Sarah sells sun-shields

The recent snowy conditions and the fact that the sun is so low at this time of year have reminded me of the need for some sort of anti-glare protection when I am out and about. For example, I heard of a local lady who recently suffered from snow blindness, caused by excessive glare!

When picking out a pair of sunglasses or sunshields, it’s best to avoid blue-tinted lenses and instead to choose yellow or amber tinted lenses because these filter out blue light, preventing it getting to your eye.

Research into blue light exposure from sunlight has highlighted it as one of the contributory factors in developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

We see light as white, but contained in that white light are actually different colours of light; the rainbow is the perfect example! The wavelengths in the blue portion of the spectrum are able to excite certain compounds in the eye which may aggravate processes that can damage retinal cells, so until proved otherwise, it is thought best to try and exclude the blue light from the eye.

Therefore, most people, regardless of age, should avoid blue-tinted sunglasses. A blue lens actually lets predominantly blue light into the eye, which could be harmful. On the other hand, yellow/amber coloured lens actually filter out the blue light. And if that is not enough, blue light is actually not visually very good as it is a large contributory factor in the problem of glare. For example, the sky looks blue because the blue light of the spectrum is very easily diffused by the atmosphere and it is this tendency that leads to cause glare. Our vision actually works better with light of the warmer, yellow, amber, orange and brown tints.

Dark-tinted lenses are seen by many a good choice in sunglasses, because they decrease exposure to all colours of light. However, it is very important to remember that, by reducing the total amount of light going into the eye you are actually cutting out “useful” light, after all we do require some light in order to see!

Also it is important to remember that not all sunglasses block Ultra Violet, (U.V.) light which is not good for eyes, so buy sunglasses that have been tested for UV blocking capability and they really should block all UV light.

At Bradbury Lodge we have a small selection of Yellow, Amber, Orange and Brown UV Shields and can source Blue Block Filters that are all designed especially to help protect your vision from further damage. We are also always willing to help and advise you on anti-glare and unwanted sunlight solutions. Just call Sarah on 01865 15 7255 95.

Bogus callers

A very interesting article from South Oxfordshire District Council

What do you do when you hear a knock at your door and you’re not expecting anybody?

The chances are the caller will be genuine, but we should be on our guard against the unscrupulous few who are unwanted callers, be they door to door salesmen, conmen or something more sinister.

Before answering the door to anyone look out your window and if you don’t know the person, put the chain on the door before you open it and then ask for some identification - genuine callers will not mind you asking. If you’re not sure then don’t let them in.

Official callers, Council officers and people working on their behalf, call at residents’ houses for many reasons including noise complaints and council tax inspections. But most of these visits are pre-arranged and expected.

If you are in any doubt about the authenticity of the caller, put your mind at rest by checking their credentials. Council staff will identify themselves using their council ID card and they will clearly explain the reason for their visit. They will generally only visit between 8:30 - 17:30 on weekdays.

If you suspect someone is a bogus caller let the police know by calling 0845 8 505 505. Call 999 in an emergency.

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