Category: Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes in summer

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Sunglasses for summer

Australians, as everyone knows, love summer. More than 85% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the beach, and we take full advantage of that – as summer approaches, the most talked about topic is always which beach we plan to go to.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be dangerous to unprotected skin – and to unprotected eyes. It is a message that has taken Australians a long time to learn.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and sun damage is the leading cause of visual impairment in Australia.

It is well known that long-term exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to our eyes. Vision impairments, like macular degeneration, ocular melanoma or cataracts – a clouding of the lenses – are common complications. In the short-term, over-exposure to UV rays can cause ‘snow-blindness’ – a condition known as ‘photokeratitis.’

Our attitudes about sun protection are changing, and healthy sun behaviours are becoming more and more common.

Even though rates for skin cancer are declining, it is not the case for eye damage caused by the sun.

Today, experts predict a sharp rise in the number of Australians who will develop cataracts in the next 20 year

Eye Cataracts

There are many possible causes of cataracts, but prolonged overexposure to the sun has been determined as a major factor. This doesn’t happen in one afternoon at the beach without sunglasses, cataracts are built up cumulatively, through years of repeated overexposure. That is why small measures, like developing sun-safe habits are so important.

The 5 S’s of sun safety

Launched in 1981, the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’ campaign by the Cancer Council of Australia has become a regular part of every Australian summer. It is one of the most successful public health campaigns in the world, and it is a message that we, at Eyecare Plus, strongly support and encourage.

Remember to…

Slip on clothing that provides a barrier between you and UV rays.  

Slop on sunscreen, preferably SPF30+ and reapply every two hours.

Slap on a hat that shades the whole face – a proper hat can reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your eyes by 50%.

Seek the shade of trees, bushes or pergolas and shade sails. Babies under 12 months should always be kept out of direct sunlight.

Slide on some close-fitting sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection.

Sun protection for kids

The risk of eye damage from over exposure to UV rays is particularly high for children, so the earlier they develop the habits of protecting their eyes, the better.

When selecting sunglasses for children, remember that the most important thing is: do they provide sun protection?

Choose sunglasses that fit closely to the child’s face – wraparounds are often the best option.

Avoid toy sunglasses or sunglasses bought at costume shops for dress-ups. They may look funny or cool, but they won’t help at the beach.

Schedule an appointment with Eyecare Plus

Sunglasses don’t have to be pricey to be effective. In Australia, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) established a mandatory safety standard for all sunglasses and spectacles sold in the country. It goes by the official designation of ‘AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.’

Admittedly, it is not easy to remember ‘AS/NZS 1067.1:2016,’ however, it is easy to remember that all sunglasses sold at Eyecare Plus locations meet these standards and they can be trusted to provide the protection you need.

Be sure to speak with your Eyecare Plus optometrist or optical assistants at your local Eyecare Plus location. Let them know about the types of sunglasses you are looking for and how you intend to wear them – there are different categories for sunnies across a range of activities: for beach and sport, for driving and for fashion.

Eyecare Plus will be able to best advise you on what to wear and when to wear it to ensure you make the most out of this summer – and many summers to come.

Top Tip: Shopping for New Glasses

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Are you looking for a new pair of glasses? It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our tips on how to shop for your new pair of glasses.

 

The Do’s

First off, do have an updated prescription and eye exam, do keep an open mind for styles and do embrace the adventure; make it fun; try on a wide range of frames until you find what’s right for you.

 

The Don’ts

Here is a list seven things you don’t want to do when looking for new glasses …

 

Don’t go it alone

Ask for advice. Yes, you can trust the staff. Even after a quick chat, the experienced frame specialists at Eyecare Plus can assess your features and offer a number of appropriate frames. They will also know if your prescription will work well with the styles you like.

 

Don’t buy to the latest trend

Your glasses should look good on you for a couple of years, so they need to accommodate your unique needs, not the latest style. While browsing the selection of frames, don’t ask ‘what’s trendy?’ ask ‘what makes me look good?’

 

Don’t assume you only need one pair

Glasses are a lot like shoes—you can’t wear the same pair in every situation. Consider a pair of comfortable, everyday frames, a pair of frames with eye protection for sports and maybe an elegant pair for nights on the town.

 

Don’t buy online

Spectacle frames are classed as medical devices in Australia. Are there any other medical devices you would buy online? Consulting with Eyecare Plus optometrists and staff ensures prescription accuracy, lens durability, comfort and fit of your new frames.

 

Don’t think only about price (high)

Don’t think that the most expensive is always the best. Although designer frames can perfectly match fashion and function for some, Eyecare Plus locations carry a wide range of frames to suit every budget.

 

Don’t think only about price (low)

Don’t make the mistake of buying frames that don’t fit or are uncomfortable because you think a cheaper pair will save you money. In the long run, if the fit isn’t right, you are unlikely to wear them and will have to buy another pair.

 

Don’t assume you can’t make any adjustments after you buy your glasses

Even perfect-fitting glasses may require an adjustment from time to time. When you buy your glasses from Eyecare Plus, you can always bring them back for quick adjustments.

Eyecare Plus locations across the country have all the tools on hand to keep your glasses comfortable and the fit just right.

Buying the right eyewear for you

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

You can call them ‘glasses,’ ‘spectacles’, ‘specs’ or ‘eyewear,’. Whatever you call them there is nothing else that combines fashion and function so completely as a new pair of glasses.

Glasses do more than just correct vision, they become part of your identity and shape how you are perceived.

With so much on the line, it’s understandable that many people are apprehensive about selecting a new pair of glasses.

To relieve some of that tension, Eyecare Plus has put together this handy guide that hopefully will help you buy the glasses you need to see better – and look better.

 

The most important thing

Before you can even start your search, the most important thing you need is an up-to-date prescription and a comprehensive eye exam provided by your Eyecare Plus optometrist.

An Eyecare Plus exam allows our optometrist to explore your eye health, your lifestyle and your vision needs – all vital info that will guide your search for glasses that will suit you best.

 

The second-most important thing

Prescription in hand, now it’s time for the second-most important thing to bring with you when choosing frames: an open mind.

In general, people grow comfortable with the type of glasses they have worn in the past and think they are the only style that will work for them.

But the style of frames you choose is never a foregone conclusion. Embrace the ‘try on’ system and allow yourself to be surprised.

There have been thousands of new styles developed since you purchased your last set of frames, and it is also likely that your appearance has changed over the years. Try on new styles, colours, and shapes you’ve never worn before. If you let go of preconceived ideas, you’ll be surprised with what you come up with.

 

Frame Size matters

There is a dizzying array of spectacle frames out there, but it helps to know one secret that will help you get the perfectly fitting pair: your frame size.

There are three little numbers printed on the inside of most frame arms (‘52-17-140’ or something like that). You’ve probably seen them before and thought nothing of them.

These mysterious numbers are the three main measurements in spectacle sizes: eye size, bridge width and arm (temple) length.

  • Eye size

The first number is a two-digit number that shows the eye size. This is the horizontal size of the lenses on your frame. That size varies from 40mm to 62 mm.

What the number actually means: the larger the eye size, the larger the frame.

  • The bridge size & measurement

The second number is also a two-digit number which shows the bridge width, which is the gap above your nose between the lenses. That number varies from 14mm to 24 mm.

What the number actually means: when the bridge number is too big, the glasses will slide down your nose. If the bridge number is too small, it will pinch your nose.

  • The arms (or temples) length

The final, three-digit number is the arm (or temple) length, as measured from frame hinge to the end of the arm. That number varies from 120 mm to 150 mm.

What the number actually means: the larger your head is, the larger this number needs to be to fit comfortably on your face.

As you go through the selection process, consider how each set of frames feels on the bridge of your nose, your brow and the space around your ears. Note the sizes that feel right.

As with shoes, a good rule of thumb for buying new frames is: never sacrifice comfort and fit for style.

Tips: How to Determine your Face Shape

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Most people don’t know the shape of their face, but it is important if you want to find frames that are comfortable and flattering to work out what shape your face is.

With a relatively small amount of effort, you can establish what your face shape is and get the upper hand in selecting the right frames for your face.

The three main criteria to consider when determining your face shape are: length (short or long), your jawline (round, square, pointy) and the widest part (cheeks, jaw or forehead).

Using a tape measure, you can obtain these measurements, but there are easier ways…

How to know your face shape

  1. Use a mirror

    • The simplest way to determine your face shape is to stand in front of a mirror with your hair back and, using a non-permanent texter, trace the shape of your face on the mirror. Then step back for the big reveal.

  2. Find your celebrity match

    • Have you ever been told you look like a celebrity such as Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie, Danny DeVito or Harry Styles? These are just four celebrities who look very different to each other. Use your celebrity doppelgänger to determine your face shape. Google ‘(square/ round/ etc.) faced celebrities’ to see how you match up.

  3. Snap a selfie

    • Pull your hair back for maximum face exposure. Be sure the phone is not too close to your face to distort the angle. Snap a selfie, then, with the phone’s photo markup tool, trace the perimeter of your face. Once you have that you can the determine your face shape.

  4. Use a beauty app

    Your face shape is important not only for spectacle frames, but for makeup and hairstyle choices. Although these apps are focussed on hair, the results are suitable for choosing your glasses frames.

  5. Visit an online site

  6. Ask an Eyecare Plus optical sales assistant

    Every Eyecare Plus location is staffed with knowledgeable professionals who have helped thousands of people choose the best frames for their face. With their advice, you’ll be able to select the frames that best match your lifestyle and express your personality. Most importantly, they will be the frames that make you look better, feel better – and see better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Right Glasses Shape for Your Face?

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A great pair of glasses does more than correct vision. The perfect-looking pair of frames isn’t just about colour and style, it is also about the perfect fit.

Matching your chosen pair of glasses to your face shape will ensure that you will look and feel your best.

Every face is unique and beautiful in its own way. And, as unique as we all are designers and stylists have determined that there are six basic face shapes which they use to develop frame styles that flatter and enhance the wearer’s features.

The 6 Main Face Shapes

  1. Round

Round face shapes are as wide as they are high, and usually the cheekbones are the most prominent feature.

Usually, strong, angular-shaped frames are suggested for round faces. Angular frames tend to add definition to the round face.

  1. Square

Square faces have equal dimensions between the forehead, cheekbone and jaw.

Frames that are softer and rounder are usually recommended for square-shaped faces.

  1. Oval

The oval face shape is a combination of square and round. It is longer than it is wide. In an oval face, the forehead may be more pronounced than the jaw. Overall, the features of an oval face are balanced and symmetrical.

Almost any type of frame will work with an oval face shape, although larger frames can disrupt the face’s natural symmetry.

  1. Diamond

Diamond face shapes typically have high and strong cheekbones and narrow, pointed chins.

Frames that emphasise the strong cheekbones are usually the most appropriate.

  1. Triangle

The primary characteristics of a triangular face are the narrow jaw and high cheekbones.

Round, cat-eye and aviator styles all work well with triangle-shaped faces.

  1. Heart-shaped

Heart face shapes have a pronounced forehead and narrow, pointed chin or jawline. Usually, thin, light-metal frames work best with heart-shaped faces.

The general rule of thumb is: frames that are opposite to your face shape tend to complement it. In other words, if your face is round, angular frames tend to balance your features. Those with angular faces (diamond or square) might want a round frame that adds softness or balance.

It is important to note that these are only guidelines for how to choose . Nobody’s face is a perfect square or oval, and many faces are a combination of shapes.

Complexion

Obviously, complexion doesn’t matter for the shape of your frames, but it does impact the colour of the frames you should select.

In general, the same rule of thumb applies – opposites complement. If you have a lighter complexion, darker frames are a good idea. If you have a darker complexion, lighter frames are a good choice.

Things Change

When we’re younger, our faces are often contoured and defined. As we age, however, our face type changes. The fat, muscle and skin on your face gradually changes over time as we mature. In general, younger people tend to have triangular-shaped faces and older people tend to have more rectangular-shaped faces.

Be Yourself

At the end of the day, rules are meant to be broken. If you’re feeling adventurous or creative or are selecting frames that make a statement, go for it. Choose the frames that you like best, regardless of what shape your face is.

Benefits of an in-person visit to Eyecare Plus

When choosing glasses for your face shape, there really is no substitute for an in-person visit to an Eyecare Plus location.

Although apps can help you find frames that flatter your face or bring out your best features, they can ultimately recommend glasses that fail at their most important function: properly correcting your vision.

Once your prescription is determined, it is important to have a trained eye care professional to consult with as you go through the process of selecting and fitting your frames.

Eyecare Plus optometrists and staff know how your prescription strength and weight of your lenses work; they know the roles your hair colour and complexion play in your choice and they know how the frame material and design will represent the look you’re after.

At Eyecare Plus, our optometrists, optical dispensers and assistants have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you find the glasses that fit properly and work with your prescription to provide you the best vision possible.

 

Photokeratitis: Sun Damage to the Eyes

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It may surprise you to learn our eyes can get sunburned.

We should all know by now how important it is to apply sunscreen to protect our skin from the harsh and damaging effects of the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays.

It is a message that is drummed into Australians every summer.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with the age-standardised mortality rate expected to soon reach 4.0 deaths per 100,000 persons (5.6 for males and 2.6 for females).

Whilst we know to slop on sunscreen and slip on a hat, we often don’t think about how important it is to protect our eyes from sunburn as well.

Yes, our eyes can get sunburnt.

When our eyes get sunburned, it is called ‘photokeratitis.’ It happens when the thin surface layer of the clear front of our eye (called the ‘cornea’) is damaged by the harsh UV light from the sun.

The surface layer of your eye is made up of thousands of nerve endings. It is extremely sensitive and can easily be damaged. When too much UV light hits this layer, it becomes inflamed and irritated, which causes sensations of burning or itching. This is photokeratitis.

Symptoms of Photokeratitis

Just like when your skin is sunburned, usually, by the time you notice you have symptoms of photokeratitis, the damage has already been done.

Often, people don’t even notice the signs of eye damage from the sun until several hours after it is too late.

Symptoms of photokeratitis include…

  • Redness or pain in the eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Gritty sensation in the eyes – like you have sand in your eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Swollen eyelids

The good news is that short-term photokeratitis is temporary and usually goes away within a few hours.

Treatment of Photokeratitis

If you are experiencing symptoms of short-term photokeratitis, the best place to be is indoors.

Your focus should be on making yourself as comfortable as possible while allowing time for the eyes to heal.

If you are a contact lens wearer, remove them. Place a moistened cloth over your closed eyes to relieve discomfort. Resist the urge to rub your eyes, as it will only further irritate them and slow down the healing process.

If your photokeratitis symptoms persist for longer than a day, contact an Eyecare Plus optometrist.

Prevention of Photokeratitis

Prescription sunglasses are your best protection against exposure to UV light.

When the Cancer Council of Australia introduced its ‘Slip Slop Slap’ campaign in 1981, millions of Australians heeded the advice of ‘Sid the Seagull’ and slipped on a shirt, slopped on sunscreen and slapped on a hat to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

In 2007, the Cancer Council updated the slogan to ‘Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide.’ Now Sid encourages us to seek shade and slide on our sunglasses too. This is great advice, especially for children, whose delicate eyes and skin are more susceptible to UV damage.

Remember: UV prevention starts when you and your children are leaving the house. Put on UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat before you walk out the door. The longer your eyes are exposed to UV light, the more severe the eye sunburn symptoms will be.

Yes, your eyes can get sunburned in winter!

Unfortunately, as winter approaches, many of the safe sun habits people practice over summer start to drop away. And while UV rays are the strongest during the summer, they can damage your eyes throughout the year.

It is important to remember that even on overcast days in winter, UV is still present. To be safe, follow the Australian Cancer Council’s advice: ‘Think UV, not Heat.’ It is a very good and powerful message.

Sunglasses: Buy the Australian Standard

The safety standards for Australian-made sunglasses, which are higher than international standards, were set to ensure that all Australians have access to adequate protection against the damage UV light can do to our eyes.

All sunglasses sold by Eyecare Plus optometry practices nationwide are guaranteed to comply with the latest Australian safety requirements for sunglasses.

Speak with your Eyecare Plus optometrists about the frames you are considering ensuring they are adequate for the activities you are involved in (volleyball, skiing, long-distance running, reading at the beach, etc.).

What is the UV index?

Australia experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world. You can see the sun’s light and feel its heat, but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. Because of that, the World Health Organization invented the UV index to provide people with a daily UV forecast and help them decide how much time to spend in the sun and what protection to use.

The UV index predicts UV risk on a scale from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (very high risk). Basically, the higher the UV index, the greater the risk of sunburn and photokeratitis. The UV index used throughout Australia conforms with the World Health Organization’s guidelines.

The daily UV index in Australia is a part of most weather forecasts, or you can find more details about the daily UV index through:

In general, when the UV index for your area is above 3, sun protection measures (‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide) are recommended.

If you have questions about sun damage to the eyes, contact your local Eyecare Plus optometry practice.

Top 7 Tips for Winter Eye Care

Posted on by ECP Manager

Here are our top seven tips for taking care of your eyes during the cold winter months.

1. Wear Sunglasses in Winter

It is important to wear sunglasses all year round, particularly in winter as the sun can be at its most damaging. Wear sunglasses in winter to protect your eyes from harmful effects of UV rays. The sun sits lower on the horizon and can be at its most damaging in winter.

2. Wear Only Category 3 Sunglasses

Sunglasses in Australia must be tested and labelled according to the Australian Standard with a lens category 3 rating which provides a high level of sun glare reduction and UV protection.

3. Use Artificial Tears Eye Drop for Dry Eyes

With more time spend indoors in air conditioning and in front of the fire your eyes can become dry and irritated. If you suffer from dry eye in winter, try to sit further away from heat and use artificial eye drops to relieve the soreness that comes from having dry eyes.

4. Wash Your Hands

Winter is a time of year when people are more susceptible to viral infections such as conjunctivitis or pink eye which is spread through direct contact. Protect your eyes from cross infection by washing your hands regularly throughout the day and do not rub your eyes.

5. Apply the 20-20-20 rule

To give your eyes a break when using a screen for extended periods of time, apply the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes you spend in front of a screen, look at an object in the distance, 20 feet away (or 6 metres away), for 20 seconds. This will give your eyes a break and help alleviate dry eye syndrome.

6. Wear Sunglasses while Driving

When you get behind the wheel, you should always keep a pair of sunglasses in your consol. They are as important to your eye protection as your windscreen, even more so as your windscreen offers little protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

7. Protect Your Eyes

Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun which can damage your eyes slowly over a lifetime resulting in serious eye conditions such as cataracts, pterygium and photokeratitis (or snow blindness). Sunglasses or goggles will also protect your eyes from the harsh winter elements such as the wind, debris, dust, and snow.

If you have further questions about how to best care for your eyes this winter contact your local Eyecare Plus optometrist.

Wear Sunglasses; Especially in Winter

Posted on by ECP Manager

We know the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun and understand that we need to wear sunglasses in summer, particularly as Australia has the highest levels of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world – but what about when the temperature drops?

Do our eyes need to receive the same protection from UV rays in winter as we do in summer? Do we need to wear UV protected sunglasses in winter?

The short answer is, yes.

Wear Sunglasses in Winter

It is a common misconception that we don’t need to wear sunglasses in winter. In fact, more than 76 per cent of Australians believe wearing sunglasses in colder months isn’t necessary.

It may surprise you, but the sun can be at its most damaging in winter.

It is the time of year when the sun is lowest on the horizon, which is why you squint when intense glare pours through your windscreen on your drive home.

By wearing a quality pair of ultraviolet (UV) protected sunglasses you will not only protect your eyes from glare, but from the harmful UV light that can cause tissue damage to your conjunctiva and cornea.

Australian Standard: Lens Category 3

All sunglasses in Australia must be UV protected, whether they are worn for fashion, work, social or sport. They need to be tested and labelled according to the Australian standards which sets the allowable UV transmission limits for all sunglasses sold in Australia.

Sunglasses sold here must have a lens category 3 rating which provides a “high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection”.

Winter Eye Damage

The winter sun can significantly damage your eyes as UV levels are above three in many parts of Australia. This level can place your eyes at risk of short term or permanent damage.

It can cause serious eye conditions including cataracts, pterygium and photokeratitis.

These eye conditions do not impact our eyes overnight, the results are “generally cumulative,” says Sophie Koh, National Professional Services Advisor, Optometry Australia.

“If you are not utilising eye protection when outside from early childhood eye problems are likely to develop later in life.”

Even when the sun is behind a bank of clouds your eyes are not protected from harmful UV rays. In fact, a staggering “90 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can filter through even the thickest cloud cover,” says Ms. Koh.

Eye Sunburn

The sun can burn our eyes in winter.

Eye sunburn – photokeratitis (or snow blindness) – is an eye condition caused by overexposure to UV rays. It occurs to people who are exposed to high levels of UV radiation when the sun is reflected off surfaces such as the water or snow affecting people who do outdoor activities such as skiing or water sports.

Sunburn to the eye also happens to people who work in welding. Welder’s Flash Burn occurs when a person who uses a welding torch is exposed to the bright flash of UV radiation indoors when they are welding. Flash burn is a type of sunburn to the eye.

It is important that we wear sunglasses with UV protection all year round to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays.

Protect your eyes in winter. Consult your local Eyecare Plus optometrist for advice on the right sunglasses to wear for UV protection.

Summer Eye Protection

Posted on by ECP Manager

Sunglasses are an essential part of any wardrobe, particularly in summer.

Invented in China in the 12th century sunglasses moved into the mainstream during the ‘roaring 20s’ when actors wore them for eye protection from the bright klieg lights on movie sets and to shield their identity when out in public. Initially they were considered a fad but as they became more embedded into popular culture, sales of sunglasses soared.

Today, no wardrobe is complete without a pair of stylish sunnies.

Aside from cutting out glare and being fashionable, there are many other important reasons to wear sunglasses.

Preventing Eye Injuries and Serious Eye Problems

Most of us understand the importance of wearing sunglasses to protect our eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation but constant exposure to UV rays can cause some serious eye problems including cataracts, pterygiums, photokeratitis, macular degeneration, cancer of the conjunctiva and skin cancer of the eyelids.

In Australia, we are more prone than other countries to sun damage.

Eyelid Protection

Because Australia is close to the equator, has a high proportion of clear blue skies and low pollution, we have the highest levels of UV radiation in the world and, as a result, one of the highest rates of skin cancer.

UV levels cannot be felt on your skin. They are not connected to temperature, can be dangerous on cold or hot days and are highest in the middle of the day from 10am and 2pm (or 11am and 3pm during daylight saving).

 Whilst our eyes are sensitive to UV so too is the skin around our eyes, with the upper and lower eyelids vulnerable to skin cancers.

Wearing UV-protective wraparound sunglasses with large lenses can not only protect your eyes, but they will protect the skin around your eyes as well. They serve to block out light and glare from the side, as well as the front.

Selecting the Right Sunglasses

When you buy a pair of sunglasses in Australia, they need to have a mandatory classification labelled and tested according to the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016.

Specifically, the best rating for sunglasses that provide eye protection from UV rays are rated with a lens category of 2 (medium protection) or 3 (highest protection).

The sunglasses safety standards are set out in the Consumer Goods (Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles) Safety Standard legislation.

Sunglass Classifications

  • Lens category 0: Fashion spectacles. These are not sunglasses and have a very low ability to reduce sun glare. They glasses provide little or no UV protection.
  • Lens category 1: Fashion spectacles. These too are not sunglasses. They provide limited sun glare reduction and some UV protection, but it is minimal.
  • Lens category 2: Sunglasses. This is the minimum eye protection from the sun. These sunglasses provide medium level sun glare reduction and good UV protection.
  • Lens category 3: Sunglasses. These are the sunglasses you want to look out for. Level 3 sunglasses provide a high level of sun glare reduction and good level of UV protection.
  • Lens category 4: Sunglasses. These are special-purpose sunglasses which provide a very high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection. These glasses should not be worn while driving.

These standards not only refer to fashion sunglasses but to all framed or rimless sunglasses, clip-ons or slip-ons, children’s sunglasses, and light tint sunglasses.

Your local Eyecare Plus optometrist has a very good understanding of what type of eyewear are best to suit your needs.

Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in Winter

Posted on by ECP Manager

Winter Sun Eye Damage

It may seem counter intuitive to wear sunglasses in winter; however, health experts warn that wearing sunglasses during winter months is essential.

Sunglasses are not only an important fashion accessory; they provide eye protection from harmful UV rays which are there no matter the season and can be a lot worse in winter.

They also protect your eyes from wind and dust particles as well as glare, particularly when driving.

Winter Glare

Imagine driving home during winter without your sunglasses… very uncomfortable and somewhat dangerous trying to dodge the glare and intensity of the low winter sun!

If there are marks or dirt on your windscreen the glare becomes much worse as the light refracts off the surface which makes it harder to see.

The problem is that the majority of people still do not wear sunglasses in winter.

In fact, according to research conducted by Optometry Australia for the 2020 Vision Index, a staggering 76 per cent of Australians think wearing sunglasses in winter is unnecessary. Not only that but 10 percent do not know that you can buy sunglasses with UV protection.

In winter, the light that pours in through your windshield is a lot lower on the horizon than in summer. As a result of this angle the winter sun can cause intense glare when driving.

Damaging Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

Sophie Koh, Optometrist and Optometry Australia National Services Advisor, says that even on overcast and cold days that although we may not be able to see the sun “it’s there and so too are its damaging UV rays.”

“Just because the sun is behind the clouds, it doesn’t mean we should forget about protecting our eyes, especially when a staggering 90 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can filter through even the thickest cloud cover,” said Ms. Koh.

In winter UV levels are above three in many parts of Australia, which can place your eyes at risk of “short term or permanent damage – including cataracts, pterygium and photokeratitis,” says Ms Koh.

Winter Sun Eye Damage

Cataracts is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It develops as we get older and is made worse by UV exposure. Wearing UV protected sunglasses during winter can substantially reduce the risk of cataracts.

Pterygium is a fleshy growth of tissue on the white of the eye that can extend over the cornea. It develops due to long term exposure to UV rays, wind, glare, and dust. It is also referred to as ‘Surfer’s Eye’ because surfers are in bright sunlight for long periods of the day and in the surf, which reflects UV rays. Pterygium is easily avoided by wearing UV sunglasses.

Photokeratitis, more commonly known as ‘Snow Blindness’, is an acute eye condition caused by overexposure to UV rays reflected off the snow and ice. Essentially, photokeratitis is the result of a sunburnt eye. It is a painful short term vision loss which rights itself in a day or two. Wearing UV sunglasses will protect you from this eye disease.

Stay sun smart in winter and always wear your sunglasses with UV protection when you are out and about.

If you have any questions about UV protection for the eyes, contact your local Eyecare Plus Optometrist.

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