Do you desire thinner, lighter lenses? People with a lower refractive error generally don’t think about the thickness of their lenses because they have many material options that are thin and light. People who have a stronger prescription, however, will notice a big difference in the weight and the appearance of their lenses with new materials. Watch the video to learn more!

Get Thinner and Lighter Lenses

People with a strong prescription usually want the thinnest and lightest lenses possible. Most eyewear choices are made of plastic or metal with rims thinner than the lens. In other cases, the frame has no rim at all and features rimless mountings. In either case, the edges of your lens are highly visible. Thicker edges can detract from the appearance of your eyewear.

The good news is that a variety of new plastic materials are available to provide thinner and lighter lenses. This means less lens material can be used to correct the same amount of prescription. High-index lenses are the thinnest, flattest, and most cosmetically appealing lens ever developed. Most high-index lenses have what is called an aspheric design. In addition to looking thinner, your lenses will also reduce the magnified “bug-eye” or “Coke-bottle” look often caused by thicker lenses.

Ask an optician here at The Vision Clinic about which lens material will be best and most comfortable for you!

Sunglasses are Fashionable and Functional

While sunlight is a beautiful thing, too much of anything can be harmful. In addition to making a unique fashion statement, sunglasses are also functional and can prevent sun damage to the eyes to improve and protect vision.

From sunburn to skin cancer, almost everyone is aware of the damage ultraviolet (UV) radiation can inflict on their skin. However, very few understand the dangers of UV exposure to their eyesight. In fact, while more than eight out of 10 Americans know that extended UV exposure can cause skin cancer, fewer than one out of 10 know it can harm their eyes. Additionally, 20 percent of Americans mistakenly believe that UV damage is reversible.

Because so few people understand the detrimental effects of UV exposure, many aren’t taking the best steps to protect and preserve their vision. For example, less than half of Americans get a regular eye exam, which can be instrumental in detecting and preventing serious vision problems and eye disease. Additionally, more than four out of 10 people don’t wear UV blocking sunglasses during the winter months when UV rays are still a threat.

Sunglasses Quality Matters

Did you know that wearing an inadequate pair of sunglasses can be worse than wearing no sun protection at all? If a pair of sunglasses offers no UV protection, the wearer is actually increasing his or her exposure to UV rays. The inadequate sunglasses will block some of the light, causing the pupil of the eye to enlarge and allow more light in. This also lets in more UV light, increasing the amount of damaging light reaching the retina. Quality sunglasses are designed to absorb UVA and UVB rays. However, not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays, and therefore may not be effective in preventing sun damage to the eyes.

Considering the potential damage that UV exposure can cause to eyesight, everyone should be wearing lenses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

Polarized Lenses Block Glare

Polarized lenses are helpful in blocking polarized light. This type of light is created by reflected light. When bright light bounces off of horizontal surfaces such as water, cars, snow, or the highway, it can cause intense glare. Bright glares make it difficult or impossible to see. Polarized lenses can be beneficial for certain situations, including driving, skiing, and fishing because they cut the scattered light causing a glare. Fishermen, for example, often use polarized lenses to help them see beneath the water and better locate fish. While most polarized lenses have built-in UV-blocking features, it is important to check the lens labeling to determine if the sunglasses offer full protection. Regardless of the type of sun protection chosen, the quality of the lens is important.  

Stop by to see us at The Vision Clinic to be sure your sunglasses provide 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. If they don’t, we can help you pick out a fashionable pair that offers function and protection, too!

Although no lens material is “scratch-proof,” it’s important to protect your new lenses with a scratch resistant treatment. Lenses that are treated on the front and backside with a clear, hard coating show increased resistance to scratching. A two-sided scratch resistant treatment is the best choice for optimal scratch resistant protection. Watch the video below and be sure to ask us about adding scratch protection to your lenses!

Scratch-Resistant Lenses

Lenses with the best scratch protection are treated on the front and backside with a clear, hard, scratch-resistant coating. This can minimize the damage to your lenses if you accidentally drop them, or clean them with the wrong type of material.

When eyeglass lenses are scratched, they become less clear and are more likely to cause eye fatigue. Scratches also make it harder for others to see your eyes from the front, and may even begin to bother the wearer if scratches are noticeable. There are some treatments that can help your lenses resist scratching and have a longer life.

Some lens materials like polycarbonate and trivex have built-in scratch resistance. However, it’s important to know that not all scratch-resistant treatments offer equal protection. Since most lens treatments are optional, be sure to ask our staff at The Vision Clinic for a two-sided scratch-resistant treatment that offers the best protection for your new eyewear investment.

Do you get headaches or eyestrain from staring at your computer screen? At the end of a long day in front of your digital devices, is it difficult to focus on objects in the distance? You may be suffering from digital eye strain. With most of the population working on computers for multiple hours a day, our doctors wants to share some information on the benefits of computer lenses.

Computer Lenses

According to the American Optometric Association, the average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer, either in the office or working at home. That’s why digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome is common. Computer vision syndrome is caused by excessive digital screen use. Symptoms include blurry vision, sore and tired eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. Nearsighted people often complain of headaches, eye strain, squinting or fatigue when driving, playing sports, or when looking more than a few feet away.

Special lenses can be used to supplement your primary pair of eyewear. They can solve vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use by enhancing vision at the near and intermediate distances.  

To avoid or reduce digital eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every twenty minutes, concentrate on taking a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away.

Are you experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain? Ask our doctors for more information during your next visit.

Eye Protection is No Accident

Whether you’re working on a project at home or at work, eye protection is serious business. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment each day. Of these injuries, 90 percent could have been prevented with the right eye protection. Luckily, specialized eyewear is available from The Vision Clinic to provide eye protection and visual enhancement for recreational, industrial, and occupational situations.

The two most common reasons for eye injuries in the workplace are when a worker is wearing the wrong type of protective eyewear for the task, or when they are not wearing any protection at all.

The most common occupations for eye injuries include:

• Auto repair
• Carpentry
• Construction
• Electrical work
• Maintenance
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Plumbing
• Welding

A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey questioned people who experienced an eye injury in the workplace. The responses revealed that nearly three out of five workers were not wearing eye protection at the time of an accident. These same workers reported they didn’t feel safety eyewear was needed for the job they were doing.

Hazards exist in every home in many different forms such as sharp edges, falling objects, chemicals, noise, and a variety of other potentially dangerous situations. Whether you’re working on a weekend project in the garage or participating in recreational activities, wearing eye protection can significantly reduce the chances of sight damaging injuries.

The Vision Clinic’s Tips for Protecting Your Eyes

1. Plan ahead. Know the eye safety dangers associated with job or project you’ll be working on. Will there be projectiles, chemical exposure, or light radiation?
2. Eliminate hazards. Reduce your risk of eye injury by eliminating hazards before you begin the job. Use safety guards, work screens, and other preventive measures whenever possible.
3. Wear protective eyewear. Don’t risk something as important as your sight. Whether it’s goggles, a face shield, a helmet, or eyewear with impact-resistant lenses, always wear the proper form of protective eyewear for the job.
4. Maintain your eyewear. If your protective eyewear becomes scratched or broken, be sure to replace it right away. If you cannot see through it clearly, or if it’s broken in any way, it will not protect you like it was designed to do.

The Vision Clinic can help you select the protective eyewear most appropriate for your job or activity based on a hazard assessment. Please call our office for more information.

Source: The American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org

Did you know? 80 percent of lens scratches occur by cleaning eyewear incorrectly. Protect your investment by following these proper lens care instructions. Taking care of your lenses can be the difference between seeing clearly for the life of your eyeglasses, or having to replace them early due to excessive scratching and improper maintenance.

Many anti-reflective or non-glare treatments help protect against dust, debris, oil, water, and smudges. These can help your glasses stay clean longer, but they also need special care. Begin by rinsing your lenses with warm water and a mild soap without additives. You may also use an approved lens cleaning solution provided by your eyecare professional. Never use glass cleaner or other household cleaners. Avoid all chemicals including hairspray, perfume, and cologne, which are harmful to eyeglass lenses.

Next, dry your lenses with a soft, lint-free cloth. You may also use a microfiber cloth specially designed for your eyewear. Never use facial tissue or paper towel as they will scratch your lenses. Finally, never leave your eyeglasses in direct sunlight or in a hot car. The heat can damage your lenses as well as your eyeglass frames. Additionally, never leave your eyeglasses facing downward. Always keep them in a case when not in use.

Remember that you should never use commercial cleaners on your lenses. Talk to us about the best way to care for your eyewear and we’ll be happy to make suggestions on products we recommend.

At The Vision Clinic, we’re committed to helping you care for your eyes and your eyewear! Learn more with this video on eyeglass lens care.