(NC) While buying a new pair of eyeglasses may not rank as a major life purchase, it can sure seem like a big deal to decide how your face will look for the foreseeable future. After all, this is your chance to create a fresh look for yourself, and the right frames can make all the difference.
Whether you’re going for cool, fashionable, professional, smart or all of the above, here are four tips to help you find the perfect glasses:
Contrast is king. When selecting a frame, try to counter your facial features to create balance. For instance, round frames often pair well with square or angular faces, while square frames contrast well with round faces and softer features. Similarly, if the top half of your face is wider than the bottom, you want a bottom-heavy frame, and vice versa.
Frame to your eyes. When trying on a new frame, your eyes should sit at the horizontal centre of the lens and vertically in the top third. Remember, the closer your eyes are to the corner of the lens, the better your glasses will look on you. When your eyes sit in the inner corner, it can make you appear cross-eyed. But too far out and your frames will look too small for your face.
Consider your prescription. It’s not all about the frames. While many eyewear prescriptions are valid for up to two years, your eye health situation can change quickly, so it’s always wise to book a comprehensive eye exam before investing in a new pair of eyeglasses. Also keep in mind that stronger prescriptions can cause your lenses to get thicker. You’ll likely want to invest in high-index lenses if you’re looking for thinness, style and comfort.
Make sure they fit. While style is important, comfort is paramount when you’re going to be wearing your purchase for over 16 hours a day over the next two years. To avoid buyer’s remorse, ensure your glasses don’t slip down your nose from being too loose or leave red marks or indentations from being too tight. You also don’t want your glasses touching your cheeks or eyelashes.
Find a qualified eyecare professional at myeyeexam.ca.
Smart tips for reducing screen-related eyestrain
(NC) How much screen time have you had today?
According to research by Essilor, 72 per cent of Canadian adults spend seven or more hours in front of three different electronic devices per day. A full 90 per cent of them reported at least one eye-related problem linked to digital devices last year.
While smartphones, tablets and computers have become an essential, unavoidable part of our personal and professional lives, there are smart ways to reduce the impact of screen-induced eyestrain:
Take a break. If you’re using a computer for an extended period, give your eyes a rest by looking away from your monitor. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Distance yourself. Just as your parents told you not to sit too close to the TV, it’s important to maintain a healthy distance between you and your electronic device. Ensure that all screens (including your phone) are at least at arm’s distance from your face.
Brighten up. After a long day at work, it’s nice to dim the lights, pour yourself a drink and watch some Netflix. However, it’s much easier on your eyes if you keep the room softly lit.
Don’t be left in the dark. Do you suffer from headaches or other symptoms after excessive screen time? It may be time to get glasses or update your prescription. Not only can an eyecare professional correct your vision and help you understand the impact of screen time, but regular comprehensive eye exams can lead to early detection of health issues, including diabetes, cancer and even high blood pressure. You can find a qualified eyecare professional at myeyeexam.ca.
3 clear reasons to see an eyecare professional
(NC) As many as 2.2 million Canadians are living with uncorrected vision, according to Essilor. If you’ve gone longer than two years without an eye examination, here are three reasons to book an appointment with an eyecare professional immediately.
Screen time strain. Research shows that 72 per cent of adults spend seven or more hours in front of three different electronic devices per day, and 90 per cent of them reported at least one eye-related problem linked to digital devices last year. While it’s common to experience negative side-effects from excessive screen time, many of us put off getting an eye exam until it significantly impacts our ability to perform day-to-day activities. But with our eyes under constant strain from smartphones, tablets and computers, it’s now more important than ever to schedule a regular eye exam.
A window to your overall health. Did you know that a regular, comprehensive eye exam can lead to early detection of many health issues and illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, thyroid disease and even high blood pressure? Yes, your eyes provide a window to your overall health and taking care of them could be life-saving.
Your vision won’t correct itself. While a toothache will make most people sprint to their dentist, almost half of us admit that even significant vision issues — such as double vision, regular eye pain, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches — aren’t motivation enough to book an eye exam. Considering that 75 per cent of vision loss can be treated or prevented through proper eyecare, including a routine examination, there is absolutely no reason to delay.
Find a qualified eyecare professional at myeyeexam.ca.
