Did you know that your eyes are ten times more sensitive to the sun than your skin?
UV (Ultraviolet) rays come from the sun and whilst there are three types of UV: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the ones that are harmful to your eyes.
Even when it’s cloudy, UV levels can still be high, so it's as important to protect your eyes as it is your skin.
For national sun awareness week, we’re answering your questions on sunglasses. So you can protect your peepers, and look good doing it.
Why should I wear sunglasses?
UV light can have harmful effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens and retina. The easiest way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses offering 100% UVA and UVB protection.
How do I choose a good pair of sunglasses?
From a safety point of view, always look for the CE mark, UV 400 or British Standard Mark. Prescription sunglasses should follow BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013. This ensures your sunglasses provide adequate UV protection
Non UV absorbing lenses can do more harm than not wearing anything at all. Behind a tinted lens, the pupil allows in more UV light than would normally happen, so reducing the eyes' natural protection.
Sunglasses sold under BS 2724 have a 'shade number'. Shade numbers relate to the amount of UV allowed through. The higher the number, the better the protection.
If I wear glasses all the time: how do I choose sunglasses?
You have options! Sunglasses can:
Be based on your normal optical prescription. You choose the colour and tint: most people opt for brown or grey but a whole range of colours are available.
Be clipped on to your existing frames.
Have photochromic lenses that darken in sunshine.
Of course, we can guide you on which option will suit you best.
What sunglasses are best for driving?
Most sunglasses are suitable for driving in the daytime, but avoid using sunglasses with a very dark tint. An anti-reflection coat is a must.
Also consider that mirror coating on polarised lenses is especially useful in wet conditions or on a bright day.
Are polarised sunglasses better?
Polarised sunglasses are more expensive than regular sunglasses. So, what are the main benefits of these lenses and are they worth it?
The main benefit of Polarised sunglasses is that they reduce glare. They are also more consistent in varying light than their none polarised friends.
Available in a range of tints, they reduce visual fatigue over long periods of focus.
Effectively, polarised sunglasses are worth the money if you want to block reflected glare. Considering glare is all around us (roads, cars, buildings etc) polarised lenses have a distinct advantage.
Do my kids need to wear sunglasses?
Yes, Children need to protect their eyes from UV as much as adults do, infact, it’s more important. Unlike an adult’s eye, a child’s eye is still maturing. 70 per cent more UV light reaches the retina than in an adult's eye. Combined with the time most kids spend outside, eye protection for young people is a must.
Did you know?
Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the symptoms of hay fever.
Those with light coloured eyes are at most risk from sun damage. Those with blue eyes should always wear sunglasses where possible.
Despite most UV damage taking its toll on the eyes before the age of 18, 70% of children don’t wear sunglasses,
Up to 10% of all skin cancers are found on the eyelid
The World Health Organisation reports that approximately 900,000 people are blind because of cataracts triggered by UV exposure.
1 out of 5 cataracts may be due to UV exposure
An extension of your wardrobe
At The Wright Eyewear company we appreciate that while you want to protect your eyes, you want to look stylish too. We truly believe that sunglasses should be an extension of your wardrobe. Why not have a selection so you have the perfect pair to match any outfit?
We know you can still have a great time soaking up some much-needed vitamin D whilst making sure your eyes don’t suffer.
The answer? UV protection sunglasses. We stock a range of sunglasses carrying the CE mark and British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013 for protection against UV rays.
We stock a variety of designer frames including two of the most trusted sunglasses brands in the world – Rodenstock and Maui Jim.
With Rodenstock frames you can choose your sunglasses from a range of contemporary shapes, colours and designs.
Maui Jim is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. Creator of the patented PolarizedPlus2® technology. These sunglasses produce vivid colours reduce harmful glare and cut exposure to UV.
Our award winning team is on hand to find the perfect sunglasses to not only suit your style but also make a statement in the sun. To arrange a bespoke styling consultation contact info@wrighteyewear.co.uk.
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