LASIK surgery patients enjoy almost immediate beneficial results. However, it’s still important to protect your eye health from the sun in the days and weeks following the LASIK procedure. The Eye Surgery Education Council states doctors may prescribe or recommend special sunglasses to wear, but protecting the eyes from UV rays is important year-round to preserve your eye health. For sunglass shopping prior to your laser surgery procedure, here are some excellent tips to keep in mind as you browse:
Tips On Choosing The Right Lenses
Polarized and mirrored lenses -Sunlight is the most dangerous enemy for your eye health, but light glare reflecting off water, snow, glass or cement pavement can also do damage to your eyes and your vision. That’s why polarized lenses, which greatly reduce glare, are a wise and prudent purchase advised by the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Polarized sunglasses are particularly useful for active individuals who spend a lot of time outside, or near bodies of water, particularly during the bright summertime.
Dark lenses are better lenses- Even with polarized sunglasses, everyone needs sunglasses that will protect eyes from UV radiation. As a rule, darker colored lenses are better. When testing out a pair, wear the glasses indoors and stand in front of a mirror. If your reflection can be seen clearly in the mirror, you should buy much darker lenses than the glasses you are trying on.
How many do I need? -Most people actually have more than one pair of sunglasses, which can be good for your eye health! For example, the darkest lenses may be ideal for a day spent at the beach, but when you’re driving, you might want something that is a little clearer in true vision. You can also consider having an extra pair to keep just in case you accidentally leave your favorite pair behind.
Be Selective -The quality and eye health safety of sunglasses should be at the top of your mind when searching for a pair of sunglasses. However, if you pick out glasses that don’t suit your personal style and look, you’ll be unlikely to wear them as you should, increasing the chance for UV exposure. In addition to finding glasses that block out UV radiation and cut down on glare, look for a pair of frames that flatter your face and go with your overall look.
Evaluate Your Needs
In the sunglass selection, choices are endless. One important decision is whether to get polarized or regular sunglass lenses. Evaluate your needs for sunglasses carefully. Too much unprotected exposure to sunlight causes vision problems such as cataracts and other unforgiving eye diseases.
Polarized lenses protect eye health and are better at blocking glare from sunlight, snow, glass, water or metal. Polarized lenses may eliminate glare, but since they cost more than regular sun lenses, people hesitate. Generally the cost is $20 to $60 more for the same sunglass style in polarized lenses. For people who have had LASIK surgery, or if they work, live or play near the water or on snow slopes or even if you are around glaring cement pavement daily, it is worth the price to conserve eye health.
Therefore, ask not just which is better for eye health, but which is better for your life and the activities you’re involved in. If you’d like more information on your eye health, or if you’re wondering if LASIK can help you, contact us HERE!