While most of us are aware of the importance of skin protection when outdoors, only 60 percent of Kiwis wear sunglasses! And, in my experience, those of us who require prescription glasses are even less likely to own sunwear. With ultraviolet exposure high at this time of year, here are a few tips when choosing sunglasses:
• UV400 LENSES – ensure your sunwear, prescription or otherwise, complies with the NZ ISO standard for blocking ultraviolet rays. If you wear a tinted lens, which does not reach the UV400 protection standard, it can actually be more dangerous than wearing no sunglasses at all as the pupil tends to dilate behind a dark lens and therefore the eye may be exposed to more UV light than usual.
• TINT COLOUR & DENSITY – when it comes to choosing a tint for your sunglasses, it is largely personal preference as to which coloured lens you prefer to see the world through and, also, which will suit your chosen sunglass frame. However, most of our clients choose an 85% darkened tint either in neutral grey or green or a contrast enhancing brown lens. Other fashion options include lighter or graduated tints or you may even choose a mirror coating – great for the snow! We also recommend a back surface anti-reflective coating which further enhances visual comfort.
• POLARISATION – works like a venetian blind, reduces horizontal glare reaching the eye and provides better visual comfort. Wonderful for driving or when out on the water, however, there are times polarised lenses aren’t suitable, for example if you are a pilot or spend a lot of time looking at LCD screens.
• TRANSITIONS – a good option if you move in and outdoors frequently because the lens automatically activates from light to dark depending on UV levels. We offer transitions in seven fashion colours and are available as a virtually clear lens which darkens to block 85% of visible light when outdoors. Other options include XTRActive Transitions, which are slightly darker both in and outdoors or Transition Vantage lenses, which both darken and polarise in bright outdoor light. This means as the lenses darken, vision becomes crisper, sharper and more vivid. As you can see there are several options to protect precious ‘peepers’ from the sun. Call in today to discuss your personal requirements.