Eye wear is a functional solution for vision correction, and it is a way to express one’s personality and sense of style.

Jacqueline Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, provides a few tips for framing the face this summer.

It is important to remember that the frame choice depends on the prescription, as choosing a frame usually depends on the eyeglass function, weight and cosmetic appearance.

Know your face shape

The frame of one’s face, such as the geometry and proportion of facial features determine whether a pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses will suit. Stylists at Smart Vision Optometry “choose frames for clients that incorporate their character, personality and traits,” says Jacquie.

To highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones, choose frames that have distinctive brow lines. Rimless, semi-rimless and full rim frames all provide different looks, to complement different social environments, such as work and home. “Smart Vision Optometry’s range of designer wear can transform a look from day to night,” says Jacquie.

The colour of the frame

Choose a colour of the frame that suits the skin tone. Smart Vision Optometry, Bondi has a wide selection of frames to choose from. The sunglasses are hand selected from European and Australian brands.

Consider your lifestyle

Choose frames that suit your lifestyle. For instance, when working long hours on a computer screen consider a blue light filter, which protects the eyes from the screen light.

When spending time outdoors, such as mowing the lawn, trimming weeds or playing a sport, proper protective eye wear is important. Wraparound frame designs are best suited for sports, as it “protects the whole eye area and prevents loose particles such as dust from entering the eye,” says Jacquie.

Designer wear to show your personality

Glasses make an impression and show cases your personality. Ensuring confidence and comfort is considered at Smart Vision Optometry.  The opticians at Eyes InDesign Bondi can help to find the perfect frames to suit your personality and lifestyle.

“The team of Smart Vision Optometry goes on annual trips to Europe, to source the latest trends in eye wear design,” says Jacquie.

Pick the right prescription lens

The prescription of the glasses influences decisions regarding the strength and thinness of the glass.

“Patients with a mild correction, there are usually few constraints when it comes to shortsighted for example, they will have no constraints when it comes to lens thickness,” says Jacquie.

Patients who are heavily shortsighted, for example, the choice of frames will determine the best outcome in order to minimise lens thickness and weight. The choice range for frames is rather limited. “Small circular frames will minimise the thickness of the edges and plastic materials will also help mask thicker lenses,” says Jacquie.

Take your measurements

When choosing frames it is important for comfort and that the correct size is chosen. There are three measurements opticians consider: bridge distance, lens width, and temple length.

Bridge (distance between lenses) is responsible for supporting the frame and keeping it in place.

Frame width refers to the minimisation of the space between the temple and the arms of the frame. “Too much space in this area may be too wide to fit securely and may be uncomfortable to wear,” says Jacquie.

The temple’s length is often overlooked but it is important. If the temple is too short then it cannot be bent down behind the ears properly, in order to prevent the frame from slipping down.

Different type of frame Material

Acetate frames provide comfortable support as they are lightweight and impact resistant, providing good stability and safety.

Metal frames are made from stainless steel metals. Metal alloys or titanium. Titanium features durability, flexibility and strength. It can also be less reactive for those with sensitive skin.

Wraparounds frames: Close-fitting wraparound sunglasses, reduce direct and reflected UV radiation, and block glare. Polarised minimises the glare, whereas wrapped lenses offers an all-round protection against sunlight.

Consider safety and durability

The frames at Smart Vision Optometry achieve a specific look, and deliver a benefit that is durable and comfortable.

When choosing a frame, consider the “nose bridges and temple grips, which are non-slip, that keep the sunglasses in a stable position on the face throughout movement and when working up a sweat”, says Jacquie.

The safest lens material for children is poly carbonate. It is more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses, and it provides UV protection.

Consider superior protection (UV glare protection)

Sunglasses are essential in protecting the eyes from glares and damaging UV rays.

Jacquie mentions the advantages of polarised glasses, stating, “the filtering of harsh glare, maintains a clear and comfortable vision.” The colour also appears to be more vibrant and contrasting, giving you superior clarity and depth of vision,” Jacquie adds.

Consider the type of lenses

Darker and tinted lenses can be helpful, particularly to those who are light-sensitive.

For those with myopic vision, it is best to avoid half-rim frames as this style of frame requires the lens to be grooved, and thus prevents the lens from being produced as thin as possible.

Being myopic (nearsighted), generally produces lenses with 3 characteristics; thickness on the outside edge of the lens and a thin centre, a base curve, and makes the wearers eyes smaller than they actually are.

In contrast, hyperopia (farsighted) also produces lens with three characteristics; “thickness in the centre of the lens and thin edges, steeper base curve, makes the wearers eyes larger than what they are,” says Jacquie

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Syndicated by: YDMA News, Your Digital Marketing Agency

During this holiday season, it is essential to wear the correct eye protection. The most dangerous conditions are caused by glare resulting from intense sunlight that is reflected from the road surface, the bonnet, windscreen, or dashboard of the car.

Gary Rodney, Master of Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) based at the Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman clinic, offers insight on prescription sunglasses during the holidays, whether it is road tripping, night driving or spending the day at the beach.

Keep your prescription sunglasses safe

Keep glasses safe in case to prevent them from getting damaged while travelling.  “Placing the glasses in a case also protects them from direct sunlight,” says Rodney. Do not leave glasses out in the sun. Heat can damage the lens coating and the frames.

In case of loss of prescription glasses or a contact lens, it is always a good idea to travel with an extra pair of sunglasses. “Make sure that the glasses have the current prescriptions and are in good condition,” says Rodney.

Contact lens wearers should also store contact lenses in a cool place. Contact lenses can be damaged if the temperature of the cleaning solution rises above 30 degrees Celsius.

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

Keep a repair and cleaning kit

Minor damage to the glasses, such as tightening or loosening the screws can be easily done with a repair kit.

Remember to clean the eyeglass lens regularly as it may have caught dust or sweat. “Do not clean lenses with a used towel or t-shirt as sand particles from the beach,” says Rodney. Tiny-sand particles scratch the lens, making them unusable.

Ensure that glasses are cleaned with luke warm water.

Contact lenses

Contact lenses are a convenient replacement for glasses when spending time on the beach.

Disposable contact lenses do not require special care, and are well-suited for many different situations.

Have hand sanitiser on hand. It is important that hands remain clean and hygienic when handling or touching the eyes. “There are many bacteria that the hands contract and when contact is made with the eye, it can cause a bacterial infection,” says Rodney. For adventurous travellers when soap and water is not accessible, bottled hand sanitiser is recommended.

Driving glasses is a must

“Driving glasses protect from harmful UV light, making it ideal during daily activities at the beach, and road tripping during the day and at night,” says Rodney. Driving glasses are particularly designed to improve motorists vision by cutting out glare.

A common distraction for drivers during dusk and dawn is the sun glare, which may distort vision momentarily. An anti-glare coating on the lenses eliminates glare from vision, and may prevent accidents.

There are lens coatings that are optimised for low light conditions, making it easier to drive at night.

Polarisation of lenses is a must, as it minimises irritable reflections. At night, the anti-reflective coating reduces the reflection from bright lights, headlights, and street lamps.

Visit a Smart Vision Optometrist before travelling

Healthy vision is a must to ensure the safety of motorists this holiday season. “Make sure that prescription lenses are up-to-date and correct,” says Rodney.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney, Australia. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Syndicated by: YDMA News, Your Digital Marketing Agency

Australia’s Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), optometrist Gary Rodney, welcomed the results of the study co-authored by professor and ocular microbiologist Mark Wilcox from NSW University and academics from Canada and the UK. He said the risk rumours had added unnecessary panic and confusion to a situation already swamped with more than enough of both.

He said the study also dispels the idea that wearing spectacles instead is any safer then contacts with regard to lessening the likelihood of contracting coronavirus. However, as is the case with any illness such as flu or a cold, it’s best for anyone with already active Covid-19 to switch to glasses instead of contacts.  

HEAR: Gary Rodney Interviewed By David Wood Ultra106five.com

Extra Attention to Hygiene Needed

Rodney said while the standard rules currently set for helping to prevent infection ( social distancing, washing hands regularly, and avoiding touching the face, mouth, nose or eyes) remained the same for those wearing contact lenses. They would, however, have to be even more careful as they would be certain to touch the lenses themselves when cleaning them, and highly likely to touch one of the no-go areas of their face while inserting and removing the lenses.

He said optometrists always stressed the importance of hygiene with regard to contact lenses, but now had to be even more careful to point out its extra importance the virus spreading so easily and quickly.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Self and Lens Care

Use soap and water for the 20 second hand wash before inserting or removing contact lenses. It’s best to avoid hand sanitisers with high alcohol content, Rodney said, as the alcohol in them could burn the eyes. Instead dry your hands with a clean paper towel if possible, or if that’s not available, use a clean towel which has not been used by other members of the family.

Stick to the replacement schedule. While partial and full lockdowns are the order of the day at present because of the pandemic, optometry is an essential service in Australia and many eye doctors, including those at the Smart Vision outlets in Sydney, have made plans to service their patients as well and as safely as they can.

Lenses should only be used within their stated time frame, whether that’s a day, a fortnight, or a month, and discarded as soon as they expire. If you’re running low on lenses, contact your eye doctor and see if you can have lenses delivered to your door. Lens cases should also be thrown away and replaced every month as they are hard to clean properly, and can amass significant amounts of bacteria. 

Disinfect the lenses as well as your hands. Rodney warns that saline solution won’t do the trick as it’s not a disinfectant, and water should never touch the lenses or their cases, as it can carry germs which might cause eye infection. Using only the disinfectant that your eye doctor has prescribed, clean them in their case overnight.

Be sure to discard the previous night’s solution in the morning and replace it with a new solution before you return them to the case at night. While it might not be generally advised during “normal” times, Rodney suggests rubbing the lenses gently with lens cleaner before placing them in the disinfectant during these anything but normal times.

For more information on caring for yourself and your contact lenses, or to learn more about how Smart Vision is making as many of its services available as possible during the pandemic, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision to find more information provided by the Smart Vision behavioural optometrists whose major focus is on the effects of perceptual and functional vision problems in children.  

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.