Bigger is better when sunglasses are concerned as more of this delicate area is covered and therefore protected.

Few also realise that exposure to bright light can make it harder to adjust to seeing in the dark. So for example if you’re driving home in the dark after a day in the sunshine, it is especially important to wear sunglasses to ensure your eyes are able to adapt effectively.

Here are a few tips:

· Make sure the glasses you buy meet EU and British Standard and block 100% of UV light.
· Darker lenses don’t mean better protection. In fact the darkest of lenses are too dark for wearing whilst driving so watch out for that.
· A study by Which a few years back highlighted the issues that can be faced from buying cheap high street sunglasses. That said there are many low cost options out there just make sure you look for 100% UVA and UVB protection, as well as considering how dark your lenses are.
· Polarised lenses are the most effective at blocking glare.
· Always wear specialised glasses for sport, tailored to the requirements of your chosen pastime.
· Remember the little ones. The damage of UV rays can start from a very young age so make sure your children wear sunglasses too, as well as hats to cover the face, should the sunglasses get tossed aside! Wrap around glasses like www.babybanz.com are especially good to ensure they remain on, as well as protecting against peripheral glare.

So make sure you and all your family have your sunglasses close at hand for when the sun makes an appearance both at home and abroad. It will happen!

Here are some eyewear brands that we stock. All are available with prescription and non-prescription lenses. Speaking of Jackie O, there is a Ray-Ban model still available in her iconic style called Jackie Ohh – it comes in 4 colours with 2 lens colour options. http://www.ray-ban.com/uk/products/sun/RB4101

http://www.ray-ban.com/uk/

http://www.mauijim.com/shop/en/uk

http://www.williammorris.co.uk

http://www.guess.eu/en/Catalog/Browse/women/sunglasses/

http://www.silhouette.com/gb/en/home/