From: "Warren, Catherine, RN" <WarrenC@cshs.org>
Subject: [kc-link] sunglasses and KC
Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2005 11:19:05 -0800

Here's another resource for sunglasses that fit over glasses
http://www.fitovers.com/


Sunglasses and KC

Bright sunlight often causes problems for those with keratoconus. Sunglasses
that wrap around and fit close to the face work best at keeping out sunlight
from the sides as well as the top and bottom of the frames. Polarized
lenses tend to cut glare best (see info on polarized lenses at the end).

This topic comes up often and in the past a number of members of KC-Link
have recommended:

Nu-polar sunglasses- they have a grade 3 UV lens which can be ordered in
various tints, some are light enough to drive with at night to reduce glare.

http://www.youngeroptics.com

Sundogs
http://www.sundogeyewear.com/sundog.html

OAKLEY's M-Frame w/ their "Black Iridium" lens - a wrap-around style with
very little distortion. Available many mall sunglass spots, or order on
line.
http://www.oakley.com

Bolle' : wraparound and come with two different pairs of lenses, one of
them polarized. http://www.historyofshades.com/bolle_sunglasses.html

Maui Jim wraparound sunglasses. "Great at cutting glare"
http://www.mauijim.com

Wiley X Sunglasses as well as goggles. The new modular CQC (Close Quarters
Combat) Goggle was developed for military and law enforcement - fits close
to the face. They have removable temple pieces that can be replaced with an
elastic strap. Use them for soccer, rock climbing, and even racquetball with
an amber lens.
http://www.wiley-x.com

Wal-Mart polarized wrap around sun glasses found usually in the fishing
section. They are inexpensive yet are excellent.


Concerning polaroid lenses: Reflected light is usually polarized, meaning
the light waves are normalized, ie, the magnetic and electric components
become arranged so that they are at 90 degrees of one another rather than
randomized. Reflected light, of course, contributes to the glare we see off
shiny surfaces like windows, water, snow, and painted walls. Polaroid
lenses are made with stretched mylar so that they have fibers that are
aligned directionally. When normalized light meets aligned fibers, the
result is that one half of the glare light is blocked. In other words,
Polaroids reduce the glare by one-half. And this is very helpful to KC
patients, especially, but also to skiers, boaters, and anyone who works or
plays out of doors.

Here's a note previously sent to the bulletin board about the lightest
(least dark) polarized lenses:

These lenses saved my night life! I can wear these at night while driving or
during the daytime whenever the lights are too bright (indoors or out). My
glasses happen to be non-prescription, but the lenses can be ground as
needed by your optician's lab to most prescriptions. I found these lenses at
my local optician, whose lab technician does business with Nu-polar. Here's
a link to a web site that talks about the Polarized gray #1 lenses from
Nu-polar and where they can be purchased:
http://www.youngeroptics.com/faq/faqpolar.html
http://www.youngeroptics.com/