Nowadays, there are so many choices for eyeglass frames, it can make your head spin. Of course, these endless options also come with benefits: there are frames to suit every face, style and fashion trend.

Having all these choices is exciting, but can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

In order to pick the perfect pair, it’s good to have a basic understanding of the different materials, features and styles out there, so you can make an informed decision.

Try to keep in mind that although you may be looking for that ‘wow’ factor, comfort, durability and quality are key. After all, you’ll likely be wearing your new specs for a good part of your day.

Here are 5 tips to help you find the glasses that most suit you and your lifestyle:

1. Know Your Material Options

Eyeglass frames come in a variety of materials. Your winning pair can be made from metal, plastic or even wood.

Metal

Metal frames can be found in a wide range of styles and are renowned for their strength and durability. But not all metal frames are the same. There’s a range of metals used for eyeglass frames, each with their own advantages:

• Titanium: Hypoallergenic, strong, durable, lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• Beryllium: Strong, lightweight, flexible, corrosion-resistant and less expensive than titanium.
• Steel: Strong, lightweight (but heavier than titanium), corrosion-resistant and less expensive than most other metal frames.
• Monel: Flexible and corrosion-resistant, but contains a combination of metals — so not a first choice if you’re hypersensitive to any type of metal.
• Aluminum: Flexible, strong, corrosion-resistant, but typically more expensive than other metal frames.
• Flexon: Very flexible, lightweight, hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant.

Plastic

Plastic frames are available in a dizzying variety of shapes, styles and colors. They offer a bolder look than metal frames and are often less expensive as well. But plastic frames don’t offer the same degree of durability that metal frames do, so if you’re looking for longer-lasting frames, this is something to consider before making your purchase.

Wood

Wooden frames aren’t only trendy; they’re also very lightweight and comfortable. Wooden frames are made of pure, natural wood and are stained using plant-based treatments — making them an eco-friendly option. They’re also a great choice if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic frame.

2. Understand that Size Does Matter

Eyeglass frames come in so many different sizes. You may want to opt for a smaller frame for reading glasses, but for all day-wear consider a larger frame that will give you a larger viewing window and a wider peripheral view.

3. Choose Comfort

Bridge Fit

Your eyeglasses should sit comfortably on the bridge of your nose. If they’re too big, you’ll constantly be pushing them up, and if they’re too small, they’ll sit too high or pinch your nose.

Temple Style

The temples of your eyeglasses are what secure your frames to your face. They connect the front of the frames to the back of the ears, and sometimes wrap around the head. Most frame temples range from 120 to 150 mm in length. To check that your glasses fit properly, move your head from side to side and even bend down at the waist (it’s worth it!) to make sure that the frames you choose won’t easily fall off.

4. Consider Flexibility

If you lead an active lifestyle, have young children, or sometimes fall asleep with your glasses on, you may want to consider spring hinges. Spring hinges give your temples greater flexibility, making them less likely to break if they’re grabbed or bent the wrong way.

5. Try Different Styles

Not sure which shape or color suits you best? Try on as many frames as you’d like until you find a style that you love. You can either pick a frame that matches your face shape and hair color or decide to be a bit more daring and go for a more striking look. Your options are endless.

When it comes to your vision, we’re here for you. Contact Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk to check out our large selection of eyewear. We’ll help you find the perfect pair, with the perfect fit.

Q: Are metal frames strong enough for sports?

• A: While metal frames can withstand a certain amount of wear and tear, they aren’t recommended for sports. If you play sports on a regular basis, protective eyewear is the way to go. Protective eyewear, like sports goggles and wraparound frames, not only contain high-impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, but are also lined with rubber padding to protect your eyes from injury.

Q: Is one pair of eyeglasses enough?

• A: Depending on your lifestyle and visual needs, one pair of eyeglasses may not suffice.Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding if you need a second pair of glasses:
  • • Do you lead an active lifestyle? If so, it’s important to have a back-up pair of glasses, just in case.
    • Do you have two different optical prescriptions? Some people prefer two different pairs of glasses over wearing bifocal or multifocal lenses.
    • Do you worry about breaking or losing your glasses and having to scramble to order another pair?
    • Do you want your frames to match your wardrobe? Then you may want to think about purchasing more than one frame.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Southern Eyecare Associates for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Spring is in the air! The warm weather, blossoming flowers and smell of freshly cut grass is a welcome relief for anyone who’s ready to put winter behind them. Walks in the park. Barbecues. Playgrounds full of children.

Despite all the spring excitement, it’s important to know that the change in weather can affect your eyes in more ways than one — from prolonged UV exposure and a heightened risk of eye injuries to dry eyes and allergies.

Here are 5 practical ways to protect your eyes this season:

1. Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection

UV protection isn’t only essential for your skin, but also for your eyes.

Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun’s strong UVA and UVB rays can cause ‘eye sunburn’ (photokeratitis), and UV exposure over months or years can put you at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases in the future.

Which is why sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory. When shopping for sunglasses, look for the label that says ‘100% UV protection.’ This way, you can enjoy the sun without a second thought for your eyes.

And if you believe sunglasses are only meant for sunny days, think again. The sun’s UV rays are so powerful that they penetrate through the clouds and reflect off of water, snow, ice, concrete and many other surfaces.

So before you head out the door, be sure to grab a pair of shades. For even greater protection, also wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water — especially on a hot day— is important not only for your overall health, but the health of your eyes. If your body becomes dehydrated your eyes will too, which can lead to symptoms of dry eye and other complications.

Many doctors recommend drinking six 8-ounce glasses of water each day, and more if you’re playing sports or spending lots of time in the sun. So keep a bottle of water close by and drink, drink, drink!

3. Hydrate Your Eyes

Sometimes, drinking water isn’t enough to keep dry eye symptoms at bay.

If your eyes are dry, irritated, itchy or bloodshot, you may have dry eye syndrome. Dry air and wind, air-conditioning and heating systems, certain medications and medical conditions can all cause dry eyes.

Call Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk to schedule a dry eye assessment and learn about your treatment options.

4. Wear Protective Eyewear

The beautiful spring weather calls for outdoor sports, bonfires, barbeques — and in some places, fireworks. Although these activities may be fun, they also pose a risk to your eye health and vision.

To protect your eyes from injury and exposure to extreme heat and smoke, make sure to wear protective eyewear like sports goggles or specialized glasses with polycarbonate lenses.

Most eye injuries can be prevented with the right kind of eye protection.

5. Seek Allergy Relief

Does the mere thought of springtime make your eyes tear and your nose run? You’re not alone. Seasonal allergies are common, and can be frustrating, especially when you’ve been looking forward to spending more time outdoors.

If you suffer from eye allergies, even a morning jog around the block can have you rubbing your eyes for the rest of the day.

Fortunately, there are ways to effectively treat eye allergies and make irritated, itchy eyes a thing of the past.

Contact Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk to learn about the different dry eye and allergy treatments we offer, or to choose eyewear that protects your eyes from sun exposure and injury. We’re here to help you protect your eyes this spring and always.

Q: What is Dry Eye syndrome?

A: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or there is insufficient oil in your tears.

Some of the most common causes of DES include:

• Environmental factors – living in a dry, dusty or windy climate
• Hormonal changes – especially during pregnancy and menopause
• Certain medications – antihistamines, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, among others
• Eyelid conditions – like meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis
• Post-LASIK surgery

Symptoms can be mild or severe and cause your eyes to feel dry, sore, itchy, and watery. Treatment for DES varies, depending on the underlying cause, but can range anywhere from medicated eye drops and ointments to in-office procedures.

Q: How are eye allergies treated?

A: The most effective way to treat your eye allergies is to first find out what’s causing them.

Eye allergies can be triggered by:

• Airborne substances found in nature such as pollen from flowers, grass and trees
• Indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust and mold
• Irritants such as cosmetics, chemicals, cigarette smoke and perfume

To alleviate your symptoms, your eye doctor may recommend OTC lubricating eye drops, medicated eye drops that replace the oil in your tears, or eye drops (or oral medications) that contain an antihistamine.

If these eye drops don’t provide enough relief, your eye doctor can discuss a range of in-office treatments or prescribe a stronger medication to provide long-lasting relief for your allergic eyes.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Southern Eyecare Associates for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Everyday life can be stressful. With deadlines, work, social commitments and pandemic concerns — to name a few — we’re constantly being tested and pushed to the limit.

Researchers are trying to determine exactly why stress appears to affect eye health and cause a range of eye and vision problems.

Note: Before assuming that your vision problems are stress-related, schedule a prompt eye exam with your optometrist to rule out an underlying eye condition. If you come out with a clean bill of health, try some of the relaxation tips below to help relieve your symptoms.

How Does Stress Affect the Eyes?

When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, the hormone that’s responsible for stimulating your ‘fight-or-flight’ response.

Picture meeting a wild dog on your morning jog or speaking in front of a huge crowd. The mere thought of it can trigger a physical reaction in your body.

When faced with a potentially threatening or frightening situation you may feel your heart beating faster as your blood pressure rises and your breathing becoming more rapid, leaving you feeling breathless.

All of these physiological reactions help to prepare your body to fight your potential threat or run away from the dangerous situation. (It also explains the sweaty palms, dizziness and nausea we’ve all experienced at one time or other during a stressful event.)

Unfortunately, this surge of cortisol can disrupt the healthy blood flow between your eyes and brain, and lead to vision problems.

Moreover, chronic high stress has been linked to elevated intraocular pressure — the pressure inside your eyes — which increases your risk of optic nerve damage and glaucoma.

In a ground-breaking study published in the EPMA Journal in 2018, researchers investigated the link between stress and being diagnosed with a serious eye disease. While prolonged mental stress is clearly a consequence of vision loss, they said, it may also worsen eye conditions ”and be one of the major causes of visual system diseases such as glaucoma and optic neuropathy.”

This creates a “vicious cycle” where initial vision loss creates stress, which further accelerates vision loss, creating even more stress, the researchers concluded.

Symptoms of Stress-Related Eye Problems

• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Eye floaters
• Dry eye
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Eyelid twitch

How to Treat Stress-Related Vision Problems

Your stress-related visual symptoms should fade once your mind and body are relaxed.

Therefore, the best way to treat your visual symptoms is to de-stress.

Managing your stress levels is one of the biggest gifts you can give yourself, so make self-care a priority — your future self will thank you.

Here are some tips to help you unwind and keep stress levels to a minimum:

• Meditate
• Practice deep breathing
• Eat healthy
• Exercise daily
• Get outside
• Journal your thoughts
• Get enough sleep
• Join a support group

If your visual symptoms don’t improve, contact Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk for an appointment.

Q: Can excessive screen time cause visual stress?

• A: In recent years, the amount of time people spend in front of the screen has increased dramatically. Prolonged screen time and digital device usage can lead to a condition called ‘digital eye strain’, which typically causes blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. Digital eye strain can worsen visual stress, so try to limit your screen time as much as possible.

Q: What can I do to maintain healthy vision?

• A: Many of the same healthy habits that protect your general health and keep your stress levels to a minimum also promote healthy eyesight:
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables
  • Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and eyes
  • Avoid smoking
  • Wear ultraviolet (UV) protected sunglasses when outside
  • Take appropriate vitamin supplements

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Do you value your eyes? Of course you do! But did you know that some everyday habits can harm your eyes and vision? Avoiding the following can help prevent certain eye diseases and preserve your vision.

1. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Do you put on sunscreen when you go outdoors? Sunglasses are just as important, and not just in the summer! Not only does glare feel uncomfortable, but UV rays from the sun can damage your eye lens and cornea. Exposure to UV rays can also cause serious eye problems, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and cancer.

You should wear sunglasses all year long, including the winter, when UV rays are still powerful and the sun bounces off surfaces like ice and snow.

2. Smoking

Smoking is never a good idea. In addition to being a risk factor for heart and lung disease, smoking raises the chances of developing eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome and macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that people who smoke are four times more likely to have AMD and experience the onset at younger age.

3. Too Much Screen Time

Many of us spend our work day in front of computer screens and scrolling through our phones, then watch a movie or play a computer game in our off time. Before we realize it, we’ve spent a big chunk of our day in front of digital screens.

According to a Nielson study, screen use increased 60% from the time the COVID pandemic began, with many kids and adults spending up to 13 hours a day staring at screens. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t great for our eyes.

Staring at screens for hours can cause dry eye symptoms by reducing the number of times we blink. Digital eye strain can result from eyes working too hard to focus on screens lit with intense blue light. Headaches, blurry vision and neck and shoulder pain are common signs of digital eye strain, also called computer vision syndrome.

4. Rubbing Your Eyes

We often rub our eyes without thinking about it. However, eye rubbing isn’t always harmless: done often, it can damage the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that allows light to enter. Weakening of the cornea can cause it to bulge and become cone-shaped leading to a vision-threatening condition such as keratoconus.

5. Sleeping with Contacts On

*Contact lenses give you freedom, but you should always remember to take them out before going to sleep. Wearing contact lenses for extended periods without cleaning them can cause bacteria to build up between the lens and the cornea. Sleeping in contact lenses raises the risk of eye infection 8 times and can lead to permanent corneal damage and vision loss.

6. Not Getting Regular Eye Exams

Don’t wait until you have trouble seeing properly or experience eye irritation before you schedule an eye exam. Everyone should have an eye exams every 1 to 2 years, and you should visit your eye doctor more frequently if you wear glasses or contact lenses, or have a personal or family history of eye disease. An eye exam can catch serious problems such as glaucoma that have no initial symptoms.

Go ahead and schedule an appointment with Dr. John Dragon at Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk. We’ll assess your eye health and vision to keep your eyes healthy.

Q: Does smoking make you go blind?

• A: Smoking is a contributing factor to many conditions that can threaten your eyesight. Macular degeneration develops more frequently among smokers and the onset is earli-er. The incidence of cataracts, which can result in blindness if left untreated, is higher among smokers.

Q: Can I take a nap with contacts?

• A: Most people who wear contact lenses know they should take them out before falling asleep. However, according to the CDC, a third of contact lens wearers admit to sleeping with their contacts at least occasionally, a habit that can increase the risk of potentially sight-robbing eye infection 8-fold. If you accidentally fall asleep with your contacts, apply artificial tears to loosen the lenses from your eyes, and then carefully remove them. Wear glasses the rest of the day.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Southern Eyecare Associates for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.

Do your glasses slide down or leave marks on the bridge of your nose? Are they too loose or tight on your temples? If so, it’s time to adjust or replace them.

Ideally, you should have your eyeglasses checked or replaced every year. But don’t wait until your annual eye exam if you believe your glasses need adjusting. In addition to being uncomfortable, glasses that slip or slide can make it harder to see clearly all the time.

Do Your Glasses Fit Perfectly? Ask Yourself…

Are My Glasses Too Loose or Too Tight?

Are your glasses uncomfortable? If so, they may be too large or too small for you, or may have stretched out of shape.

The part of your eyeglass frames that extend past the sides of your head and curve over your ears are called the temples. If they don’t fit well and aren’t positioned correctly, your glasses can slip and interfere with your vision. Temples can change shape over time, so always make sure they’re positioned correctly and aren’t too loose or too tight.

Is There a Mark on My Nose?

Some glasses, including those with metal frames, have protective pads that rest on the bridge of the nose. If the glasses are too tight or the pads are in the wrong place or are misshapen, you’ll notice marks and indentations on your nose.

If this happens, go to Southern Eyecare Associates and have the nose pads fixed right away.

Are My Eyeglass Frames Right for Multifocal Lenses?

For multifocal lenses, the position of the lens within the frames has to be exact. This is because progressive lenses and bifocals have different optical prescriptions in different parts of the lens. If the position of the lenses isn’t correct, you won’t be looking through the lenses as they were designed — to give you the best vision at all distances. Make sure your frames are deep enough to look through the reading part of the multifocal lens when looking down.

Do My Glasses Fit My Lifestyle?

Glasses should fit not only your face, but also your lifestyle. Regular glasses are fine for study or work, but if you also engage in active sports like running, squash or basketball, consider eyewear designed especially for sports. These sports glasses and goggles fit securely around your eyes to prevent slippage and eye injuries. Look for polycarbonate lenses that are resistant to breaking.

If you like skiing, hiking or biking, look for wraparound prescription sunglasses that block out UV rays and protect your eyes from harsh winds and flying debris.

When Was the Last Time I Visited My Eye Doctor?

Even the strongest glasses can get out of shape or scratched after a year or so, especially if you frequently put them on and take them off. After some time, the frames can become loose and no longer fit well. If your glasses are slipping or pinching, make an appointment with Dr. John Dragon at Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk and have them adjusted or replaced. We’ll ensure that your glasses fit well and keep your vision clear.

Q: Are new glasses supposed to be tight?

• A: No. Eyeglasses aren’t like new shoes that you should “break in” before they’re comfortable. Even so, you may need a day or two to become accustomed to a new prescription or frame. Glasses should never feel tight — or loose — around your nose, face or ears.

Q: How do I know if I need new glasses?

• A: Here are some signs you may need new glasses:
  • • You’re squinting and/or have headaches – this may mean you need a new prescription
    • Your lenses are scratched
    • Your glasses are harder to clean than before – if the protective coatings have worn off, your lenses may be blurry and resist cleaning.
    • You want new or additional features – if you want to switch to multifocals or photochromic lenses, it’s time for an upgrade

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Are you searching for the perfect men’s sunglasses? A pair that goes well with the shape of your face, the color of your eyes and your personal style, with all the features you need? Use this guide to find the sunglasses that are right for you.

What To Consider When Choosing Men’s Sunglasses

There’s no doubt about it. Shades can be the height of cool, but only if they suit your individual style and features. A pair of sunglasses that look great on your friend may not be a good fit for you.

Keep the following in mind when choosing sunglasses that make a statement and protect your eyes:
The shape of your face
The key to choosing eyeglass frames is to find a style that complements your face shape.

Faces are usually categorized as:

Round – the width of your face is roughly the same as the length between your forehead and chin. Your jawline is curved, not angular.

Heart – your chin is the smallest area of your face and your jawline is long and somewhat pointed.

Square – like a round face, the measurements of your face are similar up and down and side to side, except the jawline is sharp and angular rather than curved.

Oval – your face is longer than it is wide, your jawline is curved and your forehead is large.

Sunglasses Styles

Eyeglass designers have many names for their creations, but there are some classic styles that never go out of style:

• Aviator sunglasses – as the name suggests, these sunglasses were originally developed for pilots, and the frames are classic, teardrop and square shaped.
• Wayfarer sunglasses – developed in the 1950s, they were among the first sunglasses with plastic frames. The Blues Brothers made these shades famous.
• Clubmaster – Known as cool, sophisticated and retro, Wayfarers boast thick browlines and may have a tortoiseshell design or a different hue than the rest of the shades.
• Wrap-around sunglasses – often worn on the beach, wrap-around shades are equally popular with athletes and other active people who want an extra layer of protection against sun and dust.
• Round sunglasses – these frames are as popular today as they were when John Lennon wore them.

Which Face Shapes Go Best with Which Sunglasses Style?

• Round Face – Aviators and wrap-around sunglasses
• Heart Face – Aviators, round and wrap-around sunglasses
• Oval Face – Aviator, Wayfarers, wrap-around and Clubmaster sunglasses
• Square Face – Aviators, Wayfarers, round and wrap-around

Colors and Designs

When choosing sunglasses, think about your skin tone, hair color, [eye color] and what shades of clothing you like to wear. Sometimes eyewear can really make an outfit, and in other cases it can clash. Consider investing in more than one pair of sunglasses to suit your different moods and styles.

Protecting Your Eyes

Taking time to select sunglasses that flatter your appearance is a priority, but so is protecting your eyes and safeguarding your vision. UV rays can damage your eyes, so choose a pair that screens out 100% of these harmful rays.

To shield your eyes from glare, particularly if you spend a lot of time on the slopes or the beach, invest in polarized lenses that are specially treated to dim light rays and reduce glare. Polarized lenses can also make driving easier, especially when there is a lot of glare, such as when the roads are wet.

If you regularly wear eyeglasses, consider photochromic lenses that get darker when exposed to bright light. This means you can wear one pair of glasses that will also become sunglasses.

Your Lifestyle

If you like skiing, biking and other outdoor sports, choose sunglasses that are suited to those activities. Skiers should wear glare-resistant sunglasses that wrap around and prevent harsh winds and debris from reaching the eyes. Consider sunglasses with shatter-resistant lenses if you play sports, such as baseball, that could damage your sunglasses if a ball hits them.

Are you ready to find the stylish shades that will not only make you look terrific but keep your eyes healthier? For a wide selection of prescription sunglasses, make an appointment with Dr. John Dragon, at Southern Eyecare Associates in Norfolk.

Q: Why do we need sunglasses?

• A: Prolonged exposure to UV rays raises the risk of developing macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and pterygium, among other eye conditions. Sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection significantly lower that risk.

Q: What are some disadvantages of photochromic lenses?

• A: Photochromic lenses are ideal for people with prescription glasses who don’t want to use clip-ons to shield their eyes from the sun. However, a car’s windshield may block the UV light that triggers photochromic lenses to darken, so they generally don’t become dark enough to use while driving. You can benefit from photochromic lenses, but keep a regular tinted pair of sunglasses or clip-ons in the car for driving.

Quality Frames For Prescription Eyeglasses & Computer Glasses. Visit Southern Eyecare Associates for an eye exam and eyeglasses that match your style.