• Eye lasers

Exploring the Best Sunglasses for UV Protection After Laser Eye Surgery

  • 3 Minutes reading time
  • Created on 30 May 2024

It’s important to protect your eyes from UV rays, particularly after getting laser eye surgery. Although the recovery process can differ slightly between the types of laser eye surgery, wearing sunglasses post-op is necessary to help the healing process. In this guide, we’ll explore the best sunglasses for eye protection after laser eye surgery.

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Importance of UV Protection After Laser Eye Surgery

Femto-LASIK and Trans-PRK, two popular types of laser eye surgery, can result in the eyes being more sensitive to light during the recovery period. This can make the eyes more vulnerable to harmful UV rays, which may cause discomfort, dry or irritated eyes, and headaches.

Wearing sunglasses after laser eye surgery is important to prevent discomfort and prolong the health of your eyes. Your ophthalmologist will give you clear instructions on how long you may have to wear them after the procedure.

Understanding Light Sensitivity After Laser Eye Surgery

During the healing process after laser eye surgery, sensitivity to light is heightened. This is because the procedure involves altering the corneal tissue, causing a permanent change in the eye.

Avoiding prolonged exposure to light is crucial to a successful recovery, especially for the first few days following your surgery. This means you should minimise screen time as much as possible and always wear sunglasses after laser eye surgery when you’re outside.

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Selecting the Right Sunglasses for Post-Op Care

We know it’s important to wear sunglasses after laser eye surgery to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but how do you choose which sunglasses are the best?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to different types of sunglasses’ protection for eyes post-surgery, including:

  • UV Protection: In the days following your surgery, you should wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light or that offer UV absorption up to 400nm. Look out for the labels on sunglasses to make sure you’re choosing a pair with adequate protection.

  • Polarised Lenses: It’s best to wear polarised lenses when your eyes are exposed to sunlight after laser eye surgery. These lenses have a special chemical applied to them that filters light, blocking all horizontal light waves from the eye. This minimises glare and eye strain, which is helpful when your eyes are more light-sensitive.

  • Frame fit: Finding sunglasses that fit well is important, as you’ll be wearing them a lot. Ensure the frame is not too tight or too loose, and that the sunglasses sit comfortably on your face. It is also important that the sunglasses fit properly around the eye. This also provides more protection from the side and protects against wind.

Maximising UV Protection with Proper Lens Tint and Material

During recovery, it’s important to take the lens tint into account when choosing the best sunglasses for UV protection.

There are various lens tints and colours that have different pros and cons, depending on what environment you’re likely to wear them in. For example, brown lenses are best for overcast days and activities where you need to accurately judge distance, like golfing. On the other hand, blue lenses reduce glare, which is helpful when you’re driving or cycling.

Considering the material your sunglasses are made from is also important when choosing a pair of sunglasses after laser eye surgery. Glass lenses can effectively refract light and block UV rays, however, they’re typically heavier than plastic lenses. Plastic lenses can be more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time but are at a higher risk of losing their shape when exposed to extreme temperatures.

No matter what lens tint and material you opt for, the best sunglasses to protect eyes after laser surgery should always have UV 400 protection. Be sure to check the label of any sunglasses to see if they have this level of coverage before buying them.

Protect Your Vision After Laser Eye Surgery. Consult With Us Today for Expert Guidance on UV Eye Care.

Prioritise your eye health by choosing the best sunglasses for UV protection, and consider all the factors we’ve explored in this guide.

If you’re looking for personalised recommendations on selecting the best sunglasses after laser eye surgery, book a free initial consultation at betterview.

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* In the UK and Switzerland (betterview AG)** Applies to our doctors in the UK and Switzerland (betterview AG) combined*** Applies to our doctors in the UK and Switzerland (betterview AG) combined**** Google reviews are from our services in the UK and Switzerland (betterview AG)