Help with sunglasses

[Bobbie915]

Hello everyone,

I think it's time that I bought prescription sunglasses. After having cataract surgery, my distances sight was quite good. Unfortunately, wet AMD in both eyes, is taking it's toll and my long distance sight is not so good now. The thing is, I do prefer the wraparound glasses, they always seem to fit better and stop the light getting in. I believe they were not popular because of the curve in the lens but they have now improved on this. Does anyone have this type and are they successful? Any tips would be much appreciated. Unfortunately, my optician doesn't have any of this type. Am I taking a big chance buying online?

[Rufuscat]

Not really relevant to wrap around sunglasses, but I've just bought extra thin varivocal transition sunglasses. Not that cheap but they were half price, and it means I don't need to keep swapping my sunglasses with glasses when I go into shops etc.

[Bobbie915 in reply to Rufuscat]

Thanks Rufuscat. I haven't tried varivocal. I have had bifocal but for quite a while now, I've had separate long and short distance glasses. Both go dark in the sun. I assume that's what you mean by transition. I find that my long distance (transition) glasses are not really very good outdoors, especially if the sun is shining. My eyes are very sensitive to light since I had the cataract surgery. That's great that you can get by with just one pair - beats all the swapping of glasses and know how great the extra thin lenses are - expensive but worth it. Thanks and best wishes to you.

[Hidden]

Hi. Like rufuscat I have transition varifocals (from adsa optician, excellent quality and value).

I think a while ago someone mentioned a particular style of Oakley wraparound prescription sunglasses they were impressed with.

Don't know if they've got the frame you want but my hubby has been v happy with Glasses Direct. Or you could ask optician if they can use your prescription to glaze a frame bought elsewhere? Asda have done that for me before.

Before I got my transitions I just wore sunshade overglasses which were wraparound (I still use them now on inj days to keep dust out of eye). They were only about a tenner.

Let us know how you get on x

[Marynal]

Hi, I recently purchased wrap around sunglasses that go over your regular glasses.They are brilliant. I was a bit dubious at first remembering the old clip on ones. They fit over most prescription glasses and are almost undectable in wear.

[Ayayay80]

Hi Bobbie 915

Like eyesright I have been wearing wraparound sunshades over my ordinary varifocals. I got them from our local Low Vision Charity Shop for £10.00. They worked very well. The only drawback is that they look quite large on my small face. But even more of a problem is that after wearing them both together for a few hours they tend put pressure on the back of my ears and eventually give me a headache even though they are very light.

I had to get stronger varifocals recently, but I feel I made a mistake by going for transition glasses. I find they do not keep the glare out of my eyes, yet when I am outdoors trying to read an OS map on my walks I cannot read them because , nor can I use my GPS properly even with the screen light on. So I wish now I had got the ordenary varifocals again as I cannot use the wraparound shades with my new glasses. It's a problem knowing what's for the best. I am considering going back to the optician and ask to have the lenses changed. Hope you get sorted with your glasses.

[Hidden]

I use wrap around overglasses purchased on ebay, very light, very inexpensive and good quality they do not have a lower frame which makes them less obtrusive. Also, they can be flipped up in a similar way to the clip-on ones. If you are troubled by glare as I am, polarised lenses cut 50% of the light spectrum, and a hat with a peak works well too.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Bobbie915,

Individuals with a macular related condition tend to develop a heightened sensitivity to glare. The glare is produced by the blue light in the spectrum. Ordinary sunglasses protect against the UV but not the blue light. Therefore, individuals can find that they can end up trying to eradicate the discomfort from the glare by wearing ordinary sunglasses which are too dark for the lighting conditions, thereby obscuring their vision. The way to potentially address this is to choose spectacles from the anti-glare protection range, as they both protect against the blue light in the spectrum and the UV, and come in a range of shades. Therefore, an individual can either choose to purchase one shade or various for different lighting conditions.

Anti-glare protection comes in a variety of styles of frames; however, fit-overs are handy when an individual already wears spectacles.

In terms of colour choice, as an indication, e.g. yellow anti-glare fit-overs are generally good for indoor use as they do not reduce the amount of light coming in; reduce glare, increase contrast and definition. They are also suitable for outdoor use on a dull day when glare may still be an issue, but there is not adequate natural light to wear a darker shade. On a brighter day out an orange pair of fit-overs may be advisable, followed by an amber pair on a very bright day out.

I am attaching the link to our booklet on Protecting your eyes:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

Please contact us for suppliers details.

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[Bobbie915]

Thank you for extremely useful information. A lot to digest and I will pour over it all many times. At least this has given me good pointers for what I should be looking for. xxx

[boyosww]

Hello all I have now a pair of these glasses & have helped when its very sunny was awful before I had the sun glasses.