Reduce Eye Strain on Bright Days

AlexPeterson · #1 09-09-2007, 06:49 PM

Caution: Nerd Alert!!

These things may look stupid, but it is amazing how much more comfortable bright day flying is. They are basically what glacier glasses have, and I made these a couple years ago from some scrap leather. Very simple, won't win fashion awards (darn). I keep a set in the plane, and need to make some for the boat.
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gmpaul · #2 09-09-2007, 07:14 PM

Looks like a good idea, right price too.
Thanks G.P.

Paul Thomas · #3 09-09-2007, 08:51 PM

I was looking for some when I last bought sun-glasses. I'd actually use them all the time. My eyes are very sensible to sunlight, I don't care how uncool I look, I want to stay confortable and to be able to read in a few years. I ended up with glasses that are close enough to the eyes and sort of wrap arround so that I'm protected.
How much peripheral vision do you lose? I should buy some new glases, there is a slight scratch in mine.

Ironflight · #4 09-09-2007, 09:42 PM

Neat idea Alex!

I have noticed a real problem as eyeglass fashion has trended to smaller and smaller glasses in the past half-decade or so - much poorer protection from bright sunlight. My good sunglasses do tend to wrap around a bit and keep things darker, but when I use clip-ons that match the shape of my regular wear, I get so much light spilling in from around the edges that my irises don't know what to do - and it can actually hurt after awhile.

I'm hoping that the pendulum will swing back the other way and in a few years we can wear our great big aviator glasses again without being ridiculed....

DanH · #5 09-09-2007, 09:54 PM

Head for a drugstore and buy a pair of the big bug-eye wrap arounds meant for wearing over eyeglasses. I have the usual clipons for daily wear, but the "old fart" glasses are much better for driving and flying.

AlexPeterson · #6 09-10-2007, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight

Neat idea Alex!

I have noticed a real problem as eyeglass fashion has trended to smaller and smaller glasses in the past half-decade or so - much poorer protection from bright sunlight. My good sunglasses do tend to wrap around a bit and keep things darker, but when I use clip-ons that match the shape of my regular wear, I get so much light spilling in from around the edges that my irises don't know what to do - and it can actually hurt after awhile.

I'm hoping that the pendulum will swing back the other way and in a few years we can wear our great big aviator glasses again without being ridiculed....

Paul, this "small sunglasses syndrome" is yet another example of our society's general technical dumbing down. The whole purpose of sunglasses used to be to provide protection and comfort, yet the new "fashionable" sunglasses are just the opposite. They cause the pupils to get larger, such that the peripheral light can get in easier to damage the eyes. I had one set of normal glasses with "custom" clip ons - how worthless. End of rant.

the_other_dougreeves · #7 09-10-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexPeterson

Paul, this "small sunglasses syndrome" is yet another example of our society's general technical dumbing down. The whole purpose of sunglasses used to be to provide protection and comfort, yet the new "fashionable" sunglasses are just the opposite. They cause the pupils to get larger, such that the peripheral light can get in easier to damage the eyes. I had one set of normal glasses with "custom" clip ons - how worthless. End of rant.

Smaller glasses do have one benefit - prescription glasses are lighter. If you have a high correction (> 5 dioptres) , small glasses with high refractive index materials are the way to go (unless you can get LASIK done).

TODR

Baja_Traveler · #8 09-10-2007, 08:55 AM

We use these in trap shooting all the time (as well as other shooting sports). If you dont feel like making a set, any good shooters supply or target range should have them.

In fact... marketing idea for Doug - These are usually made from card stock with gunpowder, ammunition or gun maker logos on them. The same idea could be done with the VAF logo on them.

Joel · #9 09-10-2007, 09:03 AM

Nice try, Alex. For those like myself who are concerned about loss of peripheral vision using those, I like Uvex safety glasses. They have sun shade inserts with side protection. I wear them always while bicycling, & thye not only provide great protection, but also excellent and extremely important peripheral vision.

For those whose eyes are sensitive to strong sunlight, I have found that is frequently caused by vitamin a deficiency. When I had better teeth, I ate 1 raw organic carrot each meal., and had very good vision plus could work outside comfortably without sunglasses, excepting for around bright clouds, haze, light sand, snow, & etc.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I attempting to diagnose any disease or prescribe any remedy therefore. For medical diagnosis and treatment, check with a qualified medical professional.
I am merely sharing my experiences for others who may be interested.

Mike S · #10 09-10-2007, 09:24 AM

For about 20 years, I have been using safety glasses I picked up at a welding supply store. They come in various lenses----mirror, smoked, etc. lens is replaceable, and they cost is very reasonable.

http://www.hlbouton.com/hlb8100.html

My eye doc says that they are very good in UV protection, and also optically very distortion free.