Spring is here in Orlando and so is the Central Florida sun! Prescription sunglasses are worth the investment, even if you wear contact lenses. prescription sunglasses can be much more practical outdoors and at the beach.
For example, wearing contact lenses at the beach is never a good idea, the sand, wind, water and sun, can make your eyes sting and itch. Swimming in a pool with contact lenses can give microorganisms in the water a chance to cause a serious eye infection. If you’re thinking about doing a lot of swimming this summer you may want to consider swimming goggles.
How the sun can damage your eyes
According to the American Optometric Association:
If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis.
Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation, however, can be more serious. Scientific studies and research have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. Additionally, chronic exposure to shorter wavelength visible light (i.e. blue and violet light) may also be harmful to the retina.
The longer the eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing later in life such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration. Since it is not clear how much exposure to solar radiation will cause damage, the AOA recommends wearing quality sunglasses that offer UV protection and wearing a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you spend time outdoors. Also, certain contact lenses can provide additional UV protection.
Types of Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses come in just about any lens prescription, progressive, bifocal and presbyopia. Don’t worry, you won’t have to sacrifice on fashion. Prescription sunglasses come in almost all the same designer and fashion as non-prescription. Choose from Major brands like Gucci, Nike, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Bobbie Brown, Converse, Puma, Jones New York, Vera Bradley, Vera Wang, Penguin, Banana Republic.
Another option is ‘transition lenses’ (Photochromic lenses), when exposed to sunlight they automatically darken and when you return indoors they fade back to clear.
As with any sunglasses ensure the lenses block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The color and darkness of the tint of the lens is not related to the UV protection, so choose the color and tint you’re most comfortable with.
Polarized sunglasses are also available to protect against glare, light bouncing off of reflective surfaces such as sand, water, pavement and snow.
Prescription sunglasses are more affordable than you think, just ask our friendly and highly trained staff at Lake Nona Eye Care, we can design your eyeglass lenses to fit your individual lifestyle and visual needs.