Hurray - here comes the sun!

Hurray - summer looks like she is on her way - the nights are lighter, the temperature is creeping up, and the daffodils are out and it all starts to feel a bit better.

The benefits of Sunshine

Sunshine is the primary source of vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, teeth, and immune system function.

Sunlight has been shown to increase the production of serotonin in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Other benefits of sunshine include:

• Improved sleep - sun exposure can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms, which can improve sleep patterns and help reduce insomnia.

• Increased energy - sunlight can boost energy levels and improve cognitive function, making you feel more alert and focused.

The downsides - too much UV light

It is essential to protect our eyes from the sun because prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause several vision problems and eye diseases such as:

• Cataracts
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Photokeratitis or snow blindness
• Pterygium - a growth on the front of the eye.

Additionally, eye exposure to bright sunlight can cause temporary but painful eye conditions such as photophobia or sensitivity to light, dry eyes, and eye strain.

These problems can help be prevented by wearing eye protection such as sunglasses or hats with brims that can block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Therefore, protecting our eyes from the sun is not only essential for our eye health, but it can also improve our visual comfort and performance.

What types of lenses are available?

Sunglasses are an essential accessory, especially during the summer season. They not only complete your stylish look, but they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

When buying sunglasses, one of the most important things to consider is the type of lenses they have. There are several types of sunglasses lenses available, each offering different levels of protection, clarity, and comfort.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of sunglasses lenses available on the market.

In both practices, we can make most pairs of spectacles into prescription sunglasses.  We also stock sunglasses by Tom Ford and Ray-Ban.

1. Xperio -Polarized lenses: These lenses are designed to reduce glare and provide clearer vision. They are perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and skiing. Polarized lenses have a special coating that blocks horizontal light waves and prevents reflections from water, snow, and shiny surfaces. They also enhance colors and contrast, making objects appear more vibrant and sharper.

2. Transitions - Photochromic lenses: Photochromic lenses darken automatically when exposed to sunlight and return to their clear state indoors. They are perfect for people who frequently move between indoors and outdoors. Photochromic lenses are available in different levels of darkness, from light to dark, and can be custom made to your prescription.

3. Mirrored lenses: Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating that reduces glare and provides maximum protection against harmful UV rays. They are available in different colors, such as blue, green, silver, and gold, and are perfect for outdoor activities like surfing, skiing, and biking.

4. Gradient lenses: Gradient lenses have a varying tint that gradually changes from dark at the top to lighter at the bottom. They provide more protection from the sun at the top of the lens and allow more light to pass through the bottom. Gradient lenses are stylish and offer more versatility than other types of lenses.

5. UV lenses: These lenses are designed to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV radiation. They block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which can cause cataracts and other eye conditions. UV lenses are usually clear or have a light tint, making them perfect for everyday use.

Winter sun - yes, I know there hasn't been much, but there are high levels of UV around even in the winter.  We tend to think that in the warm summer months we are at more risk of damaging our eyes due to UV. However, there is still a lot of UV light around – it is not blocked by the clouds.  Also, in snowy conditions, the additional reflections and brightness from the snow can make vision uncomfortable.

The winter sun also creates more glare as the sun is lower in the sky, which can be disabling when driving.

If you hit the slopes this winter, make sure your eyes are protected as the added reflections from the snow can be disabling. There are lots of exciting goggles and sunglasses which fit over ski helmets.  There are also goggles you can wear over your own spectacles which don't steam up!

In conclusion, sunglasses play a vital role in providing protection and comfort for your eyes. When choosing sunglasses, make sure to consider the type of lenses you need based on your lifestyle and requirements.

Polarized lenses are perfect for outdoor activities, photochromic lenses are great for people who frequently move between indoors and outdoors, mirrored lenses offer maximum protection, gradient lenses are versatile and stylish, and UV lenses are essential for everyday use.

For more individual advice, please contact us

Blackheath 0208 858 1858 blackheath@coton-hamblin.com

Woolwich 0208 854 1491 woolwich@coton-hamblin.com