Madeira Optical in Cincinnati, Ohio offers large selection of polarized and designer sunglasses; including collections from Maui Jim, Kate Spade, Lafont, Tommy Bahama, Kaenon Polarized, Oliver Peoples, and Salt. All of our sunglass collections can be made into prescription sunglasses. We are an authorized Maui Jim Prescription Lens Retailer. Most eyeglasses can be fit with prescription sunglass lenses as well.
Why Wear Sunglasses?
Eye Health: Sunglasses help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Healthy eyes are happy eyes.Reduce Glare: Sunglasses reduce glare for safer, more comfortable vision. Reduced glare can also lead to less eye strain and related headaches. Polarized sunglasses are particularly effective at reducing glare from surface reflections. Surfaces like water, snow, and car windshields can cause extremely bright reflections that are distracting and can interfere with vision. Reflective glare is particularly dangerous when driving, riding a motorcycle or boating.
Eye Protection: Sunglasses are an effective wind barrier. Blocking the wind helps keep eyes moist and comfortable. Certain styles of sunglasses can provide improved protection from eye injuries.
Sunglasses Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Most Cincinnatians know the importance of UV blocking sunscreen to protect their skin from aging and diseases. Unfortunately, according to a recent American Optometric Association (AOA) survey, only 32 percent of Americans understand the same is true when it comes to protecting their eyes from aging and diseases.If the eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, a sunburn; called photokeratitis can occur. This condition may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Photokeratitis is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage. Ongoing exposure to UV radiation, however, can cause serious harm to the eyes and age them prematurely. Research has shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness, in adults and eye cancer. Long-term exposure may also cause damage to the retina, a nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. . A good way to monitor eye health, maintain good vision, and keep up-to-date on the latest in UV protection is by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams with a Madeira Optical eye doctor.To provide adequate protection for the eyes, the AOA recommends sunglasses should:Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiationScreen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. Sunglasses should be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.
Why Should Children Wear Quality Sunglasses?
Madeira Optical also urges parents to remember to protect infants and children's eyes from the sun at all times. This is particularly important as kids tend to spend more time in the sun than adults.