Question: My friend has been raving about her prescription sunglasses. Are they worth it?
Answer: There are many positives to the pair of sunglasses your friend has. To start, wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes when outdoors or around town, even when it is not a particularly sunny day. We often think about protecting our skin using sunscreen from ultraviolet (UV) rays, but preserving the health of the eyes is equally as important. Polarized lenses provide 100% UV protection and reduce light glare (by specifically blocking out reflected light). Patients often prefer polarized lenses for driving purposes, outdoor activities, winter events, and water sports. Having prescription sunglasses allows for the best vision and can aid your visual comfort. Doing things such as driving, watching your footing on a hike, or reading a menu at a patio restaurant are made easier when your personalized prescription is in your pair of sunglasses.
Customizing the sunglasses further can come in the forms of anti- scratch coating, lens tints, and more. Some patients may also prefer the benefits of fit-over sunglasses. The name says it all, these larger frames fit over your regular prescription glasses, and provide ample UV protection in all areas, making them ideal for driving. Altogether, an important thing to remember is that UV rays are not just a risk in the summertime when the sun is out. Therefore, finding the right pair of protective sunglasses for all seasons is an excellent idea!