Sunglasses / Eyewear

WHAT TYPE OF SUNGLASSES SHOULD I WEAR?
by June Ombler

Wearing the right type of sunglasses is very important for people with retinal degenerative disorders. I have researched information available on the various types that are suitable for people with retinal degenerations and precis the information gathered so far. Several types of sunglasses are examined below and there should be one or two suitable to you that give maximum possible comfort and protection to your eyes.

The sunlight in New Zealand is particularly severe, especially in highly reflective light situations like water, sand, snow and concrete, where strong glare and irradiation are present. Wearing a hat with a minimum 8 cm brim reduces ultra violet exposure to the eye by as much as 50%. In addition, The sunglasses you choose must have maximum [100%] UV protection.

Perception Brown lenses.
David Bridgman, Secretary Otago Branch, NZ Association of Optometrists says that there is some evidence being debated that the use of lenses which absorb the UV light will be beneficial for people with early Age-related maculopathy (ARM). He has, for many years now, used lenses 530nm and 550nm cut-off for rod monochromats, who suffer from extreme sensitivity to shorter wavelength light. As these lenses are respectively, an orange and a red in colour, they are not cosmetically acceptable to most people and he prefers to recommend a 540nm [brown]. This tint costs $35 [retail] and can be applied to almost all prescription lenses or to non-powered plastic lenses if required. They are called Perception Brown and are made in Auckland with proprietary dyes. They are the best tint that he is aware of for ARM or cataract sufferers.

One of the problems with early ARM is an inability to adapt easily to duller conditions, i. e. dark adapt. Wearing of conventional photochromatic type which lighten up almost fully inside and provide good glare protection outside is an excellent solution to this problem. They also reduce glare caused by cataracts, which are frequently present in association with ARM. A Biochemist and epidemiologist from Otago University reports that people who have a high dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables have a lower than average rate of heart disease, cancer, ARM and other age-related conditions. He recommends to people with early ARM [should they do so] to stop smoking and eat as much silver beet, carrots, pumpkin and corn as they are comfortable with. So your mother was right. Eat your veges!

Noir Sunglasses
Jean Jenkins, Needs assessor, RNZFB, Dunedin recommends Noir Sunshields, which are non-powered plastic sunglasses. This type of sunglasses is available from the Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind Equipment Resource Centres throughout the country. To choose a pair suitable for you, contact your nearest RNZFB office or centre.

Jean says that ultra violet light causes cataracts, blue light causes macular degeneration, visible light causes glare and infrared heat causes eye fatigue. Noir sunglasses eliminate near infrared and give 100% maximum UV protection and eye comfort. They are available in fitovers,wraparounds and clip-ons.

* Suggested for Macular degeneration (MD) and pre operative cataracts are U20 and U23 fitovers and S20 to S23 for people who do not wear corrective glasses.
* Suggested for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) are U60 (orange), U68 [Light orange], U50 (yellow) and U40 (amber). Also available in the S fitting.
* Suggested for post-operative cataracts are U30 [grey-green], U40 (medium amber), U81 (medium plum) and U48 (light amber). Also available in S fitting.
* Prices range from $18 to S72, depending on the type of frame.

Polaroid Polarised sunglasses.
Guaranteed maximum necessary UV protection
Glarefoil lens eyeware, They protect the eyes from overexposure to direct and reflected sunlight (glare). Evidence indicates children and young adults may be at risk because the ability of the lens to protect the retina is not evident until around age 30.

Make sure the sunglasses chosen have the maximum protection of Australian Radiation Lab. EPF-10 UV rating.

Polaroid Fitovers come in two sizes. Suitable colours are amber and grey. Prices range from $39 to $70. They are available from almost all optometrists and dispensing opticians nationwide, as well as from many sorts of shops who cater for anglers.

Corning Lenses.
Maria A. Musarella, MD, an ocular geneticist in the USA recommends Corning prescription lenses to her patients. She says they do several things:

* Protect the retina, particularly the rods and cones, which are stimulated by light at wavelengths around 520nm.
* Decrease the problem of adaptation from going outdoors to indoors. This is a frequent problem with RP patients.
* Decrease the photosensitivity and glare.
*Increase colour contrast.

Corning glasses lighten when indoors and darken when outdoors. You have to decide on a wavelength that does not block out too much light on cloudy days. She does not recommend the 550nm because they are red and not cosmetically acceptable and they tend to be too dark. The 527nm appear to be the best. Some patients like the 511 nm [yellow] which are great indoors with fluorescent light. They can now be fitted into many stylish lenses. The Design Series coating adds acceptance to the lens. This coating is applied to the special CPF mirror coatings and adds an antireflection feature and a mirror to enhance reflection. The CPF 450 was added as an indoor lens to provide moderate short wavelength filtering. It is especially helpful for reading, watching TV and reducing glare from fluorescent lighting. Many patients need two pairs, one for outdoors and one for indoors.

Corning Medical Optics say that the Corning Glare Control line now includes five lenses that cover the full range of light sensitivity problems. CPF450 and CPF550-XD (extra dark) give patients with conditions resulting in increased light sensitivity a choice of lighter or darker lenses in addition to the Standard series lenses mentioned above. Corning Glarecontrol lenses often offer symptomatic relief to people with Macular Degeneration (MD), Retinitis Pigmentosa [RP], cataracts, laser surgery, Diabetic Retinopathy, Albinism, Glaucoma and other conditions causing severe light sensitivity. Available with or without prescription.

For further information write to
Corning Medical Optics
HP-CB-05-1
Corning
Ny 14831
U. S. A.

Blue-Bloc Spectacles
Medi View, Ltd, a company in the U. K. was set up by Ian Pyzer, an optician, to specifically supply blue-bloc filters to those with retinal diseases such as RP, MD, etc. They are completely protective against UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light, so eliminating glare but without being dark, which would otherwise lose valuable light from entering the eye. With comfortable close fitting frames and side protectors, [removable], they keep out any chinks of light, which will severely detract from the effectiveness of the filter. If prescription is required, the tint should be incorporated in the lens. Clip-ons will not suffice. They are provided by mail order with a free exchange and money back guarantee. They have been supplying the British RP Society for two years and Moorfields Eye Hospital In London is now using MediView Blue-Bloc spectacles.

For a free information pack write to
Ian Pyzer
20 Longcrofte Road
Edgware,
Middlesex HA8 6RR
England, or
Fax : 0181 952 2066
Email : eye-pyzer@aol.com