sunglasses-for-vision-health

5 Benefits of Sunglasses Beyond Appearance

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.

couple-with-sunglasses

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

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.

wearing-sunglasses-everyday

3 Reasons to Wear Sunglasses Every Day

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!

woman and man in love traveling on bicycles at sunset sea

How to Choose the Best Sunglasses

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!

preventing-scratched-sunglasses

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

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.