Sunglasses
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is important and should be tailored to your needs. If it’s a fashion accessory your after or have seen the latest designs some celebrities are wearing you will find these all at Hatch End Eyecare, we stock the very latest and take great pride in our collection! Of course sunglasses do have other purposes and protecting your eyes is still our number one priority. So there is absolutely no reason why a great looking snazzy pair of shades cannot also be providing you with 100% protection from UV, be in the appropriate coloured tint for the task, and still comes with all the scratch resistant and polarising glare-free technology.
When should you wear sunglasses?
It’s generally a good idea to wear sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors but especially when:
- In summer when UV radiation is at least x3 higher than it is during winter
- At the beach or near the water (one of the most reflective surfaces)
- You’re in the mountains or outside at any high altitudes
- If you have had cataract surgery or are taking photo-sensitising drugs (our Optometrist can advise you on this, you should bring the latest list of your medications to discuss ocular side-effects
- All year round, winter sun is lower and can cause more glare especially whilst driving.
UV Protection
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been attributed to the development of many eye problems including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). They will also help to prevent wrinkles by protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from premature aging. Good quality sunglasses protect your eyes from 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.Most surfaces will reflect light. Water, snow, car windshields and the road surface are some of the most common. Extremely bright reflections can be distracting and interfere with vision. This is particularly dangerous when driving, riding a motorbike, skiing or boating. Sunglasses that include polarised filters or mirror coatings will eliminate glare for safer and more comfortable vision.
Whether you are out cycling, skiing or just enjoying the view outdoors, sunglasses are an effective wind barrier. They reduce the rate of evaporation of tears and help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If you wear contact lenses, sunglasses will help to keep them moist and prevent windblown particles from getting in your eyes and causing a corneal abrasion. Consider close-fitting “wrap” style frames as these are a more effective barrier.In very bright conditions, the pupil which controls the amount of light reaching the light sensitive retina, cannot constrict small enough to reduce light to a comfortable level. This causes a person to squint, using the eyelids to further reduce light entering the eye. Muscle fatigue associated with squinting and constant constriction of the pupil can lead to headache and eyestrain.
Sunglasses reduce the amount of light reaching the eyes to a more comfortable level, eliminating the need for squinting and severe pupil constriction.
- how much visible light reaches your eyes
- how well you see other colours
- how well you see contrasts
By selecting the correct coloured tint for your sport or activity will help to improve your visual acuity for that environment.
Polarised lenses
Glare comes from light that has been reflected from surfaces like water, snow, sand and even concrete (pavements, roads, or buildings). Reducing the glare will offer improved vision, reduced discomfort, and better contrast perception, allowing you to enjoy being out in the sun.
Polarised lenses are not only available in non-prescription, they can also be made in your prescription and in a selection of colour options. This allows you to customise your sunglasses to your specific needs.
Introducing Maui Jim Sunglasses
See the world like you’ve never seen
Maui Jim sunglasses were born on the Hawaiian island of Maui nearly 30 years ago. A remarkable lens that not only has the finest polarising filters but also exclusive technology that replaces and renews the natural colours that are dulled by traditional sunglasses. Sunglasses should be about protection, comfort and an enhanced visual experience. Maui Jim delivers just that.
Glare washes out colours, obscures details, and fatigues your eyes. PolarizedPlus2 lenses eliminate 99.9% of glare, allowing you to see the world at its brilliant best. Featuring the industry’s most advanced production techniques, our patented processes create an amazing difference you’ll see immediately.
The difference is impossible to miss. Put on a pair of Maui Jims and instantly the glare is gone. UV that can damage eyes – gone. The world’s true colours come shining through like never before. Bolder. Richer. Crisper. With more contrast and clarity. That’s patented, colour infused Polarized Plus®2 lens technology at work in an optically correct, distortion-free lens that’s also available in prescription.
Prescription Options with Maui Jim
The best – everyone expects it, and Maui Jim delivers it. After all, there’s no need to compromise quality when it comes to prescription sunglasses. Available now in the widest range of Maui Jim sunglasses, ask one of our expert team if you can benefit from Maui Jim prescription sunglasses.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Maui Jim sunglasses have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin. The frames also play a role, so larger frames and wraparound styles should be considered for outdoor activities.
