Eyelevel Opticians, Islington

Islington's finest independent optometrists and eye-care specialists.

Three happy young women wearing sunglasses taking a selfie with the Houses of Parliament in the background, in a sunny, outdoor setting.

Prescription Sunglasses

We can put prescription sunglasses in 99.9% of the frames in our store. Just pick a frame, chose a style and colour, and we’ll get them set up for you.

Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they serve as a vital protective gear for our eyes. There are countless reasons why incorporating sunglasses into your daily routine can be beneficial for your ocular health and overall comfort.

6 Reasons why you should consider donning a pair of Prescription sunglasses regularly.

1. Protection from UV Rays:

The most pivotal reason to wear sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Extended exposure to these rays can lead to various eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium – a growth that can obstruct vision.

Quality sunglasses can block out 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, ensuring your eyes are shielded against potential damage.

2. Reduced Glare

Sunglasses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, which can cause distractions while driving or during outdoor activities. Glare comes in several forms, and understanding its different types can help you choose the right type of sunglasses:

Types of Glare

  • Distracting Glare occurs when light reflects off smooth surfaces, leading to visual noise that reduces clarity of sight. It’s the reason you might squint when light bounces off a shiny car.
  • Discomforting Glare is caused by an excessive brightness that can cause eye strain and make it uncomfortable to see. Think about the feeling of stepping outside on a snowy day and being met with an intense, bright reflection.
  • Disabling Glare is more severe, often impairing your vision completely due to extreme brightness or high contrast. This kind of glare can momentarily blind drivers when sunlight reflects off another vehicle’s windshield.
  • Blinding Glare, also known as “flash blindness,” is intense and can completely block vision, such as when staring directly into the sun. This type of glare can be dangerous in situations where unobstructed vision is crucial.
Prescription Sunglasses and 'Four types of glare' with comparison examples of each glare with and without glare-effects.

Wearing sunglasses helps mitigate these types of glare, keeping you more comfortable and safe in environments with strong light.

3. Enhanced Vision

Wearing sunglasses can enhance your vision outdoors. By reducing glare and filtering out bright light, sunglasses can help you see more clearly and prevent the need to squint, which can reduce the risk of developing wrinkles around your eyes and forehead over time.

A woman with sunglasses and a denim jumper smiles while driving a vehicle, with a clear blue sky and ocean in the background.

4. Protection from Elements:

Besides shielding your eyes from sunlight, sunglasses also protect against wind, dust, and debris. When engaging in outdoor activities, especially at high speeds like when cycling or skiing, wearing sunglasses can prevent particles from entering your eyes, which could lead to irritation or injury.

5. Skin Cancer Prevention:

The delicate skin around your eyes, including your eyelids, is highly susceptible to skin cancer. Sunglasses with a proper UV protective barrier can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer in this sensitive area.

6. Health Conditions and Medications

Individuals with certain health conditions like glaucoma or those on medications that increase light sensitivity can benefit significantly from wearing sunglasses. They help in managing light sensitivity and provide comfort from harsh lighting conditions.

In conclusion, sunglasses are essential for more than just creating a stylish ensemble—they’re a protective tool for maintaining the health and function of your eyes. To ensure maximum protection and benefits, it’s important to select sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, fit properly, and suit your lifestyle needs.

Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone who simply cherishes their vision, investing in a decent pair of sunglasses is a choice you’re unlikely to regret.

We can put prescription sunglasses in 99.9% of the frames in our store. Just pick a frame, chose a style and colour, and we’ll get them set up for you.

Be it Academy Awards nominee, Fighter Pilot, Britpop nerd, Ski Dude, Beach Bum or the sort of person that likes to wear sunglasses on the tube (and no, we’ve never understood that one either!) we know we can offer you the look that you’re after.