Blog Hero

Should I wear Sunglasses?

Request Appointment

t the end of an eye exam, I always ask if the person has any questions. A couple of years ago, for the first time, someone asked: “what is the most important thing I should do to keep my eyes healthy?” Without even thinking, I said, “wear good sunglasses.”

That got me to thinking…why don’t I make sure I recommend that to every person I see that got me to thinking…why don’t I make sure I recommend that to every person I seein my exam chair? I have been trying harder to make that recommendation for every person that comes in to see me.

If I haven’t made that recommendation to you, let me tell you here why it is so important.

CATARACTS

Up to 20 percent of cataracts are caused by excess UV exposure. Sure, cataract surgery is easy and safe, but the wait times are long and you can experience several years of blurry, annoying vision while you are waiting for cataract surgery.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in North America. We know long term exposure to sunlight can increase the risk for macular degeneration.

PTERYGIUMS

Many of you may not know this term, but you actually have small pterygiums (I do). Pterygiums are a thickening of the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white part of your eye). They occur very slowly over time due to UV exposure and dryness. They cause even more dryness, redness, irritation and they can cause astigmatism which can make your vision blurry.

When choosing sunglasses, make sure you choose frames that are big enough to cover your entire eye area and frames that fit close enough to your eyes to block out sideways. Choose lenses that block the entire UV spectrum (wavelengths up to 400nm) and choose lenses that are free from distortions and imperfections.

You may know our favourite sunglasses are Maui Jim sunglasses. They have fantastic optics, tints, coatings and amazing warranties and customer service. They keep getting better and better frame styles so there is a perfect frame for almost everybody!

Written by Dr. Paul Dame

Dr. Paul Dame is one of the founders of Downtown Eye Care, having established the practice in 1982 after receiving his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Dame takes a holistic approach to eye care, informing his patients about the effects of diet and exercise on eye health.

More Articles By Dr. Paul Dame

Our Location

Our Address

  • #243, 414 3 St S.W.
  • Calgary, AB T2P 1R2

Contact Information

Hours Of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

PARKING AVAILABLE

Parking is available in the Calgary Place Parkade. Entrance is off 4th Ave. across from the Keg. Be sure to take a ticket when you enter and we’ll provide a voucher for the time of your visit.

Our Blog

Check out our Blog for news updates and eye care tips!

We Are Moving!

Office Updates

We have been in the Stock Exchange Tower for over 30 years, but on August 3rd we will be moving 110 steps down the hallway into the Calgary Place building.  We will be across from the fitness centre, across from Marcello’s, at the top of the escalator, in the old Metropolitan Conference Center space.  You […]

Read More…

July 1, 2021
Dr. Kim Crowe

Help Make the Season Kind With Downtown Vision Care

Community

This year the CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive is taking place but from a safe distance. Many local Calgary and Area businesses, including Downtown Vision Care, have joined forces to donate some fantastic items for an online auction. From private tours of the Royal Tyrrell Museum to Whiskey packages, there is something for everyone! Make your […]

Read More…

December 2, 2020
Dr. Paul Dame

Supplement Your Eye Health

Eye Health

Many of us take supplements because we want to support our muscles, skin, bones, brains and heart — but we often forget about the miraculous structure we depend on every day. Our eyesight is essential for our survival and quality of life and deserves its own set of supplements to help prevent and minimize eye-related […]

Read More…

September 1, 2020
Dr. Sherri Norris

We have been in the Stock Exchange Tower for over 30 years, but on August 3rd we will be moving 110 steps down the hallway into the Calgary Place building.  We will be across from the fitness centre, across from Marcello’s, at the top of the escalator, in the old Metropolitan Conference Center space.  You […]

Read More…

This year the CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive is taking place but from a safe distance. Many local Calgary and Area businesses, including Downtown Vision Care, have joined forces to donate some fantastic items for an online auction. From private tours of the Royal Tyrrell Museum to Whiskey packages, there is something for everyone! Make your […]

Read More…

Many of us take supplements because we want to support our muscles, skin, bones, brains and heart — but we often forget about the miraculous structure we depend on every day. Our eyesight is essential for our survival and quality of life and deserves its own set of supplements to help prevent and minimize eye-related […]

Read More…

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax