Sunglasses

Whilst sunglasses can be a wonderful fashion accessory, they are also extremely important for protecting delicate eyes. Sun exposure increases the risk of eye disease and related vision loss. Sunglasses are essential for safety and comfort whilst driving. Taking eye health seriously requires selecting quality lenses, recommended by an optometrist.

At Neilson Eyecare we only stock sunglasses with a 100% UVA and UVB protection rating. Our range includes glasses for men, women and children. We stock safety sunglasses, fashion sunglasses, prescription sunglasses and fit-over sunglass. The brands we stock have been selected for their quality protective lenses as well as being on point with current fashion trends. Brands include, Maui Jim, Mako, Oroton, Sass & Bide, Adidas and Bill Bass.

When visiting the practice, please bring your current sunglasses with you so that our optometrists can assess if they are providing adequate protection. We will also give them a quick clean and adjustment – please ask at reception for this free service.

UV Protection

 Research from the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation has found that eyes are 10 times more sensitive to the sun’s ultra violet rays, than skin. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays are linked to the conditions of cataracts, macular degeneration and ptergium and diseases, such as cancer. This is especially important for people living in Australia, and more importantly Queensland, which experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation of any country in the world.

Whilst some contact lenses can protect against UV rays, they do not cover the whole eye or the skin around it so wearing sunglasses is still necessary.

Australian Sunglass Standards

Sunglasses sold in Australia must be tested and labelled according to the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles.

Look for a lens category of at least 2 or preferably 3. Under AS/NZS 1067.1:2016, sunglasses and fashion spectacles are classified as one of the following:

• Lens category 0: Fashion spectacles 

These are not sunglasses, as they have a limited UV protection and very low ability to reduce sun glare.

Lens category 1: Fashion spectacles 

Like category 0 lenses, these are not sunglasses; however, they do provide limited sun glare reduction and UV protection. Fashion spectacles with category 1 lenses are not suitable for driving at night

• Lens category 2: Sunglasses 

These sunglasses provide a medium level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection

• Lens category 3: Sunglasses 

Similar to category 2, these sunglasses provide a good level of UV protection. Lens category 3 glasses also provide a high level of sun glare reduction

• Lens category 4: Sunglasses

These are special-purpose sunglasses that provide a very high level of sun glare reduction and good UV protection. Never wear them while driving

At Neilson Eyecare we only stock Lens category 2 or above sunglasses.

Consider the area around the eye too. Wrap around sunglasses can prevent the harmful UV rays from entering the eyes from the side and also help protect the delicate skin around the eyes.

Glare Protection

Glare can be very uncomfortable and may lead to headaches, migraine and reduced visibility. The sun’s light reflecting from glass, white objects, wet and flat surfaces, into the eye can be particularly difficult to tolerate. Light sensitive people and those with developing cataracts and after recent eye surgery, such as cataract removal, are most susceptible. Glare sensitivity increases every year as a person ages.

Polarized lenses contain a filter that blocks the intense light caused by reflection from flat surfaces. In almost all cases, we use polarized lenses for patients as they afford the highest level of glare protection available.

Lenses with an anti-reflective coating reduce the glare caused by light reflecting off the back surface of the lens.

Sunglasses with or without prescription can come in a range of colours, tints and mirror coatings.

Our optometrists can help you choose the most appropriate lens for your situation.

Prescription Sunglasses

Virtually all our sunglasses can be made with your unique prescription. If you wear sunglasses to drive, exercise in, read at the beach, play golf, check your phone, choose from a menu, then you will appreciate how convenient it is to do it all in one pair of glasses.

Patients with Health Fund Extras in most cases will be able to claim their sunglasses. If you work outside, you may be able to claim your sunglasses on your tax return too.

Please ask our optometrists if prescription sunglasses would be suitable for you.

 Safety Sunglasses

 For patients who work outside, quality sunglasses are a necessity. We have seen many patients with metal fragments, acid burns, sticks and seeds in their eyes which could have been avoided had they been wearing safety glasses.

 In many cases, if your occupation requires you to work outside, sun protection, including sunglasses, is tax deductible.

 Children & Teenager Protection

Protecting children and teenagers from harmful UV rays should not be overlooked. With 80% of an adult’s lifetime exposure to UV occurring before their 18th birthday, it is crucial to protect children from birth.

The Slip, Slop, Slap campaign has been successful in highlighting the importance of wearing sunscreen and covering up. However, the new campaign of Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide has included the equally important messages of seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses. Wearing a hat alone is not sufficient eye protection from the sun.

 We have a large range of age appropriate, quality sunglasses to choose from with no appointment necessary.