Short days, long nights
Because the UK is closer to the North Pole than the Equator, there are significant variations in the length of our days and nights. These seasonal changes pose a variety of vision-related challenges, which might affect your optimal choice of eyewear.
Low sun The sun is lower in the sky between late autumn and early spring, often shining directly into your eyes. Our sunglasses will reduce dazzle, as well as protecting against harmful ultraviolet light.
Changes from day to night Photochromic lenses graduate their tint according to the amount of light reaching them. They’re very effective as ambient light levels drop, which is also useful when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.
Reflections Wet or snowy surfaces reflect sunshine that causes people to squint and experience discomfort. Polarising lenses lower the risk of headaches from sun glare by reducing reflections, which is especially beneficial for activities on water.
Take care in the dark Low light levels reduce depth perception and colour recognition. These changes may really affect everything from reaction times to fatigue levels, so give yourself (and your eyes) regular breaks.
Winter sports provide a perfect example of how important appropriate eyewear can be. Skiers and snowboarders often wear dedicated sports eyewear with lightweight polycarbonate lenses.
These shatterproof lenses typically come with scratch-resistant coatings for added durability, and protect against reflections and UV light.
Whether you’re choosing sports eyewear or normal sunglasses, ensure each pair of frames fully covers your eyes without any gaps, to prevent sunshine getting through.
Levels of UVA and UVB light actually increase in snowy conditions or high altitudes, so suitable protection is still important in winter. Our range of sunglasses lenses will block both types of UV rays.
Eyelids are the fastest-moving muscles in the human body. They are capable of blinking five times in a single second.
They stop our eyes from drying out, while eyelashes protect against perspiration and foreign bodies like dust.
The beauty of choosing an independent optician
Independent opticians are hugely diverse, and each practice is a unique entity reflecting the values and enthusiasm of its owners.
Unlike some of the larger optical companies, we don’t have sales targets imposed by a distant head office. Having the freedom to run our own business means we can take the time to understand you and your eye care needs.
Having the choice of appointments with the same optician every time enables us to get to know you better, helping us to care for your eyes more effectively. As an independent optician we are frequently better equipped than chain rivals, and national companies struggle to match our sophisticated new equipment or diverse product ranges. Because we’re not tied to any suppliers or committed to selling particular ranges, we can stock and recommend the products that are best for you.
It’s no surprise that Which? magazine rated independent opticians as the top optical provider for customer satisfaction in its two most recent industry surveys. Independent practices provide a level of care and continuity that many of the larger companies couldn’t hope to match.
Finally, there’s one huge advantage in trusting your vision to an independent optician – we have time for you. With our skills and knowledge, we spend however long it takes to ensure your vision is as clear and healthy as possible. Your eyes deserve nothing less.