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What are the different types of sunglasses lenses With the hopes of those long summer days and glorious sunshine finally here (albeit perhaps only occasionally in a British summer), it’s the perfect time to start thinking about those sunnies. When you step outside it’s important to make sure that your eyes are adequately protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but because the different ways sunglasses are tinted means some lenses are better suited to certain environments than others, it can be hard knowing which is the right choice. So we’ve put this guide together to help: Gradient sunglasses lenses Gradient lenses are tinted top down, with the top of the lens being the darkest. These are great for driving as they shield your eyes from overhead sunlight, and the lighter bottom half of the lens can help you see your dashboard. However, they are not always as dark as other types of tint and are often chosen more for cosmetic reasons. Double gradient sunglasses lenses Double gradient lenses are darker on the top and bottom, with a lighter tint in the middle band. These are useful on the beach, where they protect your eyes from the sunlight reflecting up off the water and sand, although again they are not always as dark as other tints. Photochromic lenses Photochromic lenses adjust their level of darkness according to the amount of UV light they are exposed to. The downside of these is they tend to go dark even on cloudy days as they react to the UV. Photochromic tints are also not as dark as standard sunglasses lenses, which for some people isn’t ideal, however many of our patients like the convenience that photochromic lenses offer them. The lens technology has advanced a lot too over the years, meaning you can now get photochromic lenses that go dark in the car. Coloured sunglasses lenses Coloured lenses impact colour perception. Grey and brown lenses provide the least colour distortion, yellow lenses are popular with skiers whilst green is favoured by golfers. The big advantage of coloured lenses is that they provide heightened contrast and sharper focus in overcast or low light conditions which is useful in sports such as tennis or cycling. Polarised sunglasses Polarised lenses cut reflected glare and let you see into water, so they’re useful to those who swim or play water sports. They’re also useful for drivers as they can cut reflected glare from roads. Mirrored Sunglasses Mirror coated lenses have highly reflective coatings applied to the surface of the lenses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye. These are helpful when you’re in exceptionally bright conditions, for example skiing on a sunny day. All of the above lenses are suitable for the majority of the frames we stock, including both sunglasses frames and optical frames. A few helpful tips for choosing sunglasses Once you have decided which lenses suit you and your lifestyle best, keep these other tips in mind while picking a new pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses must be CE-marked, or there is no guarantee of their UV protection. Make sure that your sunglasses block at least 99% of UVB rays and at least 95% of UVA rays; anything less than that is just cosmetic. Try on the sunglasses to make sure that they fit properly. They should not pinch around your head and your eyelashes shouldn’t touch the frame or lenses. ‘Wrap around’ frames prevent light getting in around the edges of the frame Many sunglasses also use polycarbonate lenses. These are lightweight, impact-resistant and 100% UV protective. Our sunglasses recommendations Interested in sunglasses but stuck for inspiration? Look no further than Maui Jim sunglasses? Founded back in 1980, Maui Jim has grown from humble beginnings selling sunglasses on a beach in Lahaina, Hawaii to one of fastest-growing premium polarised sunglass manufacturers in the world. Renowned for their advanced lens technology, Maui Jim sunglasses are available both in prescription and non-prescription, offering UV400 sunglasses across all their range. But what are UV400 sunglasses you may ask? UV400 sunglasses block 99-100% of ultraviolet light, offering the highest level of protection for your eyes. And if you weren’t already convinced, Maui Jim also employ a colour-enhancing technology in their lenses to give wearers optimum contrast and vibrance. So you can rest assured that if you choose a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, you’ll have the best protection against UV whilst feeling great in stylish and on-trend frames. Get your look If you’re looking for new sunglasses this summer, then now is the perfect time to book a style consultation with one of our Dispensing Opticians at your nearest Leightons Opticians & Hearing Care practice. We will be there to help you choose from our wide range of great-looking sunglasses, so you can find the perfect pair to suit your needs. Book your sunglasses consultation online or call 0800 40 20 20 to request an appointment. While you’re at the branch, why not book an eye exam as well? Should your eye exam suggest that you need prescription lenses for your sunglasses, we can customise your chosen frames with the appropriate lens prescription. Just call us on 0800 40 20 20 or book an appointment online. Book an appointment

ProDesign Denmark has been a feature of all of our branches for years, remaining as one of our most popular eyewear ranges yet. ProDesign eyewear has a recognisable ‘urban’ style that people love, as well as design qualities set to compliment your facial structure and accentuate your individual look. Making Their Name Established in 1973, ProDesign Denmark are still a relatively new name in the eyewear industry in comparison to household names such as Ray-Ban. However, it has only taken them just over 40 years to build successful working relationships with coveted eyewear designers such as Face a Face, Kilsgaard and WOOW. Originally founded by a team of expert opticians, almost every pair of frames has at least five colour options as well as adjustable nose pads, letting you personalise your eyewear down to every last feature. Partnering with successful stockists all over Europe, ProDesign Denmark pride themselves on forming strong relationships with all of their commercial partners to find out exactly what their clients want. This has allowed them to tailor their brand and designs to demand, whilst staying true to traditional Danish style. Giving their loyal customers the option for customisations is just another example of their passion for first class service, a value we share at Leightons. ProDesign Denmark have quickly become an established brand in the world of optics, with their innovative flair for design and creative new concepts for modern eyewear. Today, the team at ProDesign are a charismatic mix of optometrists, architects and designers constantly striving for perfection. Innovating New Looks ProDesign Denmark design their glasses to bring out your best features, with carefully sculpted frames. Experts in Danish design, ProDesign create frames with a timeless, durable style – and just a dash of something special! Their innovative eyewear will continue to look contemporary for years to come. The creative team at ProDesign Denmark are all graduates of Aarhus School of Architecture, giving their frames a look different to any other eyewear brands. Using materials such as titanium and acetate, these materials are versatile as well as functional for everyday wear, providing limitless design prospects. It’s due to their modern take on the design process, fashion influences and practicality that they are deservedly known as ‘Eyewear Architects.’ A Design Icon We love ProDesign for their unique approach to creating flattering frames. During the initial process of designing their frames, the creative team at ProDesign sketch them onto photos of real faces to give the perfect impression of proportion and size. The team are always keeping on track of current trends – to set them apart, and create something completely different! Inspired by contemporary fashion, but not led by it, you’ll turn heads with their outstanding unique style. Practical features such as the durable materials and the option of adjustable nose pads are signature to the optometrists who founded the brand, giving the high quality product we love at Leightons. Combined with the character built into every pair of frames from the charismatic design team, ProDesign have the perfect mix of prestigious quality and fashionable exuberance. Leaving every detail with a perfect finish, ProDesign cut no corners to give you the best in Danish style. We love the philosophy behind the brand as ‘Eyewear Architects’, they are creating not just eyewear but structured works of wearable art, designed around you. All of our in-store dispensing opticians can help you choose your new pair of ProDesign frames, introduce you to the latest collections and make sure they fit you perfectly. Your prescription may be due an update, you can find out by calling your local store on 0800 40 20 20. Alternatively, you can book an eye exam online ready for your fresh pair of frames. " thumbnail="" />