7Eye BORA Airshield/SPF100

7Eye AirShield products are high quality wrap-style sunglasses with a removable eyecup that provides protection from wind and a moisture-rich environment for the eyes. The BORA frame tends to be the best AirShield model for men and fits large to x-large, and it can take prescription lenses. Lens choices include a fairly dark lens for outdoors and a light-adjusting lens for indoor or dual-purpose use. The eyecup can be purchased separately when it needs replacing. 

MANUFACTURER'S DESCRIPTION

REBECCA'S COMMENTARY

Why use protective eyewear?

Glasses or sunglasses that form a seal or shield around the eye area, or "moisture chambers" as I call them, are a vital tool in the chronic dry eye patient's arsenal. By enclosing the eye area, they dramatically reduce air movement over the eyes, eliminating key sources of irritation for eyes with an inadequate protective tear layer and lessening the effects of too-rapid tear evaporation. 

The practical benefits vary from user to user depending on their symptoms and needs. Moisture chambers allow those who can't tolerate wind, heating or air conditioning to engage in outdoor activities and drive in comfort. For the severely light-sensitive, the right kind of shield plus a dark lens can make them much more comfortable. For many, moisture chambers make computer use possible and much more comfortable. For still others, it's a vital pain management tool 24x7. Most people resist taking this step because they don't like the idea of wearing "goggles". But it's worth it to be out of pain. And thankfully more and more products are emerging that don't look so "goggly".

Who is 7Eye AirShield eyewear best suited for? or not?

If you can get a pair that fits properly and forms a good seal, these glasses are well suited to pretty much everyone. 7Eye glasses tend to be rather face-specific, i.e. either they fit really well or they don't at all. Ideally, you should go to a local dealer to try on and purchase 7Eye eyewear. To find a dealer near you, go to 7eye.com and click on the Dealer Locator link. If shopping locally is not an option for you, you can purchase glasses here and return them if they don't fit. I can also special-order eyewear not listed in my shop if need be.

What's different about the BORA?

Styling and size. This is really a men's model while the other AirShield products are either women's or unisex.

How do I choose a lens?

7Eye makes several lenses. I have chosen two for my shop based on the typical needs of dry eye patients. If you want more options, please check out the shop at 7eye.com. By the way, all 7Eye lenses are 100% UV protected.

Sharpview is the darkest lens 7Eye makes. The optical quality is great and it's not unusually dark, just dark enough. This is the lens I've always preferred for my own use and I'll even wear them into stores sometimes. But it's dark enough to do well for people who are quite light-sensitive, barring some extremes where people need special lenses put in by a local optician.

24:7 photochromic is a light-adjusting lens that goes nearly clear indoors and darkens outdoors in sunlight. This is the lens of choice for those who expect to use these glasses either for dual purpose or exclusively indoors, say for computer work. Please note that these lenses do not get very dark outdoors and also the light-adapting technology does not activate when you're in a car, so if you are light sensitive, this is not going to be the best choice for outdoors or driving.

Some people find they need different lenses for different tasks - for example I know lots of people in New York who have 24:7 lenses for the subway and work and Sharpview lenses for outdoors in bright sun.

Anything special I need to know about using 7Eye AirShield glasses?

Fogging can periodically be an issue with any eyewear that forms this kind of seal around the eyes. I have worn 7Eye glasses for many years and find that I have fogging under certain circumstances - especially if I'm doing anything strenuous, but also a little bit if I'm driving (I just push them down my nose for a minute and they clear). I have never found it enough of a disadvantage to outweigh the benefits, but some people will have more trouble with this than others. Avoid putting on these glasses immediately after instilling eyedrops!

You'll need to keep the eyecup clean, and you'll need to replace it once in awhile. Frequency of replacement varies a lot by user… some people keep it going for years, others change it every 3 months.

You can have prescription lenses put into these frames. (Go through your local dealer or call 7Eye direct.) Generally these types of frames can take only up to about -4.0.

Any alternatives I should consider? 

Something similar: Wiley-X Climate Control frames are functionally similar to these as they are sports wraparound sunglasses with a removable foam seal. Several of their frames are available with clear lenses which is handy for those who want glasses for work. Price range is similar though slightly cheaper. - There are a few other foam-lined products kicking around that I don't have in my shop, no major product families but you can sometimes find something like this (usually with built-in foam) in a sports optical store.

For high Rx: If you have too high a prescription for this type of eyewear, your two options are custom moisture chambers (call for more info) or MEGs (visit seefit.net).

On a budget: If you don't need a prescription, try Dustbusters (clear or grey lens) or Onion Goggles (clear only). If you need a prescription, sadly, options are painfully limited! Check out the clunky Guard Dogs Evader 1 and 2, or check with your local optician for sleeker 'fitover' type products that might have enough of a side shield to be helpful.