Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about style — it’s a key part of protecting your eye health. At Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, we often remind our patients that a quality pair of sunglasses can prevent a wide range of vision issues, especially when worn consistently. Whether you’re hitting the beach, the slopes, or simply running errands in St. Albert or Edmonton, here’s why sunglasses are a must.
Right now, it’s easier than ever to protect your eyes- we’re offering 40% off prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for a limited time!
Why is it important to wear sunglasses?
According to the optometrists at Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, sunglasses act as your eyes’ first line of defence against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure to UV light can cause serious eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even certain eye cancers.
Wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection dramatically reduces these risks. It’s one of the simplest ways to safeguard your vision and maintain long-term eye health.
What happens if you don’t wear sunglasses?
Going without sunglasses, especially on bright days or snowy surfaces, can have immediate and lasting effects. Our team at Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care regularly sees patients with symptoms of:
- Eye fatigue and strain
- Headaches caused by squinting
- Redness and dryness
- Long-term vision deterioration
Repeated UV exposure increases your risk of developing conditions like cataracts or growths on the eye. Don’t wait for symptoms to arise — prevention is key.
Do sunglasses help with eye strain?
Yes — especially when they’re high-quality, optometrist-approved lenses. At Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, we recommend sunglasses with anti-glare coatings and full-spectrum UV protection. These features help reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes, limiting strain and improving visual comfort.
Whether you’re commuting, working outdoors, or enjoying a weekend hike in Alberta’s bright light, sunglasses can help keep your eyes relaxed and focused.
Can Sunglasses Prevent Cataracts?
Cataracts develop gradually, often due to UV damage over time. Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care encourages patients of all ages to wear sunglasses regularly to slow the onset of cataracts. By shielding your eyes from harmful rays, you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your vision.
Our clinic offers a variety of lenses designed to minimize UV exposure, including prescription sunglasses tailored to your needs.
Do sunglasses protect against skin cancer?
Many people forget that the skin around the eyes is incredibly sensitive. At Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, we educate our patients on the role sunglasses play in protecting against skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Choose wraparound styles or oversized frames for maximum coverage, and always check for lenses that offer full UV protection — which we’re happy to help you find during your next visit.
Do sunglasses help with glare?
Absolutely. If you’ve ever driven down an Alberta highway with the sun bouncing off the pavement or snow, you know how uncomfortable glare can be.
Polarized sunglasses, which are available at Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, reduce glare from reflective surfaces. This not only improves visibility but also enhances safety while driving, boating, skiing, or spending time on the water.
Better visibility starts with better lenses – and right now they’re 40% off.
What should I look for when buying sunglasses?
Choosing the right sunglasses isn’t just about style. At Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, we help our patients select frames and lenses that offer both fashion and function. Here’s what to look for:
- 100% UV Protection: Always check for labels that guarantee protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Polarization: Ideal for reducing glare and improving comfort during outdoor activities.
- Proper Fit: Sunglasses should fit snugly and cover your entire eye area.
- High-Quality Lenses: Look for distortion-free lenses for optimal clarity.
- Durable Frames: Choose materials that can stand up to everyday wear and tear.
Need help? Our trained optical staff are ready to guide you through our curated collection of sunglasses for adults and children alike.
And with our 40% off promotion, there’s no better time to invest in high-quality sunglasses that offer full protection.
Can kids benefit from wearing Sunglasses?
Yes — and it’s never too early to start! The eyes of children are more sensitive to UV rays. At Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care, we carry sunglasses designed specifically for kids, ensuring proper fit, comfort, and protection.
Building good sun safety habits from an early age can help prevent vision problems later in life. Bring your child in for an eye exam and we’ll help you pick out a protective and fun pair.
Are prescription sunglasses worth It?
If you wear prescription glasses, switching between your everyday frames and non-prescription sunglasses can be frustrating. Prescription sunglasses — available at Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care — offer a convenient, stylish, and protective solution.
We offer both single vision and progressive lenses in a wide range of styles, so you don’t have to compromise clarity for protection.
Is it still important to wear sunglasses in winter?
Definitely. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, meaning your eyes can get double the exposure — once from the sun, and again from the reflection. At Erin Ridge Vision Care, and Spruce Grove Vision Care we see many winter sport enthusiasts who forget just how important sunglasses (or snow goggles with UV protection) are in colder months.
From skiing in Jasper to walking your dog on a sunny St. Albert morning, sunglasses are just as vital in the winter as they are in summer.
Visit Erin Ridge Vision Care for expert sunglasses advice
Protecting your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. The expert optometrists at Erin Ridge Vision Care in St. Albert and Spruce Grove Vision Care in Spruce Grove are here to help you find the perfect pair of sunglasses for your lifestyle and vision needs. Whether you need prescription lenses, children’s eyewear, or just want to upgrade your summer accessories, we’ve got you covered.
Book your eye exam today
Your sunglasses are only as effective as the lenses in them. Erin Ridge Vision Care and Spruce Grove Vision Care recommends regular eye exams to ensure your vision and prescription are up to date. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or drop by to browse our wide selection of sunglasses.
Don’t miss the chance to save 40% while protecting your eyes, some exclusions may apply. Visit us at visioncarecentres.ca or call to speak with our friendly team.
