Sunglasses
WHY ARE SUNGLASSES IMPORTANT?
Many people are cheered by a bright, sunny day, but the effect of all that sunlight on the eyes is a less sunny proposition. UV and glare can create a variety of issues, from dangerous “snow blindness” to irreversible disorders that threaten your eyesight.
WHAT ARE UV RAYS?
UV stands for ultraviolet, a band of spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in Earth’s atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.
HOW DOES UV AFFECT UNPROTECTED EYES?
UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult; they cannot be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause retinal damage, changes in the eye tissues, and a temporary but irritating “sunburn” of the cornea called photokeratitis.
HOW DO I KNOW MY GLASSES WILL PROTECT MY EYES?
Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99 percent of UV rays — UVA as well as UVB. Look for label reading “UV 400,” since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100 percent eye protection. Of course you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
WHAT ARE POLARIZED LENSES?
Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off of these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.
WHAT ADDITIONAL TYPES OF PROTECTION SHOULD I CONSIDER?
If you worry about light, including harmful UV, leaking in through the sides or top of your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to reduce some of this exposure. If you use prescription eyewear to correct your eyesight, you may also want to think about getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses in your prescription. These lenses may be worn alongside a non-prescription pair of sunglasses for optimum eye protection.
Saint Laurent SL 579 002 Eyeglasses – Havana Gold Acetate & Metal Combo Frame
The Saint Laurent SL 579 002 brings refined balance to classic eyewear design, featuring an elegant combination of warm Havana acetate and gold-tone metal accents. With its full-rim rectangular shape softened into a slightly oval silhouette, this mid-size frame offers both structure and subtle curves—ideal for a timeless yet approachable aesthetic.
Crafted using a lightweight acetate front and slender metal temples, the SL 579 delivers comfort without compromising on style. The iconic Saint Laurent corner angle detail and logo add understated sophistication, making this frame a polished choice for modern professionals and fashion-conscious wearers.
Key Features:
- Frame: Havana acetate front with brushed gold-tone metal temples
- Shape: Encircled rectangle with softened oval ergonomics
- Fit: Medium size (49 mm lens width • 18 mm bridge • 145 mm temple length)
- Weight: Approximately 31g for lightweight comfort
- Made in Italy
Available now at Hollyburn Eye Clinic in North Vancouver — offering curated designer eyewear paired with expert optical care.
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