Designer Sunglasses – A Stylish Luxury Or A Healthy Choice?

Each and every person who decides to go ahead with Laser Eye Surgery will have a different reason (or perhaps number of reasons) for doing so. These reasons will be influenced by their personal experiences, opinions, and even personalities. But there is one thing that almost all patients will be looking forward to: the potential of getting rid of their glasses or contact lenses.

Of course, ditching the external visual aids is desirable for any number of reasons. One person might be excited at the prospect of learning to ride a motorbike (glasses and helmets aren’t the most comfortable combination), while another is looking forward to exploring their love of water sports without the need for prescription goggles. Others still are simply looking for the convenience to read their favourite books or even restaurant menus without clambering around looking for their specs.

But while most of these reasons may revolve around ditching those pesky glasses, for many, splashing out on a new pair of glasses is, in fact, seen as one of the many positive points of Laser Eye surgery. Well, a pair of sunglasses, that is.

The Freedom of Accessorising

When it comes to expressing ourselves through fashion, accessories are often one of the easiest (and most fun) places to start. Unfortunately, requiring prescription lenses can often mean you have a reduced choice of options when it comes to shopping for stylish sunglasses frames. So, when you finally get rid of your reliance on prescriptions, it could finally be time to have fun with your frames – but is it worth shelling out for designer shades?

I have a feeling most people are guilty of prioritising sunglasses frames – whether it’s the colour, shape, or style – over the credentials of the lenses themselves. But reading the small print can prove incredibly important for your eye health.

“The sun, and specifically its UV rays, is one of the biggest potential harming factors for our eyes”, explains London Vision Clinic optometrist, Vimal Piparia. “Everyone should wear sunglasses with good UV protection.”

Choose frames for fashion, and lenses for protection

When shopping around for a new pair of sunglasses, it is essential to consider the standard of ultraviolet (UV) protection on offer. They should also carry the CE stamp, which indicates they are manufactured to European standards.

One thing that many people are tricked by is the idea that darker lenses means greater protection. But this isn’t necessarily the case: “Although darker lenses will affect the contrast and glare, they will not necessarily provide higher UV protection. Lighter coloured lenses, despite having less brightness filtration, can be just as beneficial in protecting the back of the eye against sun damage.”

However, depending on your eye colour and/or light sensitivity, darker lenses can provide more comfort. For example, lighter coloured eyes, such as blue or green, tend to be more sensitive to sunlight. This is because they have less melanin pigment than brown eyes and are therefore lesser able to block out bright sunlight.

But sunglasses are not just for stopping us from squinting on bright days – they also provide vital protection against sun damage.

Protection against common eye problems

Studies have shown that sun exposure can contribute to a number of health problems, including some that affect our eyes.

“With age, cataracts and macular degeneration can occur”, explains Vimal. “There is some evidence to suggest that these conditions might be accelerated by sun damage to the eyes.”

Other eye problems associated with sun exposure include ptygerium, also known as “Surfer’s eye”. This condition is characterised by the appearance of small white growths on the front of the eye. It is caused by over-exposure to UV light and is commonly found on people who spend a lot of time outdoors, including near to the sea. These growths are not typically harmful; however, they can encroach on the cornea and affect vision.

But does any of this mean that it’s worth forking out for expensive sunglasses?

Well, the answer to this question can only really be decided on a case-by-case basis. As Vimal explains:

“Potentially the quality of the lenses might be better. Issues with distortion and light contrast that might be an issue for people wearing them for sport.

“Both cheap and expensive the lenses should offer an equal level of protection, if the categories given are the same.”

While it might be easy to compare the level of protection offered by any given pair of sunglasses simply by checking the label, the sense of joy many of us feel when slipping on our favourite stylish shades is not as easy to calculate. So, is it worth paying for stylish designer shades? Only you can make that call!

Would you like more freedom to shop for stylish sunglasses without prescription lenses? Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today to find out if Laser Eye Surgery could help. 

photo courtesy of sunglassesshop.com