Do Sunglasses Need to be UV-rated?

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Sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. They can help protect your eyesight, reduce the chances of developing macular degeneration, and help keep you safe from poor vision due to the sun’s glare. There are lots of sunglasses available, so the question is, do you have to buy sunglasses that are UV-rated, or will cheaper sunglasses suffice?

How UV-rated Sunglasses Protect Vision

The sun emits UV (ultraviolet rays) rays, which are harmful to the eyes. Ultraviolet rays are invisible to the naked eye, yet pose a threat to your eyesight in the form of cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, and more. UV-rated sunglasses block this light, keeping it from reaching your eyes.

How to Choose Sunglasses

Sunglasses will carry a sticker or label indicating whether they are UV-rated. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays for optimal protection. If you buy your sunglasses in Champaign, IL, at your optometrist’s office, you can be sure of getting premium lenses that will protect your eyes from damage. You can also get prescription sunglasses that offer the additional benefit of vision correction.

Note that if you are buying sunglasses elsewhere, don’t assume they’re UV-rated just because they have dark lenses. UV protection in lenses requires a special coating. Without it, dark lenses may look good, but they won’t give your eyes any more protection than if you didn’t wear sunglasses at all.

Added Benefits of UV-rated Sunglasses

Finally, there’s the added benefit of choosing UV-rated sunglasses. These special lenses will not only offer protection to your eyes; they also keep damaging UV rays from reaching the delicate skin around your eyes where wrinkles often appear.

To shop for lenses today, book an appointment or come on into your Champaign, IL optometrist office and see the wide range of options available.

3 Tips to Find Better Sunglasses

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All sunglasses in Champaign, IL, offer some degree of protection from the rays above, but that doesn’t mean that all brands and models are created equally. We’ll look at what the differences are and what you should look for when you’re selecting your next pair.

Look for UV Protection

If it’s a reputable brand, it’s going to say what you can expect in terms of UV protection. Choose a pair that protects against UVA and UVB light. If you’re concerned about your current sunglasses (maybe you want to keep them for variety), there are optical shops with light meters that will test just how much of a barrier the sunglasses provide. Bigger sunglasses do not necessarily offer better protection from UV rays.

Don’t Choose Based on Lens Color

It’s worth noting that lens color is not necessarily a factor here. Just because you choose the darkest lenses that you can find doesn’t mean that you’ll be guaranteed better protection. Checking the label, assuming it’s from a trustworthy source, is the best way to ensure your eyes are covered. In addition, polarized lenses may or may not offer UV protection (you’ll have to look for a brand that guarantees UV filtering in addition to polarization).

Talk to an Optometrist in Champaign, IL

The right optometrist in Champaign can tell you more about what kinds of sunglasses will be best for your eyes. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we help each patient choose based on more than just how well the frames complement their sense of style. While different patients will be more at risk for sun damage, the reality is that the adverse effects of the rays above will accumulate over time. If you don’t want to take chances, schedule an appointment with us today.

4 Winter Eye Care Tips

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As the weather turns colder, it’s important to take care of your eyes. Changes in weather can impact your eye health and comfort. Knowing how to ensure that your eyes will stay healthy this winter is important. As your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, we can help! Here’s what to know about how to take care of your eyes as the weather gets cool.

1. Use Over the Counter Eye Drops

Sometimes winter weather can lead to dry eye, a condition that occurs when the eyes don’t make enough tears. Using over the counter eye drops can help alleviate discomfort from dry eye. Eye drops are sold in pharmacies, convenience stores and grocery stores. Keep eye drops on hand to keep your eyes comfortable if you start experiencing the effects of dry eye.

2. Wear Sunglasses

Glare on snow can make seeing difficult when you’re driving and participating in outdoor activities. Don’t put your sunglasses away, just because it’s winter! Keep your sunglasses with you in a case, and put them on when spending time outside.

3. Protect Yourself from Dry Eye

Aside from using over the counter eye drops, there are other things you can do to protect yourself from dry eye. Run a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist and comfortable. Avoid using your blow dryer on high heat; use a cooler setting. If you continue to experience the effects of dry eye, talk to your eye doctor.

4. Make Your Annual Eye Appointment

If you wear corrective lenses, you should see the eye doctor on a regular basis to get an updated prescription. If you haven’t yet been to the eye doctor for your routine eye exam in Champaign, IL, contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment.

Is It Important to Wear Sunglasses in Winter?

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When you think of summer, do you think of sunglasses? For many people, sunglasses are a symbol of sunny summer weather. Despite this association, sunglasses need to be worn all year round. Knowing the benefits of sunglasses important, and can help you make good choices for your eyes. In this article, we’ll discuss why you should wear sunglasses in Champaign, IL, even when the weather is cold outside.

What Are the Benefits of Sunglasses?

Sunglasses have many benefits, including:

  • Block glare. Glare can affect your eyes all year round, causing challenges while you’re on the road and participating in outdoor activities. Wearing sunglasses can make driving safer and easier, no matter what time of year it is.
  • Protection from UV rays. UV rays can do damage to your eyes in many ways. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can put you at risk for cataracts, and too much exposure on a bright sunny day can even cause your eyes to become sunburned. Sunglasses can help protect you from these problems.
  • Protection from eye strain. Exposure to bright lights can cause eye strain, which can be uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses can prevent eye strain.

Why Should You Wear Sunglasses in Winter?

Sun shines all year round. In addition, snow can reflect sunlight in a way that can cause eye strain and glare. Wearing sunglasses is one of the best ways to protect yourself from these problems.

Do You Need Prescription Sunglasses? Contact Your Eye Doctor

If you have prescription lenses, then you should have prescription sunglasses. At Champaign Eye Professionals, we have a wide range of glasses frame options. Need new prescription sunglasses? Call us to make an appointment with your eye doctor in Champaign, IL.

Do Sunglasses Help Prevent Cataracts?

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Sunglasses are a great way to keep yourself from squinting, but more importantly, they block UV rays from the sun. Keeping these damaging rays from your eyes may prevent cataracts in Champaign, IL. If you’re looking for a way to be proactive, see why this is and what else you can do to stay on the right side of your vision.

Cataracts and the Sun

Cataracts affect the lens of the eye, turning it from clear to yellow. It’s sometimes known as a natural aging process, and to a certain extent, there’s some truth to that. However, because UVA and UVB rays can both damage the eye and because they can penetrate fairly deep into this important organ, people who wear sunglasses are less likely to get cataracts.

There is no definitive connection between the sun’s rays and cataracts, but it is true that cataracts are a type of damage and that the sun is known to cause damage to the human body. People who wear sunglasses early often have a lower chance of getting cataracts later in life. In fact, some studies put the odds at 20% or more. Considering the fact that more than half of all people get cataracts by the time they’re 75 or older, buying a good pair of sunglasses in Champaign, IL, is something to consider.

Finding Sunglasses in Champaign

Even the cheapest pair of drugstore sunglasses will offer you some degree of protection against the sun. However, if you’re looking for a quality pair of sunglasses that will be as stylish as they are safe, it can help you find a good optometrist in Champaign, IL. At Champaign Eye Professionals, our staff can give you all the advice you need on how to protect your long-term vision.

 

How to Go from Outdoors to Inside with Prescription Sunglasses

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Prescription sunglasses offer numerous benefits to anyone who’s tired of squinting or wearing hats when they wear their regular glasses. However, it poses the question of how you can easily transition from bright natural light to somewhere like the interior of a movie theater. We’ll look at a few tips and how you can make the right decision if you’re ready to purchase a pair of glasses.

You Can Wear Them Inside

People who wear prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL can wear them indoors (even if the optics of this decision may look a little strange). Prescription sunglasses may not be recommended in a dark room, but in rooms with lots of windows or bright lights, it can cut down on squinting you do. Reducing squinting isn’t just good for the lines on your face, it’s also good for headaches you might get from too much stimuli. Plus, you’ll block out UV rays that can come through the glass. This can potentially help you ward of vision loss as you age, particularly if you’re prone to macular degeneration.

The Pros and Cons

For those who don’t want to wear prescription sunglasses inside, the best alternative is to keep your regular glasses in your pocket or purse. You can even put your glasses case in your glove compartment so they’re ready to go as soon as you park, and as soon as you come back out. You can also consider transitional lenses instead of sunglasses, which will darken in bright light and clear up as you head indoors.

Sunglasses in Champaign, IL

The right optometrist in Champaign, IL can tell you more about whether prescription glasses would be a good fit for you. At Champaign Eye Professionals, our staff is here to help you find the perfect fit.

3 Ways to Prevent Your Sunglasses from Being Scratched

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After spending time at the beach and playing sports and on the go during a busy summer, sunglasses often look worse for wear. Protecting your sunglasses from scratches can extend their service life and give you more time to enjoy them. By establishing good habits with your sunglasses and by working with your eye doctor in Champaign IL, you can help protect your sunglasses from scratches this summer.

1. Put Them In a Case

Keeping your sunglasses in a case is the first and easiest way to ensure that your glasses will not be scratched while they’re not in use. When choosing a case, prioritize sturdiness.

Look for a case that will totally enclose your glasses without allowing grit inside as your glasses are carried around from one place to another. If you spend a lot of time at the beach, it’s especially important to have a case that will keep out sand. Make a habit of putting your sunglasses in a case any time you aren’t wearing them.

2. Establish a Spot Where They “Live”

Put your sunglasses case in one location and keep it there – whether it’s in your purse, the glove box or on your nightstand. Establishing a spot where you always keep your sunglasses will help you avoid putting your sunglasses in places where they’re likely to get scratched – like on the seat of your car or in the bottom of your beach bag.

3. Get An Anti-Scratch Coating

Ask the eye doctor for an anti-scratch coating when you’re ordering your new pair of sunglasses. An anti-scratch coating will help keep the lenses scratch-free and clear for years of use.

Want to get a hard case or an anti-scratch coating for your sunglasses in Champaign IL? Call Champaign Eye Professionals today to make an appointment.

5 Benefits of Sunglasses Beyond Appearance

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As spring and summer approach, you’re likely going to want new sunglasses in Champaign, IL. Sunglasses are available in both prescription and non-prescription versions. As long as you’re wearing them, there’s no reason you can’t get both kinds if necessary. Here are five benefits of sunglasses beyond appearance.

1. Reduced Glare

Sunglasses cut down on glare significantly. This results in less eye strain from sunlight or from reflective surfaces such as water or vehicles on the road.

2. Wrinkle Prevention

Whether you call them smile lines or crow’s feet, wrinkles around the eyes can make a person look older than they actually are. Wearing sunglasses helps to prevent these wrinkles in two ways. They keep you from having to squint in sunlight and they help to protect that thin, delicate skin around the eyes from UV rays.

3. Better Driving Visibility

When you wear quality sunglasses behind the wheel, you’ll have better visibility. This is especially the case when you’re driving on roads when the sun is low in the sky and straight ahead of you. In turn, this can help you to see more clearly and react more quickly to potential hazards on the road.

4. Headache Prevention

If you’re prone to headaches, wearing sunglasses every time you go out may help. Migraines and other kinds of headaches can be triggered or exacerbated by bright sunlight and squinting, and sunglasses can help keep this from happening.

5. Clear Vision

If you opt for prescription sunglasses, you don’t have to sacrifice the clear vision that your regular eyeglasses offer, even while enjoying outdoor recreation with your family and friends.

When you’re ready to shop for new prescription or non-prescription sunglasses, visit your eye doctor in Champaign, IL for a wide selection of styles for adults, teens and kids.

Polycarbonate Vs. High-Index Lenses: Which Ones Are Right for You?

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If you’re trying to settle on the best type of eyeglasses in Champaign, IL, for you, you might be more interested in what kind of frame will best fit the shape of your face.

However, before you start checking your wardrobe to see how well it matches the color of the exterior frame, you might want to consider which lenses will be best for your eyes. If you’re between polycarbonate or high-index lenses, we’ll look at what you should know.

How to Choose

Before deciding, keep the following in mind:

  • Prescription: In general, you’re better off choosing a high-index if your prescription is more severe, meaning anything above -5 and anything higher than +3. (This is usually the easiest way to choose.)
  • Weight: Polycarbonate is lighter than high-index, even if it’s actually slightly thicker than high-index lenses.
  • Clarity: In terms of how clear the lenses are, you might be surprised to learn that they’re about the same. High-index ranks as slightly better, but the difference is negligible for most people.
  • Safety: Polycarbonate is extremely durable, making it an excellent choice for children or for anyone wearing glasses while playing sports.
  • Upgrades: If there’s a new upgrade on the horizon, chances are you’ll be eligible for it if you get polycarbonate. If you think you’ll get an add-on, like a tint, see if you’re eligible for polycarbonate.

Eye Doctors in Champaign

If you’re looking for an eye doctor in Champaign, IL, who can steer you in the right direction, Champaign Eye Professionals can tell you more about which material will work best for your long-term health. The quality of the lenses you choose can have a lot to do with not just how well you see but also how your eyes fare over time.

3 Reasons to Wear Sunglasses Every Day

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Sunshine is great for many areas of our health. However, spending time in the bright sunlight isn’t healthy for our eyes. That said, it’s important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays and other elements.

Keep reading to learn 3 key reasons why you should wear sunglasses every single day.

Prevent sun-related health issues

Our eyes are one of the most sensitive areas of our bodies. If you’re exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, many health conditions can occur, and some can even be life-threatening. To give your eyes top-notch protection from those harmful sun rays, invest in high-quality sunglasses. Make sure to find models that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, as this is the highest defense against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Let’s take a look at the common health conditions caused by constant sun exposure:

  • Cataracts & Glaucoma
  • Skin cancer
  • Macular degeneration
  • Pterygium

Not sure which sunglasses are right for you? Whether you need prescription or non-prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL, Champaign Eye Professionals is here to help! Call us today to make an appointment.

Improved, more comfortable outdoor vision

Trying to see anything in the bright sunshine can be a huge challenge. Not only can this be annoying and uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Whether you’re driving, riding a bike, or playing sports, wearing sunglasses can help protect you from the blinding sun.

Protection from the elements

Wearing sunglasses on a daily basis can also protect you from the elements, such as snow, sand, and wind. Snow blindness is very real, which is when the sun’s glare on snow actually burns the cornea. That said, always wear sunglasses while playing in the snow. When it comes to sand and wind, wearing sunglasses keeps these elements out of your eyes.

Contact our eye doctor in Champaign, IL, today to find the perfect sunglasses for you!