Wiley-X AIRBORNE

Wiley-X's Climate Control series, like other sealed wraparounds, was developed for the biker and skier markets but is also very well adapted for use as "moisture chamber glasses" by chronic dry eye patients. The foam gaskets maintain an excellent seal, keeping in moisture and keeping out irritants.

WHAT IT COMES WITH

• Removeable facial cavity seal
• Hard case
• Cleaning cloth
• Elastic strap and leash cord

REBECCA’S REVIEW

Overall assessment: In general, Wiley-X has just about the best foam-lined sunglasses available right now. The eyecup is good quality and the cost to replace it when it wears out is still quite modest. The framestyles are not quite as "face-specific" as the Panoptx/7Eye glasses i.e. most WileyX climate control framestyles seem likely to fit more face shapes/sizes.

The two I've found most success with for most people are AirBorne and AirRage. I consider Airborne the best all round in terms of versatility in fitting the most people "sight unseen", but of course with any frame there are going to be exceptions. If you normally wear small frames, try the AirRage first.

To be sure about fit, I highly recommend shopping local if you can - try the Harley Davidson stores, or use the dealer locater at wileyx.com. Not that I don't need your business :-) but above all, I want you to find the appropriate product efficiently.

A note on lenses: If you are photophobic (light sensitive) the cheapest lenses - currently $86 I think - are usually the best as they occlude more light. If you're not light sensitive you might prefer the polarized for better contrast & optical quality. The light-adjusting lens is the best thing for those who need them indoors, indoor/outdoor, or for example driving at night. The main drawback of the light-adjusting lenses to be aware of is that they do not get as dark outside as someone with light sensitivity would need them to be. Many dry eye patients invest in two pairs - one for indoors, one for outdoors.

And finally, about prescription lenses: The AirRage is supposed to be able to take up to a minus 6 lens, which is the very highest I know of in any moisture chamber. To get Rx lenses, you have a couple of options: A local dealer; direct from wileyx.com. I'm also hoping to eventually stock just the frames here.... if this is of interest to you please let me know.

Personal experience: My favorite 'moisture chamber' sunglasses are currently Panoptx Solano (unfortunately this is no longer made!) and Wiley-X AirBorne. Panoptx always had the edge - in my opinion - on frame design, but Wiley-X have some distinct advantages. Their lens wraps more and so I get better side vision, which is particularly important for driving. That, and the nice polarized lens, are what originally attracted me to the Wileys even before they came out with the new very nice foam lined eye cup.

Who am I? My name is Rebecca Petris and I have had chronic dry eye since undergoing LASIK in July 2001. I founded The Dry Eye Company as a result of my experiences, hoping to make useful information and effective products more accessible to others with dry eye.