SPORTS GLASSES

More and more athletes are taking seriously their eyewear as a critical piece of their sports equipment. But you don't need to be a serious or professional athlete to realize the benefits that technology and equipment can have on your enjoyment and performance of outdoor sports and activities. From golf to cycling, running, hiking, skiing, motorcycle riding and water sports – having the right sports glasses can make a huge difference.

How you see through your lenses can play a major role in your game.  Golfers may want to consider a lenses specifically designed for the sport. A progressive golf lens offers sharp viewing in all three areas for far distant green, the ball at player's feet, and the score card, and also enhances peripheral vision. This lens is also designed to fit difficult wrap around frames. Some lenses are designed to fit extra-large sports/sun frames.  An impact resistant safety lenses is recommended for all sports glasses along with an anti-reflective treatment to combat glare. Adding transitions, polarization, tint, anti-fog or anti-reflective treatment to your lenses is also beneficial and can make a significance difference by reducing eye fatigue and protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.  Certain color tints work better for certain types of sports.  

We offer the latest in lens technology for single vision, bi-focal and progressive wearers along with a variety of lens treatments such as tints, transitions, polarization and anti-reflective treatments.  Stop by our store today and tell us what sport you play, and we will go over all your options with you.  

POLARIZED LENSES

Polarized lenses block light rays that would normally enter your eyes after reflecting off of surfaces. The light that enters your eye after passing through a polarized lens has been filtered, allowing the wearer to see in a different way.

Health benefits:

Polarized lenses reduce glare and improves safety by blocking reflections.  This improves eye comfort and allows you to take in the view without squinting.  Roadways and water sources are major major culprits of glare, and can cause danger to drivers who may already struggle with vision issues. Glare can create a very uncomfortable eye health issue for people with sensitive eyes, and even may cause migraines in patients who are prone to developing them.

Polarized lenses are great for water sports such as fishermen and boaters, which makes the water easier to see.  Without polarized lenses, the water's surface simply reflects everything around it.

Eyestrain can be relieved with wearing polarized lenses.  Squinting to see clear images stresses the eye and creates uncomfortable eye health issues like redness, irritation, fatigue and headaches. Polarized lenses neutralize these issues and allows eyes to feel more comfortable and well rested.

Wearing polarizes lenses can reveal colors and images like never before.  You will see crisply and clearly at a level of detail that may astound you!

Click here for more information on polarized lenses.

Blue Tech Lens Technology

Did you know that high energy light known as blue light is posing a threat to eye heath?  Many of us on a daily basis are exposed to blue light radiated by fluorescent and CFL light bulbs, computer screens, tablets, smart phones and televisions.  Protecting your eyes by using new lens technology on your next pair of eyewear may help reduce your exposure to these harmful UV rays.

Blue tech lens material is available for every day eyewear.  It may also be used for sunwear for added protection in reducing glare, improves visual acuity and night vision.  It is also impact resistant, improves contrast, and enhances natural depth and color perception.

Specialty anti-reflective coatings are also available which combines the benefits of reducing glare and blocking blue light.

Stop by our store today and ask one of our opticians about blue tech lens technology and anti-reflective coatings. You'll be glad you did!

Read more about this.

Ordering your glasses on line

AOA (American Optometric Association) Study Finds Issues With Safety, Prescriptions

When it comes to buying eyeglasses online according to a recent study by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Conducted last year with the Optical Laboratories Association and The Vision Council, the study discovered an alarming rate of problems with prescription compliance and impact resistance. Nearly half of the eyeglasses (44.8 percent) had incorrect prescriptions or safety issues. Researchers had 10 individuals order two pairs of glasses, including pairs for both adults and children, from each of 10 of the most popular online optical vendors. In all 200 pairs were ordered, with frame styles chosen in the midrange options for each vendor, in varying frame materials, lens styles and prescriptions. Only 154 pairs of the orders were received. The study then analyzed lenses, including measurement of sphere power, cylinder power and axis, add power (if specified), separation of distance of optical centers and center thickness. Several pairs were delivered incorrectly such as single vision instead of bifocals or lens treatments were added or omitted. Nearly three out of 10 (29 percent) pairs had at least one lens that failed to meet the required prescription, a problem typically found and corrected when ordered through and delivered by an optometrist. Nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of the lenses failed impact resistance testing, which highlights a major safety issue. Children’s glasses performed even worse, with 29 percent failing impact testing.

Read more about this study and the findings by clicking here. 

Taken directly from WWW.AOA.ORG

http://www.aoa.org/documents/public/A_Closer_Look_at_Ordering_Eyeglasses_Online.pdf

How to choose your next pair of sunwear

          UV exposure caused by the sun is the leading cause of blindness in Americans.  Premium quality sunwear offers the best protection for your eyes.  Consider the following factors, before shopping for your next pair of sunwear. 

Lenses:                                                           

* durability                                                          

* scratch resistant                                              

* glare protection (front and back)                      

* impact resistant                                             

* 100% UV absorption                                         

* better vision/comfort

* warranty

Frames:

* hypoallergenic

* durability

* holds adjustment

* better fit/comfort

* high fashion

* warranty

          Premium quality sunwear should offer all of the above options, while most generic sunwear does not.  We offer premium quality sunwear with a variety of options, including, but not limited to:

* various color tints

* various color mirrors

* anti-reflective treatment

* blue tech lenses

* polarized/non-polarized 

* photo-polar lenses 

          Stop by our store today to learn more about choosing your next pair of sunwear!

          If you want to learn more about UV exposure and the affects on our eyes Click Here!

Caring for your new lenses

How you care for your new lenses is important to maintaining the best optical quality and life of your lenses.    Certain precautions should be taken, especially for lenses coated with an anti-reflective treatment.  

• Always use a lens cleaner designed for cleaning anti-reflective treatment lenses.  In a pinch, rinsing your lenses with warm water and mild dish or hand soap works well, and won't harm your lenses.  

• Drying your lenses with a microfiber or cotton cloth is best.  Never use paper towels, tissue or clothing, as they can scratch your lenses.  

• Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners, excessive heat or chemicals with ammonia, chlorine, hairspray or other household products. These products can permanently damage your lenses and the structural integrity of the frame.

• Always store your frames in a hard case when you're not wearing them.

• Don't put your glasses on top of your head when you're not wearing them.  This can cause the frame to get out of adjustment and will affect the way you see through your lenses.

Lens cleaner & cloth are available at Opt Eyewear Boutique, your local pharmacy, and most doctors offices.