You do not need to be staring into the sun for it to damage your vision. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can bounce off of sand, water, snow, and even clouds. If you are spending a significant amount of time outside (even on a cloudy day), it is best to wear some kind of protection against UV rays.
The simplest and most effective way of keeping your vision safe from UV rays is to don a stylish pair of UV-coated prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. A good UV film can block up to 100% of UV rays from entering your eyes, allowing you to safely enjoy the outdoors on even the sunniest of days.
Get a high-quality and fashionable pair of UV-coated sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses at Blink Eyewear. Our stores in Creekside, West Springs, and Crowfoot offer large selections of UV-coated eyewear suitable for any occasion and budget. Whether you are looking for designer frames, sports frames, or even frames for your kids, Blink Eyewear can easily add UV protection to them for you.
Why You Need UV-Coating On Your Prescription Eyeglasses And Sunglasses
Spending time outside without proper UV protection is just plain dangerous. UV rays come in 3 types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC is blocked by the ozone layer and rarely reaches your eyes, both UVA and UVB can seriously damage your vision. UVA is especially dangerous, as it can penetrate your eyes all the way to your retina. UVB, while less invasive than UVA, can still cause corneal inflammation and a host of other eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
To ensure that your eyes are completely safe from both UVA and UVB rays, look for prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses that offer UV 400 protection. Such designation means that the UV film coating your glasses is strong enough to repel 100% of UV rays.
Sunglasses Do Not Always Protect You From UV Rays
Note that not all sunglasses offer UV protection. Indeed, the low-priced sunglasses found in your nearest drugstore may not have that little UV certification sticker in the corner of the lens. Contrary to popular belief, sunglasses are meant to help you see better against the sun’s glare; they are not necessarily manufactured to protect you from its UV rays. In fact, a pair of sunglasses without UV coating will make your eyes even more susceptible to photoradiation as the dark tint lets your pupils dilate in the sun.
UV Protection Can Be Lost
The UV coating on your eyewear may weaken over time. This is particularly true for over-the-counter sunglasses, which have their UV film tacked on the surface of the lens. This type of UV protection, even if it claims 100% UV protection, will wear off after a few years. Conversely, prescription sunglasses sold by an eye clinic have their UV coating embedded within the lens. Embedded UV protection does not deteriorate over time, allowing you to enjoy the same pair of sunglasses for as long as you wish.
UV Protection Is Not The Same As Polarization
Though most high-quality UV-coated glasses are usually polarized, UV protection and polarization are not the same thing. Polarization aims to reduce glare from the sun and grants you a crispier vision under sunlight. It does nothing to deflect UV rays. If you are keen on polarized glasses, make sure they are UV-coated as well.
See With Confidence
UV-coated prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses can be the difference between exposing your eyes to harmful damage and enjoying life outdoors while protecting your vision.
Considering how advanced and accessible UV protection has become, arguing against it is difficult. With such an important benefit and virtually no downsides, UV protection should be part of every single pair of glasses. Customers only turn down UV protection when they cannot find a pair of glasses they like that come with it.
That is not a problem at Blink Eyewear. Our stores in Creekside, West Springs, and Crowfoot are filled with stylish, UV-coated prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. If our current selection does not quite hit the mark, our opticians can easily apply anti-UV technology to the lenses of any frames of your choosing. Your vision is important to us, and we are committed to protect it. To learn more about our large inventory of UV-coated eyewear, drop by at one of our stores in Calgary or call us at 403-516-2292.
FAQs
Q: Is UV protection expensive?
A: No. UV protection factors little in the cost. The quality and craftsmanship of the frames and the type of lens determine most of the cost of the eyewear.
Q: Is UV protection the same as blue light protection?
A: While UV rays and blue light are not the same, UV-coated eyewear does protect you from the blue light emitted from LED screens as well. For maximum protection, combine UV coating with blue light coating.
Q: Does the lenses’ colour matter when it comes to UV protection?
A: No. The colour of the lenses does not determine how well the lenses will absorb UV rays.