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Sunglasses, a must for all of us, even in the UK!

I read some time ago that more than 50% of sight loss is preventable, especially with early diagnosis and treatment, so getting an annual eye test has always been a priority for me.

The truth is that I am pretty short sighted anyway, and the risk of cataracts increases with age, so wearing the right glasses also improves my quality of life on a day to day basis; who am I trying to kid, without glasses or contact lenses I would be banging my shins on furniture and addressing ladies as Sir regularly.

So sunshine, the very thing that brings life to our world and gives every one of us that all important vitamin D boost, can also be our worst enemy if we don’t protect our eyes.

I have pale blue eyes and would classify myself as a “sensitive type”, so have pairs of sunglasses in the car, in my golf bag, (let’s call it a sports bag, sounds slightly sportier), and in the hall. I am probably forgetting a couple of bargain shop impulse buys, but you get the picture.

I like to think that I look amazing in my sunglasses, but with several cheapish pairs lying around to choose from, are they really the right ones for me? Might I be better off with one, slightly more expensive pair that I actually look after i.e. know where they are when I need them!

Let’s have a quick look at the options:

Polarised Lenses – they have a polarised laminate fused into the lenses, and benefits include reduced glare, improved vision in the sun, reduced eyestrain and details can be easier to see.
UV Protection Lenses – these have a special coating of UVA and UVB blocking material. Although UV light is invisible, it can penetrate the cells, causing damage to them. In the short term, UV exposure can cause eye strain, but in the longer term, exposure has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration. Skin cancer around the eyes is also a risk.
It is perfectly possible to combine polarised and UV protection lenses, but experts suggest that if you have to choose, UV protection is more important as far as eye health is concerned.
Lens quality – make sure that your bargain pair of glasses conform to European standards by looking for the CE marking, even if you are a Brexiteer!
Frames – Whilst fashion is an important consideration for many, ideally look for frames that wrap around the contours of your face, providing as much cover as possible.
The all-important lens categories for sunglasses:
- Category 1 – pale or very light lenses for fashion and indoor use. Run a mile!
- Category 2 – moderate lenses for protection against glare. Fine, but you might want to keep running if eye health is your priority.
- Category 3 – dark lenses for bright days and in fact the most common type, fitted to most recreational sunglasses. Even on cloudy days I would personally use these.
- Category 4 – very dark lenses for intense sunshine e.g. for mountains, glaciers, etc. I do have a pair of these, and whilst I personally feel that I give off a rock star vibe when I wear them, friends tend to think I must be trying to “avoid someone”. Also, they are not suitable for driving, so unfortunately you have to choose between seeing and driving, unless you are indeed said Rock Star and can afford a chauffeur!

To summarise, a suitable pair of sunglasses should be a central part of everyone’s eyecare routine, particularly as we age, together with good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, which should include rest and exercise.

In the meantime, check out Vision Care supplements in our product range and use code EYE10 when making your next order to benefit from an instant 10% discount.

Anton at Halcyon Wellness

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