Wondering if Prescription Sunglasses are a Good idea?

Summer is in the air! It’s a welcome change from the biting cold of last winter, and you would no doubt be spending as much time as possible just soaking in the sun. But before you venture out, remember to don the shades to protect your eyes. This is necessary even if you wear glasses, in which case you can opt for prescription sunglasses. Here’s how they can help you.

Protect Your Eyes

When you sunbathe, you slather yourself with sunblock to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Just like your skin, your eyes are also vulnerable to the effects of UV rays. When your eyes are exposed to bright light and sunlight your eyes’ natural lens gets damaged. This increases the chances of developing cataracts later in life. Sunlight also damages the macula – the oval, yellow spot near the centre of the retina. The macula acts as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess blue and ultraviolet light that enters the eye. When your eyes are continuously exposed to UV rays it can lead to macular degeneration and eventually loss of central vision. That’s why it’s important to wear sunglasses every time you step outside in the sunlight. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes but also give you a stylish look.

Prescription Sunglasses

If you already wear glasses, you may have been given clip-on or magnetic sun lenses that can be attached to your glasses. However, these are not always convenient, especially if you’re driving or in the middle of some activity. This is where prescription sunglasses offer better value. These sunglasses have your personalised corrective prescription built right into the lenses. You can get prescription sunglasses for all sorts of eye problems, whether it’s a refractive error or if you need bifocals. When you buy prescription sunglasses, keep some of these points in mind:

• Make sure that the sunglasses block at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays

• Try on the sunglasses to make sure that they fit properly

• Choose lenses made from NXT polyurethane – these are scratch-resistant, impact-resistant and have great optical clarity

Get the Look

If you are looking to buy new prescription sunglasses, drop by at your nearest Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care branch. We have a wide range of designer sunglasses – everything from classic styles such as Ray-Ban Aviators to sporty frames from Oakley. Try out various styles and colours before you select the frames that best suit the shape of your face. We can fit the frames of your choice with prescription lenses. We will guide you through an eye examination, which will enable us to get your prescription glasses made. Our trained dispensing optician will also carry out a complete lifestyle evaluation and will advise you on the best ways to take care of your eyes and your new prescription sunglasses. If you’re an avid sportsperson or enjoy outdoor leisure activities, inform our optician who can then suggest specialist lenses that can optimise your viewing experience. Choose your prescription sunglasses from Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and step out in style this spring/summer!