Protect Your Vision with Prescription Sport, Work and Sun Wear
Sunglasses/Sun Wear
It is always important to wear sunglasses when you are outdoors whether you are working, driving, participating in sports, taking a walk, or running errands. Choose sunglasses that have both UVA and UVB protection in order to provide the best protective care for your eyes. The sun’s UV radiation can cause multiple problems for the eyes if you don’t protect them properly. Some of these problems include benign growths on the eye’s surface, cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes, cataracts, and photokeratitis (temporary but painful sunburn of the surface of the eye).
When buying sunglasses, the AOA suggests that you look for certain things that will ensure the maximum protection of your eyes:
• Don’t be misled by faulty UV claims
• Check lenses to be sure the tint is uniform (not darker in one area than another)
• Ensure that the lenses are distortion free
• Make sure the lenses block enough light by trying them on in front of a mirror (if you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, they are probably not dark enough)
There are many options when buying sunglasses. You don’t necessarily need a lot of these, but there are some extras that are worth the added protection.
• Polarized Lenses: This effectively combats reflected glare and adds comfort and better vision for those who do a lot of driving or boating.
• Photochromic Lenses: This type of lens darkens or lightens with the amount of available light (for example, the lens darkens when exposed to bright sunlight).
• Polycarbonate Lenses: This is a must for sunglasses worn for sports and activities that are potentially hazardous at work and at home because it provides added impact protection.
• Wrap-around Frames: This provides added side protection from bright light and UV radiation.
For more information about sunglasses and protecting your eyes, visit www.aoa.org.
Sports Safety Glasses
If you play sports, you may need a pair of prescription lenses that will stay in place as you play. We can fit you with sports lenses in a variety of styles.
Sports and Vision
Vision is a very important component of how well you play your sport. Sometimes getting a winning edge against your opponent is simply a matter of being able to see well and fixing any vision problems you may be having. A good place to start is with a complete eye examination. Your eye doctor can help you understand what changes need to be made in your vision and how this can help you increase your skills in your particular sport. It is also important to consider that there is much more to vision that just seeing clearly. Your vision is made up of many correlated skills that can all affect how well you are playing your sport. All sports have different visual demands, and this is why it is important for you to have a complete eye examination and talk to your doctor about what you can do to help your vision for your sport.
Eye protection is also an important component of sports, and every athlete should be aware of the correct protection needed for their particular sport. According to the AOA, thousands of children and adults suffer from sports-related eye injuries every year, and almost all of these could be prevented with the use of proper eye protection.
For more information about sports eye protection, visit www.aoa.org.
Work Place Specialty Glasses
If you need safety glasses for your work or hobby, our Optical Department can order safety glasses in your prescription and personal style preference.