Useful information about the benefits of wearing and ordering sunglasses

• Creating your own unique pair of sunglasses

To create your own unique pair of sunglasses, instead of going to our Sunglasses range, click on any of our other frame types and find a frame you like. Decide whether you require single or bi-focal lenses and enter all your prescription details as you would when ordering any pair of spectacles from our site. Then, from the Tint or Photo chromatic drop down box choose 'Dark brown' or 'Dark Grey' - these tints are the same depth of tint that are used in most sunglasses - equivalent to the tints in our sunglasses range. Photochromatic and Polorized tints are also available.

• Why you should keep a pair of sunglasses in your car.

Driving in low winter sun conditions, bright summer sunshine glare from the road surface, especially when wet, after a summer shower. We all know how blinding this can be, so never be without a pair of sunglasses to hand whilst driving. Wearing sunglasses will reduce stress whilst driving by minimising disabling glare and distracting reflection from well worn tarmac, also providing minimal peripheral distraction, helping to judge bends and the road ahead perfectly. 

• UV rays and your eyes

Extended exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration. Over exposure to UVB rays can cause photokeratitis, commonly known as 'snow blindness' which causes temporary vision loss for up to 48 hours - the risk for this condition is greater at high altitudes due to the increased levels of UVB, but can occur anywhere there is snow. You must therefore ensure that the sunglasses you use in such conditions have adequate UVB protection, in the same way as you should ensure you are using an adequate sunblocking cream for your skin. Surprisingly, cloud cover doesn't affect UV levels significantly. Your risk of UV exposure can be quite high even on hazy or overcast days. For more information on this topic please email me at optician@optishop.co.uk

• Fishing with polarized lenses.

Polarized sunglasses take the glare off the water surface allowing you to see below the water line. SEE THE FISH BEFORE THEY ARE HOOKED. Fishing sunglasses also protect and rest your eyes from the extra ultraviolet radiation that’s reflected off the water surface, making your eyes feel less tried at the end of the day.