Shielding your eyes all year round

A good pair of sunglasses is more than a fashion statement. Quality lenses and the right shaped frame can enhance your vision, reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

UV protection

When you’re in the market for new sunglasses it’s important to make sure they provide adequate UV protection. The sun can be just as harmful to your eyes as your skin. Long term exposure to UV rays can cause a range of eye diseases including cataracts. Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive, as the sun’s rays penetrate deeper into the eye, which may result in damage to the retina or lens.

Top tips when buying sunglasses:

• Make sure sunglasses have Australian Standards Compliant labeling
• If glasses are marked 'fashion spectacles' they provide little or no absorption of UV rays
• Choose category 2 and 3 sunglasses for everyday use
• Category 4 sunglasses provide a high level of UV protection (but they are very dark and should not be used for driving)
• Choose a frame that fits – oversized frames and wraparounds are great for protecting areas around the eyes too. Bigger is better!

Polarised lenses

Polarised lenses are perfect for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or on the water. They can help improve your vision by reducing glare and eye strain. If you’re sensitive to light, polarised lenses could really benefit you – especially if you’re recovering from cataract surgery.

What does vision with polarised lenses look like?

Click and drag the image below to see how polarised lenses can change your vision.

How do they work?

Sunlight scatters in all directions, but when it hits a flat surface like water the light is reflected in a horizontal direction creating glare. Polarised lenses have a special filter which blocks horizontal light meaning glare is significantly reduced. That means they can enhance your vision and reduce eye strain - and as long as they comply with Australian Standards they also provide protection from harmful UV rays.