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Those Sunglasses
California-based Oakley is providing the single-lens shield, wraparound style sunglasses. Using the darkest lens with a gray base and black iridium coating should help the miners' eyes adjust to bright light after being dilated so long.
The glasses are typically used for high-performance sports such as biking and skiing because they also minimize UV light. An exterior coating should help prevent water, mud, oil and dust from building up on the surface as the miners are hoisted to freedom, the company said.
The biggest eye concern for the miners as they reach the surface includes possible light damage to the retina, said Dr. Andrew Hartwick, assistant professor at the College of Optometry at Ohio State University. There is potential for solar retinopathy, in which the photoreceptors — the cells within the eye that capture light — can deteriorate, he said.
After being in the dark for a long period, the mechanisms by which the retina protects itself against damage from bright light can diminish, but Hartwick was unsure if lighting conditions in the mine were low enough to be dangerous. The miners spent 69 days deep underground after a cave-in.
Regardless of any medical consequences, there's a comfort factor for the miners in wearing sunglasses, Hartwick said.
“Just like when you walk out of a dark movie theater, it's uncomfortable in the light,” he said. “It takes a few minutes for vision to return, and the retina needs to reset itself depending on light levels.”
“Oakley is honored to have assisted Chilean authorities in the rescue operation for the trapped miners,” said Carlos Reyes, vice president of research and development at Oakley. The goal is to give them “the best possible vision” as their eyes return to normal.
Journalist Jonathan Franklin, who is covering the disaster and rescue in Chile, contacted Oakley about donating sunglasses.
The Radar glasses typically retail for $260. No adjustments were made to the pairs sent to the miners, though Oakley include two lens shapes to accommodate different face shapes.
Click here to find and purchase your own pair of Oakley shades.
Chilean National Anthem
[Oakley story via Fox News]
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