Cold Weather Calling!

We have posted a similar blog in the summer time, suggesting to not leave your glasses/sunglasses in the car. Back then under the blistering sun, glasses could start to craze due to the heat. Plastic frames especially. In the heat, frames can mold a lot more easily. This is why you may see us go to the lab when we are adjusting your glasses. We use a small heater to help mold the frame to better fit you. In this case though (although we dig natural heat) is not suggested.

Same thing goes for the winter months. When is starts getting colder (Will it ever happen in Kansas?) your glasses could completely snap in half if it is too cold. One time, before I knew about proper glasses care, I left mine in the car during a blizzard. I did have them in the case, and was lucky that my glasses had not broken yet. I opened my RayBan, flap case and "CRACK" right down the middle. It nearly scared me,thinking that my glasses that I loved so much was probably on it's way to cracking as well.


Think about it this way...if you have your sunglasses with you all of the time, instead of in your car, you will be ready for anything! If your friend asks you to lunch on your break and all you have to do is walk there, then you will be styling and protecting your eyes! Oh and not to mention no snappy glasses! That is a triple bonus!



Pink Ribbons

We are big fans of Vera Bradley products at this office! The prints and colors can't help but make people happy! Every now and then Vera Bradley (from The McGee Group) will release a few patterns that contribute to breast cancer research.

The McGee Group, who manufacturer the frames has been involved with the Vera Bradley Foundation since 2006. They donate a portion of the proceeds of all Vera Bradley eye wear sales to the foundation. The cause of finding a cure for breast cancer is very close to the hearts of those at McGee Group. For Jenny Lynn McGee, the wife of CEO Wayne McGee, passed away from breast cancer in 2008.

The Vera Bradley foundation was established in 1998. They have this far raised nearly $15 million for breast cancer research. All of the proceeds fund a team of researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. 

Every year Vera Bradley will release a special print, dedicated to the breast cancer awareness. Some newer prints include: Twirly Birds Pink, Tea Garden and newest to the collection, Ribbons.

Adrian, Cassie and Lillian highlight the Priscilla Pink Vera Bradley color to make a sweet “pretty-in-pink” statement, but also to take a stand against breast cancer.  The 2012 Vera Bradley Breast Cancer Awareness collection features sunglasses in Priscilla Pink, highlighting the fight to end breast cancer that is close to the hearts of the McGee Group and Vera Bradley. 

Must be the Evolution of Demention

When I throw the words; minimal, durable and light-weight, what do you picture? Is it a mouse the with the strength of the hulk that is microscopic in size? Although it sounds crazy, these descriptions can all be in one product. The Silhouette eyewear has been around for many years, delivering extraordinary features of unique frame design. 

What is nice about the silhouette frames is the distinctiveness of the frame design puts it in first place ahead of it's competition. Most designer frames like to cake on the logo so everyone knows what you are wearing. Silhouette resembles a fashion appeal to the optical industry. It is so minimal that the logo does not need to be plastered on every bit of the frame. 

 

Silhouette places their craftsmanship first by conducting great amounts of research and development strategies. Each Silhouette is a technical masterpiece of it's own, being individually assembled one by one.

Some people like the Silhouettes for the 100% rimless frames that creates a cosmetic appeal of "invisible eyewear". Others like the comfort of having no extra weight on their face, eliminating soreness and headaches. 

If they sound boring to you...think again. They also create colorful lines that offer you the same rimless effect, but also gives you a pop of color to be bold. Silhouette also has a newly released children's collection through SPX Art. You can also customize Silhouette to be taylor made for you! If you like a certain temple design but would like a unique lens shape or want to add more lens for your bi-focal, you can! It's all up to you how you want it to look! 

We have all of the tools to repair or adjust your frame if needed. You would not need to use the warranty much because these frames are very durable being they are made of pure titanium and SPX material. 

Fall For Fall Eyewear Prints!

Now that spectacles have become part of your daily fashion, thanks to nerdy being cool. I want to bring you up to speed with the forecasted fall trends in the fashion industry. The amazing thing is, these prints and colors have already made their way to the optical side!

Here are some examples of what to look for with trendy fall eyewear:

Snow White:
Clear and white frames have been peeking up here an there, but with the white fascination that seems to be going on at runway shows, frames with a neutral but bold statement could be the key!

Gone Fishing (or hunting):

Plaid is a very fun print this season. Also including dark red and orange tones. You could wear a solid colored shirt with your new plaid glasses and make a statement!

Lastly but certainly not least is the style of the world traveler! This look combines many textures and prints for a universal feel. Try out a frame like this one that has a solid front and an Aztec printed temple design! You could rock the turquoise or go more neutral with a brown

Other big fall colors are navy and burgundy. You could even have eyewear with secondary fall colors like plum and marigold!

Why purchasing glasses from your eye doctor vs a 1 hour optical

In today's society we are subjected to things being quick and easy for us. don't have time to cook dinner...go to a drive through, only takes one minute to get your McDouble. the same concept seems to be happening in the optical world. It seems easier to take your prescription to an optical in a mall, pick out what you want, and shop for an hour until they are done. although the idea seems effortless, it may not be so easy later on for you. What cost you only an hour one day, may end up costing you more time and money to get those spectacles to fit you and make them clear.

I have noticed that just like online shopping, online glasses shopping is just as popular. Pretty soon we will have people purchasing prescription eyewear from E bay. Let's hope not! 

We get a lot of questions as to why our pricing is higher than Lens Crafters and why it takes up to two weeks for their new glasses to arrive. These are very great questions. I would not say that our prices are high. We have many selections of both lenses and frames that range from basic to technologically advanced products. We like to work with our patients to find what they are looking for to fit their price range. We also are in connection with a few labatories that have the latest, cutting-edge technology to make the lenses perfect for the patient. The products we use offer great warranties, and able us to remake if we need to update the Rx in 30 days. We also offer a one year warranty for your frame. Most one hour places will only warranty a broken frame within 90 days. 

Another big difference is the training behind the optical staff. Most 1 hour places teach their employees about the corporate aspect of optical versus the technical information behind it. Our Opticians got through intensive training for six months. To be fully trained takes almost a year. We constantly have frame manufactures and lens specialists coming into our office to train us on the newest products. We even have great labs that work with us one on one, teaching us how to properly adjust glasses, repair them and help fix vision problems on patients. Our staff is also trained on taking precise measurements for patients with high prescriptions and bifocal, trifocal and progressive wearers.

One hour businesses set every patient up with the same type of lenses. Here, we make sure that your lenses are 100% custom to fit your visual needs. We will ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, so your lenses will fit you perfectly. 

Something I thought was cool is that at an optician working for a eye care provider is more likely to stay with their job versus an employee at a 1 hour optical. This means if you have a favorite frame, lens or have a broken frame, chances are the optician you worked with a year ago will still be there to help you!  

Your eyes is a good thing to consider when choosing where to purchase your glasses. Remember...you can always get a hearing aid if you loose your hearing, dentures if you loose your teeth. But if you loose your vision, you can not get that back! 

Squeaky Clean

Your eyeglasses are an investment, not only in the terms of money, but for your vision. Caring for your glasses properly will not only save you time and money, but it will also help prevent eyestrain and headaches.


Here are some helpful steps to care for your glasses:


Use the right cleaning cloth. Use microfiber cleaning cloths. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, and clothing. Even soft t-shirts can scratch your lenses! The microfiber cloth can be used for multiple ways. Use it to clean your computer screen, touch screen devices, even your car speedometer. They are very inexpensive and you can wash them!


Use cleaners that are meant for eyeglasses. Water does not dissolve on the lenses, so it will not clean oil or fingerprints. Glass cleaner (windex) has chemicals in it that can damage the lenses. Always use a cleaner  specifically used for lenses.


Keep your frame clean too. Avoid putting your glasses on your head or in your bag/purse with out a case. Frames can easily pick up dust, oil, hairspray, and gels. Wipe our glasses off with your microfiber cloth to prevent build up around nosepads and ear pieces. 


Always store them properly when not in use. A protective case or glasses necklace is the best way to store glasses when you are not using them. Never set the glasses down with the lenses on the table. This could scratch your lenses. In fact, you should think of our fun catch phrase, "if it's not in your face, put it in your case!"


Maintenance is key! Just like getting your oil changed every few months in your car. You should stop in every few months to have us check the glasses for stripped screws, scratches, or even fix any adjustments needed. We are always happy to see you!

Hey there pretty eyes!

We all go through it. The morning when you wake up and the look in the mirror creep you out. Puffy, bloodshot, dark circles, these are all problems that have a simple solution! Here is a list of things that you can do.


To clear up red eyes:
Eyes redden when blood vessels become irritated and start to enlarge.Also, allergies, infection, irritants, inflammatory conditions (pink eye) or uveitis (inflammation of the eye's middle layer) can all cause your eyes to be red. For this you can apply a soothing cool compress (like a cool cucumber), use artificial tears or allergy fighting drops containing antihistamines.


However, if the redness in your eye is caused from a scratch, and is accompanied by a white discharge, pain or reduced vision it will be best to see your eye doctor.


Tame a stye:
A stye forms when an eyelash follicle or gland becomes clogged with oil or dirt. Styes can be very tender when touched. To treat it yourself you can try applying a warm compress (warm CLEAN washcloth) for ten minutes four times a day. This helps with drainage. Do not squeeze the stye and do not use eye makeup when you have a stye. Keeping the eye area clean will help protect form infection. 


You should see your doctor when the stye does not improve within a week, if it becomes painful, becomes larger, bleeds, interferes with vision or has scaling, crusting, excessive tears or light sensitivity.

Calm eye twitches:
Eye twitches can be caused by many things! Stress, too much caffeine, fatigue, excessive squinting, and long periods of reading/staring at the computer. You can treat yourself by reducing your stress. Easy said than done right? Try getting a good night's sleep. Not just for one night but constantly. You could also apply a warm compress to your eyes, and cutting back on the caffeine. So get a nice slumber and skip the coffee shop on your way to work.


See your doctor if twitching is in both eyes versus one, if the twitching persists or worsens, if the spasms consist on your whole side of the face.


De-puff under-eye bags:
Going on a trip...because your eye-bags looked packed. Silly humor that you may get for looking a little on the snoozey side. As you age, puffing can happen more frequently. It is caused by fat and fluid that pool in the area.Not the kind of pool party I want to have. you can help de-puff by getting enough sleep, sleeping with your head elevated, applying a cool compress, avoiding allergens, and easing up on high-sodium foods that cause water retention. 


See your doctor if the swelling is severe or persists, if other parts of your body are swollen, or if your eyes are red, itchy or painful.


Quick makeup tips for the ladies: Say what?
*Blue eyeliner or mascara can help brighten the whites of your eyes. Try if your red eye is caused by irritation or tiredness. 


*Use concealer slightly darker than your foundation on the puffy spots. then use a lighter color  in the crease. put a little on your finger and dab it in! Vol la! 

Contact Lenses: The Do's and Don'ts

Do you wear contact lenses? Here are some Do's and Don'ts for contact lens usage!


Do....
*Follow the directions that come with your lenses.
*Wash your hands with a mild soap and dry with a lint-free towel before touching the contacts.
*Use the same brand of solution. Not all products work with all lenses.
*Rinse and disinfect extended wear contacts each time you remove them.
*Wear UV-protective sunglasses. Even when you have contacts on.
*Get regular eye exams to be sure your contacts are doing their job and aren't causing inflammation.


Don't....
*Use new eye products without your healthcare provider's permission.
*Use tap water or saliva to clean or store them.
*"Stretch the time between replacing contact lenses. Reusing them too much could lead to an eye infection.
*Swim while wearing contact lenses.
*Try on someone else's contacts.
*Use your fingernails, tweezers or any other tool to take your lenses out of their package.

Remember...taking care of your contacts means happy contacts. Happy contacts means happy eyes!

Tender Love and Eye Care

Our eyes do a lot for us every day. We usually do not consider this thought during our day. We only seem to notice our eyes when they are hurting or when we can not see as sharp as we could.

Here are some tips on how to show your eyes a little TLC:

*Take a mini break. Place your palms over your eyes without putting pressure on the eye sockets. This blocks out all of the light so you can close your eyes for a minute. This can help relieve stress and relax your eye muscles.

*Reduce the glare on your computer screen. If you are seated near windows, use curtains or blinds to help filter the light. Also consider anti-reflective lenses to help relieve eye strain and annoying glare. You can also position your computer screen as far away from your eyes as possible. Far enough to see without having to squint. It is suggested to have your screen at or below eye level, so you don't have to look up. Looking up increases tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms.

*Have a pair of safety goggles handy. In case you have to do anything with hardware, or dangerous chemicals. You do not want to damage your eye. Also read labels and follow instructions carefully.

*If you wear mascara, brush it on the tips of your lashes only. Getting too close to the root of the lash could actually block glands that help form tears. This could make your eyes feel dry and painful.

*If you wear contacts, make sure that you have a back up pair of glasses so you can give your eyes a rest!

Play It Safe!

It's around that time of year when  you are starting to think about all the things that you or your child needs for school. Notebooks, check! Pencils, check! Eye Exam...getting warmer. What about sports glasses? 


We already know that a fair amount of children wear eye wear to correct their vision, but what do we do when they play sports? Usually our automatic answer is to have the child play their sports in their everyday glasses. The bad thing with this is if a child gets hit in the face with a ball, it could not only break the glasses, but also hurt the child. Some instances can be a bruise, black eye, to the most extreme...blindness. there are over 38,000 sports-related injuries a year. Don't let your child be one of those statistics! 

We carry a great line of protective sports eye wear called Liberty Sport. These glasses are made specifically for sports and play. Some styles are even dedicated to football, baseball, cycling, and water sports. These can also be used for basketball, tennis, golf, etc.

Guess what parents? There are some for you too! liberty Sport also makes adult glasses for not only sports, but for running, cycling, and motorcycle riding. These have turned out to be very popular to our bike riding patients! 

Hot Headed-Why you should not leave your glasses in your car especially in the heat!

During these hot, summer days we are doing our best to stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, and wear our sunscreen. There are a few things that we do not always think about during our "what to do in the heat" checklist. 


We always advise others not to leave their glasses in their car. This is something we explain all year long. Even if it is not blistering hot out, the sun can seep through your windows and hurt your frames and lenses. If leaving your glasses in your car is a habit you have, try to break it this summer! 


Here are a few reasons why you should not leave your glasses in your car:

*The heat can warp your frame, especially if it is plastic! Warping means that the frame will easily twist or bend out of it's original shape. The material could also expand, making the lenses not fit in the frame properly

* The lenses could also craze. Crazing meaning a network of fine cracks on the surface of a material.

* Any metal in the frame (spring hinges) could burn your face if too hot! That would not be fun to partner with a sunburn! Ouch!

Just for fun, other items you should not leave in your car in the heat are: cd's, gps, mp3 players, sunscreen, medicines, disposable lighters and water bottles! Good to know.

If you are wondering where you should put your glasses when you are not in your car, I recommend ladies to put your glasses in the case and into your purse. For men it is a little harder, since most of you do not carry a bag. My male co-worker says to "put them in your girlfriend/spouse's purse. Which would seem to work, but this is not always the option. I would suggest if you are traveling to work and have a brief case, slip them in there. If you are headed to a restaurant or bar, I would suggest getting folding glasses to put in your pocket. It sounds crazy but see the picture below to know what I am taking about. These sunglasses come with a small square case that fits into your pocket like your wallet does. Bonus...you can put your Rx in it! PS, we sell these!

We also would like to wish everyone a fun and safe 4th of July! Protect your eyes and wear your sun wear! If you need any repairs or adjustments after the holiday, come on by and see us! 

In Sync With Relaxation

Do your eyes ever feel more tired than you do at the end of the day? Do you feel yourself taking your glasses off during the day to rub your eyes? Want relief? Well now you can! There are two new lenses on the market that we sell at our office. One is called Shamir Relax and the other is the Hoya Sync.


The Shamir relax is like having an extra shot of espresso in your coffee. You will feel energized all day. This lens helps ease the strain that is normally associated with prolonged accommodation. If you spend a lot of your day on the computer or using any of the new tech items like your smart phone or tablet, this lens will the muscles in your eyes more comfortable while they are consistently working. Sounds refreshing huh?


The Sync lens offers the same qualities as the relax lens but gives you a higher add towards the bottom of a lens. A +0.88 versus the relax +0.65. Even though the relax has a smaller increase of power at the bottom, it still works wonders! 


I have found that these types of lenses work better for those who have a higher Rx. If you have a small Rx it will work, but the higher the script, the more the add power will work!


I love my relax lenses. It feels better than even wearing my contacts! Yep, I said it! i finally found what I have been looking for in a great pair of glasses!

Find your right match!

Anytime you visit the eye doctor and talk about your lens options, you may get over whelmed by the amount of information that is presented to you. This guide will help you have a better understanding of the features and benefits of different lens options and who they are recommended for.

*Anti-reflective reduces glare, makes the lenses seem "invisible" and eliminates halos and ghost like images in your lenses. It is recommended for night driving, computer users, high index wearers, seniors, refractive surgery patients and public speakers.


*High index plastic material makes lenses thinner, lighter and scratch resistant. They are recommended for people with medium to high powered prescriptions that usually have thick lenses.


*Photochromic lenses (transitions) block UV rays, and automatically darkens and lightens when exposed to UV or sun light. Recommended for people with light sensitivity, children, outdoor activities.


*Polarized eliminates all types of glare, enhances contrast, and provides maximum UV protection. Recommended for driving in the sun and outdoor activities.


*Trivex or polycarbonate lenses are impact resistant, scratch resistant, thinner and lighter. Recommended for children, sports enthusiasts and safety jobs. Trivex is more impact resistant than polycarbonate.


*Progressive lenses provide a more natural vision at all distances in comparison to lined bifocals. Recommended for the 40 and over age range.

Protect The 'windows to your soul'. How an eye exam can save your life!

We all go into an eye exam thinking that the purpose is to get an updated prescription to get new contacts or glasses. While this is true, there is so much more to an eye exam than that. It is more about the overall health of your eye, as well as the rest of your body. Eye doctors are often the first health care providers to detect signs of chronic systemic conditions. It is good to visit your eye doctor at least once a year. This way the earlier they catch potential problems, the better off you will be.

Let me give you a helpful break down of what the doctor looks for in an eye exam:

Refractive error: This refers to the nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, which can be corrected with glasses, contacts or refractive surgery.

Amblyopia: Also known as "lazy eye". In this situation, one eye fails to achieve normal visual acuity in childhood usually. If not promptly detected and treated, amblyopia can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

Eye teaming: Even if your eyes appear properly aligned, it is possible they do not work as a team. If this is a case, it could cause headaches and eye strain. 

Focusing issues: These can range from incompletely developed focusing skills in children to normal age-related declines among older adults.

Eye diseases: Looking at your eye's blood vessels, retina and other interior structures, your eye doctor can detect early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and more.

Children's Vision and Eye Health

Did you know one in ten children are at risk from undiagnosed vision problems? Most the time we don't think about a child needing their eyes checked. They are so young and healthy, why would we need to? Unless a situation is evident, like amblyopia where the eye seems "lazy". Or is you notice you child squinting when reading. 


Believe it or not, children should have their first eye exam between the ages 6-12 months! It is also highly recommended that before a child enters school (usually around the age of 3) should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years.


In addition there are many other things that you as a parent can do to protect your child's vision. Here is a helpful list from the American Optometric Association:


*Eat right: starting at pregnancy and even after. After breast feeding continue to practice healthy eating by incorporating well balanced, nutritious foods into your, and your child's diet. Examples of "eye power" foods are: carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, turkey, sweet potatoes, salmon and spinach!


*In the first two months of life, and infant's eyes are not quite coordinated, which may appear crossed. However if one eye appears to turn in or out continually, an evaluation is suggested.


*At six months of age, an independent eye doctor should examine your child's vision, even if no problems are apparent.


*Provide your child with toys that encourage visual development such as multi-colored objects, crib mobiles, plastic or wooden blocks and jigsaw puzzles.


*Use sun protection when your child's eyes are light in color. Adults protect their eyes with sunglasses and shelter when they are outdoors, so why shouldn't we do this for our kids? 

If your child needs prescription glasses some things to consider are trivex lenses that are durable lenses with front side, back side scratch protection and UVA blocking. Anti reflective treatment is also a great option for children in school. Today in schools there are white boards and florescent lighting, which can cause strain on their eyes when trying to focus. 

Multiple Pairs..Four Eyes are Better Than Two

You may be reading this title and think I am crazy talking. Who needs more than one pair of glasses? The truth is, you only need one pair. The benefits of having multiple pairs is to create an easy flow for your lifestyle, without wearing out your everyday pair.

Next on your check list of questions is, what do you mean lifestyle lenses? Well the answer is this... Think about all of your hobbies. Do you enjoy fishing, golfing, sewing, welding, biking, or accessorizing? There are many different lens styles for anything you could possibly need! For example, a golfer may benefit from a "golfing lens" which is a round bifocal on the side of the lens to use when putting. It gives you a little more magnification. It's not cheating, just performance boosting! If you enjoy needle work, or anything you need for up close, get an up close Rx put in an economical set of frames. This way you can have the enhanced vision for the things you love to do, at a small expense. Think about it this way...if you have different pairs of glasses for different activities, your every day pair is less prone to breaking, and your eyes won't be so tired by the end of the day. If you are using a bifocal lens for everyday, and do a lot of up close work, you have the magnification to suffice, but it is only a small amount.

We offer great package deals that can save you up to 30% on your extra glasses. Not to mention, this month is buy one complete pair of glasses and receive 50% off a second pair of lenses! Hello customization! Wardrobe get ready!

If you are thinking about having multiple pairs of glasses, definitely consider a pair of Rx sunglasses. This is the best thing you can do for your eyes!

Protect your eyes with polarized!

You have heard me ramble about polarized lenses before and why they are so great for you. Today though, I am going to talk about a certain line of sunglasses in particular. Maui Jim has been well known for ages, perfecting their lens style every year. With this line in particular I like to say "Once you go Maui you never go back". It's corny but true! Maui Jim has what is called Polarized Plus 2 Technology, which helps boost color and help your see better and see brilliance. Here is a list of some great benefits to wearing these lenses.

Color Enhancing: so blues are truer. Greens are brighter. Reds are more vibrant. Distortion-free lens features patented lens treatments or rare earth elements to infuse color into what you see daily.

Prevents squinting: wipes out 99.9% of glare and blocks 100% of UV rays. Remember when getting 100% on your math test was a great thing and a big deal? Same applies here.

Polarization: Eliminates direct and reflected glare from any flat, smooth or shiny surface for a cleaner, crisper view. It makes it possible to see below the surface of the water. Which if you are a fisherman, works great magic for you! Hello fish!

Anti-Reflective: Blocks reflected light and that annoying bounce-back glare from behind the lens. This helps provide a clear view and eliminates eye fatigue.

Waterproof and oleophobic: Waterproof to shed water and snow. Oleophobic to repel grease and make smudges easier to wipe off. Those are some clean lenses!

Maui Jim comes in many different frame style, as well as lens colors. Neutral grey lenses are the highest available light reduction for bright sunlight. Provides a rich color and contrast. Bronze lenses is an excellent contrast for everyday variable conditions. They are great if you love a warm, subtle bronze tint. Rose colored lenses is made for the highest contrast available for everyday variable conditions. They are excellent for fast moving sports. Maui HT is a green colored lens that is high transmission for the most visible light possible while still eliminating glare. This lens is great for fast action sports, driving, golf and any time that you need more useful light.

Maui Jim is able to Rx the lenses. You can do single vision, bi-focals and progressives. Some restrictions apply on certain Rx powers. If you are looking for a great sun for your summer vacations, or just because you can have a great pair. Look into Mauis. If this post did no convince you enough...turn on some tropical music, maybe eat an almond joy and look at these beautiful pictures of what a Maui Jim can do for you!

A Beautiful You

Warning...this post may cause you to dig deep and think about yourself. I want to talk about a subject that I notice quite often when people are shopping for glasses. I notice that some are hard on themselves, and feel that they can not pull off a certain look with their glasses. Some try to stick with the norm, and wear a pair that is similar to what they have had because they do not want anyone to notice. This is my favorite type of person to work with! It takes some motivation from another for them to try something new. I have heard many comments like, "I could never wear that" or "what would people say".

I used to be the same way. I have a really high Rx and have worn glasses since I was a child. I got made fun of for having "coke bottle" lenses. Let's just say once I got introduced to contacts, glasses were non existent unless I was in a biology lab. I did not feel confident in my glasses. Even if people were not judging me, I made my mind think that they were. It was not until I started working in optical that I realized the way to be confident in my glasses. Even now I can still have a couple confidence problems with it, but choose to go about it in a different way. For me, I don't like how my Rx makes my eyes look big. One way to distract people from noticing my "big eyes" is to have a frame that is unique. Having a cool shape or funky color automatically takes the esteem to a new level.

I love hearing the words, "I would have never put that on" and "I get so many compliments in this unique frame". I can tell that people who step outside of their comfort zone are beaming with happiness. The truth is, if you say you can't do something, then you can not. If you believe that you can wear and do wonderful things, then by all means you can. 

I saw this quote on a Bare Minerals commercial and feel like I want to tell every woman I know. "You are pretty, beauty is what you do with it." How true is that? I get it! Now I don't want to get all sappy on everyone, because chances are you do not have a box of tissues and a bag of chocolates in your lap. However, I do feel that it is important to know that you are worth everything you believe you are. If you want to wear a hot pink, polka dot, tiger print, chunky plastic frame (not all together of course) then do it! I am very happy that I made the switch as I like to say. Sure I still love my classic frames that will match everything, but when I wear my multi-colored frames, I feel like I should be hanging out with movie stars. Not to be modest...I just want you to know how you could feel. I hope for you the best in your journey of looking at optical frames. Come see us and let us give you the style change of your life!

Crystal Clear

We just purchased a new sunglasses line from A&A Optical called Jimmy Crystal New York. These sparkling treasures will be a big hit for summer! We are premiering six different styles and would like your feed back. 


If you like a little bling, or fierce jungle cats, then you will adore this line. Actually, you will probably purchase all six! 


Want the skinny on the blingy? Jimmy Crystal New York eyewear is adorned with Swarovski crystal elements. This provides the kind of elegant sparkle to make all of your friends jealous. Every piece  is uniquely designed, and hand set into the frame for quality craftsmanship. This is a true luxurious collection that has deep roots into the fashion industry. The styles will make every woman feel like a star in designs that emulate glamour and class. What is nice about these sunglasses, is they will be a style that you could wear through the years.


So what are you waiting for? Go sparkle up your wardrobe! Put the rawr in your fashion statement!

Let's Get Digital

In this day and age the word digital automatically makes us think elite. The best of the best.

Today, our office got to meet a very knowledged sales representative from one of our labs. He wanted to discuss with us the revolution of wave front technology, otherwise known as digital/free form lenses. This is nothing new to us, but it may be for you.

If you wear a progressive style (no line bifocal) lens and are not a big fan of the distortion that you may see on each side of your lenses, you are in luck. There are many different manufactures who have their own sleek design to free form. Today we learned about Varilux products. Some of you may be used to hearing this brand, since Varilux has been around for quite some time now.

Free form lenses are different from regular progressive styles, because it is made more customized to your Rx. The original progressives are pretty much cookie cutter in the optical world. Think about a hockey puck.. take your new and not to mention fabulous frame that you get here, cut the hockey puck to fit then frame, plop it in and try to find your best Rx through a sweet spot about the size of a spot on your miniature dog.

Digital lenses are made a little differently. They are made froma single vision blank, and they digitally grid the reading power on the back side of the lense with a...wait for it ladies, diamond point cutter. Savvy huh? This process helps make the lenses flow nicely together to create less distortion in your lenses. It also widens the "sweet spot" so you won't have to look like a crazy person moving your head around until you find it.

The good news is these digital lenses are also made for single vision! These are good for anyone who has a higher Rx. If you are used to glasses that make you look like you are wearing coke bottles or shrinking machines, it all changes for good! I have a very high plus Rx. All my life I was used to having lenses that made my eyes look 10 times as big as they actually are. I used to wear only contacts because I did not want to deal with having to look funny. Now that I have tried these lenses, not only do my eyes look normal, but I can see like an angel. I feel like I can see more clear than with my contacts! Not to mention that my eyes don't hurt from always wearing contacts. The single vision digital lense is bi-aspheric, meaning they enhance the performace from both sides of the lens. High Rx have a sweet spot as well. With this lense you can see through the whole lens clearly!

Things really do get better with age...don't they?

Carrera...racing to the finish line of great polarization

As we all know, technology has been advancing before our eyes faster than you can say smart phone. We have seen televisions sets morph from tubular settings to digital, and having your cell phone attached to a bag, to practically not being able to find in your bag.

Carrera sunglasses has come out with a new line of sunglasses called X-Cede that have even more technology than some of the leading polarized sunglasses lines. 

Carrera sunglasses have been around since 1956. The brand was initially made as sports sunglasses. Winter sports were more specialized within the line. Skiing, and ski jumping along side sports goggles and of course, motor racing.


My, how the times have changed! The Carrera X-Cede collection, by Safilo uses a high contrast definition technology to create sun lens color enhancements in a non-film polarizing lens. 


When looking for quality sunglasses, there are two things the lenses should do for you. First, they must enhance and protect vision. Next, they should look good. while being comfortable. The saying that most women say that when your feet hurt from wearing high heels means they look good, does not do the same for glasses! Safilo inspired to design a collection with the goal to exceed both criteria.


I am guessing by now you are pondering what polarization even is, and why it is such a great thing compared to cheapies you purchase at the convenience store. Read on my friend...


The UV light that we are exposed to every day has harmful rays of light that damages the cornea, lens and retina in our eye. As the eye receives light, it naturally opens and closes the iris when it is exposed to a certain amount of light that passes the retina. This can cause the physiological response to squint. Extended periods of squinting can cause significant eyestrain and fatigue. Tinted lenses help filter the amount of light that is transmitted to the eye, but polarized lenses block even more than that. The new X-cde lenses go two steps further by eliminating specific light frequencies, that can blur your vision. With these lenses it will enhance rather than distort. 


Previously, companies would use a premade, embedded, polarizing film that reduces glare. In most of those lenses, the film is curved, bent and stretched to accommodate the size of the frame. All of this bending and curving potenially reduces the efficiency of the lense, creating distortion and warpage. The X-Cede lenses use a non-film polarization, which blows those cheapies out of the water!


But wait...there is more! Compared to other top polarized competitors, Carrera X-Cede lenses are made with trivex lenses compared to polycarbonate. Trivex is a lens material that not only is very impact resistant, but also has an enhanced quality. Anti-reflective treatment is then treated onto the back side of the lens, to block even more light and make your eyes feel great! The nice thing about having the added feature of anti-reflective to the trivex is making it complete. Think about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If it's just the jelly or only the peanut butter, what do you get? A sad sandwich right? Trivex and anti-reflective work like peanut butter and jelly. Separate they are good, but together is the partnership that changes your taste buds life!


Of course I would not leave you empty-handed without pictures! If you would like to see them in person, we are expecting these new styles shortly! I sure can not wait to try them out, and hopefully you feel the same!

Hello Hydration!

Are you feeling a tad dry-eyed lately? Do those clear eyes commercials make you wish there was a better solution for your contacts? No pun intended...

Great news for contact wearers! Acuvue Oasys now has a brand contact lense with hydraclear plus! Of course I will explain what all of these high-tec words mean through my explanation of the product.

These lenses have the highest UV protection than any other contact lenses. It protects up to 96% of UV-A and 100% UV-B rays. This will make your eyes very happy. To make them super happy, don't forget your sun wear! If you want your eyes to be your best friend...get your sun wear polarized!

Raise your hand if you like to breathe! If you raised your hand, which I am guessing you did otherwise you would not be breathing, or reading this...you can understand that your eyes like to breathe too. The silicone hydrogel material provides 98% of available oxygen to the eye! If that was not enough, the plus technology in this lens permanently embeds a higher volume of moisture-rich wetting agent, which results in a more wettable lens. This will provide all day comfort, even in the most challenging environments. Sound like allergies better pack up and go home, because these contacts will boot those itchy, red eyes for good!

If you are wondering how you can get your hands on a lens like this, come see us! We have plenty of lenses in stock for you to try!