As the sun shines brighter and longer during our Aussie summers, it's tempting to enjoy the outdoors more than ever. Particularly with all the amazing activities and beauty at our doorstep here on the Gold and Tweed Coasts. While sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be harmful—especially to your eyes. From cataracts to pterygium (a growth on the eye), and even skin cancer around the eyes, UV rays can lead to serious conditions if we don’t take the proper precautions.
Why Protecting Your Eyes from UV Rays Is Crucial
The skin isn’t the only part of your body that needs sun protection—your eyes are also highly susceptible to damage. UV radiation can affect various parts of the eye, potentially causing long-term harm over time. At our optometry clinics here on the coast, we frequently see the impact of UV exposure on patients of all ages, which is why eye protection needs to be a top priority.
The Key to Protecting Your Family is to Start Early
Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable to UV damage because they tend to spend more time outdoors, and their eyes are more sensitive. Establishing good sun protection habits early, while they're young is critical for long-term eye health. If your family is already familiar with the SLIP, SLOP, SLAP message to protect your skin from the sun, it’s time to add one more: SLIDE on some quality sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Now Let's Talk Sunglasses a Minute 
Not all sunglasses offer equal protection. At Envision, we recommend sunglasses with high-quality lenses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. We suggest choosing sunglasses with a rating no less than Lens Category 3, which offer the perfect balance of glare reduction, UV protection, and comfort. Even better for the best protection and clearest vision, you can't go past polarised lenses. These lenses are excellent for cutting out glare, especially from reflective surfaces like water or roads. This makes them ideal for how much time you spend outside, whether you're driving, enjoying the beach, running errands, or taking a stroll.
Polarised lenses will enhance your visual clarity and enrich colour, all while providing you essential UV protection—just like sunscreen does for your skin. These lenses are also available to be customised to your prescription - single vision, bifocal, and multi-focal designs, so there’s something to suit everyone’s needs and tastes.
Treat Yourself This Season
If you're ready to invest in a new pair of quality sunglasses this summer, or maybe thinking ahead for Christmas, we carry a wide selection of designer frames for the whole family that combine fashion with function. Whether you’re looking for iconic brands like Maui Jim, Carrera, or Ray Ban, just to name a few, we’ve got the perfect pair to keep you stylish while protecting your eyes. Come in and take a look at our extensive collections.
Come Visit Us for More Advice
At Envision, we prioritize your eye health. If you have any questions about UV protection or would like help selecting the right sunglasses, don’t hesitate to stop by. Needless to say, if you have any concerns with your vision, don't wait to book an appointment. We’re here to ensure that your family's eyes remain healthy and protected, not just in summer but all year round. Protect your eyes today so you can continue to enjoy the beauty of tomorrow’s sunrise without a worry!