Latest news with #Beautaste
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Sunglasses wearers are just learning they 'expire' and how to check
People are only just discovering that sunglasses can actually 'expire', potentially leaving eyes vulnerable to lasting harm. Several warning signs can help spot when its time to fix or change your shades - and spotting them early can help dodge some serious yet preventable health issues, reports MirrorOnline. Unlike food, sunglasses don't arrive with a use-by date stamped on them. READ MORE: UK tourists face extra bill for leaving on appliances while going on holiday Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join Instead, people usually get a few years' worth of wear from their glasses before the ultraviolet (UV) protection begins to deteriorate to a level where their eyes aren't as shielded from damaging UV radiation. Eyewear maker Beautaste suggested that time alone isn't the issue. Inevitable things that lead to everyday wear and tear - including scratches, poor storage, and long UV exposure - all ensure that sunglasses become less effective over time. Specialists advise that a decent pair of durable sunglasses can usually last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." However how long your beloved shades actually last will depend on how you wear, store, and maintain them. A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo recommended swapping UV-protective sunglasses every two years. However, this was based on the particular scenario of continuous, direct sunlight exposure (at least two hours daily, every single day, for 730 consecutive days) and most people don't use sunglasses in such harsh conditions - though the research does demonstrate the harm the sun's rays can inflict. Sunglasses work by limiting the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. This is achieved through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, such as UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, improving visibility in bright conditions. This is particularly beneficial in situations where glare can be problematic, such as driving. The National Eye Institute warns that exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage ranging from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. To prolong the lifespan of your lenses, experts recommend storing them in a hard case when not in use. Regular cleaning with a microfibre cloth and keeping them away from heat and direct sunlight are also advised. It's best to avoid placing them lens-down on hard surfaces to minimise the risk of damage. When should you consider replacing your sunglasses? If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it might be time to think about getting a new pair. If your eyes feel strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, this could indicate that they're no longer providing sufficient UV protection. If you're fond of your sunglasses' style, swapping out the lenses themselves might be an option. The most efficient way to change your lenses is by visiting an optician who can choose the best lenses for your sunglasses and install them professionally, guaranteeing the lenses are fitted properly and continue safeguarding your eyes. Certain sunglasses have removable lenses, making at-home replacement simpler. But, follow to the manufacturer's guidelines carefully to avoid damaging the lenses or the glasses themselves. For those using this as a chance to update their style, specialists warn that costly and designer sunglasses aren't necessarily the best when it comes to health. Specsavers stated that buyers must be aware of "certified UV protection" to maintain eye safety from harm - and provided a guide on what to look for when choosing your next pair of shades.
Daily Record
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Five-year alert to anyone who owns a pair of sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a style statement, and forgetting to maintain them could lead to serious health issues People are just learning that sunglasses can, in fact, 'go off', leaving eyes at risk of permanent eye damage. There are a few warning signs that your sunglasses need replacing or repairing - and they can help you dodge these avoidable health problems. Unlike food, sunglasses don't expire on a set date. Instead, people have a window of a few years with their glasses on average before the UV protection starts to degrade to a point where their eyes aren't as protected against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays as much. Eyewear manufacturer Beautaste claims that the passage of time itself isn't to blame. Unavoidable things that lead to daily wear and tear, such as scratches, poor storage, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, all combine to make sunglasses less protective over time. Experts claim that a good pair of resistant sunglasses can, on average, last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." But just how long your favourite sunglasses last depends on how you use, store, and care for them. A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo suggested replacing sunglasses with UV protection every two years. However, this was under the specific condition of constant, direct sunlight exposure (minimum of two hours a day, every day, for 730 straight days) and most people don't wear sunglasses under such extreme conditions - but the guidance proves the damage the sun's rays can do. To get the most life from your lenses, experts suggest using a hard case when not in use. Stay on top of cleaning the lenses with a microfibre cloth and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight when stored. People should also avoid placing them lens-first on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of damage. Sunglasses primarily work by reducing the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. They achieve this through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, like UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation. Polarised lenses, specifically, reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This allows wearers to see more clearly in bright conditions, especially in situations where glare is a major issue (such as driving). According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage that can range from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. When should I consider replacing sunglasses? If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it's a good time to consider replacement. If you notice your eyes feeling strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, it could be a sign that they are no longer providing adequate UV protection as well. If you're in love with the style of your sunglasses, replacing the lenses themselve can be an option. The safest and most effective way to replace your lenses is by visiting an optician who can select the right lenses for your sunglasses and fit them professionally, ensuring that the lenses are installed correctly and continue to protect your eyes. Some sunglasses come with removable lenses, making it easier to replace them at home. However, not all models allow for this, and some may require special tools. If your sunglasses have this feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. For people taking this as an opportunity to refresh the style of their sunglasses, experts warn that expensive and designer sunglasses aren't always best for their health. Specsavers claimed that shoppers need to be mindful of "certified UV protection" to keep their eyes safe from damage - and shared this guide of what to look for when picking your next set of shades.
