Gill Collins
As a general rule of thumb, I am not a lover of sunglasses. In 2003 at the age of 33, after suffering months of constant headaches, the optician diagnosed cataracts in both eyes. They were deep, at the very back of the eye and they interfered with light diffusion – hence the cause of the headaches.
After seeing a consultant ophthalmologist I realised how severe the problem was because of how the cataracts were positioned. Eventually they would cause blindness. However, I was also told not to worry too much because they were operable but again, because of their position, there were potential complications and they were best left until my vision became compromised.
Sunglasses – a necessity
After the initial shock I realised this was not the end of the world. But I was still left with constant headaches. I was told the only solution was sunglasses and that I would have to wear them all year round. Not likely thinks me – especially in winter when the only people who wear them are posers who like to draw attention to themselves. But, to show willing I tootled off to a well known sunglasses retailer to buy some – until I nearly choked on the price. Having been the kind of person who only ever bought a cheap pair each year so as not to interfere with my holiday reading, I was horrified to find that these glasses cost in excess of £100 per pair – and that was just the starting price!
Three pairs of sunglasses and £50 later, I was on my way home feeling I had not been robbed and had fulfilled the consultants mandate of wearing sunglasses. They were no good and the headaches continued.
Help from a friend
My very nice friend who does pay a fortune for sunglasses, wears them all year round and had for years listened to me going on about people wearing sunglasses in the winter had the last laugh. She told me that the blue lenses (not the brown I was wearing) were more soothing on the eye and if I wanted UVA/UVB protection I was going to have to pay up. This time I purchased sunglasses from an optician but again would not listen to what I was told – you need glasses that cover most of your eye so they do not let in too much light. I just could not bring myself to do it. I hated the feeling of them on my face, I felt they were intrusive and felt very self conscious. So, I bought a small pair that as the optician said would let in all of the light. The headaches continued and the sunglasses found their away into the children’s dressing up box.
The headaches continue
As time has passed I have learnt from my mistakes and modified my attitude. The glasses I buy are of good quality, with blue lenses and cover my face. I also have several pairs on the go to ensure I always have a pair to hand. However, the only drawback is that when driving and the sun is in one minute and out the next – I spend my time lifting them from my face, onto my head, back onto my face……you know how it goes. Over the years my headaches have become less severe but at the end of the summer I always have them and will call into the optician just to check there has been no deterioration and to be reassured everything is how it should be.
That was until this summer – 2009. This is the first time I have written a product blog, but for someone who has had many eye problems I could not help myself.
Trying Polaroid
Earlier this year while out with my friend, a pair of Polaroid sunglasses caught my eye. It was not the brand I was interested in as to me I have always associated Polaroid with cameras – I know there are still people like me out there. No, it was the shape of the glasses I was initially interested in. They were a mask style and would keep the light out perfectly. Okay, they were quite pretty too and had the diamanté look of the glasses I was already wearing. The retailer explained how Polaroid worked compared to other sunglasses. The polarizing filter blocked glare completely, so seeing was less strain for the eye. I nodded politely thinking that long as they keep the light out of the top of my eyes they would be okay.
It goes to show you learn something everyday. These glasses have been the best thing I have ever bought – and I don’t say that lightly. Admittedly, they took some getting used to. They seemed to diffuse the light differently from other sunglasses so although my eyes did not hurt from the light and felt shaded it was strange to see other colours more vibrantly. Shapes looked 3-D rather than the normal flat ‘smoked’ effect I have been used to. I felt slightly disorientated for the first few days so did not wear them for driving. I know, it sounds bizarre, but there you go.
Now I am used to them, they have been my constant companion. They even managed to stay on during sailing which was a blessing because glare reflecting off water can be a killer on the eyes. The only problem I have with them now is that I only have one pair and am terrified of losing them. A situation soon to be rectified.
Oh guess what? For the first time I can remember, I have no headache at the end of the summer and have no need for the optician. You can’t ask for more than that!
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