Lens Technologies Found On Glasses

With so many glass lens technologies out there designed to block out all sorts of light, where do you turn? Don’t worry; terms like photochromic and polarized may have stumped even Einstein! These words don’t have to be as near as confusing as they sound.

In this article I will discuss the major technologies currently being employed on glasses and sunglasses everywhere. By learning exactly what these technologies do, you can decide on whether or not they are worth your money.

Polarized Lenses – In short, polarized glasses stop polarized light. What is polarized light? Polarized light is light that travels in one plane, while non polarized light travels randomly. A good example of polarized light is the glare that comes off of a lake when you look at. Another example is the glare that comes off of a smooth surface, such as a car.

“So how exactly do polarized lenses stop polarized light” you may be asking yourself. Polarized lenses work because of a polarized filter that is applied to them. Polarized filters are generally made from molecules that align themselves horizontally, and will thus filter light that matches their alignment. Since polarized light is usually horizontally aligned, these polarized filters absorb this light. Look at using polarized sunglasses if you are around water a lot.

Check out http://travel.howstuffworks.com/sunglass4.htm for a great example of how to test a pair of polarized shades to see whether or not they really are equipped with polarized lenses.

Photochromic – Typically tinted grey, photochromic lenses really are a marvel of modern technology. Developed in the late 1960s photochromic lenses are designed to darken when exposed to UV light, and then lighten when UV light is absent. Outside in the sun photochromic glasses will darken -- But once they are brought back inside without the presence of the sun, they will go back to normal.

Even under artificial light, photochromic lenses will stay light. The molecules that make up a photochromic lens react only to UV rays, and this is the reason behind their change when exposed to the sun.

Mirrored Lenses – How do mirrored lenses get their signature chromed looks? An ultra thin metallic coating is applied to all mirrored lenses, and this is how they achieve their mirror like shine. Most of the time, only about half of the reflective layer needed for 100% light filtering is applied. What this equates to is that about half of the light that hits mirrored lenses will get through. Some mirrored shades even have graduated mirroring –- The top usually being the heaviest, thus blocking more of the sun from above.

Anti-Reflection Coatings – One of the many coatings sometimes applied to sunglasses, the anti-reflective coating stops back glare. Back glare is from light that comes from behind the wearer, reflecting off the inside of the lenses, and causing an annoying glare.

Scratch-Resistant Coatings – Unfortunately, optical quality plastics are generally not as scratch resistant as glass – Especially polycarbonate. What a scratch-resistant coating does is prolong the life of a pair of lenses. Generally a scratch-resistant coating is simply an optically clear hard film, which can take more of a beating than CR-39 or polycarbonate plastics.

UV Coating – Most sunglasses available provide a lot of UV protection, which is exactly what you want. Prolonged UV radiation can cause a whole host of problems which can simply be stopped by wearing sunglasses. Make sure your sunglasses block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays!

Being able to distinguish the difference between the many lens technologies currently available isn’t just great for coffee table talk –- Knowing the difference can literally save your eyes.

Sunglass Protection for Eyes with Power

Sunglass can provide protection for eyes with power. If you are in need of power for reading, writing, playing or for other activities you can choose not to wear a general glass. You can also wear a sunglass with power.

You will get such a sunglass with power with a prescription from your eye specialist. Prescription sunglasses are made according to the prescription of the eye specialists. They prescribe the lenses and you can get one sunglass with the specification for you. They can offer sunglasses with regular eyeglasses. These sunglasses can provide more protection.

Different shapes and sizes of prescription sunglasses are available for you. They look like normal sunglasses. Now you do not have to leave the stylish look for your eye protection needs.

These sunglasses are available in different brands. Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Baby, Fossil etc are some of the prescription sunglasses.

For near sighted and far sighted people prescription sunglasses are needed. Eyes tests can reveal it. Ophthalmologist prescribes the power for the lenses to correct these problems. In case of astigmatism and presbyopia also sunglasses may be needed with power.

Sunglass can protect the eyes with power in case of blurred vision which is caused by problem with the focusing. Prescription sunglasses with power can correct this problem.

The power of the sunglasses varies according to the problem and the extent of the problem. Optical power is measured in diaptor. Power decides the thickness of the lens to be used in the sunglasses. Positive diaptor means convex lens which is needed for myopia correction and negative diaptor means converse lens needed for hypermetropia correction.

Choose Fashionable Eyeglasses to Get a New Look

A variety of eyeglasses are available in the market in different shapes and colors. You can choose them according to the face cut and type of use you have in mind. In addition, nowadays, some frames and lenses used in eyeglasses are made up of variety of new materials; the materials vary, depending on the durability and type chosen.

Eyeglasses for Everybody In Varying Sizes

Many types of eyeglasses are made up of high-tech materials like titanium, while lenses have become thinner and lighter. These types of eyeglasses are available in small, medium and large sizes so one can opt for the right fit and look, depending on the face cut. In general, women's eyeglass frames are more stylish, have great looks and boast being comfortable frames. On the other hand, men's eyeglasses are both comfortable as well as durable also, yet sometimes lacking as many styles to choose from unless you look online. Note there are also unisex eyeglasses that are designed for both men and women.

Patterns of Fashionable Eyeglasses

Today's different patterns of fashionable eyeglasses are available in the marketplace that vary from animal prints to pretty plaids. There are so many pleasing eyeglasses with graphic stripes, tortoise patterns and prints like buffalo horn.

Buffalo Horn Prints

Basic, fun animal prints most often look fashionable whether they are associated with clothes, handbags, shoes or eyeglasses. Some buffalo horn print eye wear look rich as well as sophisticated. These frames also look stunning in warm red and brown colors.

Trendy in Tortoise

A tortoise patterned frame looks good, as well, and also gives you an actual makeover. These retro urban style eyeglasses include shell glasses of tortoise pattern that give you a bit of downtown prepster and a bit of uptown hipster look. The classic tortoise eyeglasses look professional on the office goers, as well, and the latest tortoise frames have a blend of conservative style so that one can use them in office as well as after-hours.

Graphic Prints

There are so many eyeglasses in the market with graphic prints. These include colorful patterns in daring black, abstract and white. These pairs look striking and sophisticated on every individual. The graphic prints in brown stripes look good on rectangular shaped eyeglasses.

Sunglasses Readers

Not long ago, eyeglass wearers used wire-rimmed half glasses for vision correction and a separate pair of sunglasses so as to read in the sun. Now types of reading sunglasses are more popular, as they look fashionable and can be used in sunlight and in the dark also. Sunglass readers also come in different shapes and sizes. Both magnifying and bifocal lens can be used in the sunglass readers, as well. In bifocals, the bottom portion has magnifying properties and the top portion does not have it, so one can see clearly at far off distances.

Online Availability

You can select a new pair of eye wear at online stores. You can get a complete eye examination with the help of doctors available at the website, and then choose any of the fashionable eyeglasses with unbeatable prices as compared to traditional stores. You can get the frames and lenses at your doorstep after placing your order promptly.

Note there are also eyeglasses for children that are available in kid's zone. A specialized team provides optimal service and care to the customers.

History of Eyeglasses to Sunglasses

Somewhere around 1200-1300A.D. a well known philosopher and scientist by the name of Roger Bacon made his mark in history when he recorded the first known use of lenses. While teaching at Oxford he worked hard on research and experiments. Later Pope Clement IV convinced him to write books about his theories and experiments. Pope Nicholas IV had him imprisoned because he didn’t agree with Bacon. Before his life ended Bacon made many discoveries and wrote many more books.

The Romans have been said to have used water filled glasses to read with and while watching those who were less fortunate to be in an arena they used some stones of various colors to shield their eyes. Romans were known for wanting the best out of life so its no surprise that they used stones like quartz to enhance vision or reduce glare

Salvino D'Armate invented the first known official pair of eyeglasses around 1284 in Italy. Alessandro Spina has been also said to be the first. Italians introduced eyeglasses to the Chinese and folk loar says Chinese judges used green eyeglasses to hide their expressions while passing judgment.

Eyeglass designer and maker of scientific devices James Ayscough developed a set of eyeglasses that used clear or green lenses in 1752. Ayscough thought that the green lenses helped vision some and relieved some eye fatigue. He was an apprentice to James Mann. The two became partners in developing microscopes and the publishing of articles.

By the early part of the 1900's well known figures helped inspire the production and use of sunglasses. In 1929 Sam Foster started selling his version of sunglasses called Foster Grants.

The polarization of sunglasses was accomplished by Edwin H. Land. Land invented polarized material that he used on sunglasses. George Wheelright and Land became partners and started in 1937 the Polaroid Corporation. Lands polarized sheeting material was use in sunglasses, 3-D movies and for military use. Later the polaroid camera came along another of Lands products.

By the 1950's sunglasses were exploding on the scene with great stride and to present time sunglasses have become more popular than ever. Manufacturers now have improved sunglasses greatly not only providing great styles, but now sunglasses protect against UVA & UVB Lights Rays and from eye problems such as macular degeneration. So make sure you protect your eyes and your childrens.

Online Eyeglasses: How it works.

I recall the beginning of my search for online eyeglasses, and the confusion I had. How would I know that they'd look good on me? How do I read my prescription? There were so many questions and less information.

Things have gotten better in just the last year. The retailer websites have some better information, and now there is a wealth of information in the forums of this site. Have a question? Someone WILL answer it if you post it.

Follow these crucial steps and I think you'll be thrilled with the results:

1. Get your eyes checked. This is important from a prescription strength and a eye health perspective. Keep a schedule and get this done annually -- yes, I've changed my tune a bit on this.
2. Get your full prescription. You paid for it. Make sure you leave with it. If you didn't bring it with you, give them a call. The law says they need to provide you with it.
   
3. Get your Pupillary Distance (PD). This isn't a part of your prescription by default. for some ideas on getting this measurement. It's important and it's not that difficult to get for a single vision prescription (bi-focal or multi-focals require a bit more expertise).
4. Get your frame measurements. There are a couple of good ways to do this. I liked my old frame style, so I knew that frames with similar measurements would likely end up being decent looking. If you're looking for something new, find a pair you like at the store and write down the measurements from the frame. In either case, the measurements are typically stamped inside the temple and/or on the bridge.
   
5. Find a frame. Hit the websites listed to the left and start browsing. You're looking for sizes as well as style here -- don't forget that! If the site offers a way to drill down to a temple size, for instance, use it! It will save you a ton of time. There is no reason to look at all of the 130mm temple-lengths when you need a 140mm.
   
6. Choose your lens options. I was oversold on "featherwates" and hi-index lenses for years. Depending on your prescription strength and the lens size for the frames you're looking at, you may be fine with the standard thickness lenses. I like anti-reflective lenses and I'm amazed at how much I like the photochromic lenses. With the low cost of these glasses, pick up a pair with sunglasses lenses. I don't buy lenses that don't include UV protection -- neither should you.
   
7. Order up! Use a credit card (not a debit card) to aid in unlikely event of problematic resolution issues. Pay a couple dollars extra for faster shipping from a number of the retailers.
8. Wait. This was the hardest part for me -- mostly because I was without a spare pair. It gets easier when you're not in that pinch.

Good luck and PLEASE let us know how it goes in the forums. They're a valuable resource because of your input.

Plastic Eyeglass Frames vs Metal Eyeglass Frames

Have you ever wondered which eyeglass frames are better: plastic or metal? Which type of eyeglass frame lasts longer, which type seems to hold up better against wear and tear. Do metal eyeglass frames look better than plastic? Are plastic eyeglass frames heavier and less comfortable compared to metals ones? I’ll point out a few of the advantages and disadvantages to both and then let you decide on which type of eyeglasses you think is better.

Plastic Eyeglass Frames

Generally they can be subjected to more abuse without breaking. Plastic frames are typically more durable and tend to last longer than metal frames. The make for an excellent choice if you are going for that retro and trendy or alternative look.

Some disadvantages are that plastic frames can be hard to adjust to your face. If the frame doesn’t fit you very well “as is” then there is a good chance that the frames will always cause you problems with fitting on your face incorrectly, especially around the nose. Also, some plastic frames can be a little heavier compared to metal ones.

Metal Eyeglass Frames

Metal eyeglass frames tend to be a little lighter in weight. Also they tend to blend in with your face, giving them an almost invisible appearance. There is a larger selection of sizes, shapes and colors and metal frames come in high quality metals such as titanimum for added durability.

Some of the disadvantages with metal eyeglass frames include being able to break easily. Some metal frames have weak solder points and can break easily. Many metal frames actually cost more than plastic frames. Another disadvantage of having a metal eyeglass frame is that the screws can sometimes work their way loose.

All in all, I think it all depends on personal preference. While metal eyeglass frames have some advantages over plasic frames, the opposite is true with plastic frames compared to metal ones. My advice for you when the time comes to choose an eyeglass frame for your face is to consider all the advantages and disadvantages, but also to consider things such as comfort, style, and price.

Harley Davidson Safety Glasses

Are you looking for the best deals on Harley Davidson safety glasses? This particular brand of safety eyeglasses are increasing in popularity. Does this come to any surprise? Think about it for a second. Folks that need safety glasses typically work in industry. Those that work in industry typically like Harley Davidson motorcycles. This wouldn’t be stereotyping would it?

Well, for whatever the reason may be, indeed, Harley Davidson safety glasses are very popular and there is a pretty big demand for them. Upon discovering this, I decided to go on a hunt and try to find a site that offers the best deals on them. Here is what I found.

Safety Glasses, Inc.

The web site is called, Safety Glasses, Inc. and they carry a full line of Harley Davidson safety glasses. On their site, you can view the full descriptions of the safety glasses they have available and in stock. You can choose from the different sizes, colors and shapes available. Most importantly,

you can order direct from their web site and have the Harley Davidson Safety Glasses shipped direct to you. In fact, Safety Glasses, Inc. offers free shipping on all order over $75 dollars.

Some of the available models include:

1. The Harley Davidson 100 Series Blue Mirror Safety Glasses.
2. The Harley Davidson 100 Series Clear Safety Glasses.
3. The Harley Davidson Clear Series 400 Safety Glasses.
4. The Harley Davidson Series 700 Amber Safety Glasses

There is a total of 15 different models to choose from, making this a very nice resource to shop from. The prices are very affordable as well, ranging from $7.95 to $19.95.

If you are looking for the best deals on Harley Davidson Safety Glasses, I would definitely take a look at their site. Safety Glasses, Inc. also carries most all other popular brands in safety eyewear.