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young girl wearing glasses while doing homework on computer

How to Get Your Kids to Wear Glasses

Find tips to help your child get excited about wearing eyeglasses & learn about other eyewear to consider, like kids’ blue light glasses, kids’ reading glasses and sports glasses for kids.

How to Get Your Kids to Wear Glasses

For most adults, dealing with moments of embarrassment and things that cause you to feel self-conscious is just a part of life. For a child, dealing with feelings of embarrassment and awkwardness can be anxiety-inducing and even borderline traumatic. That’s why it is so important to work with your kids to explain things in easy to digest terminology – especially when it relates to their health and wellbeing.

When it comes to wearing eyeglasses, this could not be more true.

young girl wearing glasses while doing homework on computer

While the idea of putting glasses on your face every day may seem like a crazy idea to a toddler or young child, it may be necessary to address common eyesight issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Additionally, wearing glasses may be an essential tool in helping them advance academically and avoid falling behind in the classroom due to vision problems during their formative years. The key is to properly explain the necessity of eyeglasses to them in ways and terminology that they will understand and embrace.

Why Some Kids Can Be Reluctant or Refuse to Wear Eyeglasses

Granted, some kids may jump at the opportunity to wear glasses that they consider cool or stylish. In these cases, explaining to them how eyeglasses can improve their vision and help them avoid eye problems in the future is a piece of cake.

But for children who find the concept of wearing glasses embarrassing, or downright disconcerting, the process of getting them to comply may prove a bit more difficult. This can be attributed to a number of reasons, from an improper fit to a fear of bullying.

Some of the more common issues include:

  • Improper Fit.If your child’s glasses don’t fit just right, they may display more resistance to wearing them consistently.
    • If the glasses are too tight, they could hurt their ears or nose, causing them discomfort.
    • If the glasses are too loose, they might slip off and become impossible to wear for long periods of time.Making sure a child’s eye doctor checks the fit and size before they wear the eyeglasses avoids this issue and ensures their new eyewear is properly snug in all the right places.
  • Fear of Being Teased. Although the idea of wearing glasses has become a bit trendier, many kids may still see them as nerdy or off-putting due to the way they make them stand out. Kids can be very self-conscious if they feel different from their peers, so allowing them to ease into the process and encouraging them throughout the entire course is important to protect their feelings.
  • Wrong Prescription. In order to find the right prescription, you need to find a child’s eye doctor so he or she can reassess your child’s vision and conduct the right tests. Tests – like a functional vision test – allows the eye doctor to identify any functional vision problem, if they exist, by properly assessing eye movements, eye focusing, and eye teaming. Once these are appropriately diagnosed or ruled out as functional vision problems, the eye doctor can do further testing to confirm what prescription lenses will optimize your child’s functional vision.

Tips to Help Your Child Get Excited to Wear Glasses

Staying calm and not obsessing over the issue is of the utmost importance when the topic of wearing glasses is brought up. Some resistance or reluctance is to be expected and showing them that their feelings matter empowers them and makes them feel a part of the process – not controlled by it.

Additional tips to help along the way and ease into the transition may include:

  • Pick a Child’s Eye Doctor that Suits Your Needs.
    Take your time and do you research before picking your child’s eye doctor. The right pediatric eye doctor for your child won’t have any problem putting your child at ease and helping them get comfortable with the idea of wearing glasses. Keep in mind that you’ll most likely need to get those glasses replaced every year or so. Also, you’ll need to bring your child in for regular checkups so the eye doctor can monitor the condition of their eyes; so, ensuring your child is comfortable with the doctor is essential.
  • Let Them Help Choose the Frames that Fit their Personality.
    The best way to instill a sense of ownership during the process of selecting their glasses is to allow them to pick out their own frames. When the time comes for them to make the big decision, go ahead and plan a special day for the event and even give it a cool name like “frame shopping day.” Most kids enjoy picking out things by themselves because it empowers them and makes them feel involved, so keep patient and allow them to try on as many frames as they want. Picking the perfect pair is not an easy deal!
  • Do Not Overreact to their Reluctance.
    If your child is upset about the notion of wearing glasses, what they absolutely do not need is for you to get upset. While it may be hard to not snap, remembering to take some deep breaths and remind yourself that teaching the right mindset about their glasses is key. Help them understand right from the get-go that being able to see properly is a gift. That way, they won’t take it for granted and it will help your child understand the importance of wearing their new glasses and taking care of them properly.

Other Eyewear to Consider: Blue Light Glasses, Reading Glasses & Sports Glasses for Kids

Kids Blue Light Glasses
Blue light has been shown to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, or the wake-sleep cycle. That means when your child stays up late finishing homework — or watches a movie or plays a video game before bedtime ― it could potentially mess with their sleep cycle and cause minor problems like, headaches or dry eyes.

If you want an extra bit of protection to save you child’s eyes from all the screen time, kids blue light blocking glasses might be helpful for their eyes, too. They work by filtering out the blue light from screens before it reaches your eyes.

Kids Reading Glasses
Finding the right reading glasses is essential for your child’s academic progress and comprehension.

If they struggle to see words or are misdiagnosed and given the wrong prescription, their scholastic progress can suffer tremendously. That is why making sure they receive a proper diagnosis and fitting pair allows them to get acclimated to their readers and ensures they wear them when they need them most.

Sports Glasses for Kids
Just because your child is being active does not mean they can ignore a diagnosed vision issue. In fact, wearing proper sports glasses for kids may become as essential as the right shoes or clothing when playing the sport of their choice.

Their sports glasses can help protect their eyes from dangerous objects while they play, such as fast-moving balls, high-speed racquets in a confined space, and pokes from team players or competitors. Helping your child avoid serious injury and continued vision problems requires planning and preparation, so take the time to choose the right eyewear in all scenarios.

Let’s Make Eyewear Fun and Exciting to Wear for Your Child

At iCare Vision, we see to it that your child’s vision is thoroughly assessed, and they find the experience fun and engaging. If your child is feeling a little anxious about the exam, they can relax and play before they see the doctor in our children’s corner and coloring area in the waiting room. If one of our pediatric eye doctors find that your child would benefit from glasses, your child can pick out cool frames that fit their personality with our collection of children’s frames.

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Do Gaming Glasses Really Work?

Do you stare at a blue light emitting screen for long periods of time? Considering blue light gaming glasses? Learn about computer gaming glasses, including prescription gaming glasses.

Do Gaming Glasses Really Work?

Staring at screens is a constant in this day and age. From the computers we work on to the phones we communicate with to the televisions where we find our entertainment, blue light is constantly inundating our sight and flooding our senses.

 
blue light prescription gaming glasses
 

Imagining a time when our lives existed without these screens is hard to recollect, but have you ever stopped to wonder exactly how all this additional blue light is impacting your eyes?

Is it safe to spend so much time staring at this artificial light source? Are their glasses available that can lessen the impact that sustained screen time has on ocular muscles?

Understanding the way in which blue light impacts your sight and how to protect yourself from any long-term damage is essential to enjoying your time online while also ensuring your eyesight does not sustain any damage along the way.

 

Blue Light & Your Eyes: What You Need to Know

During the day, blue light has been shown to be extremely beneficial, playing a significant role in establishing a healthy circadian rhythm and boosting your attention and overall mood.

Blue light is visible light with a wavelength between 400 and 450 nanomeers (nm).

  • As the name suggests, this type of light is perceived as blue in color but may be present even when light is perceived as white or another color.
  • Blue light is of concern because it has more energy per photon of light than other colors in the visible spectrum, such as green or red light.
  • At high enough doses, blue light is more likely to cause damage when absorbed by various cells in our body.

According to the US National Institutes of Health, current research on blue light suggests that there may be a link between eye exposure to blue light in the 400-470nm wavelength (Blue LEDs generally output light at approximately 464nm) and damage to photoreceptors in the eye.1

 

Are Blue Light Gaming Glasses Effective?

Effective gaming glasses are basically specialized eyeglasses designed for people, like gamers, who spend a lot of time in front of blue light screens. They are made to increase contrast and reduce glare, which is a major cause of eye fatigue.

  • A study done by the University of Toronto measured melatonin levels of people in an environment with bright blue light while wearing blue-light blocking goggles, and a group in dim light wearing no goggles.
  • The two groups of people had very similar melanin levels, suggesting that there is some benefit to reducing your eye exposure to blue light.
  • n most cases, the effectiveness of gaming glasses depends on their coatings. Whether we are talking about prescription or non-prescription lenses, the coatings remain the same – AR (anti-reflective) coatings and color tints.

    Anti-Reflective Coatings
    As their name suggests, AR coatings reduce glare from light sources, such as TV screens and monitor displays.
    The quality of the coating is of crucial importance here.
    Cheaper coating formulas tend to catch smudges and dirt really easily, forcing you to clean them every few hours. High-end ones, on the other hand, don’t have such problems, allowing you to concentrate more on your gaming session.

    Color Tints
    The trademark yellow tint on certain types of gaming glasses isn’t there simply for aesthetical purposes.
    Yellow tint is present because it effectively increases the contrast while filtering out uncomfortable light spectrums.
    This helps your eye muscles relax and see the action more clearly.
    Computer gaming glasses that filter out this spectrum of light is an effective way to shield your eyes from early macular degeneration and typically a great investment for both occasional and professional gamers alike.
    While investing in a quality pair of gaming glasses can prove to be an excellent decision, other important preventative measures include: reducing on screen time, turning off your devices an hour or so before bedtime, and resting your eyes frequently.2

     

    Here’s How to Know if You Need Blue Light Gaming Glasses

    There are many factors influencing the necessity for blue light gaming glasses.

    These include:

    • Your particular age group
    • Pre-existing eye conditions that impact blue light exposure
    • Typical daily screen time associated with hobbies and professions

    Identifying your own specific needs is important.

    However, at the end of the day, if you find yourself spending four or more hours a day staring at a screen, or find that you have been struggling with headaches or eye strain, then investing in a pair of quality blue light gaming glasses may be just the thing you need to increase your enjoyment while also decreasing the negative impact that blue light is having on your eyes.

     

    Are Blue Light Gaming Glasses and Computer Gaming Glasses the Same Thing?

    Typically, computer glasses are made with the working professional in mind, so they are often in modern styles that are contemporary and unobtrusive.

    The professional can make a personal statement with functional eyewear that protects them from blue light disruption.

    They can block unwanted symptoms of eye strain with the bonus of a stylish appearance. While there are some similarities in style, gaming glasses are typically a bit larger and hug the sides of the user’s head more closely.

    They often feature a lightweight frame for extended use and a silicone nose for comfort. Flat temples are also popular since gaming glasses are often worn with a headset.

     

    Have a Prescription? You Can Get Prescription Gaming Glasses

    Finding a pair of gaming glasses online seems easy enough, but fitting lenses with your specific prescription requires a bit more planning and preparation.

    You can start by contacting your optometristsuch as the team at iCare – in order to schedule an appointment to discuss your specific needs.

    A comprehensive in-person eye exam will allow you to identify any and all existing eye issues, while also discussing your options for gaming glasses and the most cost-effective method of getting your exact prescription in the frames and lenses of your choice.

    Want to enjoy gaming more? Take care of your eyes and give them the relief they need.

    Schedule a healthy eye exam and talk to your doctor about gaming glasses.

    References:
    1 National Center of Biotechnology Information. Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes. Accessed June 25, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288536/.
    2 National Center of Biotechnology Information. Effects of Filtering Visual Short Wavelengths During Nocturnal Shiftwork on Sleep and Performance. Accessed June 25, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3786545/.

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polarized prescription sunglasses

Why Polarized Sunglasses are HOT this Season

You don’t have to squint your way through summer (or any sunny day). Learn about polarized sunglasses, including adult & kids polarized prescription sunglasses.

Why Polarized Sunglasses are HOT this Season

Have you ever spent a bright sunny day on the water or in the snow? Your eyes probably felt tired or strained after a short amount of time. Why is this?

Simply put, as sunlight hits certain surfaces, it reflects and creates an intense glare that is exceptionally hard on our eyes; and, unfortunately, standard sunglasses won’t do much to reduce the glare and help you stop squinting.

Enter: polarized sunglass lenses.

Read on to learn how polarized sunglass lenses reduce glare and how they’re ideal for anyone who is irritated by a wide array of outdoor glare.

How Polarized Sunglasses Cut the Glare

We have all dealt with glare countless times.

Sunlight scatters in multiple directions. When it hits a flat or uneven surface, it reflects horizontally and becomes polarized – creating a glare. Our eyes have a hard time seeing past the extremely bright light.

As we all know, in addition to being on the water or in the snow, glare can be intense and dangerous while driving, and severely reduce visibility.

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare-causing reflections and can even help light-sensitive people (like an individual who has had cataract surgery) see clearly and comfortably.

Polarized lenses provide excellent glare protection because of a special filter that blocks reflected light and, thus, reduces glare and eye discomfort.

Polarized lenses also help reduce water reflections, helping the eye see objects below the surface of a stream, lake, or ocean.

Polarized vs Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized: Polarized lenses reduce glare and enhance clarity and contrast in bright conditions using a special filter that’s built into the lens and blocks intense, reflected, horizontal light.

Non-Polarized: Non-polarized lenses reduce light and darken the landscape.

Polarized Prescription Sunglasses Can Help You Experience Summer in an Entirely Different Way

You certainly don’t need a prescription to benefit from polarized lenses, but for those who have a prescription, polarized sunglasses can help your eyes get the exact support they need and provide a solution to frustrating glare.

Just about any prescription can be made into polarized prescription sunglasses, but the first step in any decision with eyewear should be to consult with one of our doctors here at iCare Vision.

  • Polarized sunglasses & progressive lenses: For individuals who need progressive lenses and spend a lot of time outside, polarized sunglasses are exceedingly advantageous.
  • Polarized sunglasses & photochromic lenses: For individuals who need photochromic lenses and are frequently in and out of the sun, polarized sunglasses can increase the vision system’s performance.
  • Anti-reflective coating: For top comfort and performance with polarized sunglasses when the sun is behind you, having an anti-reflective coating applied to the backside of the lenses will eliminate unwanted reflections from the back surface of the sunglasses.

Let us help you get the sun protection you need this summer:

Kids Polarized Sunglasses

Can kids wear polarized sunglasses? Absolutely! Kids’ eyes need glare protection, too!

When buying sunglasses for your baby or child, be sure the sunglasses are 100% UVA and UVB protected first and foremost. Polarization and UVA/UVB protection are not one in the same.

But, just like polarization in adult sunglasses, polarized lenses in your child’s sunglasses are a great idea. The lenses will reduce glare, make objects appear sharper, and deliver visual comfort for your child.

Let us help your child get the sun protection they deserve this summer:

Polarized Sunglasses Aren’t for Every Activity

Though polarized sunglass lenses improve comfort and visibility, certain individuals may encounter some instances when these lenses aren’t advisable.

  • Downhill skiing, because bright patches of reflected light signal icy conditions.
  • Viewing LCD screens – like ATMs and gas pump station screens – because polarized lenses reduce the visibility of images produced on the screens. Boaters and pilots, who need to see LCD displays on instrument panels, may have a hard time seeing all the information displayed on a screen.

Despite these exceptions, polarized sunglasses are ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outside or needs to see clearly at work when glare is prevailing.

Are You Excited to See Summer in a Whole New Way?

We’ll help match you and your vision to the right pair of polarized prescription sunglasses.

iCare Vision offers shades for the entire family and for a wide array of lifestyles, such as daily wear, reading, sports, driving, and more.

Give your eyes the protection they need this summer and year-round.

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Young boy putting in contact lens for kids

Children & Contact Lenses: When Is the Right Time?

Is your child ready to switch from glasses to contacts? We discuss contact lenses for kids, including at what age can a child wear contact lenses. Read more.

Contact Lenses for Kids: When Is the Right Time?

For some children, switching from eyeglasses to contacts is an exciting transition.

Young boy putting in contact lens for kids

Whether your child has expressed interest on their own about making the shift, or you feel like they’re ready to take the leap, you probably have several questions about contact lenses for kids – including at what age can a child wear contact lenses?

Let’s run through important insights about contact lenses for kids and discuss how we can personally assess your child’s vision to determine if he or she is ready to make the change.

Are Contact Lenses Safe for Kids?

When it comes to children and contact lenses, the question most frequently asked by parents and caretakers is, “Are contact lenses safe for kids?”

The short answer is: It depends.

Contact lenses are safe for kids, but…

Much more than just knowing they’re safe, parents and caretakers MUST acknowledge that the safety of them relies on the child’s maturity and ability to handle the responsibility of wearing and caring for contact lenses. These factors are more important than the kid contact lenses age suggestion.

At What Age Can a Child Wear Contact Lenses?

While every eye care professional will have his or her own stance on when it is appropriate to introduce a child to soft contact lenses, generally speaking, kid contact lense age range is between 8-14 years old.

The age gap may seem large to some, but as every parent can attest to, children develop and mature at different rates. Some children demonstrate signs of responsibility and maturity at a young age and may be ready to wear contact lenses when they’re eight; others may not be ready until age 12, 14 or older.

Is Your Child Ready?

Two simple things parents need to make sure of:

  • Does your child understand the benefits of not wearing eyeglasses?
  • Can your child follow their eye doctor’s instructions for eye care exactly, day after day?

As pediatric optometrists, we see an abundance of children every day. What we commonly recognize is if a child needs to be constantly reminded of good grooming habits and/or organizational skills, they may not be ready for contact lenses and should remain wearing glasses at this time.

Because contact lenses can cause vision issues, eye irritation and eye infection, or – at worst – vision loss if not handled correctly (like stored in a proper, safe place or removed at necessary times) it’s best to wait until your child is completely ready to own this new lifestyle.

Benefits & Drawbacks of Contact Lenses for Kids

Without question, children can benefit in multiple ways by wearing contact lenses. The benefits of contacts include:

Controlling Nearsightedness
For some myopic children, contact lenses can slow the progression of nearsightedness. Some studies have even shown that certain, specially designed contact lenses – like gas permeable and multifocal soft contacts – can provide a substantial amount of myopia control in many children who live with nearsightedness.

Additionally, a recent study showed that 90 percent of children who live with nearsightedness had no trouble applying or removing the contacts without assistance from their parents.1

Building Self-Esteem
To most parents, this may come as no surprise: Many children feel self-conscious wearing eyeglasses and some children just don’t like the way they look in glasses.

Studies have shown that in addition to vision correction, wearing contact lenses may improve how some children feel about their appearance and the number of activities they participate in.1

Sports
For children who play a sport, contact lenses obviously offer a number of advantages over glasses, such as:

  • Consistent, stable, crisp vision
  • An unobstructed view of the playing field, making for better peripheral vision
  • No worry of frames breaking and causing an eye injury

In contrast, there are some drawbacks of contact lenses for kids and rules for wearing them.

As discussed above, contact lenses do come with risks if not handled with cleanliness and responsibility. Because eye irritations, infections or vision issues and loss can result from improper contact lens wear, it’s vital that parent and child both know these drawbacks and become well-versed on the rules of use with all types of lenses, including daily disposable contact lenses:

  • Know how to properly disinfect and handle them
  • Know when to replace them
  • Know to not share or swap contact lenses with another person
  • Know to never use spit, tap water, distilled water, or homemade non-sterile saline solution to clean them
  • Know to apply makeup after contact lenses are in place
  • Know it is best to use hypoallergenic skin products, or products specifically marked “for contact lens wearers” or “for sensitive eyes”
  • Know to always remove the contact lenses at the first sign of irritation

Additional, Good-to-Know Info: 5 Resources to Understand Child Vision Problems

As we close our discussion on contact lenses for kids, we must conclude on one of the most important vision-related topics: vision problems in children.

Did you know vision is the primary sense by which we learn?

Knowing if your child’s vision is fully supporting their living and learning needs is paramount to their development, success, comfort and happiness. Learn about vision problems in children and discover the signs of vision problems in babies, toddlers and children through our related articles:

Let iCare Vision Help You Make an Informed Decision on Contact Lenses for Your Child & Ensure Their Vision is Healthy

Do you think your child is ready for contact lenses? It’s an exciting step and we’re excited to discuss the process with you and your child.

Through a quick and painless healthy eye exam, the eye care professionals at iCare Vision will get an accurate picture of your child’s overall vision and identify or revisit any issues he or she is contending with.

From there, we will know they type of lens support your child needs and can conclude whether or not he or she is a good candidate for contact lenses at this time, based on several contributing factors.

Schedule an appointment to come in and see us soon:

For Kids & Teens: Are You Sure You’re Ready for the Responsibility of Contacts?


Do you feel like you’ve outgrown your bulky glasses? Are you very interested in wearing contact lenses?

Contact lenses are a big responsibility, as they require a lot of care and upkeep to make sure your eyes stay healthy.

  • Think about how well you keep up with other parts of personal hygiene, such as showering, brushing your teeth, flossing, etc. If you’re good with your personal hygiene, adding contact lenses into your routine shouldn’t be a problem. (Remember, they must be cleaned regularly, usually every day.)
  • Do you pay attention to your overall health? For contact lenses, it’s important you’re good at attending to and communicating health issues you’re experiencing.When wearing contacts, you could start to experience itching, redness, or irritation in your eyes. Once you notice these signs, you must take the lenses out and have your eyes checked by an eye doctor. If you ignore issues, you could face serious problems with your eyes.
  • Do you know the potential risks that come with wearing contact lenses? When used properly, contact lenses are very safe. The risks come from wearing them longer than you’re supposed to, not cleaning them right, or not taking them out at night. These risks can lead to eye ulcers and infections.

If you feel you’re ready for contact lenses, we’re here to help you make the transition.

Resources:
1 All About Vision. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Accessed August 4, 2019. https://www.allaboutvision.com/parents/contacts.htm.

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man viewing computer screen and suffering from digital eye strain

What to Know BEFORE You Buy Computer or Gaming Glasses

Whether for work or gaming, your eyes are stressed from viewing digital screens all day and night. Read about eye strain treatment & how to get the best glasses to reduce computer eye strain.

What to Know BEFORE You Buy Computer or Gaming Glasses

From work to pleasure and hobbies, digital screens dominate in these areas of our lives.

With time spent at work (and, for many individuals, that means in front of a computer screen) claiming the majority of our hours, our eyes arrive home tired, irritated and dry.

Depending on the severity of your digital eye strain symptoms, you may even experience headaches, shoulder and neck stiffness, and a number of other uncomfortable side effects.

For individuals who are into gaming, perhaps all you want to do after work or on the weekends is unwind by playing your favorite game. Unfortunately, your eight plus hours a day in front of a computer screen are about to be compounded by additional hours in front of a TV, computer, or other digital gaming screen.

When digital eye strain (also known as computer vision syndrome) is causing you discomfort and hurting your vision, it’s time to do something about it.

What Are Computer and Gaming Glasses, Exactly?

Differing from corrective eyeglasses – like bifocals, progressive lenses or trifocals – glasses to reduce computer eye strain and blue light gaming glasses are specifically made to reduce eye strain symptoms that can develop when viewing a computer or digital screen for too long.

Computer and gaming glasses typically have anti-reflective lenses to reduce the glare that bounces off digital screens and block the harmful blue light that emits from the device.

Glass color tinting is also a feature unique to computer and gaming glasses, as this tint helps increase the screen’s contrast without making it too harsh for your eyes.

The Impact Blue Light Has on Your Health and Body

Blue light is what gives screens their brightness, and most digital displays need a lot of it.

  • Blue light can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and get a restful night’s sleep
  • Blue light can affect your memory and ability to learn due to a lack of quality, restful sleep
  • Blue light has been shown in studies to affect hormone levels that control hunger; in turn, certain individuals may be at an increased risk of obesity

In addition to the wide array of digital eye strain symptoms one can experience because of a high amount of blue light exposure, blue light may increase the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration because it penetrates all the way to the retina and can damage its light-sensitive cells.

Eye Strain Treatment: Where to Start

When your eyes and mind and mood are suffering because of digital eye strain, it’s understandable to search for fast relief.

Eyeglasses that say they filter out blue light from computers, smartphones, tablets and even TVs are becoming increasingly popular.

But before you jump online and quickly buy over-the-counter glasses that claim to be for computer and/or gaming use, start here:

Before you buy glasses to reduce computer eye strain…

Get in to see an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.

It’s so important to see an optometrist annually, even if you don’t need an eyeglass or contact prescription.

Regardless of when you last saw an optometrist, if you’re seriously considering computer and gaming glasses, an eye exam is where you need to start.

During an eye exam:

  • You can discuss the exact eye issues you’re experiencing and the kind of relief you’re hoping for.
  • Your eyes and vision will be thoroughly assessed, and any unknown vision issues will be identified.
  • Your prescription can be updated if you wear glasses or contacts. Since your vision can change every year, even small inaccuracies in your prescription lenses can contribute to computer vision problems.
  • You can obtain an accurate and customized computer eyeglass prescription.

Know that most over-the-counter computer and gaming glasses lack in complete effectiveness.

To reap the full benefits of computer and gaming glasses, they really should be customized to your individual needs.

Non-prescription glasses to reduce computer eye strain are weaker and won’t provide the accurate vision correction you need for sustained clarity and comfort.

Computer ergonomics play a large role in digital eye strain and the effectiveness of your computer and gaming glasses.

How your computer or gaming station is arranged is important when it comes achieving optimum eye comfort. Your posture and the distance you sit from your digital screen must be ideal, among other things.

By discussing your desk ergonomics with your optometrist, an optimal and custom lens power for your computer glasses can be determined.

It’s best to purchase your computer and gaming glasses from an eye care professional.

In many ways, over-the-counter computer and gaming glasses cannot compare to custom ones.

When you consult with an optometrist and receive a prescription, your glasses are likely to have essential components for maximum viewing comfort, such as:

  • Anti-reflective (anti-glare treatment) coating, as discussed above, to eliminate reflections of light from the front and back surfaces of your lenses.
  • Photochromic lenses to shield your eyes from harmful high-energy visible blue light.
  • Lightly tinted lenses to reduce glare caused by harsh overhead lighting and to enhance contrast.

Additionally, your optometrist can advise on additional eye strain treatment that you may benefit from.

FAQs About Computer and Gaming Glasses

1. How do I calculate a prescription for computer glasses?


While there are an abundance of sources that will tell you a few different variations of ways to arrive at an accurate prescription for computer glasses, the hard truth is almost every source is incorrect and it’s not in your best interest to self-calculate an eyeglass prescription of any kind.

Here’s why:

  • Without the oversight and clinical guidance from a licensed optometrist, a self-calculated computer eyeglass prescription may not take into account your exact vision needs and any eye diseases or conditions that you may have or may be forming since your last eye exam.
  • Purchasing and wearing the wrong prescription can lead to very uncomfortable vision, headaches, blurred vision and much more – worse than you’re already experiencing.
  • Computer and gaming glasses almost always need special lens coatings to be highly effective, so if you’re not well-versed on the different types of lens material and lens coatings, you could be buying glasses that won’t protect your eyes in the ways you need them to.
  • Much more

There is no substitute for a comprehensive, in-person eye exam, and the only truly effective and accurate way to calculate a prescription for computer glasses is to have your optometrist assess your eyes to arrive at the exact prescription you need.

2. Do I need a separate prescription for computer/gaming glasses?


The short answer is: it depends. After a comprehensive, in-person eye exam, your optometrist will be able to understand:

  • When, where and how you work/game (especially pertaining to the lighting situation in your office or home when you’re viewing a digital screen)
  • Your workplace or gaming ergonomics to ensure the glasses will be powerful enough
  • Your current vision needs (especially if you already have a standard eyeglass/contact prescription)

Before settling on one-size-fits all computer/gaming glasses, be sure to consult with your optometrist and be sure to disclose of your work and gaming environment, as your eyes may need more support in one situation versus the other.

3. What is the difference between computer glasses and reading glasses?

There are several differences, but the main takeaways are that computer glasses are specifically designed to deal with the glare of the screen and its harmful blue light.

Reading glasses magnify print so eyes don’t have to work so hard when reading small print on paper. Furthermore, lenses in reading glasses typically don’t have a coating, so they don’t protect your eyes from the glare or harmful blue light of a computer screen.

4. Can computer glasses be worn all the time?

It’s common for people to want to wear their computer/blue light blocking glasses for protection and style. If your eyes don’t need other prescription eyeglasses or contacts to see clearly, there is no harm in wearing your computer glasses all the time. When you buy your glasses from the right source, the lenses usually provide 100% UV light protection, so they can work as a sun defense, too.

5. How do I know if I need computer or gaming glasses?

Digital eye strain symptoms can vary from person-to-person, and largely depend on an individual’s digital screen use and habits. If you are experiencing any of these common symptoms, you may need computer or gaming glasses and should consult with an optometrist to get your eyes checked:

  • Dry eyes
  • Irritated eyes
  • Squinting
  • Blurred vision
  • Shoulder and neck stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Reduced attention span
  • Poor behavior
  • Irritability
  • Frustration
  • Much more

Effective Eye Strain Treatment Isn’t Found Over-the-Counter. For Real Relief, Consult with an Optometrist

Your eyes are vital to your everyday life – including work and gaming. Don’t give your eyes ineffective, standard glasses; come see the eye experts at iCare Vision for a quick and thorough assessment and an accurate prescription to computer or gaming glasses.

Schedule a Computer Vision Treatment appointment, or check out our additional resources on computer and digital screen eye strain:

Read: How Looking at Screens All Day is Affecting Your Eyesight
Read: How to Create the Optimal Work Environment to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

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prescription night vision glasses

Improve Your Night Vision

You can improve your night vision. Learn strategies and discover how prescription night driving glasses can mean all the difference.

Seniors: How to Improve Night Vision While Driving

Life doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, but driving at night – especially with oncoming headlights and bright light – can cause vision problems for some seniors.

If you live with night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, or contend with vision problems at night or in dim light, there are steps you can take to improve your vision at night and begin experiencing life after dark in more ways.

Read how to improve night vision while driving, and learn more about night blindness and what you can do to improve or evade the condition.

prescription night vision glasses

What is Night Blindness?

Night blindness is the inability to see in dim light or at night.

For seniors living with night blindness, this doesn’t mean you can’t see anything at night. Instead, night blindness means your vision is weaker at night and doesn’t fully support you in various nighttime endeavors – especially driving at night.

While nyctalopia is not a disease, it is a symptom of another type of vision issue.

What Causes Night Blindness?

The following eye conditions can cause night blindness:

  • Nearsightedness – the inability to clearly see objects far away
  • Cataracts – the clouding of the eye’s lens
  • Retinitis pigmentosa – the collection of dark pigment in the retina, leading to tunnel vision. Early diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and genetic testing may allow some treatment plans (especially with vitamins) to be started early in life and prevent serious loss of vision
  • Usher syndrome – a genetic condition that affects both hearing and vision
  • Vitamin A deficiency – an important vitamin that is key in transforming nerve impulses into images in the retina

It’s important to note that older adults and seniors, and individuals with diabetes, have a greater risk of experiencing vision problems at night and developing night blindness.

Ways Seniors Can Improve Night Vision

Improving one’s health and nutrition – especially taking vitamins A and B – can help improve your night vision. Special night driving glasses with anti-glare coated lenses are one of the best ways to improve vision by a least 5% or more. Sometimes, a small amount of tint, especially yellow, in the Rx can deliver eye relief.

Here are more details on the top ways to improve night vision to help with night vision driving and other dim light activities:

Consult with Your Optometrist First

Because of the complexities and varied eye conditions that can cause night blindness or poor vision at night, it’s vital that your first step in improving your eye health and night vision problems is to see your trusted optometrist. Playing the guessing game as to what is causing your condition or how you can make it better doesn’t get to the absolute root of the problem.

More than likely, there is something else going on with your sight that needs addressed. In turn, your vision at night will likely improve in tandem.

Without knowing exactly what your eyes are contending with, it’s hard to talk specifics in this article. But we lay out different eyeglass options and strategies your optometrist may suggest or prescribe to help with night vision driving and your overall night vision and eye health.

1. Night Driving Glasses

Night driving glasses are specially recommended eyeglasses that fit your vision needs and may help you see better and reduce glare while driving in the dark. Effective night driving glasses include:

  • Light sensitivity glasses for night driving.If you have light sensitive eyes, it can feel as if you’re blinded by oncoming traffic, and you may even struggle with light contrast after dark. These difficulties are very normal, as everyone’s pupils constrict when bright light enters the eye. Everyone’s eyes adapt at different speeds. Tinted glasses are never the solution at night. Light sensitivity glasses for night driving can help to reduce reflections from special lens enhancements that will better help with night vision driving to combat light sensitivity from headlights and street lights.
  • Anti reflective glasses for night driving.To help your eyes focus properly on the road and other obstacles at night, anti reflective glasses for night driving can be prescribed. They’re special night driving glasses with an anti-reflective coating. When it comes to driving at night vision problems, these glasses help reduce glare, sharpen vision, and help many seniors see better overall on the road at night. Depending on the anti reflective lenses you’re prescribed, some are developed with wavefront diagnostic technology that can also reduce halos, star bursts, glare, and other visual distractions. Anti reflective glasses for night driving are usually based on your individual prescription to deliver the best possible vision for your eyes.

In addition to prescription night driving glasses, your eye doctor may recommend these additional ways to improve your night vision:

2. Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses

How you take care of your eyes during the day will significantly help or hurt your eyes at night. Unfiltered sunlight exposure can cause your night vision to suffer. But you can’t just hide out inside all day; too little light during the day won’t help your eyes at night, either.

Finding a pair of effective sunglasses – ones that match your prescription, block UV rays, and help keep out light and rays that could enter from the side of your face – can help improve your night vision.

Be sure to read our article on How to Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses.

3. Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust Naturally

If you know ahead of time you need to drive or do something outside at night, set 10-20 minutes aside and allow your eyesight to naturally adjust to darkness. As an acclaimed method by U.S. Military personnel, here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • Find a dark room.
  • Sit for approximately 10-20 minutes with your eyes open.
  • Go directly outside when you’re done. (Do not head back toward a brightly-lit room.)
  • If you don’t have a dark room (or 10-20 minutes), slip on a sleep mask and sit in a room for a few minutes as your eyes adjust.

4. Avoid Direct Eye Contact with Light Sources

Nightly, outdoor activities will always involve bright lights. But to promote optimal night vision, it’s important to not look straight at a light source. Strong lights will cause the size of your pupil to shrink. When this happens, it will take longer for your pupil to open up and let more light in.

When diving, headlights are constantly hitting you from the front and the back. While still ensuring utmost safety, try to adjust any mirror that is getting blasted with a rear car’s headlights. Additionally, when learning how to improve night vision while driving, focus your eyes more toward the white line of the road, as opposed to the middle of the road where more oncoming headlights are.

5. Eat Vitamin A-Rich Food

Vitamin A is an important component of rhodopsin, a light-absorbing protein in the retina. Rhodopsin helps you see more clearly in the dark. This is why night blindness is one of the first symptoms of a vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency, however, is uncommon in developed countries, but it may be worth it to talk with your doctor about ways to alter your diet to benefit your vision.

Before adjusting your diet in any way, be sure to consult with your doctor first. While ensuring you’re consuming adequate levels of vitamin A, there is a point where you can be getting too much.

Talk to Your Doctor About Cataract Surgery

Because cataracts are a main cause of night blindness in older adults, you may want to have a conversation with your optometrist about removing your cataracts through surgery.

During surgery, your cloudy lens(es) will be replaced with clear, artificial ones. If it’s discovered that your cataracts are the underlying cause of your night blindness, your night vision will significantly improve after surgery.

An Eye Exam Can Help You Enjoy the Night with Clear Vision

Don’t let your vision hold you back from doing anything you’re capable of or want to do at night. Clear night vision is possible, we just need to understand what’s causing this challenge in the first place.

Through a healthy eye exam, every aspect of your vision will be thoroughly assessed, and you will receive a prescription and/or insight to improve your night vision – which can eliminate any current driving at night vision problems.

Come see the eye experts at iCare Vision today.

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online vision test

What You Should Know about Getting a Glasses Prescription Online

Can you get prescription glasses without a prescription? Learn about online vision testing & things to consider before getting a glasses prescription online.

What You Should Know about Getting a Glasses Prescription Online

Jumping online to shop or complete a task is almost always more convenient than heading to a store or an in-person appointment. For individuals who require prescription eyeglasses, online vision testing and mail-order eyeglasses may seem like the next best thing.

In some instances, it can save you time and money. In other ways, it may lack in thoroughness and quality. With most vision insurance plans a deductible of $20 ($69 average for no insurance) for a full on site professional exam may worth cost for peace of mind with a person to person (doctor to patient) interaction.

If you’re considering online vision testing for a prescription, it’s important to understand how it works and what you need to consider before committing your eyes to corrective lenses that were matched online.

How to Get a Glasses Prescription Online

If you think you need a new or updated eyeglass prescription, you may be wondering if you can get prescription glasses without a prescription from an optometrist.

Online vision testing is a new medical technology that delivers eye care services via the Internet. The results of a virtual vision exam may be able to tell you what corrective eyeglasses would be best for your current vision needs. Several states have disallowed non- onsite examinations sighting safety and ethical concerns with non doctor to patient personal encounters.

It’s important to note that an online vision test will vary depending on the company you elect to take an exam through. Additionally, since you will take these exams on your computer or smartphone, your environment’s lighting and device’s stabilization can play a big role in how effective the results are.

An online vision test may assess:

  • If you have blurry or stretched vision – which is a condition known as astigmatism
  • The sharpness of your vision
  • Your eye’s sensitivity to light
  • If you have color-blindness
  • Much more

Online vision tests will also require that you:

  • Decide what lens material and lens coatings you need, such as polycarbonate, high-index, etc.
  • How much protection from ultraviolet light you want
  • Enter an exact PD (distance between your pupils) measurement
  • Enter an exact head measurement, for sizing purposes
  • Much more

Depending on the test you take, it may offer tips and helpful resources along the way to guide you through the exam. Some may allow you to upload a photo of yourself, so you can get a better idea of what the frame will look like on your face.

Things to Consider Before Testing Your Vision Online

 
1. Are you between the ages of 18 and 39?
Vision can shift more frequently under the age of 18 and above the age of 40. For this reason, online vision testing is only recommended for individuals who are 18-39 years of age with non-severe corrective eyeglass prescriptions and have no symptoms of eye disease.


2. Do you have symptoms or risk factors for eye disease?
If you are or think there is a possibility you are experiencing any vision risk factor or symptom of an eye disease, it is strongly encouraged that you seek the medical attention of an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately. An online vision test will not assess your eye health and cannot diagnosis or catch crucial eye disease warning signs.


3. Do you have your eyes assessed in-person by a licensed optometrist every five to ten years, even if you have no symptoms or risk factors?
While online vision tests are a new wave of service and technology, any exam you take should openly suggest that adults – 18-39 years of age – who elect to take their web-based exam still need to have a comprehensive eye exam every five to ten years, even if you feel your vision is healthy. In-person eye exams are the only way to detect common, rare and/or vision-threatening eye diseases and conditions that have little or no symptoms.


4. If you already have a prescription from an optometrist, will the new eyeglasses be approved by your optometrist or opthamologist?
Regardless of the online vision test results, all eyewear prescriptions should be approved by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Research has found that about half of all online glasses had the wrong prescription or other problems. Purchasing and wearing the wrong prescription can lead to very uncomfortable vision, headaches, blurred vision and much more.


5. If you already have a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, do you have a high-power or irregular prescription?
Unfortunately, almost all online vision testing services do not offer high-power or irregular prescriptions. Additionally, the more complex the prescription, it’s best to always consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist and forgo buying a prescription online.


6. Are you well-versed on the different types of lens material and lens coatings?
Science, medicine and technology have evolved to the point where there is a wide array of lens material and coatings that can accompany any prescription eyewear. Because they all offer something slightly different and are intended for certain vision issues, it’s imperative you do your research on what each lens material and coating offer. Choosing the wrong option can result in an incorrect prescription and make you eyesight worse.


7. Do you feel confident in obtaining an exact PD and head measurement?
The part of every eyeglass lens that delivers the exact vision support you need is the optical center. This center should be directly in front of your pupils. In order for your prescription glasses to align perfectly with your pupils, the eyeglass lab needs the exact distance between your pupils, or PD measurement.

While the vision test may provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure your PD, be aware that this measurement is not easy to obtain on your own. Even experienced eye doctors have difficulty taking their own PD measurement. Before you commit to a corrective eyeglass prescription obtained online, be sure the PD measurement is exact.

The head measurement is necessary to ensure the eyeglasses fit your face and head correctly. If the glasses are too tight around your head, keep slipping on the bridge of your nose, or any number of other factors, you will not feel comfortable in your glasses.


8. What is the return policy if you were to buy the recommended eyeglasses from the online vision test?
Even if everything seems to be checking out, there is always a chance that you may need to return the eyeglasses. It could be as simple as you decide you’re not completely satisfied with how they look on you. Before you commit to the purchase, be sure you will be able to return them and obtain a full refund. Some companies that offer online vision testing offer a limited return policy or don’t offer one at all.

The Best Way to Use Online Vision Testing is as a Follow-Up Tool

Ultimately, there is no substitute for a comprehensive, in-person eye exam. Online vision tests only assess vision and do not check the overall health of your eyes. This means that if you have a vision-threatening condition, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, floaters, retinal conditions and so on, you will not know your vision is compromised.

It should also be stated that since online vision testing is relatively new, it needs to be continuously evaluated over time to ensure safety and effectiveness.

If you have recently had an in-person eye exam by an optometrist, and they confirmed you have healthy eyes and gave you the green light to update an old prescription online, then a web-based vision test can be a beneficial service for you.

Give your eyes the best care and see an optometrist first and enjoy a peace of mind that you are getting true information from a licensed professional in person.

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woman wearing prescription sports eyewear while biking

Glasses for All Occasions

Do you wear glasses but need different ones for different occasions? Learn about glasses for all occasions, like computer glasses, reading glasses & more.

Glasses for All Occasions

Your life is multifaceted. You don’t just dabble in one activity or task every day, all day. You drive, travel, work, exercise or play a sport, work in the yard or with power tools, or spend time on your favorite hobby.

Your eyes are one of that main reasons you’re able to do and enjoy everything. But, in order for your eyes to keep pace with your busy and constant flow, they must receive the support and protection they deserve – and this means your standard eyeglasses may not be the best option for every occasion.

With specialty eyewear – eyeglasses designed for specific tasks – you can see clearly no matter what you’re doing.

Let’s discuss the different occasions you may need to switch up your eyeglasses:

Computer Glasses

For the modern individual, it can be near impossible to avoid glowing screens – such as phones, computers, tablets, TVs, and so on. This is especially true when it comes to employment.

Computer vision syndrome and digital eye strain are two of the major hindrances to our 21st-century lifestyles.

Staring at a light-emitting display for hours on end all week can really begin to wear your eyes down. They must work hard to focus and align for long periods of time, all while growing increasingly tired from the glowing screen; digital devices tire your eyes more quickly that reading from paper or partaking in another activity devoid of a light-emitting display.

If you spend a lot of your time working from a computer or reading from a screen, computer glasses would help offer your eyes significant support.

Computer glasses:

  • Reduce screen glare (be sure the pair you choose include anti-reflective coating)
  • Help you avoid digital eye strain, eye fatigue, and general eye discomfort from using digital devices
  • Are specifically designed for intermediate and close-up distances from digital screens and deliver the best correction for these distances

There are a few different types of computer glasses, such as single vision lenses, trifocal lenses and photochromic lenses.

Work and Hobby Eyewear

Work-related tasks and certain hobbies require you to either look up, look down, or look really close up – such as reading tiny print, sewing, and so on.

If you wear standard prescription eye glasses and you find yourself having to tilt your head back and forth to use the reading area in the bottom of the lenses, or you’re needing stronger lenses for a more magnified view, you should consider specialty eyewear that are created for work-related tasks. Often called occupational lenses, these glasses are designed with the reading segment higher up in the lenses.

If you need a pair of glasses that can help you focus at a very close distance, consider another pair of reading glasses that have stronger lenses than you’re used to.

Prescription Safety Glasses

Certain work environments or hobbies are ridden with dust, hazardous particles or flying objects – items that standard eyeglass could never protect the eyes against. Because of this, safety glasses are crucial. Of course, for individuals with prescription lenses, prescription safety glasses are necessary.

Standard and prescription safety glasses are made from incredibly durable materials and essentially wrap around the eye area with top and bottom shields.

If your job or hobbies poses risks to your eyes, consider a high-quality pair of prescription safety glasses. Almost all safety glasses are lightweight and made with impact-resistant lenses for first-rate eye protection.

Driving Glasses

If you commute or travel on the road a lot, you know first-hand that road glare or the sun in your eyes can be very intense. So intense, in fact, that you can hardly see what’s in front of you – including other cars, people, stop lights, etc.

There are specialty glasses designed just for these dangerous conditions. Driving glasses can either be:

  • Sunglasses made specifically for driving conditions.
    Driving sunglasses have specialized, polarized lenses that allow you to see when the sun is shining in your eyes because they significantly reduce glare. They are also tinted which increases contrast and helps you achieve sharper vision.
  • Driving prescription eyeglasses.
    Prescription driving glasses have an anti-reflective coating which helps reduce glare and helps additional light enter your eyes for better night-time driving vision.

Sports Eyewear

Physical activity and sports are high-impact, which can be no place for your standard, fragile, won’t-stay-on-your-face-with-a-lot-of-movement eyeglasses. And, of course, there is specialty eyewear to help athletes of all kinds continue playing their sport and seeing clearly.

Specialty glasses for sport activities can defend against eye injuries while simultaneously helping performance by improving visual clarity. Just like safety glasses, sport-specific eyewear are made with impact-resistant lenses.

Find the Right Specialty Eyeglasses for the Different Occasion(s) In Your Life

If you feel your eyes would benefit from one or more of the above specialty glasses, be sure to come see us. The eye experts at iCare Vision can help determine the type of glasses you should get based on your specific vision needs.

We offer eyeglasses for a wide array of lifestyles, such as daily wear, reading, sports, driving, and more. We’ll help match you and your vision needs to the right pair of specialty glasses.

Give your eyes the protection they need for every occasion and task.

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woman holding prescription sunglasses

How to Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses

Need a pair of prescription sunglasses? Discover 6 things you need to consider as you select the right pair of sunglasses for you & your family.

How to Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential year-around, regardless of where you live. Even on overcast days, your eyes need protected. That’s why effective sunglasses are so much more than style, color, and brand. To get the most out of a pair of sunglasses, they must provide an excellent barrier between your eyes and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

So, if you’re in the market for new shades this summer, be sure to consider these six things before making your final decision. We suggest narrowing your selection starting with eye safety features, and then working your way through more fashionable features (because, we agree, those matter, too).

6 Things to Consider When Searching for the Right Pair of Shades for You

1. Can you get these as prescription sunglasses?

If you only wear eye glasses, or you don’t consistently wear contact lenses, it’s worth considering a pair of prescription sunglasses.

Shifting from artificial light to sunlight requires your eyes to readjust, and throwing on a pair of sunglasses that are not tailored to your precise vision needs can make everything seem out of focus.

Perhaps you forego sunglasses altogether, requiring excessive squinting. Or, maybe you’ve tried the old trick of putting on a pair of sunglasses over your standard eyeglasses.

Why put yourself through all of this? First on your list of sunglass must-haves should be to find a pair that can accommodate your exact prescription.

2. What’s the UV rating on those shades?

Next up in critical sunglass eye care is UV protection. The sun delivers some beautiful days, but never skimps on the amount of harmful UV rays it sends our way to make that beauty happen.

Not all sunglasses protect against UV rays, so it’s crucial you ensure the pair you want blocks 100 percent of UV rays.

UV rays can cause:

  • Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in individuals over age 60. The disease occurs when a small portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates.
  • Cataracts, a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye.
  • Pterygium, a growth on the white of the eye, involving the cornea, causing vision loss.
  • Skin Cancer around the eyelids.
  • Corneal Sunburn caused by high short-term exposure to UV-B rays that is very painful and can lead to temporary blindness.
  • Wrinkles around the eyes, as a result of constant squinting.

3. What’s your ideal sunglass shape?

Are you trying to find the best pair of sunglasses that suit your face shape? We get it. Keep in mind, though, that bigger sunglasses offer the most protection for your eyes and surrounding skin.

Wraparound-style and oversized sunglasses block more harmful sun rays and help keep out light and rays that could enter from the side of your face.

4. How dark of a lens do you prefer?

The shade of lens is absolute personal preference. You may like a lighter shade or need a darker tone. You may even be in search for pink or green hued lenses. Several sources say brown, orange and yellow tints provide the best UV protection. But, it’s important to know that darker lenses don’t necessarily block more UV rays, and one color of lens isn’t always better than another.

Different colors and shades of lenses simply offer different light contrasts. Just be sure the lenses offer 100 percent UV ray protection.

5. Are you being realistic with comfort and durability?

Some sunglasses can be very stylish but lack in comfort and performance. It’s important to try on sunglasses before you commit them as your eye protection. Some may be too tight around your face. Others may be too loose, giving you a constant battle of keeping them from slipping down your nose or falling off your face.

Understand where you’ll be wearing your sunglasses and how sturdy you need them to be. Will you be very active while wearing them? Will you use them for walks or commuting?

Your optometrist can help fit you to the pair of sunglasses that will match your level of activity.

6. How much are you willing to spend?

While you may be in search for the perfect pair of Ray Ban prescription glasses, Oakley prescription glasses, or any other coveted brand-name shade, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to offer your eyes the protection they need.

Of course, Ray Ban, Wiley X and Oakley offer fashionable options, but you can always find other stylish options that fit your face shape and genuinely make you feel confident and protected for less money.

7. Can’t find the right color and darkness that feels good?

With summer knocking at the door, let the eye experts at iCare Vision help you find your perfect pair of sunglasses. Come see our in-house collection consisting of high-end brand names, like Ray Ban prescription glasses and Oakley prescription glasses, and other stylish and durable options that allow you to save.

We’ll help match you, your vision and your personality to the right pair of sunglasses. You can also have our licensed opticians modify the tint in prescription lenses to get more darkening or less darkening effect.

We can also help you select a pair of transitions or photochromic lenses – lenses that change depending on brightness.

iCare Vision offers shades for the entire family and for a wide array of lifestyles, such as daily wear, reading, sports, driving, and more.

Give your eyes the protection they need this summer and year-round.

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Eclipse & Macular Retinal Scarring

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