Sunglasses

Vision doesn't follow trends.

6. April 2022, Author: Paula Blahová, Photo: Nora a Jakub

It needs protecting year-round, and perhaps a bit more carefully during the sunny months. How do sunglasses help with this, and what shouldn't be missing from them? Your favourite optician has answers!

In summer, our eyes might get a break from screens, but in return they take quite a beating from the sun's rays. If we neglect protecting our eyes from solar radiation over time, we can increase the risk of damaging our vision.

Let's start with a bit of theory: UV or ultraviolet radiation is an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It's divided into UVC, UVB, and UVA, though we're mainly concerned with the last two types – UVC radiation is almost completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. UVB is largely blocked by the ozone layer, but it can still burn an unprotected eye and damage the cornea or conjunctiva. UVA reaches Earth at 90 to 99% strength. It penetrates directly to the retina and can lead to premature cataracts or macular degeneration causing vision loss.

When exposed to direct sunlight, the pupil contracts defensively to protect the eye from an influx of light rays. That's when cheap sunglasses do more harm than good. If we cover the eye with a dark lens that lacks proper UV filtration, we simply trick it. The pupil dilates and lets in some of that dangerous UV radiation.

When choosing sunglasses, it's important to look for 100% UVA and UVB protection. At ZITA we make this easy – all the sunglasses in our collection offer the highest level of protection.

The right choice also depends on how you'll use them. Behind the wheel, by the water, or in the mountains, you're battling not just direct sunlight but also its reflections. A polarized filter can help – it works almost like a venetian blind. Gradient lenses, or partially tinted glass, let you see more clearly in shade and indoors. Fans of functionality will appreciate photochromic lenses, which transform prescription glasses into sunglasses within seconds. Classic, uniformly tinted lenses protect your eyes equally from every angle, making them a good choice for direct sun or nature.

And since we're ZITA, we insist that sunglasses must fit properly too. Unlike prescription frames, with sunglasses it's perfectly fine if they cover your eyebrows. The sun's rays hit us from above too, and a larger lens means better coverage. Of course, the right angle to your face is important – the frame shouldn't sit on your cheeks. And despite the popular trend, sunglasses really don't belong halfway down your nose, but rather at its bridge, which they should follow nicely.

Finally, when choosing, look for a pair that fits not just your nose but your personality too. On our website you'll find a colourful selection of non-prescription sunglasses – classic, cat-eye, metal, and clip-ons. If they don't fit, you can return them free of charge within 30 days. If you're interested in prescription sunglasses or just want to try on a few pairs, drop by our shop. You can book an appointment here.