Your vision is precious — protect your eyes from the sun

Worshipped since the dawn of civilisation, the sun symbolises life itself. Its energy is synonymous with rejuvenation, good health, beauty, and sport. The sun, however, is not without its dangers with its intense rays. It can lead to unpleasant red eyes and potentially more serious damage, even blindness. Your optometrist can advise which type of sunglasses to protect your eyes generally, or for specific sports or occupational needs. Children in particular are extremely sensitive and without protection are all the more susceptible to long term damage. The eyes of a child under the age of 10 transmit over 75 per cent of UV radiation compared to 10 per cent in adults over the age of 25. Photochromatic lenses such as Transitions are very useful. They darken when outdoors according to the light intensity, then change back to clear when indoors. Clear high impact lenses such as Airwear also provide 100 per cent UV protection, especially for active children.

Sunglasses for sport

Whether it is for driving, golf, sailing, biking, or running there is a multitude of different lens types that provide 100 per cent UVA/UVB protection. Optometrists now play an active role in sports vision training and skills. Accurate vision and depth perception directly affects your sports performance as well as co-ordination, concentration, and balance. Optique offers an extensive range of sports sunglasses, most notably Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Adidas, Bolle, and Serengeti drivers. Optique will consider how technology can optimise your performance; optometrists prescribe, fit, and choose sunglasses that hug your face and protect your vision. Polarised lenses (also in prescription) totally eliminate glare. Robust yet lightweight wraparound, shatter resistant, designs stay securely on your face with thermo grip nosepads and sides. Interchangeable lenses and prescription adaptor inserts, sweatbars, and sportsbands are developed together with athletes to keep sight on the central concepts of vision and performance.

Sunglasses for style

Optique stocks a huge selection of designer eyewear and sunglasses such as Prada, Dior, Versace, Bvlgari, Armani , Roberto Cavalli, DKNY, Oliver Peoples, and Gucci. Fashion and fun is portrayed through such brands as Diesel, Miss Sixty, and Cavalli. Large aviator retro chic is the latest inspiration for that cool, classic, urban look. Molten metallics, precious stones, and animal prints make the latest eyewear extremely desirable. Optique Opticians will help you choose eyewear which is right for your look, your prescription, and your lifestyle.

Call in and see for yourself — Optique Opticians is located in the Briarhill Shopping Centre, Ballybrit, beside Dunnes. This state of the art opticians provides free parking and is wheelchair accessible. Owned by optometrist Elaine O’Sullivan FAOI, Optique offers an amazing range of designer and budget glasses and sunglasses. Optique offers discounts to company employees and sports club members.

For more information contact Optique at (091) 386669 or visit www.optique.ie