Spectacles | Drsuvirajain 1

Do you use spectacles? Here’s what you should know before ordering your next pair!

1. What's the secret to getting eyeglasses that look great on me?

First, decide which of the seven basic face shapes you have and then ask your dispensing practitioner tips about frames that go well with your face shape. Then, find out which colours suit your skin, eye and hair colours.

2. How do I avoid annoying reflections on my eyeglasses? OR How do I avoid reflections on my eyeglasses while clicking a picture/selfie?

Anti-reflective coating, also known as ARC coating, helps you to see through your eyeglasses more easily, lets others see your eyes better and eliminates the annoying white glare spots in photos taken with a flash.

3. I'm interested in the glasses that change to sunglasses when you go outside. Can you tell me more about them?

These are called photochromic lenses.

When exposed to the sun's UV rays, photochromic lenses darken automatically, becoming sunglasses; when no longer exposed to UV rays, they quickly become clear again. Photochromic lenses are a great choice if you typically wear glasses all day, frequently go outside, and don't want to bother with prescription sunglasses. Apart from the classic colours such as grey, graphite green and brown available in photochromatics, there are recently launched style colours by Transitions too which include amber, amethyst, sapphire, emerald as well as transitions in mirror styles.

But be aware that most photochromic lenses don't darken very much inside your car or truck. This is because the windshield (and sunroof) glass used in today's vehicles blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation that is required to initiate the lens darkening process. So, you still might want to consider purchasing a pair of prescription sunglasses for driving on sunny days.

4. I find most eyeglasses to be too small for my head. Do you know of any brands that carry larger frames?

There was a time when unisex eyeglass frames were very popular. But most unisex frames were available only in medium, "one-size-fits-most" sizes.

Today, many eyewear companies have introduced larger frames including larger unisex styles, greatly expanding the options available for people who need larger frames for a comfortable fit.

You often will have better luck finding larger frames at optical boutiques and shops that have a large selection of high-quality frames brands.

5. How do I choose glasses that my child will actually wear?

The most important factor in getting a child to wear glasses is to let him or her help pick them out. When children are allowed to choose their spectacle frames that they like and feel are attractive, they are much more likely to wear the glasses.

6. I'm worried that my child's glasses could break while he's wearing them. What's the best way to protect his eyes?

Polycarbonate material for spectacle lens is recommended for children because it's very impact-resistant. Trivex is another very impact-resistant lens material that also works well for children's glasses. For the frame opt for a frame brand of flexible and safe plastic frames with no metal parts, making it the safest options for your child's eyeglass. Frames which are made from BPA free, rubber free, latex free & hypo-allergenic material are the best

7. How can I prolong the life of my eyeglasses?

Follow these tips to keep your eyeglasses in good condition:

-If you're buying glasses for a child whose prescription changes often, ask to have new lenses put in the old frames, rather than buying new frames each time.

-Choose a style with spring hinges, which allow the temples to flex slightly outward without breaking the eyeglasses.

-Have scratch-resistant coating applied to the lenses.

-Clean your spectacle lens with the microfiber cloth provided and a spectacle lens cleaning solution.

-Avoid using any other cloth material to clean the spectacle lens.

-Avoid keeping your spectacles on the dashboard of your car or in an environment with prolonged heat exposure.

-Store in the spectacle case to avoid misalignment of frame.

-Visit your optical store every 2 months at least for the spectacle alignment and cleaning.

Keep in mind that Improper care is a primary cause of damage to spectacle lens coating as well as frame and can cause other problems as well.

8. How often should I get a new pair of glasses?

You should get a new pair if your prescription has changed; or when your frames are completely off shape even after its alignment.

To keep seeing clearly, see your eye doctor annually or earlier if required.

9. I can see fine to read or drive, but I'm having trouble with certain tasks, especially at work. What's wrong?

It sounds like you may be starting to experience presbyopia, which is the term used to describe the normal, age-related loss of clarity of vision within arm’s length.

This is a common complaint among computer users who wear bifocals (which correct only far and near vision) or reading glasses (which correct only near vision). The vision you need for tasks such as seeing your computer screen and other items within your workstation clearly is between these two extremes of far and near vision, so both bifocals and reading glasses aren't the best solution.

Progressive lenses are an improvement for people with presbyopia, because these line-free multifocal lenses provide a correction for intermediate (computer) vision as well as for distance and near vision.

But even these lenses may be inadequate for comfortable computer vision because the intermediate zone of general-purpose progressive lenses is relatively limited in size.

10. I face a lot of strain while using my computer for long hours, what can I do?

To reduce the risk of computer eye strain you could opt for blue protect coating spectacles.

Use the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes you look away at 20 feet far away and blink for 20 seconds.

11. I'm tired of my "Soda-bottle" eyeglass lenses (thick spectacle lens). Is there anything I can do?

Yes — you can replace your thick, unattractive lenses with thinner, lighter higher-index lenses.

For the thinnest, most attractive lenses possible, choose lenses that have an index of refraction of 1.67 or higher and are aspheric lenses. This combination of features can make your lenses up to 50 percent thinner than your current lenses — and make your eyeglasses lighter and more comfortable, too.

And don't forget about other popular ways to escape wearing thick, unattractive glasses: contact lenses and LASIK vision correction surgery.

12. What would you suggest for sports eyewear?

You could opt for Polycarbonate and Trivex spectacle lenses, they are thinner, lighter and up to 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses, making them the perfect choice for safety glasses, sports eyewear and eyeglasses for children and active adults. Preferably choose a full frame and avoid rimless frames

13. What are polarized lenses?

Polarised lenses diminish glare from flat, reflective surfaces (like water,snow) and also reduce eye fatigue.

14. What is antireflective coating?

Anti-reflective (AR) coating dramatically improves the look and comfort of your glasses by reducing distracting lens reflections that interfere with eye contact and make your lenses look thicker. AR-coated lenses also reduce glare and allow more light into your eyes for better night vision. They are also good options to consider for computer eyeglass along with blue light blocking coating.

15. What are blue light blocking glasses?

Blue light blocking glasses have specially crafted lenses that are said to block or filter out the blue light given off from digital screens. The lenses claim to protect your eyes from glare and can help reduce potential damage to your retina from prolonged exposure to blue light.

Digital screens emit blue light, which can have negative consequences on your eyes, including strain, dry or watery eyes and irritated eyes. Blue light is also known to sabotage your sleep schedule because it messes with your circadian rhythm (AKA your internal clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep or be awake).

Other lens coatings include scratch-resistant coating, dust resistance coating, water repellent coating, smudge resistance coating.

16. What is blue light?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum -- what the human eye can see. Vibrating within the 380 to 500 nanometer range, it has the shortest wavelength and highest energy. All visible light we humans see contains the entire spectrum of the rainbow, from red to violet. Within that spectrum are blue light waves, which are said to help us stay alert and upbeat.

17. What produces blue light?

Blue light, like other colors of visible light, is all around you. The sun emits blue light. So do fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs. Human beings are exposed to more blue light than ever because of the widespread use of devices that rely on light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

Computer and laptop screens, flat-screen televisions, cell phones, and tablets all use LED technologies with high amounts of blue light.

18. How does blue light affect the eyes?

Prolonged exposure to artificial blue light can lead to digital eye strain, though, so it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks if school or work involves hours of screen time. Digital eye strain means different things to different people. When your eyes are strained from staring at a blue-light-emitting screen, you might notice: dry eyes, sore or irritated eyes, tired eyes, headaches, facial muscles fatigued by squinting.
Blue light can also interfere with your body’s internal sleeping and waking cycles, too, so you may want to curtail your use of devices before bedtime or switch to an amber-light mode.
Blue light and macular degeneration: Although animal studies and lab studies raised questions about whether blue light could speed up the process of macular degeneration, ophthalmologists and researchers do not think there is a verifiable link between using LED or blue-light-emitting devices and Age related Macular Degeneration.
Similarly, a 2018 research review also concluded that there was no evidence blue light-blocking lenses lessened the chance that someone who has had cataract surgery would later develop macular degeneration.

19. What is the best type of lenses for high levels of short-sightedness/myopia (minus prescription)?

If you are very short-sighted, your spectacle lenses can feel thick and heavy and make your eyes appear smaller. High index materials have been developed which allow your lenses to be thinner and lighter. Ask the dispensing optician to talk to you about better lens materials and designs.

20. What is the best sort of lenses for high levels of long-sightedness/hyperopia (plus prescription)?

If you are very long-sighted, your spectacle lenses can feel thick and heavy and magnify your eyes. Aspheric lens designs can thin and flatten the lens, reducing the magnifying effect. High index materials have been developed which allow your lenses to be thinner and lighter. Ask the dispensing optician to talk to you about better lens materials and designs.

21. It’s the first time I’ve needed glasses. What do I need to know about choosing spectacle lenses?

When you talk to the dispensing optician about your spectacles, they will explain to you about the different lenses that you can choose. Most people opt for plastic lenses today: they are lighter and safer. Plastic is softer than glass and can scratch more easily so you will be offered an anti-scratch coating.

More and more people are opting for an anti-reflection coating. This allows more light to pass through the lens, with the dual benefits of letting you see more clearly, and allowing people to see your eyes clearly too.

22. What are the pros and cons of metal frames?

Metal frames can be more flexible and easier to adjust than plastic frames. They tend to be slimmer and lighter. Titanium is the lightest material for metal frames, and there are also frames made of stainless steel or nickel alloys. In recent years flexible metal frames have been developed too. The colour choice is more limited in metal frames, but expanding all the time. Some people have metal allergies particularly to frames containing nickel alloy’s which can make a plastic frame a better choice: if you know which types of metal you are allergic to you can also opt for a frame of a different metal composition.

23. What are the pros and cons of plastic frames?

Plastic frames tend to be a little thicker than metal frames, which can work well to conceal the edge of lenses, particularly if you are very short-sighted. Plastic frames can be made in a wide array of colours. Plastic frames can be safer for sport too: polycarbonate frames in particular are used in safety glasses because of their robustness. They are great for people who suffer with skin allergies were metal frames may be a problem.

24. What are the pros and cons of rimless frames?

Rimless frames are attractive to many people because they appear light and don’t hide the face. They are not as robust as specs with plastic or metal frames however, so won’t suit those with active lifestyles or small children who might grab and twist the frames. They can cost more, and won’t suit all prescriptions. Despite this, many people love the look of rimless glasses.

25. Which frames will suit my face?

Which frames will suit my face?

It can be hard to pick a pair of spectacle frame to suit you. Here are three pointers to help you pick.

Firstly, make sure that the frame is the right size. The centre of your pupils should be approximately in the centre of the lens. Be careful about choosing oversized frames that stick out beyond the sides of your face as you can end up with unnecessarily heavy eyewear. If you have a smaller face, opt for smaller frames.

Secondly, think about your face shape. You may want to pick a frame shape that contrasts with the shape of your face. For example, if you have a round face you may want to pick a rectangular frame, while someone with a square face will find oval frames soften their face in a positive way.

Thirdly, pick frame colours to complement your skin and hair tones. If you have dark hair and eyebrows you can carry off a darker frame. Warm skins tones will suit gold tones, while cooler skin tones may look better with silver or gunmetal frames.

Always remember to ask your dispensing optician suggestions and recommendations based on your lifestyle and requirements.

26. What are the main face shapes and which glasses will suit which shape?

If you look in the mirror, it may be quite clear that you have a round, oval, rectangular or square face. Read on to find out how this can help you choose spec frames to suit you.

A round face often suits rectangular spec frames. They can help lengthen the face.

A square face with a strong forehead and jaw can be softened with narrow, oval frames.

A rectangular face can seem long and thin. Balance this out with deeper oval frames.

People with oval faces are lucky and can suit many shapes of frames.

If you have a larger or longer face you can benefit from decorative features, bold colours and thicker rims on your specs, while a small face will benefit from a simpler, slim, light frame that doesn’t overwhelm the face. Choosing a frame that is as wide as the widest part of the face is good advice for all.

27. What makes a frame a good fit for my face?

Each pupil should be in the centre of the lens. The frame should be level with your eyes and eyebrows: ask the dispensing optician if a frame can be adjusting to be level and comfortable. The width of the frame should match the width of your face. The side of your specs should run along the side of your head without cutting in. Once they reach the ear the sides should curve downwards. If the sides curve too early, they can push the frame down on your nose and rub behind your ears. With a plastic frame there should be no gap between the bridge of the frame and the bridge of the nose. Metal frames generally have nose pads which will be adjusted so that they sit parallel to the sides of your nose. The lower edge of the frames shouldn’t touch your cheeks, so that they don’t rub or irritate.

Not everyone’s face is perfectly symmetrical, so don’t worry if your specs don’t appear symmetrical when you lay them on the table: the important thing is that they should be level on your face.

28. How do I pick the right frame width for my face?

The width of the frame should match the width of your face. This means, when looking at you straight on, the glasses should not be significantly wider that your face, nor should the sides cut into your cheeks or temples. The sides should not be “pushed out” when sitting on the head: if so the frame is too small.

29. How often should I go back to have my specs adjusted?

There is no set rule for this: return to the opticians for readjustment as often as you need. The fit of your specs will alter with wear as you flex the frames every time you take them off and on. Remove your specs carefully with both hands to ensure that you don’t stretch one side. Some people need very few adjustments, but with growing children you may find periods where they need to visit every week to stop the specs slipping. The Dispensing Optician is trained to ensure that your specs fit well, and will be happy to help however often you need to return.

30. I want a big fashionable frame: why have I been advised against it by my optician?

Not all spectacle prescriptions work well in all frames. If you have a high prescription, you should avoid spectacle frames that are much wider than your face. Deeper and wider frames will be heavier, because the lens will need to be larger. This can also lead to chunkier lenses – thicker at the edge if you are shortsighted and in the centre if you are longsighted.

31. How do I know that my frame or sunglasses fits me well?

Just follow these three simple steps.

Step 1: Check the frame width- It should only just extend past your cheekbones. If you can fit more than one finger between the arm of the frame and your temple, the frame is too wide. On the other hand, if the arm touches your temple, the frame is too narrow.

Step 2: Check the arm length-It should extend straight back to your ears and only touch the side of your head just in front of your ears. The arms must also not curve too early; if they do, this will push the glasses down on your nose.

Step 3: Check the bridge width-It should fit comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose. A too-tight bridge will be uncomfortable and compromise on your vision correction by keeping the glasses too high on the face. A too-loose bridge will allow the glasses to fall down on your nose, requiring constant readjustment.

32. What is the difference between bi-focal and progressive lenses?

Bifocal lenses offers two different viewing zones: the top part of the lens is for distance (i.e. to help you see things far away) and the lower part for the lens is for reading (i.e. to help you see things up close). The viewing zones of bi-focal lenses are divided by a visible line.

Progressive lenses are essentially no-line bi-focals. But instead of offering just two different viewing zones (near and far vision), progressive lenses offer many different focal points by seamlessly transitioning from distance vision to intermediate and near vision and everything in between. Progressive lenses provide much more natural vision and are typically recommended over bi-focal lenses.

33. Why won't my Transitions/ photochromatic lenses change colors?

Your Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses or photochromatic lenses will only change when exposed to direct UV rays. The lenses may not get as dark on a cloudy day as a sunny day, nor will they darken in a car since most windshields have a UV filter built into the glass.

Transitions does make a "drivewear" lens that will get dark in a car. If you would like to add this specialized Transitions lens to your eyewear apart from the classic colours such as grey, graphite green and brown available in photochromatics, there are recently launched style colours in Transitions too which include amber, amethyst, sapphire, emerald well as transitions in mirror styles available in various colours

34. Why should one consider wearing sunglasses?

Sunglasses basically protect your eyes from the bright light from the sun.

Sunglasses eliminate solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in particular the more-damaging UVB radiation.

UV rays from sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye. Too much exposure is linked to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

As the eye cannot see UVR, good quality sunglasses have an important function in blocking UVR.

35. Why should one avoid wearing cheap quality sunglasses?

Wearing cheap sunglasses with no UV filters poses an even greater danger than wearing none at all because the pupils will dilate allowing more harmful rays into the eye.
Good quality sunglasses will filter out both UVA and UVB.
Superior quality sunglasses as well as prescription sunglasses should meet the industry standard UV400 rating and all the sunglasses & prescription sunglasses we sell meet this standard along with adding a style element to your personality.

36. When to wear sunglasses?

Mainly Outdoors, especially during summers,
In open spaces, typically when you are taking part in your sport and while Skiing, walking or climbing at high altitude. The harmful effects of not wearing sunglasses increases the problem with a high risk of sunburn and ultimately skin cancer and eye cataracts.