In 2019, 9.3% of prescription glasses in the United States were sold online, this means that over 9 out of 10 people still prefer buying their glasses from ‘brick and mortar’ eye doctor offices or optical stores.

While buying glasses and contact lenses online may seem enticing, there are many factors to think about before clicking that ‘buy’ button. Shopping online can seem to save time and money and can be extremely convenient, done from virtually anywhere at any time.

If you are interested in purchasing glasses online visit your eye doctor to find out if it is a good idea for you. 

The Find an Eye Doctor directory provides a list of eye doctors near you that can provide eye exams and advise you on the type of glasses that best suit your eyes.

SEE RELATED: Choosing Glasses for Your Face Shape 

If you are thinking of buying your next glasses online, here are some of the important considerations;

Do you save money?

Since shopping online for glasses has increased, most eye doctors and optical shops will now have a wide selection of eyeglasses with prices that match those found online.

While buying glasses online can be convenient by saving you a trip to the local optical store, scrolling through images of widely varying styles of frames can make deciding which to choose confusing and difficult.

Just like searching for glasses online can be confusing, so is finding the best deals. Since there are so many different sites to purchase glasses from, comparing and finding the best deal can be difficult to understand.

However, when buying glasses in-store a trained professional is there to take you through every step of the way, from choosing the best glasses frame to finding the best deal for you, as well as discussing the best optical solutions for your lifestyle including sunglasses, multifocal lenses and even contact lenses.

Are the glasses the best fit?

One of the benefits of purchasing your glasses from an eye doctor or optical store is that an experienced staff member will take all the time needed with the fitting and selecting the right eyeglasses for you.

The staff are trained and can clearly explain the different features and ensure that the frames that are chosen are the best fit.

When shopping in person, all glasses are customized for each person, being able to try the glasses on will also save you the hassle of having to guess the size and then needing to exchange or return them if they don’t fit as expected.

While the glasses selected, when purchased online, may look good, once they are received they may not look as expected. It can be difficult to choose style and color from a website as opposed to actually seeing them on your face in the mirror at an actual store.

Is the prescription correct?

Consumer studies have shown that almost 50% of the lenses ordered from online retailers arrive with some error.

These prescription mishaps are more common when buying glasses online because online retailers may not be able to accommodate specific prescriptions.

There is a lot of details on all optical prescriptions and while online suppliers may be able to manufacture the lenses, the way they are positioned in the frame may not be in a way that works best with your eyes.

The correct positioning of the lenses is determined by the pupillary distance (PD) as well as the position of the center of the lens. If either of these are not measured accurately, the result could be introducing unwanted prisms. This can cause significant headaches, discomfort and eyestrain.

Quality of the frames

Often low price frames are made from low-quality materials making them less sturdy and they may break more easily or not last as long. 

Durability of the lenses, prescription accuracy, and fit can all be potential problems of buying glasses online. If the glasses that were ordered online need to be adjusted, you will end up having to make a trip to the optical store after all.

Buying glasses online vs. in-store

There are some things to consider, when thinking about whether to buy glasses online or in-store.

• Making sure the fit, frames and measurements of your face and eyes are correct.
• Consider costs – ordering glasses online allows you to compare prices quickly.
• Specialized prescription needs, such as a need for progressive lenses, may not be able online.
• Knowing your pupillary distance (PD) can be difficult to measure. This is the distance between the centers of both of your two pupils. It is specific and unique to your eyes and face. If this measurement is done incorrectly you may not be able to see out of the lenses properly.

While purchasing glasses online may become more popular in the future, as of now most eyeglasses are still purchased from a brick-and-mortar optical store, as the pros of buying in store outweigh the cons.

Remember, even if ordering glasses from an online store, you will still need to visit an eye doctor for an eye exam and a prescription for corrective lenses.

Buying glasses online is not as simple as one may think. Think about the impact it can have on your vision and lifestyle especially if the prescription is wrong or the frames don’t fit properly.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are currently looking into getting new glasses, contact an eye doctor near you to schedule an appointment, they can help you choose glasses that best suit you and your eyes.

The post Should I Buy Glasses Online? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Your eye doctor will happily manage any issues, to ensure you enjoy the comfort and clear vision of your new glasses.

Eyeglasses are worn to correct refractive errors and provide clear and comfortable vision. Sometimes however, you may run into problems with your glasses that you may need to revisit your eye doctor to see if you just need more time to adjust to the new glasses, adjust the fit of frames or recheck the lenses.

Read on to find out if you can relate to any of these common optical problems and how to fix them.

Contact an eye doctor near you to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

SEE RELATED: Which Frames Are Best for Playing Sports?

My glasses are constantly sliding down my nose

If your glasses are constantly sliding down your nose, you may be feeling frustrated, irritated, or simply ready to toss your specs to the side and give up wearing them altogether.

Not only are sliding glasses extremely bothersome, they are also more likely to fall off your face and break— leading to further problems.

What causes glasses to slide down your nose?

• Worn-out frames
• Poor design match for your face shape
• Lenses that are too heavy for their frame
• Sweating

Plastic frames in particular tend to stretch out overtime, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the heat, and even more so if your frames are already too large for your face.

What can you do?

Increasing temple support with a specialized headband or plastic temple supports can help prevent your glasses from sliding down. Adding nose pads can also help to keep your glasses in place for longer.

If your glasses are old and worn out or made with a delicate frame, they may require adjustments every so often— so it may just be time to bring them into your local optometrist’s office for an adjustment.

You may also want to think about purchasing a new pair of glasses— preferably with a light-weight frame that can be adjusted appropriately to your face.

My transition lenses don’t darken when I’m in the car

Transition lenses are lenses that darken when they are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Since car windows are known to filter out UV light, transition lenses may not always darken fully when sitting in the car. 

If you are looking for a pair of glasses that will protect your eyes from the sun’s bright light and glare, it is recommended to purchase a pair of sunglasses. Sunglasses are available in a variety of tints and colors and can provide the clear vision you need when driving.

Moreover, sunglasses can be made to include your optical prescription to ensure clear and comfortable vision while driving.

My glasses are causing a glare and making it difficult for me to drive at night. 

Glare can occur for a number of reasons. Before you blame your glasses, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any other possibilities, such as cataracts or dry eye syndrome.

If your glasses are causing the glare, speak to your eye doctor about adding an anti-reflective coating to your lenses.

High index lenses which are thinner than regular lenses are also less likely to cause glare. Speak to your eye doctor to find out if you can benefit from high index lenses.

I am having a hard time adjusting to my new multifocal or bifocal glasses.

Bifocal and multifocal lenses can sometimes take a few days to several weeks to get used to.

Bifocals contain a bisecting line on the lens, known as a D-segment, that clearly indicates where each optical power is located and makes it easy to know where to focus for specific activities.

With advancements in technology, lenses are now being manufactured without the segmenting lines and can even be made with more than two optical powers, these are known as multifocals or progressive lenses.

Progressive lenses, as they are called, contain prescriptions for near, intermediate, and distance vision— without any obvious lines on the lenses.

The downside is, progressive lenses can take some time to adjust to. The mechanics of focusing through these lenses are a bit different when compared to lenses that contain a clear indication of where to focus for specific visual activities.

When it comes to progressive lenses, the bottom portion of the lens contains the near vision power, allowing you to see closer objects more clearly, while the top portion of the lens contains the distance power, allowing you to see distant objects clearly.

If you require intermediate vision correction for tasks such as using a computer or looking at the dashboard in your car, this area will be located in between the near and distance vision portions of the lens.

Learning how to use progressive lenses requires practice. However, rest assured that it will become easier with time, and your ability to automatically shift focus to different areas of the lens will become second nature.

If at any time you become frustrated during this adjustment period, know that you can always contact your eye doctor’s office. Your eye doctor will support you through this process.

If you are experiencing problems with your glasses, never hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor. 

Your eye doctor can make adjustments to your glasses or lenses to make them more comfortable for you, or may recommend purchasing a new pair.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

Your glasses are meant to help you see clearly and comfortably— your eye doctor can help you to achieve this.

The post Solutions to Common Optical Problems appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Adjusting to new eye glasses or new optical lenses can take some time. Though it is important to understand that this is completely normal and even to be expected— especially if your prescription has changed.

However, if this adjustment period lasts longer than a couple of days, it may be a good idea to contact your eye doctor to make sure that your new specs contain the correct prescription and that they fit your face properly.

Your eye doctor will measure your new glasses to ensure they fit correctly and comfortably on your face and that your lenses are both the correct prescription and properly positioned in their frame.

Contact an eye doctor near you to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

SEE RELATED: Solutions to Common Optical Problems

How long will it take to adjust to your new prescription?

Adjusting to your new lenses can take a few hours to a few days, and in some cases, up to two weeks— depending on the strength of your new optical prescription.

Moreover, if you opted for a different style frame this time around, or decided to go with a smaller or bigger frame, your eyes may need some time to adjust to their new way of seeing— increased or decreased peripheral vision can take some time to get used to.

In addition, multifocal lenses which contain three different optical prescriptions— for near, intermediate and distance vision— tend to be harder to adjust to than regular single vision lenses.

Visual symptoms you may experience

Common symptoms when adjusting to new glasses include:

• Blurry vision
• Eye strain
• Poor depth perception
• Dizziness and nausea
• Headaches
• “Barrel distortion”-objects seem distorted
• “Fishbowl effect” -visual field looks as if it is being bent along the edges

Barrel distortion is common among people who wear high plus lenses, while fishbowl effect is common among those who wear high minus lenses. 

When to contact your eye doctor

If your eyes are taking a while to adjust to your new lenses, and dizziness, headaches or blurry vision persist for longer than two days, it is recommended to contact your eye doctor.

Your eye doctor will be able to check your glasses to ensure that they are sitting properly on your face and that they contain the correct optical power.

Buying glasses or contact lenses online

Purchasing your glasses or contact lenses online may seem convenient and may sometimes save you a few dollars, but it is not uncommon for errors to occur during manufacturing.

Up to 40 percent of lenses purchased online are manufactured inaccurately.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

If you are finding it difficult to adjust to a new pair of glasses, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Clear and comfortable vision is essential for optimal performance and quality of life.

The post How to Adjust to New Glasses appeared first on Optometrists.org.

A lazy eye can develop when the neural connections between the affected eye and the brain are weakened, and the visual signals from that eye cannot be interpreted or processed efficiently.

As a result, the brain begins to actively ignore the visual information coming from the affected eye to avoid blurry or double vision (diplopia).  This is called suppression.

Binocular vision therapy is essential to teach the two eyes to work together and prevent suppression of the lazy eye.

If not treated effectively, suppression can lead to an eye turn (strabismus), and in some cases, unilateral vision loss.

Different methods of lazy eye treatment

1. Prescription eyewear

Amblyopia that develops from a significantly high refractive error may be corrected with optical lenses. These lenses help to correct the refractive error and provide the lazy eye with the best vision possible.

Studies indicate that while this type of passive treatment can improve visual acuity, it does not treat the underlying cause of the lazy eye.

Therefore, in most cases, a program of vision therapy is usually prescribed in combination with the corrective eyewear, to retrain the neural connections between the lazy eye and the brain.

2. Eye patching

Although eye patching for lazy eye has been common practice for the last 300 years, it is no longer the most effective treatment for lazy eye. 

Eye patching involves placing an eye patch over the stronger eye to actively encourage the lazy eye to work. This theory holds that through patching of the “good” eye, the brain will begin to acknowledge and interpret the visual input coming from the lazy eye, thereby recovering vision.

However, in many cases, patching has been linked to lazy eye regression, since patching alone cannot repair the visual system and neural connections— the underlying cause of lazy eye.

As a result, eye patching is usually prescribed in combination with a program of vision therapy.

If your child has been diagnosed with lazy eye, contact an eye doctor near you, who can discuss the best treatment options.

SEE RELATED: “Lazy Eyes” Are Not Lazy

3. Atropine eye drops

Similar to patching, atropine drops are applied to the stronger eye in order to blur vision and force the lazy eye to become stronger. Many parents prefer these drops over patching since they are less conspicuous than an eye patch. Though, these drops can cause stinging and blurry vision— which generally results in inadequate patient compliance.

Like patching however, atropine eye drops are typically prescribed along with a vision therapy program, as they too cannot fully treat the root of the condition.

4. Binocular vision therapy

Vision therapy targets the development and strengthening of the neural connections between the eyes and the brain, and encourages the two eyes to work together for clearer, more comfortable vision. 

A key component of vision therapy is the development of binocular vision.

Binocular vision is when the two eyes work as a team and the brain no longer needs to suppress the lazy eye.

Binocular vision can be noted when the child begins to see 3D images, and their depth perception and stereopsis improve.

Vision therapy can improve binocular vision, visual processing, reading fluency, depth perception, and eye-hand coordination.

Numerous research studies on the efficacy of vision therapy have shown that the improvements made during vision therapy are maintained only when the two eyes are trained to work together (stereopsis)— facilitating a deeper neurological connection between the two eyes and the brain.

How does vision therapy work?

Vision therapy has shown to be the most effective treatment for lazy eye as it gets to the root of the problem and strengthens the neural connections necessary for efficient eye-brain communication.

Each vision therapy program is customized to the individual needs of the patient, and can include the use of optical lenses, prisms, filters, occluders, and other specialized equipment designed to actively encourage the lazy eye to work.

Research shows that in order to obtain optimal treatment results, each vision therapy program should consist of office-based treatment one to two times per week, and daily home practice to support the skills learned.

A vision therapy program to treat lazy eye may include:

• Accommodation (focusing)
• Fixation (visual gaze)
• Saccades (eye jumps)
• Pursuits (eye tracking)
• Spatial skills (eye-hand coordination)
• Binocular vision (the eyes working together)
• Stereopsis (3-D vision)

If you think your child may have a lazy eye, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. 

Binocular vision is essential for academic and athletic success, as well as the successful performance of many daily routine tasks.

LEARN MORE: Vision Therapy for Lazy Eyes

Speak with your eye doctor about beginning a program of vision therapy to treat your child’s lazy eye and give them the visual skills they need for all aspects of life. 

The post Lazy Eyes Need Binocular Vision Therapy  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

According to recent statistics on sports-related eye injuries and children:

• 43% of all sports-related eye injuries occur in children ages 15 and under.
• Less than 15% of children wear any form of eye protection when participating in sports activities.

Children that are involved in contact sports on a regular basis are at a high risk of getting hit in the eye from fast flying balls, being jabbed, poked, or tackled by an opponent, or even getting cut in the eye from broken optical lenses.

Regular eyeglass frames do not provide enough protection from sports-related activities and can be easily damaged.

Fortunately, with the right protective eyewear, up to 9 out of 10 sports-related eye injuries can be prevented.

Contact an eye doctor near you to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

SEE RELATED: Choosing Glasses for Your Face Shape 

What is protective eyewear?

Protective eyewear contains strong, impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, which are unlikely to break or shatter if they are hit by a flying object or knocked off during a sports activity.

If your child is involved in sports, protective eyewear such as sports goggles, wrap-around polycarbonate lenses, or side shields can prevent many eye injuries and damage to regular eyeglasses.

Protective eyewear is available with or without a prescription lens to allow for clear vision, while providing maximum protection.

Protective eyewear is essential for all sports— hockey, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, tennis— and any other sport where the athlete is in motion.

What makes polycarbonate lenses the preferred choice?

Polycarbonate is the most popular choice for sports goggles.

While not completely indestructible, polycarbonate is the strongest plastic lens material available, and is widely known for its high impact resistance, durability and built-in UV protection.

While protective eyewear is generally recommended to reduce the risk of eye injuries, these glasses can also increase peripheral vision and even improve your child’s sports performance— since they can focus on the game without worrying about losing or breaking their regular eyeglass frames.

Wearing protective eyewear is the best way to protect your child’s eyes and vision. 

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to assess your child’s vision and visual needs, and to determine which type of protective eyewear is right for your child.

The post Which Frames Are Best for Playing Sports? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

When people think of reading glasses, they generally think of older adults with presbyopia— a condition that naturally occurs with age and requires the use of reading or computer glasses to see clearly.

Reading glasses for children, typically referred to as “low plus” lenses, are not prescribed for the same reason as they are for older adults, but rather to support the focusing skills necessary for near vision activities.

Low plus lenses are also called “support lenses” or “stress-relieving lenses”, as they help to reduce the amount of focusing effort required for reading, writing, computer use and even classroom learning.

Why do optometrists prescribe low plus lenses?

Your child’s optometrist may recommend low plus lenses for any of the following vision conditions:

• Farsightedness. Children who are farsighted often have difficulties seeing near objects and images clearly. As a result, their eyes need to exert extra effort to obtain clear vision while reading and performing other near vision tasks— often leading to eyestrain, headaches and fatigue.

Low plus lenses provide clear vision while supporting the eyes’ focusing muscles and reducing the amount of effort needed to maintain clear and comfortable vision.

• Focusing support. Children who have focusing difficulties often complain of headaches and eyestrain when performing near vision tasks, such as reading and computer work.

Low plus lenses lower the amount of focusing effort required, reduce the stress on the eyes and enable clear and comfortable vision.

If your child is reading below grade level, contact an eye doctor near you who can diagnose and treat any visual issues impacting your child.

SEE RELATED: How to Improve Your Child’s Reading Skills

Are there different types of low plus lenses?

Yes. A low plus lens can be prescribed as a single vision lens, bifocal or a multifocal lens.

A single vision lens contains a single power for either distance or near vision, while a bifocal or multifocal lens contains various powers for both distance and near vision.

Bifocal or multifocal lenses may be prescribed if your child already wears optical lenses for distance vision, but also requires low plus lenses to support their near vision.

Low plus lenses may also be prescribed in combination with prism lenses which help to further reduce the stress on the visual system.

Who can benefit from low plus lenses?

Recent research has shown that wearing low plus lenses while reading significantly reduces the strain on the visual system, while improving reading fluency, speed, intonation, and comprehension.

Low plus lenses can be a powerful support for children with focusing difficulties, reading or learning difficulties, attention issues, lazy eye and special needs.

Will my child always need reading glasses? 

No. As your child’s eyes develop and mature, their focusing skills will likely mature as well— eliminating the need for reading glasses.

Vision therapy can further improve your child’s focusing skills, along with any other visual skills that may need strengthening. Moreover, a program of vision therapy can help to reduce your child’s chances of needing reading glasses in the future.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Children’s Eye Exams

If you think your child can benefit from low plus lenses, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist. 

Through a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s vision and visual skills, your eye doctor can determine if low plus lenses can improve your child’s vision— to make reading and learning easier and more enjoyable.

The post How Do Reading Glasses Help Children? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Polarized lenses are known for their ability to reduce glare and improve color contrast in bright light. These lenses enhance visual clarity, reduce eye strain, and provide maximum protection in bright environments.

Polarized lenses are recommended for outdoor use, especially in environments known for reflecting light and producing glare, such as:

1. Near the water 

Oceans, rivers and lakes are all bodies of water that reflect the sun’s light. Whether you are fishing, sailing, or jet skiing, polarized lenses can prevent the sun’s light from reflecting off the water and shining into your eyes. They can also help you to see more clearly into the water— a helpful tool for successful fishing.

2. On the ski slopes

Whether you are skiing, sledding, or snowboarding, if you plan to spend the day on snow-covered mountains, polarized lenses will absorb the light reflected off the snow and enhance your visual clarity.

Caution: Some eyecare professionals caution against wearing polarized lenses while skiing as these lenses can affect your ability to distinguish between snow and ice.

3. On the road

The roads and highways are also known for reflecting light, and can cause a dangerous glare while driving. Polarized lenses reduce the light that is reflected off the surface of the highway, increasing depth perception and decreasing drivers fatigue.

Contact an eye doctor near you to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

SEE RELATED: Going Skiing – Remember Your Polarized Sunglasses

How do polarized lenses work?

When the sun’s rays shine in different directions, the light is called unpolarized light. When unpolarized light hits a reflective smooth surface, such as a mirror, car window, water or even snow, the reflected light causes the light rays to point in one direction. This transforms the light into polarized light.

Reflected polarized light can be harmful for your eyes— and without the right kind of protection, can cause glare, reduced vision clarity and UV light exposure.

Polarized lenses prevent reflected light from shining directly into your eyes and make it easier to see when bright light is reflected off of smooth surfaces. 

Polarized lenses are created differently than regular lenses due to their ‘sandwich’ design. A polarized lens contains three layers: two outer layers made of plastic or glass, and a middle layer containing the polarized material which is stretched into long vertical strands.

This ‘sandwich’ design allows the polarized lens to absorb the horizontal light that is reflected off smooth surfaces, preventing it from reaching your eyes.

When to use polarized lenses

Polarized sunglasses can make a world of difference when it comes to certain activities, such as:

• Fishing
• Boating
• Golfing
• Snow sports

When not to use polarized lenses

Wearing polarized lenses can make it difficult to see the images on LCD screens, such as the screen on your cell phone or car dashboard, or the ATM machine at the bank.

Sometimes, wearing polarized lenses can interfere with your visual clarity.

Here are some situations when wearing polarized lenses is NOT recommended:

• Looking at digital screens or mobile phones
• Driving on icy roads
• Nighttime driving

In these situations, the reflected light and increased glare can signal oncoming danger and help you to avoid accidents.

Polarized vs. regular sunglasses

Regular non-polarized sunglasses rely on the dark tint of the lens to reduce glare.

Polarized lenses have the ability to reduce light energy without increasing lens color density, and are therefore available in a variety of lighter shades.

Note: While most polarized lenses provide 100 percent UV protection, be sure to read the label on the sunglasses before purchasing.  

Polarized lenses can be beneficial in bright light environments and help to improve your visual clarity for many different activities.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to learn more about polarized lenses and how they can benefit your lifestyle.

The post What Do Polarized Lenses Do? appeared first on Optometrists.org.

When purchasing new eyeglasses or sunglasses, you may want to think about adding some color to your lenses.

Tinted lenses can enhance your vision for indoor and outdoor activities, protect your eyes from harmful UV and blue light, increase eye comfort, and can even enhance your style.

Tinted lenses come in a variety of colors and shades, and can be gradient or solid. Gradient tints are darker at the top and gradually fade to a lighter shade towards the bottom, while solid tints remain the same shade of color throughout the lens.

Every tinted lens offers a unique set of features and benefits, including:

• Improved vision clarity
• Increased color contrast
• Decreased light sensitivity
• Improved color perception
• Enhanced style and cosmetic appeal

Different colored tints 

Yellow lenses are commonly referred to as ‘low light’ glasses or night driving glasses, and are designed to improve vision clarity and contrast in low light conditions. Yellow tints can also help to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays and filter blue light from digital device screens— thereby decreasing fatigue and symptoms of digital eye strain.

Pink and red lenses are recommended for driving, as they offer protection from glare and improve depth perception. These colors also filter out blue light, allowing you to see fine details more clearly.

Blue lenses can be worn for indoor and outdoor visibility. They are great for reducing yellow light and glare.

Gray lenses are the most common choice for sunglasses because they offer the most accurate color visibility. Gray lenses are also dark enough to protect your eyes from bright light, while being light enough to preserve visual clarity.

Dark amber/copper/brown lenses are known for reducing eye strain and fatigue caused by bright light and glare. These colors also filter blue light and improve color contrast.

Dark green and grey lenses are perfect colors for sunglasses because they reduce brightness while maintaining color contrast and clarity.

Dark blue lenses are another great choice for sunglasses as they reduce glare while enhancing color perception.

Since each tinted lens provides different features and benefits, it is important to think about your personal lifestyle before deciding on a color for your new lenses. 

Contact an eye doctor near you to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

SEE RELATED: Do I Need Anti-Reflective Lenses?

What are mirrored lenses?

Mirrored lenses are both fashionable and functional. 

Mirrored lenses help to reflect sunlight away from your lenses to improve visual clarity on sunny days.

Mirror coatings are available in a wide variety of colors and can be applied to any type of lens material.

One of the most common types of mirror coatings is known as the ‘half mirror’ which provides a full dense reflective surface on the outer surface of the lens and completely hides the eyes. Another common mirror coating called the ‘flash mirror’, is less dense than the half mirror and provides a more transparent look.

Keep in mind that the greater the density of the coating, the more reflective it will be— creating a stronger “mirrored” look.

While beneficial for blocking glare, mirrored lenses have the tendency to make objects appear darker and may therefore reduce vision clarity. To improve vision clarity, you may want to think about combining a mirror coating with a light tint, such as gold, blue, or silver.

Which type of tinted lens is right for you?

Each tinted lens provides different visual benefits — the color and density of the lens you choose is truly a personal decision.

Before choosing a specific color, think carefully about your specific lifestyle and what you are looking to achieve with your new eyewear.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule a contact lens fitting to make sure the lens you choose provides you with clear vision and maximum comfort.

Most eyecare professionals recommend a lens color that will enhance visual clarity and depth perception, while reducing eye strain and fatigue. 

Your optometrist can show you a variety of sample tinted lenses. Take your time to trial each one to determine which color provides the most comfortable vision.

The post Tinted Lenses and Mirror Coatings appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Did you know that snow reflects almost 100% of sunlight and is a major source of UV radiation?

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Without proper eyewear, not only are you increasing your risk of getting an eye sunburn (photokeratitis), but you are also exposing your eyes to the long term side effects of UV radiation, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Aren’t UV rays usually associated with sunbathing at the beach?

This is a common misconception.

Ultraviolet rays are actually a potential threat whenever you are in close proximity to a surface that reflects light.

The light from the sun is called unpolarized light, mainly because the light rays point in different directions, instead of shining in just one direction.

When unpolarized light hits a reflective surface, such as a mirror, car window, water or even snow, the reflected light causes the light rays to point in ONE direction, transforming the light into polarized light.

This reflected polarized light can be quite dangerous for your skin if you’re sunbathing at the beach without any sunscreen, but can also be harmful for your eyes if you are skiing without the right sunglasses.

How do polarized lenses help to protect the eyes?

Polarized lenses are created differently than regular lenses, due to their ‘sandwich’ design. 

A polarized lens contains three layers. The middle layer consists of the polarized material which is stretched into long strands and then laminated between two layers of glass or plastic.

This ‘sandwich’ design allows the polarized lens to absorb the reflected light and prevent the harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes.

Polarized vs. regular sunglasses

Regular non-polarized sunglasses rely on the dark tint of the lens alone to reduce glare. Therefore, many people opt for darker lenses with the mistaken belief that they will offer greater protection.

However, the opposite is actually true— a darker lens will cause the pupils to dilate wider, exposing the eyes to an even greater amount of UV light.

Polarized lenses have the ability to reduce light energy by half without increasing the density of the lens color, and therefore are available in a variety of lighter shades.

One of the first things you will notice about polarized lenses, is that they are comfortable to wear over an extended period of time and they are not too dark— both great features for a long day on the ski slopes.

If you are heading to mountains for a day of skiing, protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing polarized sunglasses.

Polarized lenses will not only provide the much needed UV protection, but will also limit glare — enhancing your vision and performance.

The post Heading to the Ski Slopes? Don’t Forget Your Polarized Lenses!  appeared first on Optometrists.org.

Most people are aware of the harmful effects ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have on the skin. However, many are unaware that UV radiation can also endanger our ocular health and vision.

• Unprotected exposure to UV radiation can cause serious eye damage over time. 
• According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation is reached before age 18! 
• Prolonged UV exposure can cause vision threatening ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Prolonged UV exposure can cause:

• Eye irritation in the eye
• Difficulty seeing
• Wrinkles around the eye
• Red or swollen eyes
• Sunburn on the eyelids
• Sunburn of the eye
• Cancer on or around the eye

Types of UV light 

There are three different kinds of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVA rays are not absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and therefore pose the greatest risk to our ocular health.

UVB rays are partially absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, and also pose a great threat to our ocular health. Overexposure to UVB rays can cause sunburns of the skin and eyes, as well as other ocular conditions.

Since our eyes are exposed to both UVA and UVB radiation, protection against these harmful rays is absolutely necessary.

UVC rays are completely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and therefore do not pose any risk to our ocular health.

Why is UV exposure harmful?

Overexposure to UVB radiation over a short period of time such as a day at the beach, can cause photokeratitis, or a “sunburn of the eye”. This type of sunburn can cause temporary, but painful symptoms such as red eyes, light sensitivity, a feeling of something in the eye, and excessive tearing. Aside from the temporary pain and discomfort, photokeratitis generally does not cause any long term ocular damage.

However, an accumulation of UV exposure over the span of many years can cause severe ocular diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration, and threaten partial or total loss of vision.

UVA and UVB radiation pose a great risk to ocular health because their radiation is actually absorbed by the eye—UVB rays are generally absorbed by the cornea and lens, causing damage to these tissues, while   UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye, causing retinal damage.

Is UV exposure only a threat on sunny days?

Although many people think that sunglasses are only needed when the weather is sunny, eye doctors say otherwise!

UV rays reflect off of many surfaces such as snow, water, sand, and even buildings! Snow actually reflects up to 94 percent of UVB rays, compared to water which reflects up to 8 percent. Reflected UV light is just as harmful as direct UV exposure— responsible for 50 percent of the UV radiation we are exposed to!

Many people are also unaware that sunglasses are necessary even when there is an overcast. According to research, on days when high clouds are present, the UV index is just as high as when the sky is clear!

However, it is safe to go out without sunglasses when the weather is rainy, foggy, or there is a presence of low clouds, as UV radiation is greatly reduced in those conditions.

UV exposure is at its highest between 2pm and 4pm— when 39.8 percent of Americans are outdoors. Be sure to wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection during these hours of the day!

If you suspect you have an eye condition, contact an eye doctor near you, who can diagnose and treat the condition.

SEE RELATED: What Are Transition Lenses?

The ultimate guide to shopping for sunglasses

Sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful UV radiation, blue light, and glare. Sunglasses are essential for walking outdoors, driving, sports activities, lounging at the beach, and more!

To ensure maximum protection, before purchasing a new pair of sunglasses, look for the following key elements: 

• 100% UVA and UVB protection
• 75 to 90% visible light protection
• Distortion and imperfection free

If your job entails potentially eye-hazardous outdoor work, or you are involved in many sports, it is highly recommended to purchase sunglasses with polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. These lenses provide a higher level of protection due to their comfortable, light weight, and impact resistant qualities.

The color and tint density of the lens generally doesn’t impact the quality of protection. However, not all sunglasses filter 100 percent of UV radiation. If you are uncertain how much protection your sunglasses provide, ask your eye doctor— they may have special instruments that can measure the UV filter on your lenses.

Keep in mind that the larger the frame, the more protection you will receive. Larger lenses, or a tighter, wrap-around frame will offer protection for the delicate skin around your eyes as well.

If you are outdoors on a regular basis, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, specifically on sunny days, can further reduce UV exposure by up to 50 percent!

Sunglasses are available in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors— they are not only functional, but have been designed to enhance your style!   

Already wear corrective lenses full time? No problem!

If you wear glasses full-time, you may be wondering what you can do, as an additional pair of sunglasses is just not an option!

Not to worry, there are a number of different options available to ensure that you also receive proper coverage.

Prescription sunglasses contain lenses that correct your vision, while providing the much needed protection.

Sunglasses with a larger frame can be worn over your prescription glasses.

Flip-up and clip-on sunglasses clip to the top of the frame for easy, quick coverage.

Photochromic sunglasses or polarized lenses automatically change from clear lenses to darkened lenses in the presence of sunlight.

LEARN MORE:  Optical and Contact Lenses

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.

Since UV light exposure can truly lead to harmful effects, set a good example for your children to encourage them to wear their sunglasses too!

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