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.

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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.

 

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Summer Will Be Here Soon – Time to Get Sunglasses

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Summer will be here soon, and before you know it, you’ll be spending long hours in the sunshine. Whether you’re at the pool or playing a sport or fishing on a lake, it’s important to wear your sunglasses. Sunglasses can help protect your vision and they’re good for safety as well. Here’s what to know about getting sunglasses in Champaign, IL.

Why Get Sunglasses?

There are many reasons to get sunglasses. See below:

  • UV protection. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV rays, the invisible rays that come from the sun and do damage to various tissues in the body.
  • Safety. Sunglasses can also help you stay safe when driving and navigating busy streets. Sunglasses block glare and can help you avoid collisions and accidents.
  • Aesthetics/beauty. The right pair of sunglasses look great, and can help round out your wardrobe for the summer.

How to Get Prescription Sunglasses

If you’d like a pair of sunglasses, start by getting an eye exam to determine what kind of prescription you need. If you already have corrective lenses, this eye exam will tell you whether your prescription has changed.

How to Pick Sunglasses You’ll Love

Choosing the right sunglasses can be tough. Start by making an appointment with an eye doctor that has a large selection of sunglasses. Go into their showroom to view the different frames. Try them on. Bring a friend who can look at each pair of sunglasses and give you feedback to help you decide which frames are best for you.

Make An Appointment Today

Are you ready to get sunglasses? Call your eye doctor in Champaign, IL to learn more about getting sunglasses before summer. Call Champaign Eye Professionals today.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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How to Choose the Best Sunglasses

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Sunglasses aren’t just a fun summertime accessory; they’re a necessary one to keep your eyes safe from the sun. Cataracts, eye growths, and eye cancer are just some of the eye conditions that may be brought on by unprotected long-term exposure to the sun. Your eye doctor offers a variety of prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL, to meet all your needs. Here’s information on how to choose the best sunglasses.

Block as Much UV as Possible

Invest in sunglasses that protect UVA and UVB rays 99 to 100 percent of the time. Labels may cause confusion. Some claim that sunglasses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, while others claim they provide 100% UV 400 protection. No worries, both will completely filter the sun’s dangerous rays.

Bigger is Better

Sun damage to the eyes is reduced the more your sunglasses provide coverage. Consider investing in large or wraparound spectacles to lessen the amount of UV that enters the eyes from the sides.

Don’t go on Color Alone

Even though darker sunglasses may appear more stylish, they do not necessarily block more UV radiation than lighter lenses.

Think Polarization

Polarization is a technique that decreases the glare that is produced by reflecting surfaces such as snow, water, and pavement. Even though this does not provide additional protection from the sun, it may make activities like driving or participating in snow activities safer or more pleasurable.

Have a Fitting

Just like prescription eyeglasses, your sunglasses must fit properly. The best way to ensure that your sunglasses will be comfortable, offer the right amount of protection and that you’ll be more likely to use them is to have your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, do a professional fitting for you.

Why not come in and find a pair of sunglasses in Champaign, IL, that will work for your lifestyle? We look forward to serving you! Contact us today!

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3 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Sunglasses From Getting Scratched

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Sunglasses have a way of getting scratched! They’re often only worn for a part of the day, and when they’re not being worn, they’re shoved in glove compartments, beach bags, purses and more.

If you’re tired of your sunglasses always being a scratched up mess, there’s a solution to your problem! By working with your eye doctor in Champaign IL, and by taking measures to keep your sunglasses in good condition when they’re being used, you can extend the service life of your sunglasses. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Scratch Resistant Coating

Scratch-resistant coating is an excellent tool to protect your sunglasses from scratches, but you’ll likely need to put the coating on when the sunglasses are made, so ask about scratch coating when you buy your sunglasses.

2. Use a Glasses Case

A glasses case is your first line of defense against scratches, even if your glasses also have a scratch-resistant coating on them. Avoid the temptation to store your glasses loose in your purse, in your car’s sun visor, or in your pants pocket – unless, that is, you’re putting them inside a case.

3. Pick a Safe Spot to Keep Your Sunglasses

In addition to using a case to keep your glasses safe, you should also pick a safe location where you can keep your glasses without worry they’ll be damaged. This might be your car’s glove compartment, a secure place in your purse, or on your dresser.

Are you in need of new sunglasses in Champaign IL? Contact the Champaign Eye Professionals to get new glasses with scratch-free lenses! You’ll be glad you did.