For long distance drivers and bikers, you’ll want a pair of sturdy, lightweight, high UV protection sunglasses that are comfortable, form-fitted and designed for prolonged wear. For men, Police sunglasses are especially popular because of the comfort, design and the increased blockage of peripheral glare and light that is so commonly the cause of eye strain and skin damage. Police sunglasses have some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities as supporters including Justin Timberlake, George Clooney and Antonio Bandaras. For bikers, drivers and motorway fans Police sunglasses are recognizable, bold and a smart choice for optimal protection.

For female drivers and bikers, there are several options for eyewear that will be comfortable with long-term wear. It is important for women not to buy men’s sunglasses, regardless of how much they may love some of the male designs. Women have smaller heads and the area between lenses on men’s sunglasses could be too large for prolonged comfort. You may also find that men’s sunglasses are a bit heavier. There are tougher options for women that still have a masculine edge, like the Ray Bans designed for her, or some of Bolle’s recreational sunglasses. Women might also enjoy Prada and Dior sunglasses for driving or biking because of the larger lenses and frames. They may not fit the biker wardrobe, but they do offer UV protection, durability, comfort and some fairly creative designs.

Many serious bikers consider changing to goggles for long drives, and this isn’t a bad practice although you might get a few strange looks from passers by. Goggles, like those by Ed Hardy, can be fashionable and bold as well as protective and cleanable so bug carcasses that land against the lenses can easily be wiped clean.

It isn’t always easy to find designer eyeglasses that fit your look, personality and style and yet stand out enough to be worth the investment for the designer brand. In 2010, however, some designers have emerged victoriously in the eyeglasses market for their high quality, high fashion designs.

Gucci. Always a favorite for sunglasses, Gucci’s eyeglasses are a simple and yet high fashion solution for your eyeglasses needs. The wireless designs are especially popular with women because they maintain a high fashion feel without compromising your visual range or becoming overly bulky. (See image of Gucci eyeglasses).

Christian Dior. For a more urban, retro feel check out Christian Dior’s black frame collection. These heavier black frames are all the rage this year, and have been popular on men and women. We foresee a slow shift from the black frames to tortoiseshell frames over the fall.

Ermenegildo Zenga. If you want a European look that does not have even the slightest bit of Americana in it, you’ll want to look at the Zenga eyeglasses collection. These interesting frames have emphasis on the temple bars, come in a wide range of colors and have a bit more diversity than your Gucci or Dior eyeglasses collections.

Ed Hardy. If you want to go a bit wild with your eyeglasses, then Ed Hardy is where you’ll want to head for your next pair of glasses. The lenses themselves are in a fairly traditional size and shape, but the temple bars are where the magic happens. You have to see it to believe it, each model looks amazingly bold and creative and will infuse any look with a splash of color.

Roberto Cavalli. If you want elegance and interesting features on your eyeglasses, you’ll have to check out the amazingly intricate and fancy designs of Cavalli. From lace-like temple bars to frameless designs, this is where you’ll want to go if you have a fancy bone in your body itching to be expressed.

 

Outdoors sunglasses are an important accessory for any biking or hiking activity, especially as the summer gets hotter and cases of sun damage and eye stress can ruin a good outdoor time. One of the best brands for hiking is Serengeti, their casual look and feel make them a non-obtrusive option. The gradient tint gives stronger protection on the top with more visibility on the bottom so you can see where you place each footstep.

For biking, especially the kind with pedals, you’ll want something that is impact resistant, fits firmly on your head and can withstand moisture with anti-fog (and perspiration) coatings on the lenses. A great option for this is Oakley, as their high-quality frames and lenses are a perfect melody of durability and performance-enhancing attributes. Likewise, Nike’s similar athletic shades are a bit less expensive and offer similar quality and design.

For biking of the motorized kind, Oakley sunglasses might land you in the hot spot. Instead, you’ll want to investigate something a bit more aggressive than your average sports sunglasses. For example, Police sunglasses with their stark designs and bold frames are a great option and go nicely with any Harley or BMW classic. Throw on a pair of denim jeans and a leather jacket and you’ll look exactly the biker part. Likewise, and for a bit less bold a look, you could always stick to the more traditional biker option of Ray Ban aviators and Wayfarers are a great bikers choice and are durable and snug.

If you have never had an eye exam before, the thought of this simple procedure could seem scary and daunting. We’re here to walk you through the steps of an exam so you know what to expect and how to react to each phase of the exam.1.) Once you arrive at the optometrist’s office you’ll have some paperwork to fill out, including your family’s past illnesses. This is important, so find out about your family history before you go to the office, including history of migraines, diabetes, seizures, etc.

2.) Even if you want contact lenses its best to get a pair of glasses as a backup. Arrive early so you have time to pick out your frames. Just so you know, frames are usually quoted separately from the lenses. You’ll have to pay for both. Contacts are, of course, separate as well.

3.) When your exam begins you will be taken into a slightly darkened room. This helps your eyes relax. You’ll stick your face flush against a machine that usually shows a picture of a house or barn or some other object in the distance. Don’t focus on anything, and the machine will show how your eyes react to light and movement. The next machine sends a bolt of air into your eye. This is the scary part for most people, but be aware that it simply does not hurt, it is just a bit startling.

4.) Finally, you’ll get to the fun part of reading the ol’ eye chart. Do your best, but don’t strain yourself. The doctor will put a new machine in front of your eyes that simulates a pair of glasses. He’ll move lenses in and out until you can see the chart clearly. Be patient and make sure you have the best possible lenses in front of you before you say, “A or B.”

5.) Finally, you’ll be measured for the distance between your eyes and the doctor will add in any correction needed for astigmatism or any other eye conditions. He or she will write out a prescription for you and you’ll be able to order your glasses the same day.