Category: Glasses

Top Tip: Shopping for New Glasses

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Are you looking for a new pair of glasses? It can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our tips on how to shop for your new pair of glasses.

 

The Do’s

First off, do have an updated prescription and eye exam, do keep an open mind for styles and do embrace the adventure; make it fun; try on a wide range of frames until you find what’s right for you.

 

The Don’ts

Here is a list seven things you don’t want to do when looking for new glasses …

 

Don’t go it alone

Ask for advice. Yes, you can trust the staff. Even after a quick chat, the experienced frame specialists at Eyecare Plus can assess your features and offer a number of appropriate frames. They will also know if your prescription will work well with the styles you like.

 

Don’t buy to the latest trend

Your glasses should look good on you for a couple of years, so they need to accommodate your unique needs, not the latest style. While browsing the selection of frames, don’t ask ‘what’s trendy?’ ask ‘what makes me look good?’

 

Don’t assume you only need one pair

Glasses are a lot like shoes—you can’t wear the same pair in every situation. Consider a pair of comfortable, everyday frames, a pair of frames with eye protection for sports and maybe an elegant pair for nights on the town.

 

Don’t buy online

Spectacle frames are classed as medical devices in Australia. Are there any other medical devices you would buy online? Consulting with Eyecare Plus optometrists and staff ensures prescription accuracy, lens durability, comfort and fit of your new frames.

 

Don’t think only about price (high)

Don’t think that the most expensive is always the best. Although designer frames can perfectly match fashion and function for some, Eyecare Plus locations carry a wide range of frames to suit every budget.

 

Don’t think only about price (low)

Don’t make the mistake of buying frames that don’t fit or are uncomfortable because you think a cheaper pair will save you money. In the long run, if the fit isn’t right, you are unlikely to wear them and will have to buy another pair.

 

Don’t assume you can’t make any adjustments after you buy your glasses

Even perfect-fitting glasses may require an adjustment from time to time. When you buy your glasses from Eyecare Plus, you can always bring them back for quick adjustments.

Eyecare Plus locations across the country have all the tools on hand to keep your glasses comfortable and the fit just right.

Different Types of Lenses for Glasses Explained

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Prescription lenses are vitally important; they are what gives prescription glasses the ability to provide sharp, clear vision. Everyone has their own unique vision needs so there are many types of prescription lenses and glasses available.

At Eyecare Plus, we understand that this can get confusing, so we have put together this ‘Guide to Glasses’ to help. Whether your optometrist determines you are nearsighted, farsighted or suffer from a condition like digital eyestrain, this guide can help you better understand the types of prescription lenses you need, and why.

Prescription glasses

When we say ‘prescription glasses’ we mean that the lenses are specifically designed to meet the vision needs of specific patients. Prescription glasses are unique to each person. They have much better lens and frame quality than the over the counter ‘reading glasses’ that you can buy at pharmacies or dollar shops. 

Prescription lenses

‘Prescription lenses’ are provided by optometrists (eye doctors) after a comprehensive eye exam. As a general rule, the ‘prescription’ in prescription lenses is good for about two years. Sometimes, the prescription lens for one eye is different from the other and they correct different problems.

It is important to note that the ‘prescription’ in your prescription lens is NOT THE SAME as a prescription in your contact lens prescription – you need a separate prescription for that. 

Photochromatic lenses

Often called by the most popular brand name ‘Transition Lenses,’ photochromatic lenses are transparent indoors but automatically adapt to the light as you move outdoors. The glasses darken within about a minute in bright light. Photochromatic lenses are available in almost all lens designs and materials.

Single vision lenses

Single vision lenses correct single vision problems. That is: they work for people who are either nearsighted or farsighted, but not a mix of both. Single vision lenses have the same corrective power distributed evenly throughout the whole lens. As we age, single vision lenses become less effective at correcting our vision problems, which is why most people switch to ‘bifocal,’ ‘trifocal’ or ‘progressive lenses.’

Bifocal lens

Bifocal lenses are for people who are both nearsighted and farsighted, a condition (called ‘presbyopia’) that is extremely common in people over 40. (‘Bi’ means ‘two’). Bifocal lenses are divided into two parts and have two corrective lens powers – one for distance and one for close up. Instead of having a pair of glasses to see off in the distance and another pair to read things up close, bifocals combine the two in one. Basically, it is like having a pair of near vision glasses built into your far vision glasses.

Trifocal lenses

Trifocal lenses provide three distinct prescriptions. They are split into three distinct sections on the lenses, correcting near, far and intermediate vision. In most trifocals, the top part of the lens

corrects far away vision, the middle part corrects intermediate (about arm’s length) and the lower part of the lens corrects close-up vision.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that provide near, far and intermediate vision correction without the distinct lines across the lenses. This type of lens provides a gradual transition in vision correction from the top to the bottom of the lens.

Blue light lenses

Computer screens emit blue light, which is associated with a risk of eye damage. Staring at a computer screen (especially over long periods of time) exposes your eyes to digital eye strain. Digital eye strain is not the best feeling, but there are glasses made just for this. Blue light lenses have a special coating to block blue light and reduce the potential harm to your eyes.

Plastic lenses

Plastic lenses are the most common type of corrective lenses used in glasses. They are a high-quality, less-expensive option, but they are not as scratch-resistant as glass lenses. Generally speaking, plastic lenses are the safer choice for kids.

Glass lenses

Glass lenses tend to be more durable and easier to clean than plastic lenses. However, glass lenses are heavier than plastic lenses and the weight tends to go up as the prescription power goes up.

Your Eyecare Plus specialists know the right glasses to suit your needs. Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus practice to discuss your eye health needs.

General Information

Book an Eye Test at your local  Eyecare Plus Optometrist. We are locals caring for locals that offer comprehensive eye examinations, prescription glasses, frames & contact lenses.

eyecare-plus-optometrist-woman-trying-frames

Buying the right eyewear for you

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

You can call them ‘glasses,’ ‘spectacles’, ‘specs’ or ‘eyewear,’. Whatever you call them there is nothing else that combines fashion and function so completely as a new pair of glasses.

Glasses do more than just correct vision, they become part of your identity and shape how you are perceived.

With so much on the line, it’s understandable that many people are apprehensive about selecting a new pair of glasses.

To relieve some of that tension, Eyecare Plus has put together this handy guide that hopefully will help you buy the glasses you need to see better – and look better.

 

The most important thing

Before you can even start your search, the most important thing you need is an up-to-date prescription and a comprehensive eye exam provided by your Eyecare Plus optometrist.

An Eyecare Plus exam allows our optometrist to explore your eye health, your lifestyle and your vision needs – all vital info that will guide your search for glasses that will suit you best.

 

The second-most important thing

Prescription in hand, now it’s time for the second-most important thing to bring with you when choosing frames: an open mind.

In general, people grow comfortable with the type of glasses they have worn in the past and think they are the only style that will work for them.

But the style of frames you choose is never a foregone conclusion. Embrace the ‘try on’ system and allow yourself to be surprised.

There have been thousands of new styles developed since you purchased your last set of frames, and it is also likely that your appearance has changed over the years. Try on new styles, colours, and shapes you’ve never worn before. If you let go of preconceived ideas, you’ll be surprised with what you come up with.

 

Frame Size matters

There is a dizzying array of spectacle frames out there, but it helps to know one secret that will help you get the perfectly fitting pair: your frame size.

There are three little numbers printed on the inside of most frame arms (‘52-17-140’ or something like that). You’ve probably seen them before and thought nothing of them.

These mysterious numbers are the three main measurements in spectacle sizes: eye size, bridge width and arm (temple) length.

  • Eye size

The first number is a two-digit number that shows the eye size. This is the horizontal size of the lenses on your frame. That size varies from 40mm to 62 mm.

What the number actually means: the larger the eye size, the larger the frame.

  • The bridge size & measurement

The second number is also a two-digit number which shows the bridge width, which is the gap above your nose between the lenses. That number varies from 14mm to 24 mm.

What the number actually means: when the bridge number is too big, the glasses will slide down your nose. If the bridge number is too small, it will pinch your nose.

  • The arms (or temples) length

The final, three-digit number is the arm (or temple) length, as measured from frame hinge to the end of the arm. That number varies from 120 mm to 150 mm.

What the number actually means: the larger your head is, the larger this number needs to be to fit comfortably on your face.

As you go through the selection process, consider how each set of frames feels on the bridge of your nose, your brow and the space around your ears. Note the sizes that feel right.

As with shoes, a good rule of thumb for buying new frames is: never sacrifice comfort and fit for style.

Fight the fog: How to wear a mask with your glasses, without fogging up

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Several new phrases have entered our vocabulary in the last two years – phrases which we never said before and hope (soon) to never have to say again: ‘social distancing,’ ‘lockdowns’ and, for the millions of Australians who wear glasses regularly: ‘foggy glasses.’

Depending on your mood, foggy glasses can be an annoyance or an affliction. Foggy glasses are caused entirely by the warm air you breath out. As your breath escapes through the top of your mask, it hits the cool surface of your glasses and turns into condensation. Any time warm air hits cold air, the result is condensation. (The same thing happens when a person wearing glasses walks into a warm building on a cold day).

If you have experienced the annoyance/affliction of mask-related foggy glasses, you’re not alone –most spectacle wearers surveyed struggle with glasses fogging up with a mask.

The internet is full of fixes for this problem—some good, some bad and some ugly. Eyecare Plus has sifted through the noise and information to give you the best techniques to help you ‘fight the fog.’

The Good

Fix the mask

The most common cause of fogging glasses has nothing to do with the glasses: it is the mask. If your mask is not fitting right, air escapes out the top when you exhale, causing condensation inside your glasses.

Make sure your mask fits snugly around your nose. For people with glasses, the best mask for glasses has wiring around the nose.

Sticky Tape or Bandage

The use of surgical tape or an adhesive bandage to stick your mask to your nose has been a widely circulated technique adherents claim works well.  Tape the upper rim of your mask down with a cloth bandage so that the mask beneath your eyewear is mostly sealed. This idea, popularised by a doctor in the States, has been widely circulated since the start of COVID and has proved an effective treatment to stop glasses fogging up.

Move the glasses

Rest your glasses on top of your mask, then push your glasses forward on your nose to seal off the air that escapes from the top of your mask.

Wash your glasses

This is an old scuba diver trick: use dish soap to clean your glasses. Simple dish soap leaves behind a film that protects against moisture build-up. Wash your lenses in soapy water, shake off the excess and dry with a soft, microfibre cloth. (Avoid facial tissues, as they leave lint behind, which attracts moisture to the lenses).

Sprays and wipe products

De-misting sprays and wipes are specifically designed to stop glasses from fogging up, and most of them work well. They coat the lenses with a ‘hydrophilic’ (literally: ‘water-loving’) clear film that attracts and disperses water and eliminates fog.

Wear contacts

If all else fails, the single best way to eliminate foggy lenses is to wear contact lenses. Ask your Eyecare Plus optometrist for recommendations that suit your current lens type and wearing habits.

The Bad

Because the internet is just doing its thing, you can expect five bad ideas for every good one. Here are a few anti-fog techniques for glasses that fall firmly in the FAIL category…

Don’t use household cleaners. Windex or spray ammonias should not be used on glasses. They can damage the anti-reflective coatings or other laboratory-applied treatments.

Don’t use vinegar or lemon juice. Often promoted because they are non-toxic, lemon juice and vinegar should also be avoided. They can strip away the coating on your lenses just like regular household cleaners.

Don’t use hot water. There is no benefit to using extra hot water to rinse your glasses, in fact, it can damage the lenses. Warm water is best.

Don’t use toothpaste. Toothpaste contains abrasives which can dull the finish on your glasses or create scratches.

At Eyecare Plus, we are dedicated to bringing the public the most up-to-date information and advice on COVID-19. As healthcare providers, we encourage all our patients to consult www.australia.gov.au for the latest updates and guidelines.

 

Tips: How to Determine your Face Shape

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Most people don’t know the shape of their face, but it is important if you want to find frames that are comfortable and flattering to work out what shape your face is.

With a relatively small amount of effort, you can establish what your face shape is and get the upper hand in selecting the right frames for your face.

The three main criteria to consider when determining your face shape are: length (short or long), your jawline (round, square, pointy) and the widest part (cheeks, jaw or forehead).

Using a tape measure, you can obtain these measurements, but there are easier ways…

How to know your face shape

  1. Use a mirror

    • The simplest way to determine your face shape is to stand in front of a mirror with your hair back and, using a non-permanent texter, trace the shape of your face on the mirror. Then step back for the big reveal.

  2. Find your celebrity match

    • Have you ever been told you look like a celebrity such as Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie, Danny DeVito or Harry Styles? These are just four celebrities who look very different to each other. Use your celebrity doppelgänger to determine your face shape. Google ‘(square/ round/ etc.) faced celebrities’ to see how you match up.

  3. Snap a selfie

    • Pull your hair back for maximum face exposure. Be sure the phone is not too close to your face to distort the angle. Snap a selfie, then, with the phone’s photo markup tool, trace the perimeter of your face. Once you have that you can the determine your face shape.

  4. Use a beauty app

    Your face shape is important not only for spectacle frames, but for makeup and hairstyle choices. Although these apps are focussed on hair, the results are suitable for choosing your glasses frames.

  5. Visit an online site

  6. Ask an Eyecare Plus optical sales assistant

    Every Eyecare Plus location is staffed with knowledgeable professionals who have helped thousands of people choose the best frames for their face. With their advice, you’ll be able to select the frames that best match your lifestyle and express your personality. Most importantly, they will be the frames that make you look better, feel better – and see better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the Right Glasses Shape for Your Face?

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

A great pair of glasses does more than correct vision. The perfect-looking pair of frames isn’t just about colour and style, it is also about the perfect fit.

Matching your chosen pair of glasses to your face shape will ensure that you will look and feel your best.

Every face is unique and beautiful in its own way. And, as unique as we all are designers and stylists have determined that there are six basic face shapes which they use to develop frame styles that flatter and enhance the wearer’s features.

The 6 Main Face Shapes

  1. Round

Round face shapes are as wide as they are high, and usually the cheekbones are the most prominent feature.

Usually, strong, angular-shaped frames are suggested for round faces. Angular frames tend to add definition to the round face.

  1. Square

Square faces have equal dimensions between the forehead, cheekbone and jaw.

Frames that are softer and rounder are usually recommended for square-shaped faces.

  1. Oval

The oval face shape is a combination of square and round. It is longer than it is wide. In an oval face, the forehead may be more pronounced than the jaw. Overall, the features of an oval face are balanced and symmetrical.

Almost any type of frame will work with an oval face shape, although larger frames can disrupt the face’s natural symmetry.

  1. Diamond

Diamond face shapes typically have high and strong cheekbones and narrow, pointed chins.

Frames that emphasise the strong cheekbones are usually the most appropriate.

  1. Triangle

The primary characteristics of a triangular face are the narrow jaw and high cheekbones.

Round, cat-eye and aviator styles all work well with triangle-shaped faces.

  1. Heart-shaped

Heart face shapes have a pronounced forehead and narrow, pointed chin or jawline. Usually, thin, light-metal frames work best with heart-shaped faces.

The general rule of thumb is: frames that are opposite to your face shape tend to complement it. In other words, if your face is round, angular frames tend to balance your features. Those with angular faces (diamond or square) might want a round frame that adds softness or balance.

It is important to note that these are only guidelines for how to choose . Nobody’s face is a perfect square or oval, and many faces are a combination of shapes.

Complexion

Obviously, complexion doesn’t matter for the shape of your frames, but it does impact the colour of the frames you should select.

In general, the same rule of thumb applies – opposites complement. If you have a lighter complexion, darker frames are a good idea. If you have a darker complexion, lighter frames are a good choice.

Things Change

When we’re younger, our faces are often contoured and defined. As we age, however, our face type changes. The fat, muscle and skin on your face gradually changes over time as we mature. In general, younger people tend to have triangular-shaped faces and older people tend to have more rectangular-shaped faces.

Be Yourself

At the end of the day, rules are meant to be broken. If you’re feeling adventurous or creative or are selecting frames that make a statement, go for it. Choose the frames that you like best, regardless of what shape your face is.

Benefits of an in-person visit to Eyecare Plus

When choosing glasses for your face shape, there really is no substitute for an in-person visit to an Eyecare Plus location.

Although apps can help you find frames that flatter your face or bring out your best features, they can ultimately recommend glasses that fail at their most important function: properly correcting your vision.

Once your prescription is determined, it is important to have a trained eye care professional to consult with as you go through the process of selecting and fitting your frames.

Eyecare Plus optometrists and staff know how your prescription strength and weight of your lenses work; they know the roles your hair colour and complexion play in your choice and they know how the frame material and design will represent the look you’re after.

At Eyecare Plus, our optometrists, optical dispensers and assistants have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you find the glasses that fit properly and work with your prescription to provide you the best vision possible.

 

How to Stop your Spectacles Fogging Up

Posted on by ECP Manager

Wearing a mask is a way of life for many Australians but, for those who wear spectacles, a new problem has emerged out of Covid 19 – glasses fogging up.

When the New York Times asked readers for their questions about Covid 19, one of the most common was, “how do I solve the fogging problem”?

Fogging of the glasses has always been a problem for health care workers, one which now that it is in the public domain is causing many people a great deal of consternation.

The Fogging Problem

Fogging occurs when the warm air that we breathe out comes into contact with the cool surface of our spectacle lens and, as a result, forms condensation.

Whatever mask you wear, whether it is a cloth, homemade or a surgical mask, your glasses will more often than not, fog up. It is so annoying that many people give up wearing a mask altogether.

Some pundits suggest to just ‘breathe through your nose, not your mouth’. This will work for a short time but eventually your natural inclination is to go back to breathing through your mouth.

There are better ways to stop your glasses from fogging up.

Solving the Problem

If you do a Google search, you will find a plethora of articles and videos sharing tips and problem-solving hacks on how to demist your lenses. We tried many and came up with our own list of the most effective methods for keeping your glasses fog-free.

Mould the Wire

Press the wire at the top of the mask tight against the bridge of your nose and the top of your cheeks. You want to make sure that no warm air from your breath can escape. Then, place your glasses firmly over the top of your mask. The weight of your glasses against your mask will create a seal to stop the warm air from escaping.

Please note to always wash your hands with soap and water first before touching your mask.

Soap and Water

A time proven method used by surgeons who wear surgical masks all the time is to wash your glasses with soap and water gently and make sure not to leave any soap suds on your lens, shake off the excess water and let them air dry. The soap will then leave behind a thin film that acts as a fog barrier to prevent the lenses from misting up.

Folded Tissue

Fold a tissue horizontally a few times so that it is about one cm wide. Place it inside the top of your mask and against your nose bridge. This will help absorb the moisture from your breath and stop it from fogging your glasses. The tissue may shift, so if it does, staple it to the mask to keep it in place.

Surgical Tape

For those wearing a mask for long periods, place a strip of non-irritating white athletic or surgical tape across the top of the mask. The tape must be hypoallergenic and easy to remove. The tape will create a tight seal and also stops your mask from slipping down.

Band-Aid Solution

If there is no surgical tape on hand, try using a couple of band-aids instead. They will work nearly as well as surgical tape.

Tie Your Mask

To create a better seal, tighten your mask at the side by double looping the mask ties then hooking them over your ears. Your breath will then pass through the mask and not out the sides or the top.

Anti-fog Products

An anti-fog spray or wipes is an easy to use product made to disperse the fog droplets from your lenses. Spray on both sides of the lens after cleaning.

Take note that you may need to do this repeatedly as the fogging could return.

 Anti-fog Lenses

Lenses that are made with an anti-fog coating are designed primarily to provide anti-fog protection. Wearing anti fog glasses will ensure clear vision. They are especially useful in circumstances where glasses tend to fog up such as cold weather, dusty environments, playing sports, cooking, and wearing a face mask.

Contact Lenses

A complete solution to lenses fogging is to wear contact lenses. They avoid the issue of fogging all together. Wash your hands thoroughly before putting in your contact lenses.

It is a bit of trial and error. Try our tips and you will find a solution that works for you.

To find out more about anti-fog lenses and products or contact lenses contact your local Eyecare Plus Optometrists.

5 Tips for buying the right eyewear for your child

Posted on by thien

Wearing glasses can be a daunting thought for most kids. Remove the stress by following these five tips to ensure you buy the perfect pair that your child will wear and love.

1. Decide between plastic or metal frames
Most frames are made of either plastic or metal. Plastic frames are often more popular than metal for its choice of colours, shapes, lightness and sturdiness. One drawback, however, is that the nose bridge of plastic frames is set with the design, so may have the tendency to slide down the nose if the frame doesn’t fit properly.

2. Proper Fit
Fit and comfort come hand in hand. Children have different face shapes and nose bridge heights from adults. If you’re choosing to buy a plastic frame, it’s best to avoid purchasing them online as you cannot determine the nose bridge fit. Visit an optometrist with a wide range of kids frames and get recommendations from the optical dispenser, who are professionally trained to fit glasses on all face shapes.

3. Style
Kids are more likely to wear glasses with frames they like. The good news is Eyecare Plus practices have a great range of colours, patterns and shapes to choose from. Have your child try on a couple of frames they like, and more importantly, have them pick the pair they will wear.

4. Durability
You want your child to have a frame that will last the playground and their active lifestyle. Find frames with spring hinges as these will be able to flex outwards without breaking.

5. Back up pair
Remove the stress of losing their glasses by keeping a spare pair at home. This becomes very handy if your child accidentally leaves their glasses on the school bus or classroom.

Does your child need their eyes checked? Find your local Eyecare Plus to book an appointment.

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