Make sunglasses safety a priority this summer

They may be great fashion accessories but, more importantly, sunglasses are of extreme importance when it comes to maintaining good eye health over the years. Health and comfort are two reasons why people should wear sunglasses.

“From a health standpoint, you want to keep all ultraviolet light from getting into your eyes and onto the lids and the skin around them. While from a comfort standpoint, some people are very sensitive to brightness and glare. By cutting down brightness and glare, you will visually perform better and be more comfortable,” says Adrienne Despott, general manager at Tuaco Opticians.

Ultra-violet radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of the eyelid but also the cornea, the lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts, growths on the eye and possibly macular degeneration.

To maximise protection for the eyes, one must look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, screen out 75 to 90% of visible light, and have lenses that are perfectly matched in colour and free of distortions and imperfections.

Wearing dark sunglasses does not automatically mean that persons are protecting their eyes. The colour and degree of darkness sunglasses provide have nothing to do with the sunglasses' ability to block UV rays. One may also opt for wraparound sunglasses or close-fitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect the eyes from every angle. Some contact lenses also offer UV protection, but should be worn in combination with sunglasses to maximise protection.

“For additional comfort, at Tuaco Opticians, we also provide sighted sunglasses and sighted tinted polarised lenses which help the eyes focus correctly while still benefitting from protection,” she added.

Furthermore, Tuaco Opticians is also offering sighted tinted polarised lenses for clients who require lenses with a high refractive index. Polarized lenses are treated with a special chemical that helps reduce glare. Those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as jogging, cycling, sailing and fishing find polarized lenses very beneficial and comfortable.

Sighted tinted lenses with a gold, silver, blue, or red mirror, as is now the latest trend in sunglasses, are also available.

A wide selection of high quality sunglasses can be found at Tuaco Opticians, Melita Street, or St John Street, both in Valletta. For further information or to book an appointment, phone Tuaco Opticians on 2122 1848, email tuaco.opt@gmail.com or visit http://www.tuaco.com/