Archive for September, 2008

Why Should We Have Regular Eye Tests

Posted in Eye Health Care on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 5 Comments

Why Should We Have Regular Eye Tests
article sourve: ezinearticles.com

Vision quality is one of the fastest deteriorating functions of the human body, either due to age or disease.

Regular eye exams are the best way to catch eye disorders which if left untreated, may lead to vision problems and even blindness.

Regular eye exams should be conducted at least once every three years in order to keep a constant watch for these disorders. Many of these disorders can be cured, or at least treated so that they have minimal effect when they are diagnosed early, which helps to prevent permanent impairment or even blindness.

Unfortunately, many eye disorders have no noticeable symptoms early on, and many people who do not receive regular eye checkups live with these disorders for years. While these symptoms may remain undetected by you, a simple check up performed by your ophthalmologist can bring many of these disorders to light before they are able to cause real harm.

In addition to detecting disease of the eye, these tests can also help detect other bodily ailments, such as diabetes. The doctor will perform several tests in a complete eye test, including testing for colorblindness, peripheral vision tests, and visual acuity.

Children should receive their first eye exam before they reach the age of six months. Those children with a family history for eye disease, or who have shown signs of developmental delays should also have an annual eye exam.

In addition, adults who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other diseases need to be checked for vision impairment more frequently.

A regular physician can advise patients with these diseases as to how often their eye tests should be performed.

Once over the age of 40, adults should have their eyes checked every two years for early detection of age related diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration which if left untreated, can result in permanent blindness.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Several Nutrients for Healthy Eyes

Posted in Eye Health Care on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 1 Comment

Several Nutrients for Healthy Eyes
article source: ezinearticles.com

A lot of people suffer from different eye health issues. Whether you are nearsighted, farsighted, or suffer from eye fatigue, you can benefit from numerous eye nutrients. Taking care of your vision is very crucial.

Your eyes are a part of every single task you complete. So be sure that you spoil your eyes with the right type of vitamins and minerals.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two very important cartenoids. Since our bodies are unable to produce these two compounds, we have to rely upon supplements and other foods to provide us with an adequate amount.

These two compounds are very valuable when it comes down to the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamins A and E are also very valuable when it comes down to vision.

A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness. Furthermore, proper intake of this particular compound is beneficial in relieving eye dryness. Vitamin E on the other hand supports healthy blood vessels. Vitamin C also prevents blood vessels from braking and it aids in new blood vessel growth.

Zinc is important for eye health because it helps the liver release vitamin A. and when vitamin A is released then it can become absorbed by other body organs, such as eyes.

Fish oil also provides the body with vitamin A, as well as vitamin D. this particular compound helps the eye produce protein pigments. And last but certainly not least is magnesium.

Magnesium is responsible for adding more blood flow into the eye. So as you can see, every single nutrient plays its own important role in the health of the eyes. Therefore, it is important to take all of these compounds in their recommended dosage every day.

Popularity: 8% [?]

How to Avoid Vision Care Costs

Posted in Eye Health Care on September 16th, 2008 by admin – Be the first to comment

How to Avoid Vision Care Costs
article source: ezinearticles.com

Most of us know the importance of eyes. It is generally said that eyes are a window to the soul. The first thing people usually notice about you is your eyes. Most of us remain incredibly concerned about our eyes and their appearance.

So, one should take care of their vision through proper nutrition and by paying special attention to the eyes. Vision loss would make us shell out money against treatment of the same.

The skyrocketing vision care costs in America make us spend more on vision impairment problems. So, it’s our responsibility to keep our vision intact by taking good care of the eyes.

Still, most of the people ignore taking good vision care and suffer from vision impairment. In order to prevent this, regular dilated eye exams should be undergone.

However, most of the people do not visit an ophthalmologist due to the high costs. At this stage, people don’t even think of looking for alternatives that reduces the costs of vision care. Alternatives such as discount plans would really be helpful in reducing the costs of medical care.

Ameriplan, a 16-year-old organization providing healthcare services offers plans like Ameriplan vision benefit plan which gives you immediate savings as soon as you become a member of Ameriplan. Ameriplan vision benefit program does not include paperwork and a member can get a discount up to 60% in his vision treatment.

Ameriplan benefits include total healthcare membership and allow one save up to 60% on all frames, lenses, eye exams and surgeries.

Ameriplan vision benefit plan provides coverage for the entire family. Before undergoing any vision treatment, it is wise to join a vision benefit program which allows you to save considerable amount of money.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Do Need Better Eye Care After 60

Posted in Eye Health Care on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 2 Comments

Do Need Better Eye Care After 60
article source: ezinearticles.com

Generally, our aging population refuses to give in to old age. Senior people want to take care of themselves and minimize the effects of aging. Good eye care is simply very essential for those of us over the age of 60 who require to age healthfully and gracefully.

Eye Exams

First and foremost, you need to have at least one eye exam per year. The eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, will check your vision to see if you need glasses. The ophthalmologist will also inspect for other diseases that manifest themselves by changes in the eyes. Your eyes aren’t only the window to your soul; they’re the window to your health.

Changes In The Older Eye

As a matter of fact, like your skin, your hair, and your joints change with age, your eyes also change as you get older. Some of the major eye problems that come on with aging are presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Some of these conditions can be cureed and some cannot. Good eye care can minimize the effects of some conditions.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is popularly called far-sightedness. If you’re at the age of 60, you’ve probably had presbyopia for 15 to 20 years already. The condition is a normal effect of aging, and it’s easily managed by making changes to your eyeglass or contact lens prescription. If you already wear eyeglasses for near-sightedness, you may require to wear bifocals or to get a second pair of glasses for close work.

Cataracts

It’s been reported that about half of all 65-year-old Americans have some stage of cataracts formed in their eyes. The developed cataracts are now considered a normal consequence of aging. Widely performed cataract surgery is the accepted care for cataract formation. Cataracts are the best handled with before they advance too far, so talk to your ophthalmologist immediately as you notice changes in your vision. Don’t avoid your eye care.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Experts have assessed that 40% of diabetics over age 40 have some degree of diabetic retinopathy. The disease causes new blood vessels to grow over the retina, and form scar tissue, pulling the retina away from the back of the eye. Untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to sightlessness.

The Importance Of Eye care Over 60

Looking at the different eye conditions that people face after they reach the age of 60 illustrates how important eye care is, and how a vital part of good eye care is seeing your ophthalmologist regularly. If it has been more than one year since you had an eye assessment, contact your eye care professional today.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Why Sunglasses are Effective

Posted in Sunglasses Guide on September 16th, 2008 by admin – Be the first to comment

Why Sunglasses are Effective

All your life you have heard about the importance of sunglasses. You are probably aware that they are used to protect your eyes, blocking them from sunlight and preserving your vision.

But do you know how sunglasses actually do all that? Apart from complementing your look, they work in four different ways. You should learn what these are and make sure that your sunglasses are actually doing the work they are meant to.

Ultraviolet rays are present in sunlight and these can cause damage the corneas. Sunglasses help give your eyes protection from the dangerous UV rays, and good ones give your eyes 100% protection. A coating is put outside the lenses of the sunglasses which acts as a UV filter. It allows light to pass through, so you can see, but blocks out the UV light which can harm your eyes.

The most common reason people wear sunglasses is to get protection from the glare of sunlight. Powerful sunlight can make you close your eyes or narrow them, thus causing a squint. This is a natural reaction which protects the corneas. It is not just bright sunlight which can cause damage, but also glare from the snow, because snow reflects the sunlight highly intensified and magnified, so it can be even more dangerous.

Sunglasses are tinted according to your requirements, based on how much light protection is needed. Just as there are different types of light, the various shades of the lenses of sunglasses also protect your eyes in their differing ways. Among the good lens colors are gray and almost black which give the most protection from powerful light, at the same time not distorting colors.

Of utmost importance is the fact the sunglasses safeguard your eyes from glare. The sunlight reflects off water and shiny surfaces which amplify the light and cause glare, which can be blinding if you don’t wear sunglasses and can even cause accidents. Good sunglasses shield eyes from this kind of glare.

Just as sound waves vibrate so do light waves and when a group comes together, the result is a glare. If you get blinded by glare off water or glass (like the windshield of a car), you see a combination of light waves. There are polarization filters which are used in the lenses of sunglasses which realign the waves and thus get rid of the glare.

Sunglasses can eradicate particular light frequencies which can cause vision to blur or change colors. Therefore selecting the correct color of the lenses of the sunglasses helps them protect your eyes in different conditions.

If you want to block out blue light, then you ought to be wearing sunglasses whose lenses are yellow, gold, amber or brown. Blue light is the major color which causes blurred vision. Even though yellow lenses have a tendency to distort other colors, their benefits far outweigh their disadvantages.

Similar to yellow lenses, green lenses also filter blue light and help in protecting eyes from glare. Their higher contrast features and the fact that they offer great visual sharpness also make them extremely popular. Other colored lenses are rose and purple, and they give the best contrast and protection in the green or blue background. That is why they are good for hunting and water skiing.

Popularity: 14% [?]

The History of Ray Ban Sunglasses

Posted in Sunglasses Guide on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 21 Comments

The History of Ray Ban Sunglasses

If you have ever seen Tom Cruise in “Risky Business”, you will remember two things. The first being the most famous scene from that movie, the one where he comes sliding into the living room dancing in his underwear, and the second, how good he looked in those sunglasses.

Cruise sported Ray Ban sunglasses in this movie and they became as big a hit as the movie itself. By the time this movie was made in 1983 however, Ray Ban had already been making popular sunglasses for 46 years.

The optical firm Bausch and Lomb launched the first Ray Ban sunglasses in 1936, which were anti-glare aviator sunglasses. They were the first to use polarized technology, which was developed by Edwin H. Land, the founder of the Polaroid Corporation.

These dark glasses had large lenses, about two or three times the size of the eye socket, in the shape of an oblique teardrop. Instead of being flat, these glasses were slightly convex. The goal of these large, curved glasses was to protect the eyes from every angle for optimal protection from the sun.

In the 1940’s, Ray Ban was hired by the US Air Force to develop these glasses even further for use by air force pilots. The Aviator glasses soon became popular with the other branches of the US military as well and when General Douglas MacArthur was photographed landing on a beach in the Philippines during World War II, he was wearing a pair of Ray Bans.

Ray Ban has relied on photographs of celebrities to promote their eyewear throughout the years. The Blues Brothers, Miami Vice’s Don Johnson, Michael Jackson, and Madonna are just a few of the people who join Tom Cruise as Ray Ban wearers and promoters.

Ray Ban Aviators have remained in style for decades but this company also moved with the times in terms of its other models. There were bright, colorful frames to reflect the style of the 60’s, big flashy shades in the 70’s, and sportier designs of the 80’s.

From the beginning, Ray Ban sunglasses have been at the forefront of eye protection technology. These glasses stay in style not only because of their celebrity appeal but also because they are well made and practical.

Popularity: 17% [?]

History of Eyeglasses to Sunglasses

Posted in Eyeglasses Guide, Sunglasses Guide on September 16th, 2008 by admin – Be the first to comment

History of Eyeglasses to Sunglasses

Somewhere around 1200-1300A.D. a well known philosopher and scientist by the name of Roger Bacon made his mark in history when he recorded the first known use of lenses.

While teaching at Oxford he worked hard on research and experiments. Later Pope Clement IV convinced him to write books about his theories and experiments. Pope Nicholas IV had him imprisoned because he didn?? agree with Bacon. Before his life ended Bacon made many discoveries and wrote many more books.

The Romans have been said to have used water filled glasses to read with and while watching those who were less fortunate to be in an arena they used some stones of various colors to shield their eyes. Romans were known for wanting the best out of life so its no surprise that they used stones like quartz to enhance vision or reduce glare

Salvino D’Armate invented the first known official pair of eyeglasses around 1284 in Italy. Alessandro Spina has been also said to be the first. Italians introduced eyeglasses to the Chinese and folk loar says Chinese judges used green eyeglasses to hide their expressions while passing judgment.

Eyeglass designer and maker of scientific devices James Ayscough developed a set of eyeglasses that used clear or green lenses in 1752. Ayscough thought that the green lenses helped vision some and relieved some eye fatigue. He was an apprentice to James Mann. The two became partners in developing microscopes and the publishing of articles.

By the early part of the 1900’s well known figures helped inspire the production and use of sunglasses. In 1929 Sam Foster started selling his version of sunglasses called Foster Grants.

The polarization of sunglasses was accomplished by Edwin H. Land. Land invented polarized material that he used on sunglasses. George Wheelright and Land became partners and started in 1937 the Polaroid Corporation. Lands polarized sheeting material was use in sunglasses, 3-D movies and for military use. Later the polaroid camera came along another of Lands products.

By the 1950’s sunglasses were exploding on the scene with great stride and to present time sunglasses have become more popular than ever.

Manufacturers now have improved sunglasses greatly not only providing great styles, but now sunglasses protect against UVA & UVB Lights Rays and from eye problems such as macular degeneration. So make sure you protect your eyes and your childrens.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Make Your Eyeglass Frames Selection Perfectly

Posted in Eyeglasses Guide on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 3 Comments

Make Your Eyeglass Frames Selection Perfectly
Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Glasses used to be ugly and boring. Not these days, now you have such a variety of frames available that you can literally choose any style to fit your face and personality.

The options can be a little overwhelming, however, unless you understand just what is being offered. This article will offer an overview of the different types of frames available to you.

Eyeglass Frame Materials

Knowing what materials your frames could be made of is a good start. Once you have chosen a material, you can move on to styles.

Metal

This is definitely one of the most popular types of frame. Metal is sturdier than plastic and depending on the type, can be quite moldable.
Aluminum: This is extremely lightweight, but compared to other metals, it tends to break and bend more easily.

Monel: A combination of nickel and copper, this is a very moldable metal that makes for very comfortable glasses. However, anyone who is sensitive to nickel won`t be able to wear this type of frame.
Stainless Steel: While strong and resistant to weather and abuse, stainless steel frames tend not to mold well. They are quite springy, so these types of frames often fit very comfortably.

Titanium: One of the best metals that can be used for eyeglass frames, titanium is strong and light. The downside is that it can`t be colored, so you will be limited the metallic color.

Plastic

You might not imagine that there are many different choices when it comes to plastic, but the truth is that new combinations are constantly being invented. Because of this, you have a wide variety of plastics to select from, each with its good points.

Copolyamide: A sturdy, flexible material that is most commonly used to create eyeglass frames for athletes and other active types.

Nylon: This material is quite resistant, but it does have a limitation in color . . . nylon is only available in solid colors, you can`t make it translucent.

Rubber: When you need a more flexible frame that is easily moldable, a mixture of rubber and nylon can be just the material you`re looking for.

Frame Styles

No matter which frame material you choose, you will still need to pick out a style of frame that suits you. The best way to find this out is to simply try on several different styles. When you find one that suits your face, look at the different variations within that style to get the one you like.

Rimless: These actually use the lens on its own, with the only actual frame being the attached arms on the sides. Rimless frames are very low profile and are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t really like the look of frames.

Semi-Rimless: Allows you the support of a frame, without the irritating line across your vision at the bottom. Semi-rimless glasses only have the frame on the upper part of the lens, leaving the lower area unsupported. These tend to be sturdier than rimless frames.

Full frame: Just like what it sounds, a full frame goes all the way around the lens and offers complete support. For many children and active persons, this is the best option.

Choosing the right material and frame style for your face and lifestyle can be a bit challenging, but knowing what your options are is an excellent start.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Reading Glasses: Half Or Full Frame

Posted in Eyeglasses Guide on September 16th, 2008 by admin – 2 Comments

Reading Glasses:  Half Or Full Frame
article source: ezinearticles.com

Have you found it difficult to read or perform any tasks on close by objects unless of course you hold them at an arms length? Have you been thinking of going to the eye doctor but not yet done so for reasons which you think, are very good?

One, well, you do not really read that much or write that much.

Second, maybe you think it is embarrassing to wear reading glasses. Or you could be thinking, I read and write so much, having reading glasses on all the time will make it so difficult every time I have to see something in the distance.

Well, welcome to the modern world of eyeglasses where functionality meets style.

Full Frames:

If you do need reading glasses and you do a lot of work on close by objects like reading or writing or working on a computer, you might want to consider full frame reading glasses.

These eyeglasses will give a much wider viewing area than other glasses so working with them is easy. Perfect for those who are constantly into close-up work, these frames and lenses allow a real wide range of magnified vision.

You can find many styles to choose from slim frames for an elegant look or chunky frames for a bold look. You could even try rimless frames. There are very traditional looking, round frames or narrow angular frames.

There is also an amazing variety of colors to choose from; elegant black to modern tortoise. You could of course try something new and go for a dash of bright green or purple. Some of the styles for full frames says it all; Bada Bing, Clark Kent, Geek or Depth Charger.

Half-Frames:

If you really do not spend that much time in close-up work then wearing reading glasses for just a few minutes of work may seem like a real nuisance. However, half-frames give you just the solution you needed.

These half-frames, which are actually just half of the frame, allow you to see through the lower part of the eyeglass. These are worn lower down on the nose and anytime you need to glance into the distance, just look up and over the frame. Everything appears clear and there is no blurring.

Half-frames come in as many varieties and colors as the full frames. Styles as conventional as horn rims or cat-eyes and styles as modern as rimless frames.

In fact, new reading glasses are of the kind that you can just fold them and slip them into your purse or briefcase or just your pocket.

Whether you pick up full frames or half frames, the common feature will be that they are all made of extremely high quality, very lightweight metals and zyls.

The temples have spring hinges to withstand years of wear and tear and most of the lenses that come with these eyeglasses are completely scratch resistant and shatterproof.

So whatever your choice of frames may be you can be sure that you can now work in peace, functionality and style.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Change How The World Sees Just With Your Perfect Pair of Eyeglasses

Posted in Eyeglasses Guide on September 5th, 2008 by admin – 13 Comments

Change How The World Sees Just With Your Perfect Pair of Eyeglasses
article source: ezinearticles.com

I don’t know about you, but I can never find a pair of eyeglass frames that fit my face while looking fashionable at the same time. I almost dread going shopping for them when the time comes.

For many people like myself, how a pair of glasses look on our face is the single most important aspect of finding the perfect pair of eyeglass frames. The only thing you need to do to make sure you pick out the perfect eyeglass frames is to simply find one that suits the shape of your face.

Eyeglasses are more than just means to an end. They do far more than just helping you see the world, as they are important fashion statements with huge effect on your appearance. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of buying glasses that just don’t look right on you, these following tips can hopefully help you out for next time. After a long and frustrating process of finding the perfect glasses frames to fit your face shape, here are a few tips to help you out:

What you want to do first off is inspect your face to see what kind of shape it is. To do this you need to pull your hair back into a ponytail if you have long hair and look at it closely in a mirror.

Different face

shapes require different frame styles. Oval faces, for example, are proportionally balanced on the top and bottom. Any frame type will work with an oval face.

People with long, thin faces need a larger frame that gives off the impression of a wider and shorter than it really is face. Go with frames in round or triangular shapes. Even a wide, rectangular shape can work with this type of face. Another way to broaden a long, thin face is to wear a frame that has color around the sides of it

More people are starting to wear round frames that are made from a thin metal. This look softens the hard, angular look of a square face, of someone with wide forehead and cheeks, and an angular chin.

Round faces are fuller and have a soft, gentle chin, wide cheeks and smaller cheekbones. For all of these mentioned reasons is why people with this type of face shouldn’t wear round frames. It will only give off the impression of a large face. You don’t want that. Instead, wear boxy or rectangular ones and go with a lighter color to make you face appear less heavy.

If you find yourself having a heart-shaped face, then your best bet is balance with frames that are wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. This looks much better for faces with a wide forehead that angles down to a smaller chin.

There are a good number of people with a diamond-shaped face. This means that they have a narrow forehead, wide temples and an small angular chin. Flatter these facial features with small frames that have geometric or oval shapes minimizing the horizontal distance between the temples.

If you have any facial features, then you it is a smart decision to buy a smaller pair of frames, especially with a beard. Large frames only mask your features that you want to show off. Small heads need to stick to wearing small frames that are no wider than the widest part of your face. Never wear glasses that look like they are tight on your face and squeezing it.

Popularity: 14% [?]

How to Repair Broken Eyeglass Frames

Posted in Eyeglasses Guide on September 5th, 2008 by admin – 14 Comments

How to Repair Broken Eyeglass Frames
article source:  ezinearticles.com

If you’re one of the millions in the US who wear eyeglasses, then I’m sure you’ve had the unfortunate experience of having them easily broken or something randomly becoming loose.

I know I’m lucky to have. I think that everyone who wears or has worn glasses, has gone through that. Let’s face it, sooner or later our eyeglasses will break and we will need to repair them.

It’s so frustrating sometimes that you just want to throw them as far as you can. Even the most expensive, well built designs don’t survive the simplest of accidents. While fixing them may be annoying and frustrating, it is still pretty easy.

All it takes is an inexpensive eyeglass repair kit, and you can perform minor repairs on eyeglass frames. Here are a few simple to follow steps for you the next time you are stuck fixing your eyeglasses yourself:

Before you can fix what’s wrong you need figure out what’s wrong. I recommend using a nice magnifying glass to try and find the problem which is in need of repair. Most of the time, the problem is small and difficult to see such as a loose or missing screw or a broken hinge on an arm.

Ok, let’s say you found the issue and it’s a stretched out hinge. To repair this, you first will get a pair of needle nose pliers and cover the tips of it to bend the hinge gently back into place. Covering the tips of the pliers prevents the lenses and frame from becoming scratched or damaged. A very small rubber band or rubber ring, found in many eyeglass repair kits, can also hold a loose hinge in place.

Perhaps a screw is loose on your eyeglass frame. This is fixed by tightening the screw with one of those tiny screwdrivers that come in eyeglass repair kits. If you can’t get your hands on one of these screwdrivers, you can get away with using the tip of a paring knife to serve the same purpose.

After you have tightened the screw up in the frame, I find that dabbing a little clear nail polish on the hinge screw will hold it firmly in place. Remember to let the polish dry before putting the glasses back on.

Let’s say not only is the screw loose but it is now lost. Buy an eyeglass repair kit and replace the screw with one of the screws found in the kit. Miniature safety pins can also work by slipping into the screw hole and closing the pin. Never force the screw into the hole if it won’t fit. The last thing you want to do is strip the threads.

Often times with some eyeglasses the metal hinge will break from the frame. To repair this, you’ll wash both surfaces and then try to scrape as much paint or glue away. Then using a toothpick, lightly dab on some fast-bonding glue to the break. Be sure to keep the two pieces held together for about a minute or two so the glue can dry and set.

One final problem with eyeglass is the ear-piece slipping off the frame. Simply, re-adhere it back on with fast-bonding glue.

glassesshop.com offers the finest in designer reading glasses and designer eyeglasses. All of our products are 100% authentic, we never sell “knock-offs”. We separate from the competition by offering great product selection combined with “best-in-class” customer service.

Popularity: 20% [?]