We all know what glare is. The intense sensation caused by intense light can range from uncomfortable to disabling. This intense light can cause eye strain and, after prolonged exposure, a painful condition called photo keratitis. Much like the skin, the UV rays of the sun can burn the surface of the eye. One of the most common sources of glare are reflective surfaces and computer screens.
Lens Treatments
Some may balk at the added expense of lens treatments, but most people simply follow the direction of their doctor. The procedure is simple enough, choose the frame, order the lenses and you’re done, right? While it may sound like a simple solution, there are ways to get the most protection out of your anti-glare lenses.
Coverage
Ideally, wrap around style glasses are best. You may have seen people who live in particularly sunny climates or near the beach wearing this style. Professionals, like those at All About Eyes, know that this because it provides the best coverage for those who may be particularly sensitive to glare. But, if that style won’t work for you, choose a wide lens that sits close to the face to minimize stray beams of light.
Tinting
Graduated lenses offer the best of both worlds. They become darker as the light becomes more intense and cut glare at the same time. If you are in the market for prescription sunglasses, don’t be fooled by the dark lenses. Lightly tinted lenses can be just as effective in cutting the glare. Be sure that they are polarized in order to keep flashes of intense light from blinding you.
Identify the Source
Not all glare is created equal. Snow reflects 80$ of the sun’s rays, meaning that debilitating glare is more common in winter than in summer. While many people expect to deal with glare during outdoor activities, others experience it more as a result of bare light sources or backlit screens. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the sources of your glare so that they can recommend the treatments that are right for you.
There are a number of ways that you can avoid glare and the strain that it puts on your eyes. Adjusting the brightness or contrast on your computer screen, wearing sunglasses on sunny days, and even adding light shades to your lamps can help. For people whose work requires hours of looking at backlit screens every day, your optometrist may have recommended that your prescription lenses have anti-reflective or polarized treatments. Work together with your doctor to get the right pair of glasses for you.