Buying Sunglasses From an Optometrist…

Sunglasses are a real necessity in our climate. They help protect your eyes, the skin around your eyes, make it safer to drive as well as being more comfortable while driving. So why do so many people not consider buying sunglasses from an Optometrist? The people who are guaranteed to only sell you the best quality sunglasses for your eyes! Optometrists and opticians will offer you experienced advice on what will be best for your individual eyesight. They understand the eye problems you may be experiencing and can offer guidance as to the best product that will be suitable and bespoke to your eyes.

UV Protection

Many of us love the sun. However, along with all the vitamin D benefits, the sun can be extremely harmful to your eyes. Eyes are extremely sensitive to sunlight and can lead to many health problems. UVA rays from the sun can enhance your wrinkles (gasp!!) as well as signs of ageing around the eye. However, it’s UVB rays that can be even more damaging, causing serious health problems.

Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration is is an ageing condition where the macula of the eye deteriorates. This can then cause blurriness to the vision and in some cases it can cause total blindness.  The UV rays of the sun can speed up this process. So it is important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.

Cataracts

Cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness and can get much worse with age. This can be enhanced by the UV rays in the sun. so wearing sunglasses will reduce the risk.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be found around the skin of the eyes. Faces indeed have the most exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, so keeping your eyes covered with sunglasses, along with a good protection sun cream will go some way towards helping to prevent this skin disease. Don’t forget the suncream – you will get daft white goggle lines otherwise!

Driving

Wearing sunglasses whilst driving will help to eliminate squinting. Especially when the sun is lower in the sky. It can be quite hazardous for the driver as well as oncoming traffic. Wearing a pair of sunglasses will remove the glare and ensure your vision of the road ahead is much clearer.

Being Outdoors

As well as protection from the sun, other weather elements can certainly damage your eyes. For example, if you go fishing or spend time on water, the glare on the surface could reflect into your eyes and harm your vision. As well as lots of summer fun, snow will also reflect 80% of UV rays from the sun and can cause a condition called snow blindness (where the glare actually burns the cornea).

Sand and dust can be dangerous too, as the grains can get into your eye and scratch it, causing lasting damage. And rubbing can make it all much worse! Wearing sunglasses whilst on the beach or in windy conditions can add a layer of protection against unwanted particles.

Why should you buy good quality sunglasses?

Whilst there are many many styles of sunglasses on the market today, they are not all equal! Many sub-standard sunglasses can be purchased from supermarkets, high street chains as well as online. However, buying sunglasses from an Optometrist or Optician will ensure you buy the correct standard and quality that will benefit your eyes the most. Sunglasses come in all shapes, sizes, colours as well as brands to suit your personality and this is the fun part – choosing what you like! And Focus Medical Eye Centre in Hailsham have lots of styles to choose from.

From normal sunglasses to top designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Maui Jim or Cocoa Mint. The difference with buying from somewhere like our surgery is that you will always get great service, advice and also a fabulous looking pair of sunglasses – as well as this, we would only recommend and stock quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV radiation. Not all manufacturers give you this guarantee.

So what sunglasses do you fancy?

With the weeks we have had recently, whilst being re-opened, we have had lots of enquiries for new sunglasses. From our standard frames up to designer products. What is also great are the options for lenses as well. You may find the need for polarised lenses which are ideal if you have had eye surgery. Or you may actually prefer Transitions lenses as you can have your prescription added and these will react to light conditions, darkening and lightening when necessary. A great compromise for not needing to change glasses! Some customers may choose a pair of sunglasses frames and opt to have their prescription added. And we can do with with most of the frames we hold in stock, including the designer brands.

Get in touch

If you are looking to buy some great looking sunglasses with excellent lenses in them, then buying sunglasses from an optometrist or optician will totally be your best bet! You can be assured of the highest quality products that won’t have any distortions in them as well as giving you full protection from the sun’s harmful rays. They will protect your eyes as well as the skin around them. Get in touch with our team at Focus Medical Eye Centre on 01323 442 062. You can arrange to pop in and try a few pairs on, choose your lenses and we will do the rest!