07/07/19How to look after your eyes in the sun
Wearing good quality, CE marked sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from sun damage. With so many styles and lens types available for different applications, making the right choice can be overwhelming. Our qualified staff can advise you to ensure you stay safe, look stylish and feel comfortable in your sunglasses. Here are some of our top tips for protecting your eyes in the sun.
Sunglasses for sports
Sportsmen in particular can struggle with sunglasses which fall off, restrict the visual field or distort colours. Cyclists, golfers, tennis players and runners, should look no further than Adidas for super lightweight, super comfortable, well engineered, wrap around sunglasses. Adidas have patented LST, light stabilising filters which help you see clearly and effortlessly in various lighting conditions. Their highly impact resistant lenses are great for protecting your eyes from dirt, rain and wind, as well as harmful UV.
Are polarized sunglasses better than non-polarized?
For UV protection, polarized sunglasses offer no extra benefit but they are great for the beach or on the water where glare is a problem. Whether you choose polarized or non-polarized sunglasses comes down to personal preference. We suggest you pop in to see us and compare the two options.
Maui Jim
Maui Jim sunglasses have earned the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. Maui Jim sunglasses look casually stylish whilst combating intense glare and blocking 100% of harmful UV. Their wrap around styles protect the eyes and surrounding skin from sun damage making them the perfect summer partner. They are also our recommended brand for those who spend time near, or on the water as their PolarisedPlus2 lens technology blocks all horizontal glare.
Do contact lenses provide UV protection?
Acuvue contact lenses by Johnson & Johnson come with some UV protection but this is not enough to stop all harmful UV. Whilst this is better than no protection at all, we should be aiming to block the full 100% and protect the skin around the eyes. The only way to fully protect yourself is with a pair of sunglasses with suitable UV protection. Contact lens wearers can spoil themselves with the wide range of sunglasses available as they aren’t restricted by the need for prescription lenses. What an excuse to indulge in a stylish pair!
Are there other options available?
Some of our frame suppliers have purpose made sun clip options for specific models. Oliver Peoples make really cool flip up sun clips for their iconic Sheldrake, Riley-r and Gregory Peck models and these are available in store or to order. This summer season, Tom Ford have brought out a special edition ladies model with 2 magnetic sun clips in different shades and shapes to suit your look. The 5641-B frame, transforms into sophisticated sunglasses in the blink of an eye for the girl who wants a fast wardrobe change!
And finally, our general tips for in the sun
- A trusty sunhat will provide extra protection for the face & sensitive skin.
- Wearing sunscreen is a must.
- At the risk of stating the obvious…try to avoid looking directly into the sun!
- Be wary of fake sunglasses, often these don’t have the proper protection and could do more harm than good.
- Always look for the CE mark to ensure your sunglasses have the correct EU regulation for UV protection.
- The whole family need eye protection. We have a fantastic range of french designed sunglasses for toddlers and juniors. Izipizi are super cute and amazing value at only £25!
So are you sunshine ready? When your summer holiday is just around the corner, think about your eyes and give them the protection they deserve, you only get one pair after all! Sunglasses shopping shouldn’t be a chore and with such a big selection in store, our team will be delighted to help find your perfect pair.