Aug

25

Harsh Weather Eyewear

Filed Under Brand Wave, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments

au0825.bmpIn harsh climates of extreme cold or heat, only the best eyewear will do. Don’t skimp when it comes to your health—get the best designer eyewear for extreme climates by Oakley. Here are a few things to look for when buying extreme weather eyewear online.

Polarization is a must for extreme climates. This causes extreme spots of light to be spread evenly over the viewing surface, decreasing strain to your eye and illuminating your field of vision.

Wrap around shades are imperative when harsh heat winds can bring sand or glare into the eye. Snow or other flakes of ice need to be averted with wrap around shades as well. Ensure your harsh climate eyewear blocks sediment and wind from reaching your eyes.

UV protection should go without saying, but many people end up buying eyewear online that is cheap, and without guarantees of UV protection. Demand 100% UV protection from your harsh weather eyewear.

Tinting is important and dependent on climate and activity. For increased contrast in frigid areas yellow or brown tinting is helpful, but do not order tinting that is so light in color that is does not block enough of the sun’s brightness. In extreme heat, reflective sunglasses are decent if you are doing solo activities, but can cause reflections into other’s eyes or give away your position, so it is best to go with a grey or black deep tinting in harsh heat climates.

An easy and low pressure bridge for the nose is imperative in intense climate situations. Ensure that the weight is distributed evenly between your ears (via the temple bars) and your bridge. Lightweight eyewear is better for prolonged use, but not so light that your shades come loose with activity.

Aug

25

Why Goggles are Better for Winter

Filed Under Brand Wave, Designer Sunglasses, Eyewear Knowledge | View Comments

ca0825.JPGFor extreme winter wear, Oakley and Nike provide some of the best all around protection for your eyes in the form of regular sunglasses, but for anyone outside in prolonged durations in winter, goggles are a much smarter and safer option because they offer protection, performance enhancement and comfort, while newer models are also classy, chic and edgy, making goggle cool again!

When skiing, snowboarding or treking in high-wind scenarios, goggles are prefered over sunglasses because they offer the added benefit of a snug fit to keep wind blown debris from your eyes, but also offer a wider viewing range, appropriate winter-weather tinting that increases contrast while optamizing the curved surface of the goggles to enhance vision. With the wrap around adjustable band, the weight of the goggles does not rest on your bridge or ears, and thus can be worn for long periods of time without discomfort or dislodging. Meanwhile, the UV protection is exactly what you need outdoors where harmful winter rays bounce of the white snow and can cause serious damage if not protected against.

Many outdoor enthusiasts skimp on winter eyewear, a mistake that can seriously ruin any skiing or hiking adventure. Cheap goggles can not only be uncomfortable, fog up, or cause discomfort, but in the case of a fall or other accident can actually blind you. Only high-quality goggles can keep you safe, fog-free and comfortable. Skiing in poor goggles is like skiing in a blizzard- its more painful than enjoyable. Don’t ruin your outdoor winter adventure with the wrong equipment, go Oakley and do it right.

Aug

17

World Dominating Sunglasses

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ca0817.JPGPoliticians around the globe tend not to agree, but there is one thing they can all get behind- appearance.

Former US President George W. Bush has been photographed in Ray Ban 2140 Wayfarers, a sure sign that he is not only a man for the people, but of the people. This classic design is a throwback to easier times, yet appeals to a population of hard working dreamers and idealistic cowboys.

France’s Nicolas Sarkozy, who shocked and awed the world when he married model Carla Bruni in what many called a much-needed return to the dirty obviousness of politics, is not surprisingly known as a fashion icon in Europe. Carla Bruni, who is equally as famous in the political world since her emergence on Sarkozy’s arm, is a fashion icon to keep an eye on. Her stunning model features look unworldly in Dior, one of her favorite brands. She has decked out her hubby in designer eyewear by Ray Ban with a classy Rolex watch to boot!

President Barack Obama may not agree with his predecessor on many issues, but they do agree that Ray Bans are the best eyewear brand for an American iconic president. His frequent donning of Ray Bans throughout his campaign may have helped solidify his image as an ‘everyman,’ a sale he was finding hard to get across with his ivy league education and six figure income.

You may not think of Angela Merkel as a fashion icon, but her popularity as a normal woman who rose through the ranks due to hard work and stunningly good timing has propelled her into the hearts of many Europeans. While many claim that she hides behind her oversized sunglasses when abroad, we think Angela is finally coming to terms with her position, and is beginning to exude confidence.

Aug

10

Laser Lights Cause Untold Harm to Eyesight

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ca0810.JPGIn Russia last month several dozen people were injured during a laser show when the lights managed to sweep across the audience. Some of those injured will have permanent damage while two have suffered blindness after the lining of their retinas were burned beyond repair.

The damage was caused when the organizers of the laser light show erected a white tent upon learning the weather was turning sour and rain was expected. The fabric of the tent caused the lights to reflect into the viewer’s eyes thus blinding two and injuring several dozen others.

The incident is not as rare as it may sound injury and blindness caused by laser lights, fireworks, bon-fires and staring at the sun account for a startling number of eye related injuries. Every year in China hundreds of people are killed by fireworks, and several hundred more are injured. One of the primary fireworks injuries involves damage to the eye from shrapnel, burns or explosions near that face that rupture the eye.

Bonfire cause several cases of blindness a year, usually when a hot-dog or marshmallow stick is poked accidentally in someone’s eye. Damage to the retina and cornea also occur when children stare at the fire for an extended period of time, which is not only unhealthy but can cause dizziness that result in burns.

Several dozen people a year are blinded from staring at the sun. While most of us know better than to gaze up at the giant ball of gas and flame, others have not been so fortunate as to have heard the warnings. Ensure those around you have sunglasses on in bright sunlight, and encourage safety at all times.

Aug

4

Safety-Focused Sunglasses for Youths

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ca0804.JPGBuying safety-first sunglasses for your child is a priority this summer, with the sun’s rays as harmful as ever. The top five things to look for in sunglasses for a youth include:

UV protection- this is a must! Don’t buy any sunglasses that do not have a 100% UVA and UVB protection sticker or guarantee on the packaging

Form-fitting and sturdy- eyewear needs to fit the wearer’s face shape to maximize coverage and protection. The frames need to be strong enough to withstand your child’s wear and tear, which with some teens can be especially important.

Tinting- Sunglasses are unique from eyeglasses in that they offer a tinted protection from the sun’s harmful rays. There are various levels of tinting ranging from 70 to 97%. It depends on your environment what type of tinting you should buy, snowy areas, or areas with large expanses of light reflective surfaces require higher tinting to control reflective rays as well as downward rays. Deserts, beaches areas with lots of glass require higher tinting as well.

Comfort and fashion- if you want your child to keep their eyes protected, pay attention to their need to be hip. A quick online search can show you what’s in fashion this season.

Lens quality- don’t skimp when it comes to health. Cheap eyewear is usually manufactured from recycled or low-grade plastic. Ensure your children have the best quality lenses; poor quality lenses can result in eye diseases as well as discomfort and migraines.

Remember that sunglasses are not just fashion accessories or cute toys for children, they are important for prolonging your child’s health and instilling life-long habits of eye protection.