I have been wearing glasses ever since I was probably ten years old and wearing glasses has become apart of me.I literally feel naked and incomplete if I do not wear my glasses.My highlight is always when I get new glasses.
Paging through magazines and instagram I had so much #Fomo for not been able to wear Sunglasses especially the fancy designer large framed ones.The main reason was as a prescription glasses wearer these options were not only available to me and most opticians when I spoke to them suggested transitions lenses which change in the sunshine to darker lenses.This to me was so old-fashioned and so my dreams of wearing sunglasses were dashed.
But finally I managed to get a pair of sunglasses to my prescription and it looked a lil trendy.I never paid much attention to these until this year when I visited Eyeconic Optometrists for my annual eyetest.After the routine tests and chat with the stunning Venetia Gopaul about my Eye needs and concerns we started trying on frames for my everyday wearing.And then out of nowhere she produced the most beautiful large framed sunglasses ever that could be made into prescription sunglasses.My heart literally skipped a beat out of sheer happiness.I was really excited about my sunglasses as I was travelling to two island destinations and knew they would come in handy and not just an accessory to hold up my hair.
Both of my travels were in peak summer and the sunshine was rather strong.I never realised this before until I started wearing sunglasses.Prior to this I would suffer with teary eyes but having sunglasses meant this and my allergies where in tact.I love how protected my eyes felt from the elements and for the first time I really knew that I could never travel without my sunglasses ever again.
Most people know the sun’s rays are bad for our skin. But did you know they’re just as bad for our eyes? Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some of the sun’s effects on the eyes include:
- -Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision. An estimated 20% of cases are caused by extended UV exposure.
- -Macular degeneration, resulting from damage to the retina that destroys central vision. Macular degeneration is one of the leading cause of blindness in South Africa
- Pterygium, a tissue growth over the white part of the surface of the eye that can alter the curve of the eyeball, causing astigmatism.
When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB Radiation, so you can keep your vision sharp and eyes healthy. I would recommend sunglasses that are large and slightly curved to prevent light rays from entering around the edges of the frames. Prescription sunglasses are definitely a must, with polarized prescription lenses improving vision, reducing glare from buildings and water sources and minimizing horrible dashboard glare, it’s a no brainer. There are so many tints available on the market, the best for driving would be your brown tint that enhances reds and greens (Road signs and Traffic lights). Oakley Prism Sunglass lenses are perfect for specific sports like Golf ,Cycling,Trail and extreme sports. They improve contrast of the surrounding environment protect your eyes against impact.
I decided once back from my travels to chat to Venetia abit more about Sunglasses because by this time it was clearly evident to me that I never travel without sunglasses again.
Q: Why do we need sunglasses?
Sunglasses can help your eyes in two important ways. They enhance the normal light-filtering capabilities of your eyes and they protect against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays that cause amongst other conditions cataracts and retinal dysfunction. Good sunglasses will reduce glare, filter out 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, provide visual protection, be comfortable and not distort colors.
Q: Who is at risk for eye problems caused by UV light?
Everyone even child-is at risk. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye problems. People who are at higher risk of developing problems from UV rays include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract surgery and individuals who have certain retinal disorders. Also, some people are more sensitive to UV rays, including those who take certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that increase the eye’s sensitivity to light.
Q: What types of sunglasses are best?
When your purchase sunglasses, look for a statement on the amount of UV radiation that is blocked from reaching the eye. The rule of thumb is the less UV rays that get through, the better. Experts recommend that to protect your eyes from harmful rays, sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. Since as much as 50 percent of sunlight comes from overhead and gets by many glasses, a brimmed cap or hat should also be worn for maximum protection. Eyewear that wraps around the face also helps minimize the amount of harmful light entering the eyes. Remember behind a dark lens your eyes open up to try to compensate for the reduced amount of lighting, if your sunglasses are therefore not filtering out the harmful UV rays you will increase your exposure and risk of sunlight related eye problems!
Q: Do children need sunglasses?
Yes. When selecting sunglasses for children, keep these suggestions in mind:
- Check the sunglasses periodically to make sure they fit well and are not damaged.
- Select sunglasses that suit children’s active lifestyles. The glasses should be impact resistant (made of CR39 or polycarbonate), should not pop out of the frames, and the frames should be bendable, unbreakable and/or have snap-on temples.
- The lenses should be large enough to shield the eyes from most angles and to block light that leaks in around the frames.
- Choose a wide-brimmed hat for your child to maximize protection.
Now there are several buzz words that come up when one talks sunglasses and that is UV.
Sunglasses Tints and their functions
*Grey – Reduces brightness without distorting your view. Always a great tint
*Brown – ideal driving tint, enhances reds and greens (road signs/traffic lights)
*G15 – mixture of grey and green. Reduces eye strain outdoors
*Amber – Great for Golf/Tennis. Cuts out blue light on cloudy days
*Rose – This one’s a favorite, perfect for computer screens and indoor lighting.
Exclusive discount code !
All my followers will get an exclusive 15% off the range of Branded eye wear collection which comes with your choice of non prescription computer protective/night vision enhancing lenses:) Available when you use the discount code “SPICEGODDESS” at checkout . px’s that require prescription can mail them.
My glasses and sunglasses have been sponsored by Eyeconic so that I always look snazzy and my eyes are protected.
Be inspired !
Ciao
x
