Pro Vision Eyecare Collins Place

Sunglasses.Contact UsDon’t risk your vision and the safety of youreyes with inferior quality sunglasses. For furtherinformation or a professional fitting please callor visit your ProVision Optometrist.ProVision OPTOMETRISTSALT 3341 saltcreative.com.auProVision

When Marco Polovisited China in the13th century, heobserved some ofthe first sunglasses inthe world. The lenses,made of naturalquartz, protected thewearers’ eyes fromglare. They alsodistinguished theknowledgeable, therich and the influential.Today, you do not need to be influentialor rich to wear sunglasses, but it helps tobe knowledgeable, so you can make theright eyewear choice and achieve the bestlevel of sun protection for your eyes.

Why Sunglasses?More than just a fashion accessory,sunglasses should protect your eyes fromdamaging ultra-violet rays, glare and theheat of the sun. Your prescription can alsobe applied to sunglasses ensuring youachieve optimal vision.Sunglasses should be worn by all membersof the family, particularly children, to guardagainst the damage caused by the sun.➔ Ultra-violet (UV) rays contribute toconditions such as cataracts andpterygiums so it is essential to wearsunglasses when outdoors whichprotect against these harmful rays.➔ Sunglasses have tinted lenses to blocksome visible light so as to enhanceyour visual performance. Typicallysunglasses will block at least 65% ofvisible light. However, the level or colourof the tint is not an indication of thelevel of UV protection.➔ Glare is created by reflected light andcan reduce our ability to see clearly andcomfortably. Sunglasses can help toreduce the effects of glare and eliminatethe need to sqint.➔ In addition to ultra-violet rays, the sun alsoemits infrared (IR) rays which generateheat and can make your eyes feel hot anddry. Sunglasses should block 75-100% ofIR rays for optimal eye comfort.

Lens OptionsLens materialsThere is a range of lens materialsavailable today. Most sunglass lensesare either plastic or polycarbonate.Polycarbonate offers a higher level ofimpact resistance, particularly for childrenand when playing sport.Discuss your specific requirement with youroptometrist and they will recommend a lensthat’s right for you.Lens ColoursSunglass lenses are available in a great rangeof colours from traditional greys and brownsto fashionable pinks, lilacs and blues.Grey is recommended when true colourrepresentation is important and is good forthose who spend long hours in brightsunlight or for drivingGreen, like grey, is a good multi-purposelens colourBrown and Amber enhance contrastand depth perception. Amber tints arerecommended for snow sports anddriving in hazy conditions.Rose enhances contrast, but not as clearlyas amber does, although some people findrose to be more comfortable to wearFashion tints in a range of coloursare excellent for creating a great look.They work well for indoor/outdoor use.

Lens OptionsPolarised lensesPolarised lenses eliminate reflected light,restoring optimal vision. They contain aseries of tightly fitted opaque lines thatneutralise reflected light by only allowing lightin from one direction. Polarised lenses aresuitable for any prescription and arerecommended for people who spend a lot oftime outdoors, whether your passion isfishing, golf or a big part of your day is spentdriving or working outside.Prescription lensesIf you wear glasses, particularly to correctyour distance vision, you will benefit byhaving your prescription applied to yousunglasses. This will ensure your vision ismaintained when wearing sunglasses,especially for tasks such as driving.Even if you require no vision correction or youwear contact lenses most of the time, it’sessential to wear sunglasses to protect youeyes from the sun’s rays and to providecomfortable vision in bright sunlight. Underthese circumstances you will not require aprescription to be applied to your sunglasses.

Australian StandardsAll sunglasses sold in Australia mustcomply with the AS 1067 standard whichspecifies how much UV radiation theymust block. Sunglasses purchasedoverseas may not comply with theAustralian standard.Sunglasses meeting the requirements of AS1067 should be labeled as such. You mayalso see some product tagged as "EPF 10"(Eye Protection Factor rating 10) and theseactually exceed the requirements of AS1067, thus providing even greater protection.To be sure your sunglasses meet theAustralian standard, purchase them froma ProVision OptometristThere are 3 broad classifications ofsunglasses all of which indicate varyinglevels of protection and are designed fordifferent purposes:➔ General purpose are designed to reducesun glare and protect from harmful UVrays in ordinary circumstances➔ Specific purpose are intended forsituations where general purposesunglasses may not provide adequateprotection due to the presence of higherlevels of UV, eg flying or skiing➔ Fashion sunglasses provide the lowestlevel of UV protection and are generallyworn for cosmetic purposes only.

Choosing SunglassesEnsure the sunglasses you select meetthe following essential criteria:➔ They are identified as general or specificpurpose sunglasses (and not fashion).➔ Their label indicates they comply withthe requirements of AS 1067 or arerated EPF 10.➔ The lenses absorb at least 95% of UVradiation (or transmit less than 5% UVR).➔ If the sunglasses are to be used whiledriving, then colours should still beeasily recognized when viewedthrough the lens.Sunglasses are an optical appliance andshould be purchased from an eyecareprofessional. Your ProVision Optometristhas access to manufacturers’ technicalinformation and can provide you with allthe advice you need to make the rightdecision. Only sunglasses meeting theAustralian Standards are available fromyour ProVision Optometrist.If required, your prescription can be appliedto your new sunglasses and they will beadjusted to provide an exact fit, ensuringyour comfort and the best possibleprotection from the sun’s rays.

Tax DeductibilityIf you wear sunglasses while workingoutdoors you may be eligible to claim atax deduction on your sunglass purchases.To determine if these deductions apply toyou, visit the Australian Tax Office websiteat www.ato.gov.au or call 13 28 61.Caring for Your SunglassesHaving invested in quality sunglassesit’s important to maintain them inpremium condition.➔ Store them in their case when not inuse to prevent damage➔ Never leave them in your car where theymay be exposed to extreme temperatures➔ To clean use a lens spray or rinse yoursunglasses in warm water and dry themwith a soft lint free cloth.Make the righteyewear choiceand achieve thebest level of sunprotection foryour eyes.Whether you require sunglasses forsport, leisure activities, everydaywear, driving or just want to look cool,your ProVision optometrist should beyour first choice for sunglasses. Wecan apply your prescription to yourlenses, if desired, and you will feelconfident in the knowledge that weonly provide the highest qualitysunglasses and that all products soldmeet the Australian standard.If you have any questions aboutsunglasses or about protecting youreyes from the sun, please contact us.Front cover image