Choosing a pair of eyeshields

About this factsheet

UV eyeshields are suitable for anyone that requires protection from bright light, not just people with sight problems! They reduce the amount of ultra violet light that enters the eyes which in turn reduces glare and increases contrast, whilst protecting your eyes.

This factsheet tells you about the different filter coloursand frame styles available from RNIB.

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Eyeshield filters

Which colour filter would suit my eye condition?

There has been very little formal research to show that one colour is better than another for specific eye conditions. If you have not been prescribed a specific colourby an eye specialist, the best way for you to decide is to try them out in the situations you plan to use them. Many people who use coloured filters have a very definite idea of what works best for them.

Manufacturers of tints sometimes suggest that specific colours are best suited to certain eye conditions. These recommendations have to be seen as guidelines only.

Filter colours

Filter lenses block a range of UVA, B, C and blue light. Blue light causes glare, reduces contrast and can damage the retina.The filters supplied with eyeshields available from RNIB are not polarised or photochromic, meaning they don’t change tint intensity with changing light levels.

Medium grey

  • suggested for most eye conditions
  • soothing colour that cuts glare and sharpens focus
  • good tint intensity for when darker glasses are required
  • suitable for high degrees of light sensitivity or for use in bright, sunny situations
  • the Noir medium grey filter does not provide blue light protection.

Dark grey

  • for most eye conditions
  • gives natural colour rendition, cuts glare and sharpens focus
  • suitable for high degrees of light sensitivity or for use in bright, sunny situations
  • the Noir dark grey filter does not provide blue light protection.

Amber

  • suggested for people with peripheral and general vision loss such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Diabetes, Cataracts, Glaucoma, etc
  • provides high contrast and increased definition to provide a sharper, brighter appearance but with more absorption so giving maximum protection in cases of high degrees of light sensitivity or for use in bright sunny situations
  • ideal for bright, glary or overcast days and for indoor use too.

Yellow

  • suggested for people with central vision loss such as Macular Degeneration
  • gives high contrast and increased definition to provide a sharper, brighter appearance
  • ideal for all conditions, especially bright and glary or overcast days and for indoor use too.

Orange

  • suggested for people with Macular Degeneration and Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • provides high contrast and intensifies background
  • gives increased definition to provide a sharper, brighter appearance
  • ideal for bright, glary or overcast days and for indoor use too.

Green

  • suggested for most eye conditions
  • green is occasionally required where other high contrast filters seem too bright and is a good alternative to regular grey tinted filters, as it can give more definition and protection due to have good blue light absorption
  • suitable for high degrees of light sensitivity or for use in bright, sunny situations.

Eyeshield frames

We offer seven adult frame styles to choose from:

  • ladies: RNIB Olivia, Audrey and Bridget
  • men's:RNIB Razor and Horizon
  • unisex:RNIB eyeC, Saturn and Orion and Noir Wrap-around, Fit-over and Clip-on/flip-up

All styles offer additional side protection, fitting close to the face and are supplied with a protective pouch and cardboard case.

RNIB frames are available in five filter colours:

  • yellow(HiView Lite 74%)
  • orange(HiView Midi 47%)
  • medium grey (HiView Neutral 32%)
  • amber (HiView Extra 19%)
  • green (HiView Plus 19%)

The percentage listed represents the amount of visible light which is transmitted through each lens. For example, a 19% lens allows 19% of visible light through and blocks 81% of visible light.

Noir frames are available in four filter colours:

  • orange (49%)
  • medium grey (32%)
  • amber (16%)
  • dark grey (13%)

Unisex frame styles

  • RNIB eyeC unisex eyeshield frame (EH80 – 84) eyeC is a lightweight unisex eyeshield frame in transparent grey or brown. The flexi-twist™ arms ensure a secure fit and rubber ear grips offer extra comfort. There is additional light protection across the tops of your eyes and the wide arms give protection from the sides.
  • RNIB Saturn unisex eyeshield frame (EH37-40 and EH43) is a wrap-around style in transparent brown. Width of the frame is 17.5cm (6.88 inches) and lens height is 4cm (1.57 inches).
  • RNIB Orion OverView unisex fit-over eyeshield frame (EH59-68) is designed to be worn over your own prescription glasses, as well as on their own. The frame is transparent brown and offers additional protection across and above the eye as well as down the side of the face. The widest section of the arm incorporates a grey filter. Available in two frame height sizes: medium and large. Width of both size frames, from arm to arm and measuring across the front of the eyeshield, is 15cm (5.91 inches). Medium size lens frame height is 4.6cm (1.81 inches) and large is 5.3cm (2.09 inches).
  • Noir Wrap-around eyeshield (EH17-20) offers a classic black sunglass style with a medium sized lens area. They offer additional side protection due to the style fitting close to the face. Width of the frame is 17cm (6.7 inches) and lens height is 4cm (1.57 inches).
  • Noir Fit-over eyeshield (EH05-16) is fully tinted and does not have a separate frame with fitted lenses. It offers filter protection across and above the eye as well as down the side of the face. Designed to be worn over prescription glasses or on its own and available in three sizes: small, medium and large. Small width 16cm (6.2 inches), lens height 5cm (1.9 inches). Medium width 18.5cm (7.2 inches), lens height 5.3cm (2 inches) and large width 19cm (7.4 inches), lens height 5.3cm (2 inches).
  • Noir Clip-on and flip-up eyeshield (EH21-28) has a large lens area but no surrounding frame. It can be clipped-on to prescription glasses, covering your lenses where extra protection is required. When not required the eyeshield can then be “flipped up”, while remaining attached to your glasses. Available in two sizes: small and large. Measurements are taken from the outer edges of each lens. Small width 11.5cm (4.5 inches) with lens height 4.3cm (1.6 inches). Large width 13.7cm (5.3 inches), lens height 5.4cm (2.1 inches).

Ladies frame styles

Width measurements for frames are given from arm to arm across the front of the eyeshield.

  • RNIB Audrey ladies eyeshield frame (EH44-48) is black with a fashionable large lens area and a splash of diamante on the arms. Width of the frame is 18cm (7.09 inches) and lens height is 5.6cm (2.2 inches)
  • RNIB Bridget ladies eyeshield frame (EH49-53) is brown tortoiseshell with a slightly smaller lens area than the other ladies styles: Audrey and Olivia. Width is 17.3cm (6.81 inches) and lens height is 5cm (1.97 inches)
  • RNIB Olivia ladies eyeshield frame (EH29-32 and EH41) is brown with a fashionable large lens area. Width of the frame is 18cm (7.09 inches) and lens height is 5.3cm (2.08 inches).

Men's frame styles

  • RNIB Horizon men's eyeshield frame (EH54-58) is solid matt black with minimalist design detail on the bridge of the glasses. They have a large lens area and a smooth rubber feel. Width of the frame is 17cm (6.7 inches) and lens height is 4.6cm (1.81 inches)
  • RNIB Razor men's eyeshield frame (EH33-36 and EH42) is solid black with a large lens area and a smooth rubber feel. Width of the frame is 17cm (6.7 inches)and lens height is 5.1cm (2 inches).

Prescription lenses

Some RNIB eyeshields are available fitted with prescription filters. Contact MediView with your requirements by telephone on 020 8933 7914 and quote RNIB frames.

Manufactured by Multilens AB of Sweden, the Multilens are a new range of eyeshields fitted with prescription filters in a range of colours. For further information contact the Fife Society for the Blind on 01592 644979 or visit their website and online shop at fifeblind.org.uk/multilens.

Instructions

Our instructions are written to make it easier to use the product and understand key features. Products are fully explained including orientation around operating buttons, battery compartment, functions and menus, as appropriate.

We understand the importance and pride ourselves on providing instructions in accessible formats. You will receive large print as standard, and can order braille or audio CD with your product to get the most out of your purchase.

Guarantee

All of our eyeshieldshave a 12 month guarantee unless stated otherwise which starts from the date of purchase.

Where can I have a demonstration of these products?

There is a network of resource centres around the UK demonstrating RNIB products. Contact your nearest RNIBandAction for Blind People Resource Centre or localsociety for more information.

Contact us

Call us on 0303 123 9999

Email:

Browse our full range of online at www.rnib.org.uk/shop

Revised July 2013