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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2005-01-01 09:20:00

: How do I get my child to wear his glasses?

ANSWER: Sometimes it's difficult for children to understand why they have to wear glasses when most of their friends don't. Here's how to help keep those glasses where they belong, on your child's face!• Do your best to help your child understand why he needs to wear glasses; even some toddlers can understand when you explain that the glasses will help them see better.• Let your child help to choose his frames by offering a selection of frames within your price range. Children won't wear glasses they hate.• Avoid buying glasses for your child to grow into. These will be uncomfortable, as well as less effective than glasses that fit properly.• Resort to bribery if necessary. Offer pretty stickers as an incentive to wear glasses, or as a reward for keeping them on for a certain amount of time.• Make it clear to your child that certain activities require glasses. If your toddler or preschooler brings you a book, insist that he put his glasses on before your read it.• Find some stories or picture books that show children wearing glasses or that deal with the issue of getting glasses.• Try to avoid conflicts and battles of will; if your toddler takes his glasses off after half an hour, wait for a while before putting them back on him.• Clean the lenses regularly. Your child is more likely to keep them on if he can actually see through them. Show him how to clean them himself if he's old enough.Tips:• If possible, get polycarbonate lenses. They are scratch-resistant and durable.• If you don't wear glasses regularly, consider getting some empty frames to wear around your child, just to show that you will willingly wear glasses too.• If redness or sore patches appear on your child's nose or temples, take the glasses in for readjustment.• If you need to bribe your child to keep his glasses on, don't use food. This could lead to food-related emotional issues later in life.• Don't forget to check screws and other fittings regularly to make sure the glasses don't fall apart.Make sure that the visits that you and your child share with your eye care professional are upbeat and fun. They should look forward to the trip, not dread it.

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-12-01 10:02:00

: I'm bored with me! I need a new look for fall but don't know where to start. Can you help me!

ANSWER: Fashion can so easily become a force of habit. Jeans, boots, and a turtleneck… they looked great when you wore them the first time, but now they seem to have become "the uniform". Accessories work like adjectives in an otherwise plain sentence. Adding adventurous extras to your existing style may feel like a stretch at first, but note the compliments you get every time you step out of the box and take a sartorial risk. "Everyone wears denim, boots and a turtleneck," you say. But who wants to look just like everyone else? Use your imagination and you can come up with a myriad of ways you can jazz up fashion's standards. Accessories romance your wardrobe without forcing radical change-it's like trend hopping for commitment-phobics. Take a moment and analyze your personal fashion statement. Your statement may be making no statement at all! Fashion, like language, is never simply a matter of stringing together basic elements. The way you dress, the jewelry you love, the perfect haircut or the unexpected eyewear, all help create confidence, command respect and turn heads. Dress for your personality. In its purest sense, fashion is actually a great tool to let the inner you shine through. When you get past the labels, trends and celebrity wannabees, the way you put your style together speaks volumes about what's inside. Looks do matter. Sure, you may have a fabulous personality, huge intellect, or maybe a raging sense of humor. But your outward appearance will be the first thing people notice about you. The key is to take some risks and stay true to yourself. Fashion is about self-esteem. Confidence is definitely the key to any outfit. If you're dressed fabulously and feel great, no one will doubt you (or your personal style) for a second. Strive to feel comfortable with yourself as a package. Often we waste time looking in the mirror wishing for things that just weren't meant to be! How many times have we wished that our nose was smaller, longer, narrower, or without those pesky freckles? Noses are for smelling, they shouldn't make much of a difference in who we are, some are big and some are small, but we all have one and it's ours.Pick up any fashion magazine and you can learn zillions of tricks to change the shape of your eyes; make small eyes larger, brown eyes appear green…it goes on and on. You can capture the natural beauty of your eyes without applying paint. Fashion eyewear is hotter than ever. Finally, it's cool to be visually challenged! Fun frames can change your personal fashion style to match the mood you're in. Framing the eyes with upbeat, colorful eyewear is just like framing a favorite photograph. Gone are the dull, brown, standard frames that blend in with the subject that it's highlighting. The person that is in the frame should penetrate at a single glance. Fashion eyewear frames are an extension of one's personality. It can send the message, "I'm fun and eclectic!" or "I'm a contradiction of tough and feminine. I like to look active, but also feel like a woman."The next time you have the opportunity to view something breathtakingly beautiful, thank your higher power for the functioning eyes that you have…then go get yourself a pair of funky specs!

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-10-01 15:07:00

: Tell me about "Vintage Eyeglasses".

ANSWER: The late 1950's and early 1960's was the time of large automobiles with large tail fins, wild clothes, chrome and plywood furniture for the home, and wild, wild eyeglass designs. Jacqueline Kennedy popularized French and Italian designer eyeglasses. Some of the frames she wore covered half her face. In the 1960's, large frame eyeglasses were popular for everyday use, but some designers exclusively made frames with wild designs and oversized lenses as accessories for party use. The "Catseyes" has to be regarded as one of the most successful eyeglass designs, ever. Early catseyes frames could be worn by both men and women. However, women soon claimed the style and manufacturers, quick to realize the sales potential, feminized the catseye… in some cases to the extreme. Boys paid attention to girls who wore catseyes. The style was a bit daring, sexy, and independent. Even girls that did not need eyeglasses found excuses to wear catseyes, many as sunglasses and more than a few with plain glass lenses. Because of their popularity, catseyes were made in thousands of styles and in prices that ranged from $30 to more than $1000. Examples in gold, platinum, with precious stones and in real tortoise shell still turn up at estate sales and auctions. Plastic frames were extremely popular from 1955 to the late 1960's. Thousands of different styles were introduced. The use of plastic was a major innovation in eyewear and led to eyeglasses which were not only lighter and more comfortable to wear but much more pleasing and stylish. During the 1960s brightly colored plastic and creative images were combined to market a colorful selection of popular sunglasses for the very fashion-minded customer. Today some of the exceptional rhinestone-trimmed examples of that era are sought out by collectors, but only a few styles remained consistently popular. Most notable is the "Browline" favored by politicians, lawyers, business leaders, television personalities, and movie stars like Malcolm X. Although considered a man's style, so many women purchased this design that manufacturers introduced a more delicate version for women. Eyeglasses were really not gender specific until after WWII. Throughout history, men, women, and children have all worn the same styles. Buddy Holly favored a popular style with the generic name "Spotlight". Many companies made their own version of this style changing the design just enough to avoid patent litigation. Holly purchased a heavy square frame made in Mexico, unlike any he had worn before, just a few days before he died. They were badly damaged in the crash. Versions of the Spotlight frame were available in various colors including black, brown, amber, and tortoise shell. The "fade" frame, in which the color fades from dark at the top to clear at the bottom, was another favorite available as Grayfade, Brownfade, Blackfade, and Blondefade. Popular "Solid color" styles included Alger, Spotlite, Statesmen, Almira, All State, Festival, Trimline, and dozens of others. The most popular colors included black, brown, gray, French amber, and several shades of tortoise shell.As with many fashion accessories, the entertainment industry influenced eyewear fashion, and history continues to repeat itself. Eyeglasses worn by the fictional character "Harry Potter" are similar to a style introduced in 1880 that remained popular until 1920. This style had a wire frame covered with an early type of plastic called zylo. During the 60's, the 'Summer of Love' produced some very distinctive eyewear such as John Lennon's unforgettable wire frames. Style became more important than comfort in this era of dark, heavy and sturdy frames. Two-thirds of American adults were reported to have worn eyeglasses during this decade. The 70's introduced us to Disco and colored lenses, wild designs and oversized lenses marked the 'Saturday Night Fever' generation of eyewear. The trend of oversized lenses continued from the 70's into the 80's. Elaborate and gaudy designs in women's glasses became popular. Faceted eyeglasses and tri color lenses were seen on the weekly hit Saturday Night Live, with Mike Myers exemplifying this trend. Fashion frames were back with a vengeance by the late 90's, becoming again, a popular accessory (whether needed for seeing or not). Surviving examples of 60's, 70's, and 80's designer frames are sought after by collectors as well as those who simply want a unique, fun, flirty pair for every day use.

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-09-01 11:07:00

: I'm bored with me! I need a new look for fall but don't know where to start. Can you help me!

ANSWER: Fashion can so easily become a force of habit. Jeans, boots, and a turtleneck… they looked great when you wore them the first time, but now they seem to have become "the uniform". Accessories work like adjectives in an otherwise plain sentence. Adding adventurous extras to your existing style may feel like a stretch at first, but note the compliments you get every time you step out of the box and take a sartorial risk. "Everyone wears denim, boots and a turtleneck," you say. But who wants to look just like everyone else? Use your imagination and you can come up with a myriad of ways you can jazz up fashion's standards. Accessories romance your wardrobe without forcing radical change-it's like trend hopping for commitment-phobics. Take a moment and analyze your personal fashion statement. Your statement may be making no statement at all! Fashion, like language, is never simply a matter of stringing together basic elements. The way you dress, the jewelry you love, the perfect haircut or the unexpected eyewear, all help create confidence, command respect and turn heads. Dress for your personality. In its purest sense, fashion is actually a great tool to let the inner you shine through. When you get past the labels, trends and celebrity wannabes, the way you put your style together speaks volumes about what's inside. Looks do matter. Sure, you may have a fabulous personality, huge intellect, or maybe a raging sense of humor. But your outward appearance will be the first thing people notice about you. The key is to take some risks and stay true to yourself. Fashion is about self-esteem. Confidence is definitely the key to any outfit. If you're dressed fabulously and feel great, no one will doubt you (or your personal style) for a second. Strive to feel comfortable with yourself as a package. Often we waste time looking in the mirror wishing for things that just weren't meant to be! How many times have we wished that our nose was smaller, longer, narrower, or without those pesky freckles? Noses are for smelling, they shouldn't make much of a difference in who we are, some are big and some are small, but we all have one and it's ours.Pick up any fashion magazine and you can learn zillions of tricks to change the shape of your eyes; make small eyes larger, brown eyes appear green…it goes on and on. You can capture the natural beauty of your eyes without applying paint. Fashion eyewear is hotter than ever. Finally, it's cool to be visually challenged! Fun frames can change your personal fashion style to match the mood you're in. Framing the eyes with upbeat, colorful eyewear is just like framing a favorite photograph. Gone are the dull, brown, standard frames that blend in with the subject that it's highlighting. The person that is in the frame should penetrate at a single glance. Fashion eyewear frames are an extension of one's personality. It can send the message, "I'm fun and eclectic!" or "I'm a contradiction of tough and feminine. I like to look active, but also feel like a woman."The next time you have the opportunity to view something breathtakingly beautiful, thank your higher power for the functioning eyes that you have…then go get yourself a pair of funky specs!

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-08-01 08:22:00

Question:  Is it necessary to add 'having my child's eyes checked' to the "Back to School" list?

ANSWER: All children should have their eyes checked by the age of four, and once a year every year after that. If there is a family history of vision problems, then the child's eyes should be examined earlier. Teenagers without any eye problems should get their eyes examined once in every 2 years. Contact lens wearers should have a follow-up done every six months and a proper eye exam should be scheduled every year. One of the biggest problems with determining if a child has visual problems is that they are unlikely to speak up about it. Here are some common signs to watch out for: • Holding objects very close to the eyes • Excessive rubbing, blinking or squinting    of the eyes • Tilting the head to one side • Moving the head (and not the eye)    when reading • Headaches after reading • Red or watery eyes (which could also    be a sign of allergies) • Poor hand-eye coordination (this may    also reflect muscle problems)If a visual problem is detected and your child does require glasses, here are some tips:• Choose glasses with cable temples that wrap around the ear so they can't come off easily, especially good for playground and gym class! • Durable, malleable metals and hard plastics are likely to withstand all the punishment a child can muster. • Light-weight eye wear is best for children, as heavier glasses often leave red marks on the nose. This will also help keeping the glasses on the child instead of in their desk! • Bright, colorful frames are especially popular with children.Just a tip from one parent to another: if your child does require eyeglasses to improve their vision, it's nobody's fault. There is no reason to experience guilt, or to access blame to any of your child's habits for causing less than perfect vision. Here are a few "old-wives tale" fallacies that you may enjoy:• Failure to use proper glasses will hurt your eyes! Eyeglasses or contact lenses are needed to be able to see correctly; however, wearing a pair with wrong lenses, or not wearing glasses at all, will not physically damage your eyes.• Sitting too close to the TV, movie or computer screen can harm your eyes! Sitting too close does not harm our eyes. There is, however, a greater likelihood of experiencing eye fatigue or a headache.• Eat your carrots! It will improve your vision! It is true that carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for our eyes. However, we require only a small amount of this vitamin for good vision. A well- balanced diet, with or without carrots, will provide all the Vitamin A needed for good vision.• He got his poor eyesight from his mothers/fathers side of the family! Ok, this may be partially true. Studies have shown that heredity is the most contributing factor to nearsightedness; however, it is not the only factor that can affect your vision. If your relatives have vision problems, you or your child may also experience vision problems. Make sure to get yours and your child's eyes examined regularly.

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-07-01 09:50:00

:   What is Presbyopia?

ANSWER:  The literal Greek translation of Presbyopia is "Old Eyes", and also known as "Long-Arm Eyes™". Presbyopia is a functional defect where farsightedness progresses as we grow older. It is a condition that occurs as the eye's lens grows older and begins to lose some of the elasticity of the crystalline lens, needed to switch focus between viewing near and far objects. The age at which presbyopia is first noticed varies, but it usually begins to interfere with near vision in the early forty's. Unfortunately, Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be treated. If you are in (or approaching) your forties and are having a difficult time reading items up close, you may have presbyopia. Many times people will complain that their arms are too short or they have to hold item at arms length to read them. People with presbyopia notice that objects become clearer as they are moved away from their face.  Presbyopia can complicate other common vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Your optometrist will perform other tests to determine the specific lenses that will allow you to see clearly, as well as ask questions about your physical health and your occupational and recreational activities. This information will aid in determining what type of lenses you need, and when you will most need to wear them. This will depend on a number of factors, including any other vision conditions you have. You may only need your glasses for reading, sewing or other close work. However, you may find that wearing your glasses all the time is more beneficial and convenient for your vision needs.To compensate for presbyopia, doctors of optometry may prescribe bifocal or progressive lens. New technology in eyewear now makes it impossible to distinguish these lenses from other lens. Progressive lenses feature a continuous, clear field of vision from distance through the mid-range to near without the use of annoying bifocal lines. Bifocal lenses use very old technology. Abrupt and awkward changes between distance and near prescriptions are separated by annoying "tell-tale" lines that can be frustrating.Your eye care professional may suggest Varilux lens. Varilux has conducted extensive clinical research, the result of which has produced a lens offering all presbyopes naturally comfortable vision never before achieved with a progressive lens. Most individuals will learn to use their Varilux lenses right away. Others may take a bit longer to become completely comfortable. Your eye care professional should be made aware of any extended adaptation period. A "fine-tuning" frame adjustment may be all that is necessary to assist in this initial period. Varilux lenses are available in a variety of different materials that will reduce both thickness and weight. Smaller frames also reduce lens thickness and weight. Your eye care professional will consider prescription, frame size, and your individual lifestyle when helping you decide which lens material will be best for you. Progressive lenses will introduce some changes to your peripheral vision due to power changes that occur in the periphery of the lenses. You may feel an initial difference in your peripheral vision that will require some slight changes in horizontal head and eye movements. Sensitivity to this area of the lens will diminish with wearing time as you become more accustomed to the lenses. These guidelines will help you adjust quickly and comfortably: • Stop wearing your old glasses immediately. • Wear your new glasses high on the bridge of your nose and as close to your face as possible. • To look at an object, turn your head (and not just your eyes) toward it. • Move your head vertically until the object glides into focus. For most, this period of adaptation will be only a few hours. Some individuals may require as much as several days to two weeks to become completely comfortable. If you have been wearing your lenses for this period of time or longer and feel uncomfortable in any way with your vision, contact your eye care professional for an evaluation.

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-06-01 10:55:00

: I see a lot of male models and actors wearing eyeglasses. Is this a new fashion trend?

ANSWER:  Movie producers have long been using eyeglasses to emphasize their heroes' attitude. The props range from retro-looking spectacles to the most fashionable sunshades, and from "coke-bottle" eyeglasses to rimless, almost invisible frames, depending on the character.Over the years, the eyewear industry has convinced consumers that eyeglasses are medical instruments first and fashion items second. In a recent survey conducted by the Vision Council of America of men across the country, 87 % indicated that they currently own at least one type of corrective eyewear (including reading glasses). Only 27 % of these see their glasses as a fashion item. For many men, eyeglasses are merely a means to clear vision. All men should be aware of the impact a nice pair of frames can have on their overall image. Appearance counts for a lot, and makes a lasting impression on everyone you come into contact with, whether you like it or not.Men have many fashionable options for eyewear from bold, squared-off plastic designs to more traditional rectangular styles in soft, toned-down colors. Drill-mounts and semi-rimless styles are perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach. Updated masculine shapes including the aviator and those with double brow bars are making a comeback in more urban areas of the country. Overall, smaller rims remain desirable because they draw attention to the face instead of the frame. Many eyeglass designers are combining fashion with comfort, using different materials like plastics and titanium, which is often used in sporting equipment, to offer lightweight, non-corrosive, durable and stylish options. Most men still prefer to make a traditional fashion statement with their eyewear and stick with time-honored styles and colors of silver, gunmetal, brown and black. An important factor is how the frames fit your face. In general, the size of the frame should relate to the size of your face. Bone structure and the shape of your face will also affect which type of frame suits you. Men don't always have the same opportunity that women do to alter the shape of their face with hairstyles or jewelry. Men's facial features are traditionally stronger and more defined. A square face is best suited to frames that are taller, as well as gently curved narrow styles to minimize squareness and to lengthen the face. Thick frames and an inverted bottom are best for men with a triangular face, characterized by a wide forehead and pointed chin. A frame that adds width below the eye line can minimize a wide forehead and high cheekbones. Try frames that are wider at the bottom, have rounded tops and squared bottoms, and that have lightly colored or frameless designs.Consult your favorite optical boutique where a trained optician can assist you with the many functional eyewear fashions available. Look for one that offers digital photos of you wearing different frames to take home if you need reassurance on your picks. Eyeglasses have as much impact on your appearance as any other wardrobe item, male or female!

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-05-01 15:26:00

:  What should I know about buying sunglasses?

ANSWER:  Not only are sunglasses a must in many parts of the country, but they also are a hip fashion accessory item. Many people have several pairs of sunglasses that they keep in the car, pool or beach bag and purse or briefcase. Some of the hottest looks in sun wear are modern shield and wrap styles. The traditional dark lenses are polarized to update this functional style. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Hurley and Britney Spears have helped popularize oversized styles as well as drill-mount designs with lighter, coated lenses.Sunglasses serve not only as an accessory and an aid to vision, but as a safety tool for UV rays. UV is ultraviolet radiation, produced by the sun. More and more scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage our eyes. UV radiation contributes to the development of macular degeneration, cataracts, and skin cancer. No matter how old you are, now is the time to protect your eyes -and your children's eyes from damaging UV radiation. Experts recommend sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays, reduce glare, provide visual protection, be comfortable, and not distort colors.Color Lens Guidelines:• Amber, Yellow or Orange Lenses allow some light to pass through the lens making them a better choice for overcast skies, but hard to recommend for use in bright sunny days. Yellow lenses afford excellent visibility at nighttime.• Blue or Purple Lenses are great all-purpose lenses; their mellow light tint is wonderful and soothing. Also, they afford good protection in sunny days (although not like a dark lens) yet will also carry over into darker conditions.• Brown & Copper Lenses increase contrast between colors and are the preferred tint for driving. This contrast also cuts glare and sharpens imagery.• Gray, Smoke or Green Lenses are the most popular because while they cut bright light they also help to keep colors looking natural.• Rose or Vermilion provide enhanced contrast and definition in high glare situations such as seen in water and snow sports.• Near Black Lenses offer great protection for very light sensitive eyes and super sunny summer days.• Red Lenses are out of this world, but not good for driving, as you cannot see the traffic light change to red very well!• Flash-Mirrored Lenses, regardless of their inherent colored tint, give the wearer private eyes, (people cannot see what you’re looking at) and help to reflect oncoming glare.• Polarized Lenses are popular amongst fisherman. Polarized Lenses have the unique ability to cut glare resulting from light reflecting on water. This allows the wearer to look past such glare and see what's swimming in the puddle, something that would cause the naked eye to squint and still see very little. Caring for your shades:It is preferable to clean your sunglasses with a mild soap. However, if you would like to use a specific glass cleaner it is imperative to use one that does not contain ammonia, as this will strip the UV-400 coating right off of the lens. When in doubt, do not use Windex as this contains ammonia, but you can use Glass Plus as it is ammonia free. Dry sunglasses with a soft cloth or chamois and store sunglasses in a protective case to prevent scratches. To maintain proper fit, tighten sunglass frames with an appropriate screwdriver or bring them to your favorite optical boutique.

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Eyewear & Fashion

Jon Herrscher

2004-04-01 16:41:00

Question:  What fashion accessories can we expect for summer?

ANSWER:    This summer, accessories will be one of the most important fashion trends, including everything from eyewear to jewelry, from handbags to carry-alls. Women are enjoying a variety of eyewear choices as many designers are making their styles more feminine and moving away from the unisex styles that were popular in the past few years. Larger-sized frames as well as soft shapes including cat-eyes and ovals are hot. Side detailing and rhinestone embellishments, which were popular in the 1970s, are back! Women's styles are experimenting more with color including reds, blues and tortoise shell patterns in addition to softer feminine pastel shades and light earth tones. Some of the new plastic frames offer great options for the woman who is a bit daring and prefers more cutting-edge designs. Rimless glasses are experiencing a renaissance with lenses cut in soft shapes and shield styles. This option makes the glasses look like they are actually floating on the face. While metals remain popular in women's eyewear, the designs are moving to brushed finishes, which are available in a variety of colors with brown or gunmetal being the most popular. Choosing the right eyeglass frames is crucial, and can enhance or create your distinct style. The two most important factors when choosing frames are color and shape. This season's style is marked with an assortment of color, such as coral, light yellow, navy blue, electric blue, orange and, for those who can't choose a color, clear crystal. Another trend to watch for are laminates; two or more colors of plastic adhered together to create unique color combinations and effects and even laser detailing at the temples can offer bolder color options and frame styles. You will also see details and jewel type accents, as well as odd-shaped frames such as new geometric shapes and even heart-shaped lenses.It might be a good idea to own more than one pair of glasses, as it will allow you to achieve a certain look. Owning a variety could also be a fresh change to your everyday look. Keep one simple pair for everyday use and get one funky or stylish pair for certain occasions, like a night out on the town, or to go with a particular outfit. A few simple rules to follow when shopping for eyeglasses:1) All people have either a warm (yellow-  based) or cool (blue-based) coloring.2) Everyone looks best in his or her own   color base. 3) Eyewear color should complement person  al coloring. 4) Main factors in determining the best color   palette are the colors of the eyes,   skin, and hair.But, rules are meant to be broken!  If you see a pair of eyeglasses you like, try them on. If you feel good in them, chances are great that you will also look good in them.