Bennett Optical Sun Vision

It's that brief time of year where the warm rays of sunshine have us rushing to the shops for t-shirts, shorts, hat and sunglasses. We're keen to be outside and perhaps go abroad to enjoy some guaranteed good weather.

There's plenty of choice available locally with sunglasses in different colours, styles, tints and MOST importantly UV protection for our eyes. The price tag varies and not all are built to last but if it's not UV400 rated you might wish to chose one that is.

We popped into the Bennett Optical outlet to talk to Sandra and Carol who have over 25 years experience and we knew we'd get some good advice.

Why be concerned about sunlight?

"It's not just the bright sunlight you're trying to filter out. Eye Cancer, Cataracts, Growths and Photokeratitis are all related to the harmful UV light and it doesn’t need to be a sunny day to have high exposure. "

What should we be doing?

"Just like your skin needs protection from the sun so do our eyes. Sunglasses and hats do offer protection and limit the damage."

Protect your eyes at all times, if the glasses are cheap they'll rust!

"The sunlight comes from all around us and not just from overhead. Reflections off the sand, pool, buildings and it's not only in summer it's all year round especially if you go skiing."

On holidays you'll often find a huge choice of cheap 'roadside' sunglasses but they're often poor quality. If they're counterfeit copies then people generally accept that they're fashion items that are not going to offer UV400 protection regardless of what the label says.

"Always buy before you fly and from a reputable outlet."

Available at Bennett Optical

For most of us we want something fashionable and to filter out the bright light and Bennett Optical has a wide choice and it's not only for those who wear prescription glasses. There's a price range to suit everyone and all ages are catered for.

Unlike the typical holiday roadside displays these really are UV 400 rated.

"UV light doesn’t only cause sunburn and skin damage it also permanently affects our eyes."

Sunlight comes through the side of the frame.

"Tinted glasses cause the pupils within your eye to expand to allow in more light just like they do at night. Glasses with small lens allow unfiltered sun light to come in from the sides of the frames so close fitting ‘wrap around’ styles offer more protection."

Wide arms or wrap around frames to shield the eyes.

"People should also be aware that the heat and dehydration also has a negative effect with symptoms of sore, dry and tired eyes often accompanied by headaches or worse. Therefore have frequent drinks to re hydrate."

At Bennett Optical you'll discover a wide range of sunglasses and accessories from cases, cleaners, neck ropes.