Read This Before You Buy New Sunglasses!

Summer is the time for picnics in the park and beach holidays. It’s also the time when you tend to spend more time outdoors, whether it’s for playing sports or just hosting a barbecue in your garden! Make sure that your eyes are adequately protected every time you face the sun. Here are some tips on buying the right pair of sunglasses.

Protect Your Eyes

Every time you step out into the summer sunshine, remember that your eyes are vulnerable to the effects of UV rays, just as your skin is. You always remember to protect your skin by slathering on sunscreen but do you think about protecting your eyes, too? When your eyes are exposed to bright light and sunlight for long periods of time, it damages your eyes’ natural lens. This increases your chances of developing cataracts later in life. Sunlight also damages the macula – the oval, yellow spot near the centre of the retina. The macula usually acts as a natural sunblock by absorbing the excess blue and ultraviolet light that enters the eye. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to macular degeneration and eventually loss of central vision.

The Right Choice

There are so many sunglasses available in the market – from designer brands to cheap and colourful sunglasses at thrift shops. However, you’re looking for a pair that will protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. So keep these tips in mind while choosing your sunglasses:

• Make sure that the pair you choose blocks at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays; anything less than that makes the sunglasses practically useless.

• Avoid sunglasses labelled as ‘cosmetic’ and which have no UV protection information.

• Always try on the sunglasses to make sure that they fit properly and don’t pinch around your head. Remember that your eyelashes should not touch the frame or lenses.

• Choose scratch-resistant, impact-resistant lenses, such as those made from NXT polyurethane. These also have great optical clarity.

The Right Fit

Another important thing that you should consider while buying sunglasses is the shape of your face. Not all styles suit all faces, and the wrong style can make your face look too large or too small.

• If you have a round face, select rectangular frames to give a sense of definition.

• Choose Aviators if you have a heart shaped face as they will balance out your face.

• If you have an angular face, go for round frames to add some softness to your face.

• For the lucky folks with an oval face, most styles suit you, so take your pick!

Drop by at your local Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care branch and choose from our wide range of designer sunglasses. Try on various styles to find a pair that suits the shape of your face and your lifestyle. If you’re going for classic chic, pick a pair from Chloe or the classic Ray-Ban Aviator. For a sporty look, try the range from Oakley, we are currently offering £50 off Oakley True Digital Sunnies. While you’re at the store, get an eye test done as well. If you need prescription lenses for your sunglasses, we can customise your chosen designer frames. So visit our store or book an appointment online with Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care.