Leitrim people urged to consider benefits of prescription sunglasses
People in Leitrim are being encouraged to protect their eyes this summer by choosing prescription sunglasses, with Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore highlighting their benefits for driving, outdoor activities, UV protection and clearer vision in bright conditions.
People across Leitrim who need vision correction are being encouraged to consider the benefits of prescription sunglasses for outdoor activities and driving.
According to Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore, prescription sunglasses provide the best possible vision correction outdoors while offering a range of tint options to improve comfort in bright conditions.
The practice says that prescription sunglasses fitted with polarized lenses can provide added protection from glare and eye strain on sunny days. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks bright reflections of light from water, sand, wet road surfaces and windshields.
Even for people who wear contact lenses, Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore says a separate pair of prescription sunglasses is a worthwhile investment. They allow wearers to remove their contact lenses if they become dry or uncomfortable outdoors while still being able to see clearly on sunny days.
The practice also advises against wearing contact lenses while swimming, stating that doing so increases the risk of serious eye infections that can cause serious complications.
Prescription sunglasses are available for virtually any lens prescription, including varifocal, distance and reading lenses, and can be made to suit individual needs.
Prescription sunglasses are available in a variety of lens materials, including lightweight polycarbonate, which is also highly impact resistant and widely used in children's lenses. Other materials include Trivex, high-index plastic and glass.
While glass lenses provide what the practice describes as the best optical quality, they are less popular because they are heavier than other lens materials and can shatter more easily. However, they remain available on request.
Another option is prescription lenses with a photochromic tint, which darkens automatically in sunlight. However, Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore notes that many photochromic lenses do not darken well behind vehicle windshields. For driving, people are advised to ask their optician about photochromic sun lenses designed for both driving and outdoor use.
The practice says the primary consideration when buying prescription sunglasses should be ensuring that the lenses block 100% of the sun's harmful UV rays.
It notes that UV protection is unrelated to the colour or darkness of the lens tint, meaning wearers can choose their preferred lens colour provided their optician confirms the lenses offer full UV protection.
According to Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore, while quality prescription sunglasses represent a significant investment, they can provide good value for people who spend considerable time outdoors or driving by helping them see clearly and comfortably while reducing sun-induced eye strain.
For more information on special offers for prescription sunglasses, contact Advanced Eye Care Ballinamore on 087 618 8763.
The practice also reminds people that those with a medical card or PRSI entitlements may be eligible for an eye test and glasses.