Cue our summer essential – Sunglasses!

So, why do optometrists recommend sunglasses? Here’s 4 reasons why your sunnies should be a need, not a want, in your life:

1.     They protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

Yes, this may be obvious, but the protection factor is the most important reason to wear your sunnies all year round. When you wear sunglasses, you are protecting not only your eyes but also the delicate skin around your eyes from harmful UV radiation. UV rays can increase your risk of skin cancer around your eyes, and enhance the formation of cataracts and pterygiums. (For more information about pterygiums click here.)

We recommend high quality sunglasses with protection category 2, 3 or 4 (as indicated by the Australian Standards) to block upwards of 95% of UV radiation to keep your eyes healthier for longer.

2.     Better vision for your outdoor activities

Our Australian summer sun can be blinding to your eyes. We squint through the light to see our kids playing at the park or manoeuvre our sun visor in the car in an effort to block the glare while driving, and struggle to enjoy our beach holiday with the glare coming off the ocean. Glary bright sunlight isn’t just a nuisance, sometimes it can be downright dangerous! Wearing a pair of high-quality polarised sunglasses will help by blocking the bright light and glare to give you better and more comfortable vision. Plus, no more squinting means fewer wrinkles too!

3.     Protection from debris

Have you ever been taking a lovely stroll down the beach only to have the wind pick up and blow sand in your face? Anyone who’s had any foreign body enter their eye can attest that it can be very unpleasant! Even very small particles, like sand or dust can cause irritation and possible damage or scratched to the front surface of your eye. Wearing sunglasses while outdoors can protect your eyes from wind borne debris and keep your eyes comfortable and clear.

4.      They look very cool

Sure, sunglasses are important from an eye health and better vision standpoint, but you’ll also look very cool wearing your newest fashion statement too. Our sunglasses ranges including Maui Jim, Oroton, Escada, Furla, WooW, Police, Oakley and more come in all shapes, sizes and colours, so you’re sure to find your perfect pair.

All sunglasses we stock at Somerville and Merrin are scriptable, meaning our glasses wearers can get all of the benefits of UV and glare protection in lenses tailor made for them. Call in to either of our Toowoomba practices today, and use our expertise to help you find your next pair of summer essential sunglasses.  As an added bonus you can take advantage of our Summer Sunglasses Promotion with sunnies in your prescription from just $199!

Danielle Bauer

Optical Dispenser