Now that you are easily able to order prescription sunglasses from the internet, here is a tip on how you can order a pair of sunglasses that are not the same as the ones everyone else has ordered from the standard sunglasses frame selections.
When you go to a website offering prescription sunglasses, instead of going to the Sunglasses range pages go to the ‘normal’ spectacle frame pages and find a frame (or rimless) design you would best like for your new sunglasses.
Decide whether you require single vision or bi-focal lenses (useful if you plan to read a good book whilst on holiday in the sun) and then look for the Tint or Photo chromatic options – the way you do this varies from site to site – and choose ‘Dark brown’ or ‘Dark Grey’, these tints are the same depth of tint that are used in most sunglasses – equivalent to the tints in most sunglass ranges. Photochromatic and Polorized tints may also be available. By using this tip you will be able to create you own unique pair of sunglasses suited to your needs.
Why you should keep a pair of sunglasses in your car.
Driving in low winter sun conditions or bright summer sunshine, glare from the road surface, especially when wet after a summer shower, can be a blinding experience. We all know how visually uncomfortable this can be, so never be without a pair of sunglasses to hand whilst driving. Wearing sunglasses will reduce stress whilst driving by minimising disabling glare and distracting reflection from well worn tarmac, also providing minimal peripheral distraction, helping to judge bends and the road ahead perfectly. A spare pair of prescription sunglasses in the glove compartment of your car will ensure that you are never caught out by unpredictable weather conditions whilst driving. The cost of a spare pair of prescription sunglasses can now be just as cheap as buying a normal, non-prescription, pair on the internet.
UV rays and your eyes
Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Over exposure to UVB rays can cause photokeratitis, commonly known as ‘snow blindness’ which can cause temporary vision loss for up to 48 hours – the risk of this condition is greater at high altitudes due to the increased levels of UVB, but can occur anywhere there is snow. You must therefore ensure that the sunglasses you use in such conditions have adequate UVB protection, in the same way as you should ensure you are using an adequate sunblocking cream for your skin. Surprisingly, cloud cover doesn’t affect UV levels significantly. Your risk of UV exposure can still be quite high even on hazy or overcast days.
Richard Hutchings is a dispensing optician with many years experience of supplying and fitting spectacles. He is the main consultant to Optical Mail Order Ltd. Supplying quality prescription eyewear over the internet.