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.

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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.

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During this Summer season it is exceptionally important to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation.  Prescription sunglasses, with polarised lenses, correct your vision and protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Jacqueline Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the importance of taking precautionary measures to protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light radiation.

Excessive hours in the sun, without any form of protection, can result in blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing of the eyes and blindness.

Wearing sunglasses on the beach is an important eye wear protection. The beach is filled with reflective UV rays that bounce off from the water and sand. In other words, you are exposed to reflective UV radiation, even in the shade. The reflective rays can be just as harmful as direct UV radiation to the skin and eyes. “You should wear sunglasses in the shade and cloudy conditions,” says Jacquie.

The over exposure of UV radiation can increase the risk of developing eye disorders or diseases, such as cataracts, growth on the eye and cancer. In the advent of this summer season, one needs to remember that warm conditions affect the tear film of the eye causing the surface of the eye to dry out.

The sun glare and directly looking at the sun “cause excessive damage to the eyes, as it not only causes sunburn to the eyes, but may result in permanent eye damage and vision loss,” says Jacquie.

While light is essential for sight and vision, certain types of light such as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause significant damage to the eye. “The most common eye conditions and injuries caused by UV light include; cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, photokeratitis, and skin cancer of the eyelid,” says Jacquie.

Photokeratitis is a painful temporary eye condition that is caused by exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays. This damages the corneas of the eyes.

Long hours in the sun, the use of sun lamps, tanning beds or tanning booths, can also cause photokeratitis, therefore, to avoid this, it is important to find shady areas. A brimmed hat is also advice to wear “even if you are not in direct sunlight,” says Jacquie.

Wearing UVA and UVB sunglasses on the beach can “protect the eye from harsh UV rays and strong glares, on the beach,” says Jacquie.

In the sea, however, swimmers and surfers should consider wearing UV blocking goggles. Jacquie also advices that “contact lenses should be worn with caution under water as they may harbour bacteria and lead to eye infection.”

Symptoms of sun damage to the eyes to look out for include, discomfort or redness in the eyes, tears, blurry vision, swelling, light-sensitivity, and short term loss of vision. “If vision loss does not improve in a few hours, contact an eye specialist, says Jacquie.

To protect the eyes from sun damage, protecting the face from sun damage also reduces the harshness of harmful UV rays. One should wear sunscreen, a brimmed hat as well as sunglasses to protect the eyes, especially in direct sunlight.

Damage to the eyes can be permanent or semi-permanent. “Rather than risking permanent damage, avoidance is the key to avoid overexposure,” concludes 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.

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Sunglasses offer protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage and lead to eye problems.

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, dispels sunglasses myths before purchasing. Rodney offers tips about wearing sunglasses and protecting your eye health.

Sunglasses aren’t just for looks

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion trend.  The most important factor of buying sunglasses is that they “protect the eyes from sun damage and UV radiation,” says Rodney.

When purchasing a pair of sunglasses, “always look at the tag to see if it offers 100% blockage from UVA and UVB radiation,” says Rodney, “and remember, the most expensive does not mean that it offers more protection”. Even many cheap pairs of sunglasses block most of the harmful UV radiation.

“Remember that poor quality plastic lenses can distort vision and cause headaches,” says Rodney. Quality prescription lenses (even with no power) are always recommended.

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

You only need to wear sunglasses when it is sunny

There is a common misconception that there is less UV damage to the eyes during the colder months, however this is not true. In winter, UV rays can reflect off wet surfaces and snow, and into the eyes. Sunglasses should be worn outdoors, regardless of the weather.

UV rays are just as prevalent in cloudy weather than direct sunlight. “People of all ages should wear sunglasses whenever they are outside,” says Rodney.

Children also need to wear sunglasses as much as adults do as they spend more time outdoors.

Lenses with a darker tint do not necessarily offer better protection

A clear lens with “100% UV protection is better for your eyes than dark tinted lenses,” says Rodney. Dark glasses without UV protection are more harmful to your eyes than not wearing glasses at all, because the “dark lenses causes the pupils to become dilated, thus exposing the eyes to harmful UV light,” Rodney adds.

All ‘good’ sun lenses can protect the eyes from UV light, however, polarised lenses, cut out the glare that bounces off reflective surface, and improves colour contrast.

The style and size of lenses does not matter

Small lenses provide less eye protection than large lenses. The distance between the lens and eyes is also important. Lenses that rest further from the eyes increase the risk of UV ray damage. The “best type of lenses are the ones that wrap around around the eyes to protect the side of the eyes from UV radiation,” says Rodney.

Opticians and eyewear stylists at Smart Vision Optometry provide expert advice on purchasing the best sunglasses suggested and suited for all clients. “Choosing the right pair has never been easier,” 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