:: FAQ's About Eyewear

Miscelleaneous Question

I'm very pale: platinum blond hair; very fair skin, China blue eyes. What frame colours would look best on me?

Lenses

I'm very nearsighted. Lately I've been reading about new thinner lenses and anti-reflective coatings. Can these be used together? What else can I do to look and see better?

Contacts

Genetics

Fashionable Frames What's your personality? We've Got Your Style!

Beyond their ability to enhance your appearance, your glasses must also be designed to be functional and comfortable. When you visit our store, be sure to take note of the quality features available:

Lightweight frames. Advances in metals and plastics mean you can get high fashion frames that are extremely light yet strong enough to maintain their style and shape.

Spring Hinges. They reduce the need for frequent adjustments because they spring back into place, which helps maintain proper alignment.

Nose Pads. Available in a variety of styles and materials to enhance your comfort, reduce slippage and create a customized fit to the bridge of your nose.

What styles might work best for you? Check out our Face Shape Guide below.

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Face Shape Guide

When it comes to eyeglasses, one size certainly doesn't fit all. There are many important factors in considering which frame fits your face shape such as hair coloring, lifestyle and hobbies.

Other considerations include:

Face Width - An accurate measurement of your face size is very helpful in finding the right size frame.

Eyebrow Line - The top of the frame should follow the eyebrow as closely as possible.

Pupil Alignment - The pupils should be near the horizontal center of the lenses.

Frame Position - Properly fit frames should not move around on your face when you smile, and they should fit comfortably without pinching.

Frame Shape - Whether or not a frame style looks good on you can depend on getting the right style for your face shape.

Take a quick look in the mirror or ask a friend to help find the face shape that is closest to yours.

Oval
Rounded forehead and chin of equal size.
Most frame styles, particularly geometric or rounded frames.

Rounded
Larger curved forehead, full cheeks with a round chin.
Geometric frames to sharpen the features and create definition.

Square
Wider forehead, cheek and chin area with a slightly angular jaw
Rounded, cat-eyed or oval styles to soften angular facial lines.

Rectangular
Long or narrow with a squarish chin.
Curved and rounded styles to emphasize width.

Triangular
Wider forehead narrowing gradually to a slightly rounded chin.
Aviator or geometric styles to add width to the chin and cheek area.

Diamond
Smaller forehead, with wider temple area that gradually decreases to the chin.
Rounded or geometric frames to minimize the width of the temple area.

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Custom-made Lenses – What type of lens is best for me?

There are so many incredibly cool frames that it's easy to lose sight of the fact that lenses are the heart and soul of why you wear glasses.

To ensure that you get the lenses that are right for you, we offer you a complete line of the most advanced lenses available.

For instance, we have lenses that dramatically reduce nighttime glare and lens reflections. We also offer high and very high index lenses that are very thin and light, as well as being extremely scratch and impact resistant. We even offer lenses that combine function and fun—sun activated fun tints, physio tints for special purpose use, and custom fashion tints

Speaking of sun, besides being fashionable, sunglasses are an essential way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses also protect the delicate skin around the eyes from premature wrinkling. We feel sun protection is so important that we only sell sun lens that provide 100% UV ray filtration.

Just tell us what's important to you, and we'll help you find the lens that works best.

To learn more about our prescription lenses and what they can do for you, click here.

To learn more about the features and benefits of our lenses for sun, click here.

We carry many of the leading brands of sunglasses like Ray-Ban and Persol, Columbia , Carlos, Guess, and Daggers All give you 100% UV protection. Any ophthalmic frames can be made into great looking prescription sunglasses.

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Contact Lenses

We fit most types of contacts from the leading manufacturers. We also offer non-prescription contacts (plano) with designs and exotic hues that can change the color of your eyes. To learn which type of contact suits you and to ensure the best possible fit, see your optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring in your prescription.

A small sample of the contact lenses we carry:

Bausch & Lomb and Coopervision

Monthly Replacement

First time wearers looking for an easy to handle lens
Current monthly disposable wearers seeking superior value and performance
Those seeking optimal comfort vs. a “leading brand”. Patient-preferred for comfort, handling and overall performance over the “leading brand”.
Visi-tint for easier handling
UV-blocking protection
Most patients choose monthly disposable contacts for comfort and affordability.
Superior manufacturing process delivers superior lens shape retention and durability

Proclear Compatibles®

Monthly Replacement

Those who want all-day comfort
Those who experience discomfort or dryness with current lens
Those who work on a computer resulting in reduced blink rate
Only material with FDA claim for dryness
Patented "PC" technology - unique material provides for hydrated, moist, and comfortable lenses all day long
Proven performance

Daily Wear Lenses

Lenses that are exceptionally well made, for those motivated to save money

Ciba Focus or Bausch & Lomb DAILIES®

Daily Disposables

Sports Enthusiasts
People on the Go
Teenagers
Anyone with Eye Allergies The ultimate convenience lens. Throw them away each night, put in clean lenses the next morning
No solutions or cleaning, ever!
State-of-the-Art technology resists protein build-up 10 times better than the leading 1-2 week lens

Multi-focal soft contacts

Variety of brands and modalities
Regain reading and intermediate vision while enjoying the benefits of contact wear

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses

Also known as hard lenses
Sharper, clearer vision
Great for correction of high astigmatism factors
Very cost effective over the long term (typical 3 to 5 years wear)
Essential solution for Keratoconus, post-lasik, post-laser, post-aphake, etc.

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What You Need to Know About Children's Eyewear

No two kids are alike, that's why we have a wide selection of eyewear for kids of all ages. Looking for bold colors like pink, lavenders, blues, tortoise or tamer black and browns? We've got the color and style to make wearing glasses fun for your child.

Kids have special eyecare needs. Learn what you can do to protect your child's precious vision!

While looking and feeling good about wearing glasses is important, surviving the rough and tumble world of the playground can be a challenge. That's why we only offer quality frames.

Kids frames features:

Spring Hinges: These special hinges help keep kids' glasses in proper alignment by springing back into place, which prevents frequent adjustments.
Lower Bridge : A lower bridge fits a child's nose better and helps keep glasses from sliding down.

For the extreme user, we offer Airwear lenses, the most impact resistant lens technology available. These lenses are lighter and thinner to increase comfort and improve the appearance of the finished product.

Signs that your child may have a vision problem, requiring a correction:

Rubbing eyes, blinking excessively
Holding reading material close to the face
Excessive clumsiness
Covering one eye, or squinting
Frequent headaches, nausea, dizziness
Tilting head to one side
Using finger to trace words while reading
Losing his or her place while reading
Frequent day dreaming
Performing below potential

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How should I care for my new glasses?

Strong detergents (like window cleaner), or extremely hot water should never be used to clean your eyeglasses.

Periodic tune-ups will keep your eyewear (like your car) in peak working condition.

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What does the term ‘low vision' mean?

Low Vision is a term used to describe vision loss that cannot be corrected by medical or surgical procedures, or with conventional eyeglasses and/or the functional vision remaining after such a loss.

A person with low vision may:

Be able to determine where objects are, but not what they are
Be able to play golf, but not read a menu
Be able to read, but not get around their home or neighbourhood

Low Vision can be caused by an accident, a disease, or a condition dating from birth. Low Vision can also result from physical conditions commonly associated with.

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What Do Some Of the Terms I've Heard About Eye Care Mean?

Aphakia - Absence of the crystalline lens of the eye; e.g. after cataract extraction

Astigmatism - A defect of an optical system such as a lens or an eye. Light rays from one point of an object are not brought to a single image point. This causes imperfect image formation or indistinct vision.

Cataract - This is a condition of the eye in which the crystalline lens loses it transparency and obstructs the passage of light.

Cornea - The eyeball's crystalline covering. The transparent part of the eyeball coat which covers the iris and pupil and through which all light passes.

Farsightedness - See "Hyperopia"

Glaucoma - An eye disease caused by impaired drainage of aqueous humor which results in increased intra-ocular pressure. Finally, the peripheral nerve fibers of the retina are atrophied ending with blindness of central vision leading to total blindness. To treat the problem a drug that reduces the pupil size (thus clearing the chamber angle in the canal of Schelemm ) is used.

Hyperopia - "Farsightedness" A condition of the eye where the light rays from infinity tend to focus behind of the retina of the unaided eye.

Keratoconus - Hereditary degenerative corneal disease affecting vision. Characterized by generalized thinning and cone shaped protrusion of the central cornea. Usually affects both eyes.

Macular Degeneration - Dry
Deterioration of the macula, resulting in a loss of sharp central vision. Usually evident as a disturbance of macular pigmentation & deposits of yellowish material under the epithelial layer in the central retinal zone.

Macular Degeneration – Wet (Kuhnt-Junius Disease)
Deterioration of the macula, resulting in a loss of sharp central vision. Most common cause of decreased vision after age 60. Abnormal new blood vessels grow under the retina & leak fluid & blood, further disturbing macular function.

Myopia - "Nearsightedness" A condition of the eye where the light rays from infinity focus in front of the retina of an unaided eye.

Presbyopia - The crystalline lens of an eye loses its elasticity with age and, therefore, loses its ability to increase its power or to accommodate for near objects so that they may be seen clearly. This loss of accommodation may be compensated for by the use of reading glasses or bifocals which supply the "plus" power necessary for near vision.

Pupillary Distance (P.D.) - The distance between the centers of the pupils of the eyes for either distance or reading vision. When applied to frames, it is the distance between the center of the two eyewires or between corresponding parts of the eyewires.

Retina - The light sensitive membrane of the eye which receives the image formed by the optical system of the eye. It is connected to the brain by the optic nerve.

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I'm very pale: platinum blond hair; very fair skin, China blue eyes. What frame colours would look best on me?

Picking frames is a very personal matter. Beyond the rough guide-lines, such as choosing a frame shape to complement your facial structure, and colours that enhance your eyes and/or hair, there is a broad spectrum of choices, depending on the look you want to achieve. Without seeing you, or knowing your personal style, I can only offer suggestions. Generally however, people with your colouring look terrific in soft, pastel tones. This is a very subtle look. For something stronger and bolder, try tortoise shell. And for pure fun, look for a vivid red. Avoid browns, as they tend to overpower such delicate colouring.

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Lenses

I'm very nearsighted. Lately I've been reading about new thinner lenses and anti-reflective coatings. Can these be used together? What else can I do to look and see better?

Using these two together is not only possible, it's a very good idea! If you decide not to take advantage of these features, there are other ways to make your glasses look better. Prescription lenses work like a wedge of cheese, the further out you go, the thicker it gets. Choosing frames with a small lens size will keep your minus powered lenses thinner at the edges. A slightly deeper frame will help mask the center thickness of plus powered lenses. The thickness of the frame, and the addition of a tint can help mask the problem. Glass lenses are thinner than plastic, but they will also be heavier and not as safe. Ask your optician about new plastics, which can be as thin as glass in most cases. Minimum edge thickness lenses with super anti-reflective coatings are always your best option.

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Contacts

I've had my contact lenses for quite a while; and lately I've noticed some problems tolerating them for long periods of time. Do I need new ones?

It's very possible you need new contacts. Depending on the modality, soft contact lenses need to be replaced after one day, week, month, year, etc. Gas permeable generally need to be replaced every two to four years. If you over-wear your contacts, they should be replaced more frequently. Your best bet is to see one of our professional contact lens fitters.

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I just bought extended-wear contact lenses, and they're great! It's so nice to wake up with perfect vision. My question is this: when I take my morning shower; do I have to take them out? How about when I'm swimming?

There's no need to take your contacts out before you shower as long as you're careful. Avoid looking directly into the stream of water. If you get soap or shampoo in your eyes, take your lenses out immediately, then flush your eyes with water. When you swim with your contact lenses in your eyes, wear protective goggles. Otherwise your lenses could become lost or contaminated. If you swim without goggles there are strategies to protect you, so consult one of our professional contact lens fitters.

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My family doctor recommended eye drops for allergies, but I'm afraid to use them because I'm not sure what they will do to my contacts. Can I use eyedrops with contact lenses? I wear regular soft lenses.

Yes, you can use eyedrops, but you should consult your doctor & contact lens fitter in your particular case. Some eye drops are made specifically for contact lens wearers, and contain concentrations and preservatives designed for this purpose. However, many are not, and may contain chemicals that can have an adverse effect on eye health or permanently damage your contacts. Bring your prescription or drops with you when you consult your contact lens fitter.

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Genetics

I wear glasses. Will all my children need glasses?

It is difficult to determine, exactly, how strong a factor genetics plays in this. Sometimes "yes" and sometimes, "No".

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One of my parents has glaucoma. What are the chances that I will get it?

There is an element of genetic influence but glaucoma is not always passed down. If there is a family history of glaucoma an assessment should be done regularly. Please consult your Ophthalmologist.

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How often should I have my eyes checked?

It is recommended that you have your eyes examined by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist at least every second year or sooner if there is any sign of problems.

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What is "perfect vision"?

If visual acuity is 20/20 then vision is considered perfect but your normal vision can also be above or below average (perfect). One could have 20/15 vision where, in 20/20, the upper twenty represents the distance to the eye charts (20 feet) and the lower 20 represents the size of the letters on the chart.

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Are there treatment alternatives to corrective lenses (i.e. glasses)?

Yes, Radial Keratotomy, Orthokeratology, Lasik, or Laser (eye-shaping surgeries). As with all surgeries, there are definitely possible risks and complications. Surgery, in most cases, should be considered as a last resort, not to be undertaken without much research.

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I am nearsighted. Will I eventually go blind?

This is highly unlikely. It is very rare that nearsightedness would ever progress to blindness.

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How early should I have my baby's eyes checked?

Any time! Infant eye examinations are done immediately at birth. If your child or small baby is experiencing eye problems it is recommended you have the eyes examined. It is also recommended that you have eyes of pre-school children checked for visual acuity.

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If I have used eye-drops, will I be able to drive?

Yes. You may need to wear sunglasses when you drive since the drops will cause the pupils to dilate for a while, however, you may not be able to read since, in most cases, near vision will be blurred. You should still check with your eye doctor prior to your visit if you will need a driver after your appointment.

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