UV400 Archives - D.I.Blow Opticians

Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays This Summer

Kirsty Martin — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 16:05:20 +0000

As the summer sun shines brightly, it’s essential to remember that protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is just as important as safeguarding your skin. UV rays can have long-term effects on your eye health, so taking the right precautions is crucial.

Here are some expert tips from D.I. Blow Opticians on how to protect your eyes and maintain healthy vision during the sunny months.

Why UV Protection is Essential

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to several eye problems, including:

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens that can impair vision.
Macular Degeneration: Damage to the retina, affecting central vision.
Photokeratitis: A painful, temporary condition similar to sunburn, affecting the cornea.
Pterygium: Growth on the white part of the eye that can interfere with vision.

Tips for Protecting Your Eyes from UV Rays

Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection:

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels indicating UV400 or 100% UV protection. Wraparound styles provide added protection by preventing UV rays from entering from the sides. Find out more about UV400 protection here.

Opt for Polarised Lenses:

Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, enhancing visual comfort and clarity. Find out everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses here.

Use Hats for Extra Shade:

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to provide additional shade and reduce UV exposure to your eyes and face.

Avoid Direct Sun Exposure During Peak Hours:

In peak, sunny hours, where possible, stay indoors or seek shade during these hours.

Don’t Forget Protective Eyewear for Kids:

Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage. Ensure they wear UV-protective sunglasses and hats when outdoors.

Keep Your Eyes Hydrated:

The summer heat can lead to dry eyes. Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Avoid Tanning Beds:

Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can be harmful to your eyes. Opt for sunless tanning products instead.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting any early signs of UV damage and ensuring your overall eye health. Schedule an appointment with D.I. Blow Opticians to keep your vision in top condition.

Protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is a crucial part of maintaining healthy vision during the summer. By following these tips and making UV protection a priority, you can enjoy sunny days without compromising your eye health.

For the complete guide to choosing the right sunglasses lenses, see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

For more personalised advice and the best UV-protective eyewear, visit D.I. Blow Opticians today!

Click here to find your local branch.

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Everything You Need to Know about Polarised Sunglasses

Kirsty Martin — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:10:43 +0000

We’ve all experienced glare in our daily lives.

We can experience glare from looking at screens for too long. Driving at night. Or even looking at bright lights.

But those aren’t the only places where glare can manifest. In fact, glare can intensify during the Winter months.

Whilst Winter eye care is essential for optimum eye health, it’s also important that you invest in polarised sunglasses. Polarised sunglasses aren’t like any other lenses on the market as they work to protect your eyes from blinding glare which can cause permanent damage over time.

Interested in learning more? Here’s everything you need to know about polarised sunglasses and how you can utilise them to protect your eyes during the colder months.

What Are Polarised Sunglasses?

In order to understand how polarised sunglasses work, we first need to understand a little bit more about light.

Light reaches your eyes in vibrating waves that moves in all directions. When the vibrations from light waves become aligned in one or more direction, the light becomes polarised and matches the angle of the surface. For example, when you look at the surface of a lake in bright sunshine, you might notice a reflective glare. This is polarised light.

Unlike standard sunglasses, polarised sunglasses are laminated with tiny vertical stripes that only allow vertically angled light to enter the eyes. By wearing polarised sunglasses, glare is eliminated almost immediately as the light waves cannot bypass the vertical filter.

Is There Much Difference Between Polarised Sunglasses And Regular Sunglasses?

You’re probably thinking polarised sunglasses do the same thing as standard sunglasses, but that’s not the case. Standard sunglasses offer basic protection against bright light and UV rays which is why many opticians recommend UV400 sunglasses at the bare minimum. However, these lenses aren’t always able to reduce glare.

Polarised sunglasses block blinding glare and can also enhance visual acuity, colour contrast, visual comfort and blocks 100% of harmful UVA/B light.

If you’re trying to decide which is right for you, our full polarised vs non-polarised sunglasses comparison breaks down exactly when each option makes more sense, including a side-by-side look at cost, driving, screens and low-light performance.

What Are The Different Types?

Polarised sunglasses are available in nearly all lens types, materials, coatings and designs. There are two main types – polarised varifocal sunglasses or polarised high index sunglasses. These can be added to any frame type such as rimless glasses.

Just ask one of our opticians in store who can advise you further.

How Can Polarised Sunglasses Protect My Eyes During The Winter Months?

There are various ways polarised sunglasses can protect your eyes during Winter. They can:

Reduce glare from light-reflecting surfaces such as water, glass and snow
Improve contrast, visual comfort and acuity
Block blinding glare that sunglasses and standard sunglasses would otherwise struggle to block
Be particularly useful for people with certain eye conditions that make them more sensitive to light such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Help prevent eye strain and fatigue
Sharpen the contrast between light and dark surroundings

Can I Wear Polarised Sunglasses All The Time?

There are certain situations where it’s not a good idea to wear polarised sunglasses. For example, it’s difficult to see LCD screens or displays through them. People who work in high-risk or critical work (like pilots or machine operators) should avoid wearing them.

Finding The Right Pair For You

Interested in polarised lenses? The good news is you can add them to nearly all of our sunglasses.

For the complete picture on choosing sunglasses lenses — UV ratings, tints and lens types — see our Sunglasses Lens Guide.

Why not visit us in one of our stores to try on our extensive range of sunglasses? We have styles to suit all fits, styles and personalities so you’ll never be short on choice. Remember, regular eye exams can detect any eye conditions early so it’s important you attend them when necessary. Your optometrist will also be able to discuss potential options for polarised sunglasses with you.

Find your local branch by using our store locator.

The post Everything You Need to Know about Polarised Sunglasses appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Winter Eye Care Tips for Healthy Eyes

Kirsty Martin — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:00:06 +0000

As winter steadily approaches and the days get shorter, eye health has never been more important. Cold air, indoor heating and reduced daylight can all take a toll on your eyes, here’s how to keep them comfortable and healthy through the colder months.

Keep Your Eyes Moisturised

We all have a natural tendency to neglect our eyes during the winter months, especially with cold winter winds and central heating playing havoc with our eyes. Winter air is drier than that of other seasons, and indoor heating only adds to the problem, as heaters and radiators strip moisture from the air, leaving none for your eyes. It’s important that you keep your eyes hydrated when temperatures start to plummet, as dehydrated eyes can feel dry, gritty, and sore.

Invest in some quality moisturising eye drops to keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation. Using a humidifier indoors will also help regulate air moisture. You can further minimise symptoms by keeping yourself hydrated, reducing the setting on your central heating, and protecting your eyes from cold winds and heaters at face level, particularly in the car.

When Dry Eyes Don’t Get Better

If your eyes still feel dry, gritty, or sore after a few weeks of eye drops and the changes above, it’s worth getting them checked. Ongoing dry eye is often caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelids, which drops alone won’t fix. A dry eye assessment find the cause, and treatments such as IPL dry eye therapy can help where drops haven’t. For more on causes and treatments, read our complete guide to dry eye.

Wear Your Sunglasses

Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer months.

In fact, they can be worn all year round to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Snowfall, ice and the sun sitting lower in the sky can create reflective surfaces that dramatically increase the amount of bright light your eyes are exposed to.

Unfortunately, some people can develop new light sensitivity during winter due to a condition known as snow blindness (photokeratitis), where UV glare from snow, water or other bright surfaces can cause the cornea to become inflamed. Whilst UV400 sunglasses can protect your eyes with the highest level of protection, you may also want to consider polarised lenses.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Maintaining healthy eyes isn’t just about what you put on them; it’s also about what you eat. Focus on eating leafy greens such as kale, and keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. A balanced diet supports your overall eye health, not just during winter but all year round.

Monitor Your Screen Usage

We naturally spend more time indoors during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean your screen usage should increase. As tempting as it can be to spend more time scrolling on your phone, watching endless hours of TV, or gaming, remember to take regular breaks, especially if you work on a computer screen all day. The more time we spend looking at screens for extended periods, the more likely we are to blink less, which can cause dry, irritated eyes and even pain and redness.

Practise the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help reduce any discomfort from digital eye strain and prevent your vision from deteriorating.

Wear Your Glasses

If you wear contact lenses, you might notice that they cause irritation during the winter months, which is perfectly normal.

Instead, try switching to spectacles, which will help alleviate any irritation. If you’re a contact lens wearer but don’t own any glasses, book in with us today and we can help.

Stay Safe While Driving

The reflection of light off icy roads can cause difficulty when driving, so ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out. Keep an extra pair of sunglasses in the car to protect you from low winter sun glare. Additionally, avoid pointing your car heater directly towards your eyes, as this can dry them out further. Do not use “night driving glasses” or yellow-tinted lenses; our guide on night driving explains why.

Practise Good Hygiene

Winter is notoriously cold and flu season, which can affect your eyes through inflammation. Keep on top of hand washing and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes where possible, to limit the number of bacteria and viruses you come into contact with.

Lighting Is Important

As the nights draw in, lighting is even more important during the winter months, with natural light becoming significantly lower.

Poorly lit conditions can cause unnecessary eye strain, redness and headaches, all of which can be prevented with the correct lighting.

When choosing lighting in your home for the winter months, consider the following:

Opt for warm light bulbs to create a more natural feel in your home.
Ensure you have multiple light sources in a room without relying on a bright overhead light.
Shade any bulbs so that they do not shine directly into your eyes.

Still Concerned About Your Eye Health?

If you have any concerns about your eyes or you’re due a check-up, book an eye test at your local D.I. Blow Opticians branch with us today. Our team are there to help.

The post Winter Eye Care Tips for Healthy Eyes appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Do I Need UV400 Protection For My Eyes?

Kirsty Martin — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:59:53 +0000

When buying a new pair of sunglasses, it’s important that you not only consider style, but how well they will protect your eyes from UV damage. For many people who are new to the opticians, knowing what level of UV protection you need can be confusing. Luckily, here at D.I Blow Opticians, our optometrists can help when advising on UV sunglasses protection.

Below, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide on UV sunglasses protection, why it’s important and how to ensure you’re choosing the right pair for you.

What Is UV400 Protection?

You’re probably wondering what UV protection is best for sunglasses. The answer? UV400. UV400 is the most effective blocker of harmful ultraviolet light as it can filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays. This makes them the best choice of sunglasses to ensure that your eyes are fully protected from sun damage.

UV Damage To Eyes: What Are The Risks?

UV damage is one of the biggest risks when it comes to maintaining optimal eye health. Generally, sunlight contains many different types of light rays including invisible and high-energy rays, also known as ultraviolet (UV). Frequent exposure to UV rays can have a detrimental impact on your vision, in particular UVA and UVB rays.

UV damage to eyes is one of the biggest concerns amongst optometrists as it can lead to both long and short-term eye health conditions. Regular visits to your opticians can help detect any onset conditions sooner rather than later, as well as help prevent any further damage.

UV damage to eyes can cause the following:

Photokeratitis – This is a type of sunburn to the outer layer of the cornea. This can occur after spending too much time at high altitudes with little sun protection, such as during snow sports. Symptoms can include red, swollen eyes, but this is only temporary and can be cleared up with the right treatment.
Cataracts – A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Whilst they are more commonly found in older adults, they can be found in younger people too. For people with cataracts, seeing through a cloudy lens is a little bit like looking out of a fogged-up window. Cataracts can make it difficult to read, drive a car or go on with everyday life, but they can usually be removed with a minor surgery.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a type of eye disease that can blur your central vision. This happens when aging causes damage to the macular which allows you to see more centrally.
Eye-lid cancer – Cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are linked to UV exposure. Symptoms of eyelid cancer can include loss of eyelashes, a sore on the eyelid that bleeds or doesn’t heel or a notch on the eyelid. If you suspect you have any of these symptoms, it’s important that you consult your GP immediately.

This is why UV protection for eyes is so important. By investing in a good-quality pair of UV sunglasses, you can give your eyes a better chance of staying healthier for longer.

How To Tell If A Pair Of Sunglasses Offers UV Protection

If you’re ever unsure about whether your sunglasses offer UV protection or not, we can help. Whether you have a pair of sunglasses from us already or you’re hoping to get a new pair, we’re here to ensure you get the best possible UV protection for your eyes.

However, as a general rule of thumb, if your sunglasses offer UV protection, they will feature the CE or UV400 mark on the frame. The CE mark shows that the sunglasses conform with the health, safety and environmental requirements of the EU, which in turn, ensures that your eyes are receiving optimal UV protection.

The category for the lens shade (0-4) will also be marked on the frame. UV protection is usually built into the lens material itself or added as a coating — our guide to lens coatings explained covers UV coatings and the other options available in more depth.

What Else Can I do To Prevent UV Damage?

In addition to investing in a good-quality pair of UV sunglasses, there are other measures you can take to prevent UV damage to your eyes.

Alongside sunglasses, wearing a hat when exposed to UV light is another simple way to protect your eyes from any UV damage. SPF is also essential. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.

Still Have A Question?

We’re always here to help. Visit us in store to speak with our team and explore our collection of UV sunglasses. For the complete guide to choosing sunglasses lenses — UV ratings, tints, and lens types — see our Sunglasses Lens Guide. You can find your nearest store here.

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