By Dr. Ryan Nelson & Dr. Dennis Francis

Dr. Ryan Nelson

Take it from a couple of eye doctors who are avid bass fisherman: Your eyes are more important than any tackle or technique when bass fishing in Iowa. 

A quality pair of polarized sunglasses are an angler’s most overlooked investment.  A good pair of sunglasses will help you with better lure placement, detection of underwater cover and structure,  underwater topography, and even the fish themselves.   If you have not tried a quality pair of sunglasses on for yourself, you need to do so.  The difference is incredible.

A quality pair of sunglasses from Iowa EyeCare can help you catch more fish.  Iowa EyeCare can help you with both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for fishing, driving, or other recreational (or occupational) activities.  Don’t waste your money on sunglasses from a convenience store.  Cheap sunglasses may even say “polarized” but they often just have components that imitate true polarization.  In addition, convenience store sunglasses often have warped lenses that can cause distortion and eyestrain.  A quality pair of sunglasses will hold up well to tough weather conditions like rain and heat.

Some of my favorite sun-glass brands are Bolle and Serengeti.  Iowa EyeCare carries a huge stock of both brands, as well as sunglasses that can attach-to or fit over your current frame.

Dr. Dennis Francis

In open water, direct and indirect UV exposure is abundant, regardless of the weather.  UV light has been linked to premature cataracts and macular degeneration among other ocular complications.  Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare off the water and reduce the direct UV entering the eye, thus reducing your risk for advanced eye disease.

Eye protection is never taken seriously until something happens to you.  Bass fishing involves sharp, weighted, fast-moving, flying objects… a true recipe for disaster.  Don’t gamble with your eyes.

Read more about sunglasses in this article from bassresource.com:

The Shining Points of Sunglasses by Mike Iaconelli

Dr. David Christensen

As spring draws near, golfers start to think about that first round of golf. I certainly am ready to get out and enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to golfing and vision, there are a few items that need to be considered. First of all, golfing can last anywhere from an hour and a half for a quick nine holes to over four hours for an eighteen hole round. This allows for significant exposure to the elements. Just as you need sunscreen to protect your skin, you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Your sunglasses should block UV light as UV light can increase the risk for macular degeneration and cataracts.

For years, I struggled to find sunglasses that worked for golfing as I always felt that the frames were in the way of my vision. Sunglasses for golf should have a wrap to them. Wrap means that the lenses are slightly more curved than a typical glasses lens and the lens extends farther around the side of the head. This reduces the possibility that you will see the edge of the lens or the frame in the side of your vision. I also prefer a frame with a rimless design—meaning there is no wire or plastic on the bottom of the lens—for the same reason.

Golf Iowa

Finally, the tint on the lenses is very important. A typical sunglass tint is too dark for golfing. During a round of golf, the light conditions can vary dramatically. It may be bright sunlight at one moment and then clouds roll in or you have to move under the shade of a tree. You don’t want to have to remove your sunglasses in all of these situations. So, a light grey or brown tint typically works well. Some of the sunglass companies have a “golf” tint which is a color that is designed to enhance the ability to see the ball. These “golf” tints have worked well for me, but I haven’t noticed a dramatic improvement compared to other colors of tints.

So, if you haven’t worn sunglasses for golf in the past, give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable your vision is during your round of golf and the health of your eyes will definitely benefit. We have plenty of sunglasses that will work for you including styles from Serengeti and Bolle.