Are You Festival-Ready?

Festival Must-Haves

The glorious English summer is here, and it means more time spent outdoors soaking in all that sunshine. Whether it’s heading to the beach or cooking up a barbecue in your garden, summer is all about getting outside.

Of course, the huge number of music festivals and sporting events happening ensure that you can make the most of the sunny days. But it’s important to make sure you protect your eyes and ears while you’re out and about.

Don’t miss a thing

Every time you step outside your home or office, you should protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This becomes even more important during summer when you tend to spend longer periods of time outdoors.

Although the football and the rugby seasons are over for another year, summer brings lots of other exciting sporting events – the Royal Ascot meeting is held in the middle of June, followed by the Wimbledon Championships, which will begin at the end of that month. There’s also the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. You may even be lucky enough to be going to Rio to support Team GB at the Olympics!

If you're planning on attending any outdoor sporting or music events, don't forget to protect your eyes with the right pair of high-quality UV-protective sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses should be CE-marked and block the majority of harmful UVA and UVB rays. When you're sat in a grandstand for several hours, they are essential for protecting your eyes against the bright light of the sun by reducing the need to squint, preventing muscle fatigue and alleviating potential headaches.

Your must-have accessory

Summer also kicks off the music festival season in the UK. From the Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury in June (headlined by Muse, Adele and Coldplay), to British Summer Time at Hyde Park in July, and rounding things off with Reading and Leeds in August. And with all the smaller niche festivals in between, you are truly spoilt for choice!

Half (or more!) of the fun of a festival is enjoying very loud music, and your ears can cope with it for a short while. However, music festival volume levels typically average 100dB, and even louder near speakers - the equivalent of a jackhammer drilling concrete. The World Health Organisation's noise exposure guidelines recommend an upper sound limit of 100dB(A) at music events, meaning that prolonged and repeated exposure to music at this level or above, can cause irreparable ear and hearing damage.

To help protect your hearing, move to different areas of the site regularly and away from speakers to help give your ears a break. Alternatively, if you want to spend all day in front of the stage, pick up some ear plugs. You will still be able to enjoy the music, but at a much safer volume without missing a thing.

For stage crew, sound engineers and even the musicians themselves, ear plugs are an absolute must-have accessory to be able to continue enjoying music safely for many years. Action on Hearing Loss even have a stand next to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury to provide disposable ones. Alternatively, Leightons Hearing Care can provide a wide range of hearing protection advice and products, from simple off-the-shelf ER20s to custom made noise attenuating moulds.

A local one-stop shop

Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care is your one-stop shop for all your eye care and hearing care needs. Whether you’re looking for the latest in designer sunglasses or the best hearing protection, we’ve got it covered.

Choose from the latest styles in our wide range of sunglasses, or if you plan to spend some time at music festivals this summer, make sure you have some good quality earplugs. So visit your nearest Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care branch, or call us on 0800 40 20 20 for more information.

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Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
If you experience migraines or frequent headaches, you may have noticed that light can make symptoms feel worse. Bright environments, glare or certain patterns can trigger discomfort and make it harder to focus. Many people searching for migraine glasses in the UK are looking for ways to reduce these visual triggers. While glasses cannot treat migraines themselves, certain lenses, including carefully selected tinted lenses, can help improve visual comfort and reduce the impact of light. If you are exploring your options, it can also help to understand how tinted lenses for everyday comfort and clarity and everyday use.   Why light can trigger migraines and headaches For many people, migraines are closely linked to how the brain processes light. Bright or flickering light, glare from screens, or high-contrast environments can place extra strain on the visual system. This can lead to: Increased light sensitivity (photophobia) Eye strain and visual discomfort Difficulty focusing Headaches triggered or worsened by bright environments Some people may also experience visual stress, where patterns or contrast make text or surroundings feel uncomfortable or unstable.   What are migraine glasses? The term migraine glasses is often used to describe glasses designed to reduce light sensitivity and visual discomfort. In many cases, these involve tinted lenses that help soften brightness and reduce the intensity of certain light wavelengths. One commonly referenced option is FL-41 tinted lenses, which use a rose-based tint designed to filter specific parts of the light spectrum. Some people find this type of tint more comfortable, particularly in environments with artificial lighting or screen use. However, there is no single tint that works for everyone, and results can vary.   Do FL-41 lenses work for migraines? FL-41 lenses are often discussed in relation to migraines, and some people report improved comfort when using them. They are designed to reduce certain wavelengths of light that may be linked to visual discomfort. However, it is important to understand that: They do not prevent or treat migraines Their effectiveness varies between individuals They are one of several tinted options, not the only solution For many people, a personalised approach to tinted lenses can be more effective than choosing a single standard tint.   How tinted lenses can help Tinted lenses work by reducing overall brightness and improving how your eyes respond to light and contrast. For some people, this can help: Reduce visual discomfort in bright environments Soften glare from screens and artificial lighting Make reading or focusing feel easier Create a more relaxed visual experience If your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity or visual stress, you may also benefit from understanding the different types of tinted lenses and colours available, as some tones feel more comfortable than others.   Tinted lenses vs blue light glasses You may also come across blue light glasses when searching for migraine solutions. Blue light lenses are designed to filter a portion of light from digital screens and may help reduce glare for some people. However, there is currently limited evidence to show that they reduce migraines or prevent headaches. These lenses can enhance warmer tones, meaning a white background may appear slightly softer or more sepia in tone, similar to the setting often used on e-readers. Tinted lenses tend to offer a broader approach by reducing overall brightness and improving contrast, which may feel more beneficial if your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity rather than screen use alone. Compare blue light lenses vs tinted lenses to understand which is right for your needs.   Finding the right tint for you There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to migraine glasses. The way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. Some people find relief with softer tones such as rose or grey, while others benefit from more specific colours tailored to their visual response. If visual stress is a contributing factor, a personalised assessment such as a colourimetry visual stress test can help identify which tint feels most comfortable for you.   Start with a full eye examination Before choosing tinted lenses or migraine glasses, it is important to understand what is causing your symptoms. A comprehensive eye examination allows us to assess your vision, check for underlying eye conditions, and understand how your eyes respond to light. From there, our qualified dispensing opticians can guide you towards the most appropriate options for your needs.   Takeaway Migraines and headaches can affect everyone differently, and the way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. While glasses cannot treat migraines, the right lenses can help reduce visual triggers such as brightness and glare, making everyday environments feel more comfortable. Tinted lenses, including options similar to FL-41, may help some people by softening light and improving visual comfort, particularly where light sensitivity or visual stress is a factor. However, there is no single solution that works for everyone, which is why a personalised approach is so important. At Leightons, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle and how your eyes respond to light. Starting with a comprehensive eye examination by one of our optometrists, our qualified dispensing opticians can advise on the correct lens solution or you, whether that involves tailored tinted lenses or further assessment such as colourimetry. Book an appointment Find your nearest branch
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