Frames Gallery

Frames Gallery

A new video of some of our frames.

Deadly sunglasses

Sunglasses without protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays can be harmful to the eyes. Cheap sunglasses often do not block out the ultraviolet light that can cause damage to the retina. Cheap shades reduce the amount of visible light entering your eye, allowing you look without squinting. Furthermore, the pupil dilates to compensate for the decrease in ambient light. This can be very harmful for your eyes because you have opened up the window for UV light to enter the eye. In fact, being outside without sunglasses, causing your pupil to constrict and forcing you to squint is better for your eye health than wearing cheap sunglasses.
Be careful where you buy sunglasses, be sure that they block UVA and UVB. Also be wary of claims that they block UV light as there are not FDA regulations concerning UV blocking claims. Some sunglasses may have a sticker on them touting UV blockage but it is only partial UV protection. Cheap can be OK  but be careful, you only have one set of eyes and damage from the sun is permanent.

Orthokeratology is great for kids

One of the largest potential groups for orthokeratology (ortho-k, crt, corneal molding, vision reshaping treatment etc) is for kids. They are very active and growing. The growing part is one reason that Lasik is contraindicated in children. Their eyes, and prescription, change regularly. This can be a wasteful thing for a family who has invested $3K into their child to see good and only need glasses again the next year. Glasses or contacts can work but true functionality comes from ortho-k.

Ortho-k for children has at least two big advantages. One, they are free from glasses and contacts during the day. No glasses to lose, break or get in the way of sports. Two, it can slow the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. That way, when your child becomes an adult they have semi-functional vision without glasses instead of being legally blind without correction. Further, when and if Lasik is chosen later on there is much less treatment required because ortho-k has slowed the progression of myopia.

So, the next time you are into the eye doctor, ask about ortho-k for your child. Imagine the freedom you can achieve and the benefits that are reaped from this cool treatment.

Demand for Lasik decreasing

A recent report indicates that the demand for Lasik is on the decline. The economy could be one reason, or perhaps the increased popularity of orthokeratology is another reason for the low numbers.

Accommodation and Vergence

One of the troubles with 3D movies is that vergence and accommodation are linked together. This means that when you focus on something close it causes your eye to cross and vice-versa. So, when you are watching a 3D movie and you see something "close" and cross your eyes too look at it your eyes automatically focus. The problem is that the image is still projected in the distance so you are trying to focus up close on an object that is still in the distance. For a full discourse on the subject click here.

E-readers may cause eye strain

With the advent of the i-pad and the coming of age of the Kindle e-reader the question is posed, "Which of these is easiest on the eyes." The technologies work differently. One uses a liquid crystal display with a back light, the other uses electrically charged inks to display in gray scale without the need for a back light. The kindle type are easier to see in brighter conditions much like paper. However, as the light dims, LCD's are easier to read due to the backlight.

The Wall Street Journal reports, "So far, there's little scientific evidence about which screens are better for the eyes. Ophthalmologists say there isn't really much of a difference between how the eye works with either e-paper or back-lit screens. Neither could damage the eye and neither flicker like old-fashioned TVs."

The bottom line is that either would work well for you and the choice should be made according to your lifestyle. For me, I like to read in bed at night. A laptop is a great place for me to read. I can turn the lights out and read for long periods with little difficulty.