Sunglasses - General Information
Offering designer sunglasses all year long, from Prada and Chanel to Ray Ban classics we have them all. The very best brands will ensure that you get clear and sharp vision. We offer both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for activities such as skiing or for people abnormally sensitive to glare.
What's more our friendly staff are on hand to give free advice on the style that suits you and how to protect your eyes from the Sun. As standard all of our Sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB to protect your eyes from any harmful UV rays. Sunglasses give comfort in very bright conditions by reducing the total amount of light reaching the eye and, in particular, protect the eye from the damaging ultra-violet (UV) part of the spectrum. There are two types of UV - UVB and UVA.
UVB is radiation within a wavelength of 280nm to 315nm (nm = nanometre, which is one millionth of a millimetre!) This radiation is substantially absorbed at the surface of the cornea but can reach the retina. Excessive exposure can cause permanent damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, but this may not progress if further exposure is avoided.
UVA (315nm - 380nm) radiation penetrates more deeply and can cause damage to the crystalline lens and retina. Permanent effects such as cataract development are seen as accelerations of the ageing process.
Non UV absorbing lenses can do more harm than not wearing anything at all. Behind a tinted lens, the pupil opens wider allowing in more UV light than would happen normally and thus reduces the eyes' natural protection.
What about Prescription Lenses?
Sunglasses are available to your normal optical prescription. We will be pleased to advise you, as to what is available.
Which Sunglasses are Best for Driving?
Tinted glasses should not be worn at night or in poor visibility. Sunglasses should not be used at night to stop head lamp glare. They should also be removed if driving from bright sun into a tunnel. Don't pick a very dark tint. A medium density is normally sufficient and it is safer as it transmits more light.
Graduated Tints
These are tinted darker at the top than at the bottom and give useful protection from bright overhead light, leaving a lighter area for map reading or seeing the dashboard as well as other uses.
Photochromic Lenses
These lenses darken on exposure to sunlight and should react efficiently in changing light conditions. They should not leave much tint present when the lens is not exposed to the sun.
Polarising Lenses
These lenses reduce reflections from wet or polished road surfaces, but they reveal the stress patterns in older types of toughened windscreens, which can be hazardous. Ideal for sailing.