Visionary Eye Center

Protect Your Eyes This Summer with Prescription Sunglasses

July 7, 2021

If you are a driver who also wears glasses, you’ve probably struggled to decide between which pair of glasses to put on in the car. Either way, you’re hindering your vision one way or the other. By not wearing your eyeglasses, you likely won’t be able to see near or far away depending on your eye condition. But not wearing sunglasses could mean being blinded by the harsh UV rays of the sun. The best option is to get yourself a pair of prescription sunglasses, that way you can achieve optimal vision. 

When it comes to prescription sunglasses, there are many varying types to choose from. One of our favorites is the polarized sunglass lens that provides added protection to your eyes in harsh sunlight. Learn more about prescription sunglasses and polarized lenses below.

The Importance of Protecting Your Eyes with Prescription Sunglasses

Many patients are unaware of just how damaging UV rays can be on their eyes and do very little to protect them from mild or harsh sunlight. Even if there is cloud coverage in the sky, UV rays can still negatively affect your eyes. UV-A rays typically lead to problems with central vision and the macula which is part of the retina. UV-B rays are also damaging, mostly affecting the cornea and lens. Extended exposure to these harmful rays can lead to more serious eye conditions including:

  • Cataracts - Cataracts are described as clouding of a normally clear eye lens. They affect the natural lens of your eye which leads to impaired vision and other sight complications. Cataracts generally affect older patients but develop more quickly with constant sun exposure. 
  • Pterygium - Pterygium is a noncancerous growth of mucus membranes that form on the clear tissue of the eye and spread to the cornea. It’s been found more commonly in patients who spend a lot of time in the sun. 
  • Skin Cancer around the eyes - Skin cancer that forms around the eyes due to lack of UV protective sunblock or sunglasses can lead to negative effects on a person’s vision.
  • Photokeratitis (Corneal Sunburn) - Photokeratitis, otherwise known as a corneal sunburn, occurs during short-term exposure to high-intensity UV-B rays. The pain from the burn can range from mild to severe and some patients may lose their vision for a short period of time. 
  • Pinguecula - A pinguecula is characterized as a yellowish growth that forms on the conjunctiva in between the inner corner of the eye and the center of the eye. The growth typically results in irritation caused by sun exposure and other contributing factors.  

Are prescription sunglasses worth the purchase? 

Though many people are hesitant to spend the money on purchasing a second pair of glasses by buying prescription sunglasses, those who have are sure glad they did. Prescription sunglasses provide much-needed sight assistance even in high-light situations. When you’re driving down the street or taking your dog for a walk and the sun is glaring in your eyes, your regular prescription glasses will do very little to help you see. Likewise, wearing sunglasses with no prescription leaves you with very little vision. Prescription sunglasses, however, block out the sun while providing the same sight assistance as your glasses. 

Prescription sunglasses can also help with light sensitivity, glare-related headaches, and regular eye strain from squinting in the sun.  And if you’re worried about crow's feet, not squinting all the time from either harsh sunlight or blurry vision can help reduce those lines around your eyes. 

What are polarized sunglasses?

First, it is important to note that not all sunglasses are polarized. While all sunglasses are designed to limit UV rays from penetrating through the lenses and limit glare, some are much more effective than others. 

To understand how polarized sunglasses work, you need to know how light is reflected. Most sunlight that reaches our eyes is dispersed and scattered due to the fact that it often reflects off of uneven surfaces such as trees and roads. However, when sunlight is reflected from a smooth, shiny surface like the hood of a car, Lake Tahoe or a phone screen, the light is reflected in just one direction. The dispersed light is much less bothersome and damaging, while light that is directly reflecting into your eyes is more troublesome. 

Polarized sunglasses are manufactured in a unique way that creates a different pattern within the lens that is able to block out more light than typical prescription sunglasses. A special film is laminated in between the lens surfaces in a vertical pattern. This helps block light and eliminate polarized glare entirely.  

Benefits of Prescription Sunglasses and Polarized Lenses

There are many advantages to wearing prescription sunglasses, especially with polarized lenses. Polarized lenses provide clearer vision in bright light, increases contrast, offer minimal color distortion, and reduces glare, reflection, and eye strain. And, the polarization is built directly into the lens, leaving a seamless finish for flawless vision. For anyone who spends time outdoors, polarized lenses will provide the best UV protection for your eyes.  

Prescription Sunglasses from Visionary Eye Center

When it comes to eye protection, eyeglasses and sunglasses are essential. With prescription sunglasses, you never have to worry about choosing which pair of glasses to put on again. 

Visionary Eye Center is your home for custom vision solutions, and we take pride in offering top-tier care for each patient. We want our patients and community to be well informed to make the best health decisions for you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any general inquiries or concerns, or schedule an appointment for an eye exam!

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