The Coronavirus pandemic has seen world leaders take unprecedented measures to try to slow the spread of the virus. Social gatherings have been cancelled, planes have been grounded and we are told to stay home. Ordinarily, I work in practice three days a week and from home two days, during which I write my blog and articles for Optometry Today and Stepper eyewear. Of course, I’m currently furloughed so I’m at home all of the time. I leave the house to go to the supermarket and, a silver lining, to take a daily walk. A walk that is longer than I have time for in normal circumstances.
Sunglasses might not be at the forefront of our minds right now, especially for those who’ve had to cancel their holiday. The beautiful run of warm weather we’ve enjoyed these last two weeks seems to be over for a while. But it’s important to protect the eyes all year round, rain or shine. UV light can damage our eyes in the same way as it harms the skin. The cumulative effect of UVB light contributes to the formation of cataracts, some eyelid cancers and premature ageing. A good quality pair of sunglasses will protect the eyes and the surrounding skin from this damage by blocking out the harmful rays.
A reminder too about Coronavirus and the eyes. It is transmissible via the eyes as well as via the mouth and nose. Wearing glasses or sunglasses acts as a physical barrier not only to the virus, but to dust, flies and anything else we might encounter when outdoors. We are less likely to touch our eyes when wearing specs too. Make sure you keep them clean though as Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours. Wash them in warm soapy water and dry with a micro-fibre cloth for the best results.
Rose-tinted glasses
It’s fair to say that the UK, on average, has more cloudy days than it does sunny ones. Traditional sunglasses might not seem wholly appropriate- they might make things look too dark. These stunning pink sunglasses, the Stepper STS-93010, are the perfect solution.
The rose-coloured Zeiss sun lenses let just over 50% light through, while offering the same level of UV protection as a darker lens. (Standard darker sunglasses let 15-25% of light through). They are therefore as suitable for dull as they are for bright days. The soft cat-eye shape is universally flattering and is made from super-light stainless steel. These pink sunglasses with their matt gold frame and temple detail make for a gorgeously feminine, on-trend look whatever the weather.
And… they come in fabulous packaging.
Stay safe x
Notes
A version of this article first appeared on the Stepper blog and is part of an ongoing paid partnership. These sunglasses were gifted as part of this collaboration.
Pink sunglasses: Stepper STS-93010 F021
Broderie anglaise blouse: Monsoon 2018
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2 comments
I totally fell in love with these rose tinted lenses when I first saw them on your Instagram Liz, they’re gawjus! Great tip about protecting our eyes from covid, I was wondering about that actually so thank you for the info.
You’re welcome. yes, any type of glasses will act as a barrier to the virus entering the eyes, but it’s really important to wash them regularly. And yes, the rose-tinted glasses are gorgeous xxx