Mobile Eye Guy's Consumers Awareness Guide to Safety & Designer Eyewear

Pros and Cons for Lasik with IntraLase

2010-07-19T09:27:00.000-04:00

Those who have had a Lasik technique done, and those who are investigating having a Lasik vision correction procedure, know that the first step of that procedure is to create a small flap in order for the Lasik physician to reshape the cornea. This flap is created by the surgeon, and can be done using a small blade or using a laser. Using the laser is generally called a bladeless Lasik procedure, or IntraLasik, or IntraLase.

For those that are considering a Lasik procedure, this review should be helpful in order to determine the pros and cons of the Lasik procedure using IntraLase. One comment to be made is that the risks and complications possible using the small blade are well known and documented, since that procedure has been done for years and has a database of millions of patients.

Granted, 90% or more of all Lasik patients have no serious side effects or even minor lasting side effects, but it is true that a large part of the complications from Lasik procedures stem from the flap made with the microkeratome blade. Over the years additional techniques have been developed to further minimize such problems from the standard Lasik procedure.

The introduction of the laser to create the flap is a new frontier in the Lasik procedure. The laser is used in combination with state of the art software to create a flap of a pre-programmed size at a specific depth and position. During this process, a soft suction ring holds the eye in place, but this causes no discomfort to the Lasik client. Generally the only effect noticed by most Lasik patients is a dimming of vision in the eye being worked on for the duration of the treatment of that eye.

The use of the laser creates very small bubbles of water and carbon dioxide that serve as a good buffer between the flap and the cornea itself, and so this Lasik procedure conserves the eye very carefully. The whole process of creating a flap for one eye takes approximately one minute.

The advantages of using a laser to make the flap for the Lasik vision correction procedure is that there is no way that the cornea can be abraded, nor any chance of the wrong size or depth of flap, since it is all pre-programmed with Lasik software. The exact vertical edges of the flap produced using this Lasik procedure help healing, and also decrease the possibility that the flap might slip or wrinkle if the eye is accidentally bumped or rubbed during the healing process.

There are very few cons to using a laser to create the flap during a Lasik procedure. One is that the process takes a bit longer, up to a minute. A second reason is that the low level suction during this phase of the Lasik operation does result in eye redness for about 5% of the patients, but this goes away within a few days. The last reason is that there is still a difference in cost between this and the traditional Lasik procedure, but hopefully that will decrease as the years progress.

Any Questions mobileeyeguy@gmail.com

http://www.mobileeyeguy.biz/

There Is Quite A Good Deal To See In Eyewear

2010-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some time ago, glasses were thought of as a very uncool piece of fashion, whether you needed them for seeing or not. The teasing seemed to be endless for those that needed to wear glasses just for correct vision. Today, that perception has changed 180 degrees as glasses are now considered an integral part of just about any look regardless of whether they are worn indoors or out.

Styles change just as quickly as shoe styles and the options are almost unlimited. Finding the best pair for the occasion and your personality isn't all that difficult as long as you are willing to spend a little time and have quite a bit of fun.

Sport ready
Where the sunglasses really excel are for the active person. Each sport has its favorite while golf players have a design put together just for golf. Glare, in the game of golf is a real pain when tracking the flight of the ball, while peripheral vision is important for keeping the head down and still while following through. Fashion is always important when it comes to sport glasses but practicality is still the important part of the game for serious athletes. Polarized lenses are front and center in this regard. Not letting in damaging rays is important, not only for keeping you at 100% of your game but because real damage can occur if dangerous UV B rays are consistently bombarding your eyes. If the wearer is always at altitude this is an even more important feature.

Go active, go prescription
Just because you happen to be blind as a bat doesn't mean that you can’t look good and see well while having some fun. Prescriptions are now being put into active eyewear for a range of sports. Check out the web for: skiing, moto-cross, motorcycle riding or swim goggles and face protectors. Any option is available and not particularly expensive if you compare them to the glasses you're now wearing. A pair of Wayfarers on the web can be found for approximately $180 depending upon the prescription and added options like polarization/scratch resistance and all those sorts of things they offer.

Are they breakable?
Glasses frames of today are a direct beneficiary of technology in many ways. Frames these days are almost indestructible and believe it or not 'Made in USA' by many manufacturers. Of course the less costly frames still come from overseas but the quality specs are best found made by US citizens. Frame welds are top notch and lenses are ground to tight tolerances. They are your eyes after all and the only pair you'll likely get so it is important to spend wisely on them.

The glare of the spotlight
We see them almost every day, the cause celebrity plying their look on the red carpet. Add in some photographers or just a quick stop at a charity high sun outdoor event and the need for sunglasses is a must. DNKY is a favorite of many celebrities on this circuit while Bolle also makes a splash. Depending upon who you are and what your particular claim to fame happens to be, big "Jackie O" type sun glasses are in for the fashionistas while slimmed down action wear works the best for the hunky actor on the scene.

Studious eyewear
Who knew that looking smart was the "in" fashion statement these days. Wearing the correct pair of glasses, to achieve that "smart look", works well with just about any outfit and gives you the ability to go for an entire new set of looks. Clear wireless frames work well in this regard just as much as those "nerdy" looking glasses frames seen in all the movies stereotyping smart people. These frames, however, are a bit more stylized with a more boxed frame then the typical look you may currently be thinking about. Narrower is also a key part of going for this particular look.

Any Questions mobileeyeguy@gmail.com

http://www.mobileeyeguy.biz/

Hit The Greens In Style With Golf Sunglasses

2010-04-22T09:04:00.001-04:00

If you play a lot of golf you need golf sunglasses.

If you play a lot of golf, then you know the challenges of finding the right kind of sunglasses to let you see the greens and the ball in all kinds of lighting conditions. Avid golfers recognize the need for wearing golf sunglasses that address your needs when playing golf in all kinds of weather. Since you cannot change the direction of the sun when you tee off, you need special golf sunglasses to help you play the best game.

There are several designers that make sunglasses for golf. One of these is NYX and this company has developed a full line of golf sunglasses because they know that regular sun glasses are not enough. There are three different lens styles in these sunglasses made just for golf. The amber lens series of these best sport sunglasses are great for all kinds of contrasting conditions on the golf course. They filter blue light to enhance the color of the greens.

If you want the colors to remain true, then the best sport sunglasses to choose are the NYX golf sunglasses in the traditional line. In this line of sun glasses for golf, you can choose either gray or yellow lenses. The gray lenses in the sun glasses helps to minimize the color shift and the yellow lenses help to increase the flow when the light is low or flat.

Of all the golf sunglasses, the ones that combine the features of the amber and traditional lenses are really the best sport sun glasses for golf. These sunglasses for golf contain a darker lens to reduce the glare and they help improve the visual acuity you need when playing golf.

Golf sunglasses need to be lightweight because of the length of time you are outdoors. They also need to have 100% UV protection in a wraparound design. This feature in sunglasses for golf gives you the ultimate protection and at the same time provides you with unobstructed vision. It’s no good to be able to hit the golf ball really well and make a hole in one if you can’t see the ball.

Any Questions mobileeyeguy@gmail.com

http://www.mobileeyeguy.biz/

Am I a Good Candidate for Lasik

2010-03-07T09:11:00.001-05:00

So many people are interested in the Lasik vision correction procedure, and want to know the benefits, the risks, and how the Lasik procedure works. One of the first things to consider is what requirements a person should meet in order to have a successful Lasik procedure. Though each individual case should be discussed with a qualified Lasik physician, here are some guidelines to see if you are a good candidate for Lasik vision correction.

First, the eye should be properly matured. This means that anyone under the age of 18 really needs to wait before a Lasik procedure is done, for it is likely that the shape of their eye will continue to change for several years. If the eye shape changes after the Lasik operation is done, the clarity of vision will be affected. Some Lasik physicians recommend waiting until age 25 in some cases.

In addition to an age cutoff, the vision prescription for the Lasik candidate should be stable for at least one year, and preferably for longer than that. This is for the same reason as above, that the Lasik procedure will only continue to be effective if the eye shape remains constant after surgery.

One comment about age cutoffs should be made with regard to Lasik surgery. There is no maximum age, as many patients in their fifties to their eighties have had a very successful Lasik procedure. The main consideration in these cases is enough tear production for successful healing and lubrication after the Lasik vision correction.

The eyes of the Lasik candidate should be healthy. This means that any person undergoing a Lasik procedure should have had no eye infection or injury for at least a year, and must have no scarring on the cornea of the eye. In addition, they must not have any recurring eye problem, such as a history of herpes infection in the eyes.

The medical history of a prospective Lasik client also plays an important part. Some chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like Lupus, will prevent some people from being able to schedule a Lasik procedure. You should be very clear about any and all medical conditions that are current, or even completed ones in the past. Also, women who are pregnant or nursing should wait to have a Lasik procedure scheduled.

A good Lasik physician will also not schedule people with dry eye syndrome for Lasik vision correction. Having sufficient tear production is important, though for minor problems this may be aided by medication during the healing process. In addition, those people with eyes that dilate very widely are not good candidates for Lasik.

These are most of the most common reasons that a person should look at some other eye improvement choice other than Lasik. Most generally healthy people with standard vision problems benefit greatly from a Lasik procedure done by a trained, professional Lasik physician. Look for a good Lasik center in your area and discuss your individual case in detail.

Christian Dior Sunglasses - Check Out The New Designs

2010-02-28T10:47:00.003-05:00

Christian Dior sunglasses can suit everyone, even those who need prescription lenses.

Right now, Christian Dior sunglasses are the most sought after designer sunglasses on the market. As with everything that comes from Christian Dior, the workmanship in the design is flawless, and the line of sunglasses is no different. Even if you wear prescription glasses, with the interchangeable lenses, you can still wear the very fashionable Christian Dior sunglasses.

When you wear Christian Dior sunglasses, everyone will immediately recognize the classic styles that only belong to this designer. In both men’s and women’s designs, Christian Dior recognizes the need for including lenses for correcting vision problems in sunglasses. Therefore, it also includes sunglasses with interchangeable lenses in its line of products so that you can have your own prescription put into the lenses. No more clip-ons when you want to wear designer sunglasses.

Getting the right pair of sunglasses is a problem for people who have to wear eyeglasses to help them see. They cannot just choose a stylish pair of Christian Dior sunglasses and put them on. They need to have their prescription for their vision included in the lenses. This is what sunglasses with interchangeable lenses allow them to do. The prescription can be made into the frames and the lenses used by Christian Dior.

You might say that your optician doesn’t carry any of the Christian Dior sunglasses for you to choose the right frames. This is not a problem because you can order your Christian Dior sun glasses online. Choose the frames you want and send along your prescription with your order. With the advanced technology of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, you can also have polarized lenses in the sunglasses to provide you with even more protection.

Just because you need to wear prescription glasses is no reason to think you cannot be as fashionable as your friends when wearing sunglasses. With the wide selection of Christian Dior sunglasses to choose from online, you will not only be able to get sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, but you will also be able to realize fantastic savings. The online dealers that sell Christian Dior can give you an outstanding discount in your next pair of sunglasses.

Choosing Eyeglasses

2010-02-07T23:23:00.000-05:00

Choosing Eyeglasses Summary:
When looking for the perfect pair of eyeglasses, there is one main factor you should look for; how well they will look on your face. When you are looking for the right pair of eyeglasses, most people will normally try on every pair possible in order to judge which is best for them, but what if you could narrow down your search before you even step foot in the eyeglass store?

When looking for the perfect pair of eyeglasses, there is one main factor you should look for; how well they will look on your face. When you are looking for the right pair of eyeglasses, most people will normally try on every pair possible in order to judge which is best for them, but what if you could narrow down your search before you even step foot in the eyeglass store? Now you can. Simply determine your face shape and coloring and you will be able to establish which shape and eyeglass color will fit you best. Choosing the correct eyeglass frame for your face shape can be as simple as following the three keys that the Vision Council of America (VCA) has set forth in their Envision Yourself Program. These three keys are as follows: The frame shape should contrast well with the face shape, the frame size should be in scale with the face size and eyewear should repeat your personal best feature (such as a light color frame to match blonde hair). There are seven basic face shapes according to the VCA and when you can fully understand which shape your face falls under, you will be one step closer to determining your perfect pair of eyeglasses. The seven face shapes are: base-down triangle, base-up triangle, diamond, round, square, oval and oblong. Also, a good optician can help you when choosing the perfect pair of eyeglasses by following these guidelines.

Overview of Face Shapes and Eyeglass Frames

As stated above, there are seven basic face shapes and you should always be aware of which face shape you have in order to determine which eyeglasses will suit you best. Making sure that you determine which face shape you have and that you choose an eyeglass frame to fit your shape, you will want to follow the subsequent guidelines. A round face has curved lines and the width and length are in the same proportions with no angles. For choosing the correct eyeglasses for a round face, you should try angular narrow eyeglass frames to lengthen the shape of your face and look for a set of eyeglasses that has a wider structure than long, such as a rectangular shape. An oval face is believed to be the perfect face shape due to its equal proportions. To keep your faces physical balance, look for a set of eyeglasses that are as wide as the broadest part of the face. Base-down Triangle face shapes are narrow at the forehead and widen around the cheek and chin. To best proportion the top half of the face, choose an eyeglass that is wider in shape. A Base-up Triangle face has a wider top third and a narrow bottom third. To best adjust the scope of your face, chose a lighter color frame or possibly a rimless frame as these will draw less attention to the top third of your face.

A square face shape has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead while the width and length are generally in the same proportions. To make your face look longer, try narrow frames that have more width than depth. Diamond shape face structures are narrow at the jaw line and eye line while the cheekbones are generally wider. Even though this is the rarest face shape, you can still find eyeglasses to compliment it by choosing a frame that have detailed brow-lines or are rimless and possibly cat-eye shaped. The oblong face shape is commonly longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line. To make the face seem shorter and more balanced, try a frame that has top-to-bottom depth so it will add depth to the face structure.

Colors of your skin, hair and eyes will effect your decision

Skin tone is a primary factor in determining the right eyeglass color. All tones fall into two different color bases – blue (cool) or yellow (warm). A cool complexion has blue or pink traces while a warm complexion has a "peaches and cream" or yellow shine. Eye color is usually a second rate reason in choosing your eyeglasses due to the wide range of eye colors. For example, blue eyes can range from a cool almost violet color all the way to a pale-blue, which is a warm color. Brown eyes can range from a light shade which is cool, all the way to a dark almost black warm color. Hair colors are also considered either cool or warm. Strawberry Blond, white, salt-and-pepper gray, and light brown are all cool colors. Golden blond, flat black, brown-gold, red and "dirty" gray are all considered warm colors. Once you have determined if you are a cool or warm color, you will then be able to find the eyeglasses that will best suit your needs. Some examples of frame colors for cool coloring are black, dark brown, blue-gray, plum, magenta, blue and a dark turquoise. Warm coloring will be best fit to wear frames with the following colors: gold, copper, peach, light tan, orange, coral, bright red, off-white, warm blue and light turquoise.

Final decision when choosing your eyeglasses

At the end of the day, you must be completely happy with your choice in eyeglasses because you will be the only one wearing them every day and you will need to be content with your choice so that you will want to wear your eyeglasses daily and in turn will keep your eyesight the same or better in the long run. This is a guideline to help you choose the best frame to suit your shape and coloring, but you ultimately will be the one making the deciding vote. We do recommend that you follow this format when choosing your eyeglasses as well as do the Vision Council of America (VCA). Remembering to choose the right eyeglass frames based upon your face shape and your warm or cool coloring will ensure that you are selecting the correct eyeglasses.

Adapting to Progressive lenses

2009-04-07T14:11:00.002-04:00

Adapting to Progressive lenses & what are those marks on the lens

People ask all the time how long does it take to get use to their new lenses,
here is a video to explain a few things about adapting to progressive lenses

Feel free to email me: MobileEyeGuy

Glass Lenses

2009-03-25T16:49:00.007-04:00

Glass Lenses Do they still make them?

Glass lenses are getting harder and harder to find, but they do still make them.
Why are they so hard to find? watch the video and find out!

If you want glass lenses, email me let me know what kind you are looking for and I'll give you a price!
MobileEyeGuy@gmail.com

Also here's that article I talked about in the video that I wrote a few years ago

http://mobileeyeguy.blogspot.com/2005/08/plastic-vs-polycarbonate-vs-glass.html

Feel free to leave comments, and thanks for stopping by!

Stick on Bifocals

2009-01-18T11:07:00.009-05:00

Stick on Bifocals
Stick on Bifocals are one of the Greatest Things sense sliced bread!

Stick on Bifocals are an alternative for those who do not have a distance prescription, but need a little help reading on the job and want a little bit more options as opposed to the 2 styles of safety reading glasses that are available. The Stick on Bifocals can be put on ANY safety frame by just using water and positioning the lens on the lower inside portion of the glasses. The Stick on Bifocals are non-prescription lenses, but give you the assistance needed for reading while on the job.

Transitions Lenses

2009-01-07T18:48:00.007-05:00

Transitions Lenses

Transitions changeable tint lenses are a great ad on for any lens
Single vision, Bifocals, or Progressives, but there are some things you need
to know before you decide if they are right for you, watch the video

If you want to know more technical stuff about Transitions Lenses
click here to go to their website: Transitions.com

Sarah Palin Eyeglasses

2008-12-17T19:56:00.004-05:00

Sarah Palin Eyeglasses,

everybody is wanting them now, ...well not everybody, but a lot of folks!

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm Back... Click on the video

www.FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Ben Ramsey.....Still AKA The Mobile Eye Guy

info@FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

P.S.

This video was created with the NEW Flip Video Camcorder, it is the easiest way I have

ever seen to record then post Video to a blog, website uTube, you name it,

One two three and your done!

Bargains on ebay

2008-01-25T06:39:00.000-05:00

Bens Bargains is the name of the new ebay store I just opened
Thats the good news.....The bad news is why did I open
an ebay store named Bens Bargains ?

Well as of a couple months ago I had to SHUT DOWN my Business.
Some of you regular readers know I owned my own company
Mobile Opticians Inc. and a website http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

Long story shorter, I am down here in Louisiana, and My Biz
never really recuperated from Katrina, plus with the rising
cost of Diesel Fuel, and just an all around tough year, I just
couldn't keep up, once you get in a hole, it is hard to dig out.
So I shut it all down,

I had a couple potential buyers, but they bailed at the last minute,
So instead of trying to sell a Turn key Biz to another Optical
person, I am selling the truck, & equipment, website, and
inventory piece at a time.

And the inventory I am selling at BLOW OUT PRICES,
so you may want to go check out Ben's Bargains & see if there
is anything you can pick up on, here is a link:
ebay BLOW OUT

Not sure what I am going to do long term yet, but
Given the fact I am 51 years old with almost 20 years experience
in Optical, plus I owned my own business for 9 years,
Guess what, All the Optical jobs tell me I am OVER QUALIFIED.
Which I guess means, I am so good at what I do I can't do it
any more!!
Any other Boomers out there been faced with that one!

HEY....Don't get me wrong, I am not crying here, I'm just
stating facts, don't feel sorry for me! I am a survivor.
I been online for awhile, and that is why I am selling on ebay.
plus I am working as a "Virtual Customer Service Agent"
to pull in some Money for now.
And my Wife and I are building a Home Based Business,
CajunScents.com

It is just that I hate to think long term I may not ever sell
Eye wear again, I have enjoyed helping people, and for now,
if any one is still reading my BLOG, I will continue
to keep it going, so if any one out there on the WWW has
found my blog useful.......let me know and I'll keep writing
articles on the Optical Industry.

Feel free to leave comments, and Thanks for listening!

Ben Ramsey A.B.O.C.

Glass prescription lens

2007-10-13T08:55:00.000-04:00

Can I still get a glass lens?
Are prescription glass lenses still available?
I hear this all the time, and the answer is YES.

It is amazing to me how many people that end up coming to me as customers have been somewhere else before they found me and were told “you can’t get glass lenses any more”, or “ they don’t make glass lenses anymore” especially those looking for prescription GLASS Safety glasses.

What they should really be told is “ we don’t sell glass lenses here anymore” but glass lenses are still available.

You see , we have become such a leagalistic society that most of the Dr.’s and eyewear shops are afraid of being sued, so they spear head everyone toward Poly Carbonate lenses, or Plastic, but stay clear of glass.

Not that I am fearless, it is just that, in some cases, glass lenses are still the best choice for some people. And I feel like why fight them if that is what they want.

So for those of you that are wondering, or have been told other wise, Glass Lenses are still available for those who still want them.

I wrote an article a couple years ago right here on this Blog about Plastic vs. Glass vs. poly, if you would like to read it click here:
http://mobileeyeguy.blogspot.com/2005/08/plastic-vs-polycarbonate-vs-glass.html

Thanks for stopping by….see’ya next time

Ben…aka MobileEyeGuy
www.mobileeyeguy.com

Designer Eyeglasses - Discount Eyeglasses

2007-09-28T08:40:00.001-04:00

Designer Eyeglasses or Discount Eyeglasses

Is Designer Eyewear a must have for

you. Or are you looking for

Discount Eyewear?
Some people are hung up on designer

name Brands, and some are always

looking for a Bargain,

which one are you?

In this article we are going to compare designer eyeglasses to discount eyeglasses.
Please, do not misunderstand; my intent is not to knock those that
are into name brands, If that is what you are into,and you can
afford it, then more power to you!
There are plenty of expensive brand names out there,
GO GETTEM.
But I just want to let you know that for those bargain hunters,
you can have a Designer look at a discount price!

In the Eyewear industry, which I have been a part of for the
last almost 20 years, There have been a lot of changes.
Use to be, in order to get a certain style or look you had to buy
a certain brand.
Frame manufacturers use to have more of a signature style or look
to there products. But now every body is copying one another and
coming out with multi lines and look a likes,
and their version of a hot selling style.
In other words, they are all starting to look alike!

But that has turned out to be good for John Q. Consumer.
With the competition for sales, you don’t have to spend an arm &
leg for a nice pair of popular looking frames any more like we once had to.

Here are a few examples:
I am sure if you wear glasses you have heard of the Bend me Shape me Frames.
Or as some call them flex frame, flexon frame, flexon eyeglass frame, flexon eyewear,
flexon eye glasses, flexible eye glasses, flexible eyewear, flexible frame.
What ever you call them they are usually pretty expensive!
The first company to make them was Marchon Eyewear.
But now you can get some good quality generic brands of flexible
eyewear at A huge discount price,
(at least I sell them at a discount)

The pair on top is a Marchon Flexon 424 that usually sells for $225.00 at your local Dr.’s office, I have seen it online for as low as $150.00, but the pair on the bottom is a generic
Flex frame that I sell for $89.00 all day long! And it is not junk, it is a good solid frame.
I would think your local shops would have it at a good price too.

Here is a Marchon Flexon 429 on top that retails for $240.00, the bottom frame I sell for $89.00! Other than the color, can you see any big difference in the style?

On the top that is a Calvin Klein 771 that retails for $190.00 to $220.00
The bottom pair is a generic look a like I sell for $65.00

I could go on & on with example after example, but you get the point.
If you see a frame you like but you don’t want to pay that designer price, shop around and you might just find the same or very similar style in another brand for much less.
BUT, you have to be careful, because some of the look a like’s are Junk,
They are a good price but not good quality, and some times to the untrained eye
You can’t tell the difference between Good generics & junk.
That is why it is important to go to an eyewear shop or Dr.’s office you have faith in.
Tell your optician your not interested in designer names, but Good quality at a good price.

As always…hope this has been helpful

See’ya next time

Ben Ramsey …aka MobileEyeGuy
email: FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Factory Direct Eyeglasses.com

OCC Intimidator Lenses

2007-05-28T10:18:00.003-04:00

Orange County Choppers Safety Glasses
With INTIMIDATOR Lenses

Check it out ...in the last post I stated that I had ordered a pair for myself,
and couldn't wait to get them to see how they are.

Well....I GOT'EM !! NICE!
I am very happy with them.
I have used them on the golf course, and they are Great!
They are doing just what I wanted to, I wear bifocals, But,
when I am Golfing...the Bifocal was getting in the way on my old pair,
So I wanted a pair of Sunglasses with out the bifocal.

Well now I got them, they are also great for Driving and anything else I do
outside when I don't have to read.

And the Cool thing is, no body knows they are Safety Glasses.
They look just like Designer Sunglasses, So I can wear them when I am working or at play.

Watch the short video and you can see for yourself how they turned out.

Thanks for stopping by

any questions just contact me:

info@FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Ben Ramsey...aka Mobile Eye Guy

Orange County Choppers Safety Glasses

2007-04-29T16:52:00.002-04:00

Orange County Choppers Safety Glasses

Finally...... Safety Glasses that Are Cool!

Hey Gang New product anoucement,

AOSafety has just put out a new line of Prescription Safety glasses

with the O.C.C. brand behind it.

Who is AOSafety , you might ask?

Well they have been in the Safety game for years, if any of you have been wearing

safety glasses on the Job, you may have worn some of their product.

Long story short, They make Good Stuff, and have just teamed up with the OCC bunch

to put out a great looking new line of Fashion Safety Eyewear!

Learn More or Purchase OCC Eyewear

Check them out.....Here are some photos

Learn More or Purchase OCC Eyewear

TRX, The Hunter and Lightning feature stainless steel material and the highest quality micro components.

OBE safety screw for rimlock screws,providing a more secure grip and improved lens retention
OBE S-Family spring hinges- stainless steel micro spring hinges are lightweight and ultra durable.
OBE Logo Nose Pads-Lightweight and comfortable, featuring the O.C.C. logo.

OUTLAW is available in one sizea 54 eye. The structure of the frame is an 8 base curve wrap with 6 base curve gaskets for SRx lens insertion. The interchangeable gaskets allow the user to purchase additional gaskets with different lens functions and features. Clear gaskets for indoor wear. Sunwear lenses for the drive (ride) home.

They also have a really cool lens avaliable in Single Vision And Progressive called the INTIMIDATOR

It is a Polarized lens with a Mirror coating on the front and a Anti-Reflective coating on the back. It is available in several different colors...check them out below.

I ordered a pair for myself, I can't wait to get them, I am getting the TRX frame in Gunmetal with the Ice Blue Intimidator lenses!

If anyone wants more info please feel free to visit my website FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com or email me at: info@FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Thanks for stopping by

Ben Ramsey.....aka MobileEyeGuy

Computer Vision Syndrome Part II

2007-01-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry it has taken so long to get to more on this subject, I know many of you are really interested in it, but my Wifes Father came down with Cancer, and had to have surgery, his recovery has been very slow, then the Holidays Ect.
So I got behind on a lot of stuff "life happens",
But keep checking back, and give me a few more days , and I am going to get Part II & Part III Posted.

Thanks
Ben

Computer Vision Syndrome

2006-09-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

Computer Vision Syndrome

As the use of computers become more common each and every day, with some people spending literally hours staring at the computer monitor, it is easy to see how we can begin to have trouble with our eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as CVS, is estimated to affect around fifty-four million adults and children within the United States.

What happens is this, as we spend more hours looking at the computer screen (typically two or more hours) the eyes begin to suffer. The brain and eyes react in a much different manner when looking at characters upon a computer screen, than when looking at printed items on a piece of paper. The characters on a piece of paper have specific character, edges, and contrast. Those upon a computer screen, do not. They have bright centers and towards the edges, the intensity diminishes. This creates a problem within our eyes because the eyes are not able to focus on the characters.

As we attempt to focus on what we are seeing, our eyes tend to move involuntarily to an RPA or a resting point of accommodation, creating the need for eyes to try to refocus again. All of this work on the part of our eyes creates burning and fatigue of the eyes the longer we look at the computer screen.

There are symptoms that come along with Computer Vision Syndrome, usually after spending around two hours or more on the computer, more specifically the screen, you will undoubtedly begin to experience at least some of these symptoms such as pain in the shoulder or neck, blurry or double vision, tired or burning eyes, inability to keep focus, or even headaches. Within a child, if they use the computer for prolonged periods of time, their eyes will become stressed and ultimately have a great impact on the development of their vision.

People with CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome, often have a hard time with maintain productivity at work or school. When you suffer from CVS you often have the inability to remain focused and may suffer from some of the symptoms which could lead to loss of comfort, accuracy may suffer, and productivity loss all at the same time.

Overall, Computer Vision Syndrome is not a pleasant thing and should not be taken lightly. In further articles, within the CVS series, we will discuss what you can do to eliminate the problems and provide you with solutions to avoid computer vision syndrome.

As always, Hope this has been helpful!
Feel free to post any comments or questions

More on CVS soon!

Ben…aka MobileEyeGuy
www.mobileeyeguy.com

Short-Corridor Progressive Lenses

2006-08-29T04:32:00.002-04:00

This one is for the baby boomers.
If you wear eyeglasses, then I am sure that you have noticed by now that frame styles are getting smaller and smaller compared to the eighties when it seemed frame manufacturers were trying to see how big they could make them.
Well how does that affect us bifocal wearers, especially those who wear
Progressives lenses?

I thought the best way to teach my readers on this subject would be to post an actual article that is used for Continued Education for Professional Licensed Opticians.
I read this , then had to take a test on it to get a Continued Education Credit, which is reqired in order for us Licensed opticians to stay Certified.
It is kind of long, but full of great info, I think you will be able to learn a lot about lenses, and about how you should be treated from your optician when deciding on your eyewear options.

It was written by: Judy M. Canty, ABOC

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times. Ours is a culture that places a high value on youth or at least the appearance of youth. It's reflected in the way we dress, the music we listen to, the cars we drive. We wear eyeglasses as much to make a statement about our attitude as we do to actually see comfortably.

Short-corridor progressive lenses can provide solutions to any number of eyewear design issues. But, as with any other lens category, the more you know about it, the better prepared you will be to advise your customers.

In the beginning, there were progressive lenses. They were designed to provide seamless vision from distance, through intermediate to reading areas. The early designs were somewhat less than satisfactory. Uncomfortable amounts of unwanted astigmatism at the lens peripheries coupled with relatively narrow transitional corridors and reading areas limited their acceptance to only the most dedicated and motivated of wearers. However, as lens design technologies became more sophisticated, progressive addition lenses became increasingly "user-friendly." Eyecare professionals now had lens designs they could recommend and use with greater confidence. Combine these more sophisticated lens designs with the coming of age of the Baby Boomer generation, add a healthy dash of fashion savvy and the market for progressive addition lenses exploded. Then, in the early 1990s frame sizes began to shrink and those wonderfully designed progressive addition lenses couldn't function as they were designed to. The transitional corridors were too long and the reading areas were lost in the edging process. So, we began to "bump" addition powers, essentially forcing wearers to read in the transitional corridor rather than in the near power area. The corridor is too narrow to allow a comfortable reading area, so customers once again complained about the difficulty in using progressive addition lenses.

In 1999, the first short-corridor progressive lens was introduced to the marketplace. It was designed for the new, smaller frame styles, with a shortened corridor allowing the near vision and reading areas to remain largely intact. Rather than the average 17mm corridor length requiring a 20 to 25mm fitting height, it sported a 13 to 15mm corridor depending on the reading power, and allowing for a minimum fitting height of 17 to 19mm. Eyecare professionals were back on track again with the first real solution for their fashion conscious presbyopes. Almost immediately, lens manufacturers began lowering the minimum fitting heights for their current progressive lenses. The justification for this decision was that, in many cases roughly 85 percent of the addition power was reached at this point on the lens. 85 percent sounds good until you realize that a +2.00 add power was now an unacceptable +1.70. At best, it was a stopgap measure allowing their lens designers time to create the next generation of progressive addition lenses.

In less than three years, a number of lens manufacturers have released short-corridor progressive lenses in a variety of materials. Conventional plastic materials have long been the lens material of choice, however newer mid- and high-index materials as well as polycarbonate, are rapidly gaining in popularity, as are additional lens treatments such as variable tints and anti-reflective coatings. A small number of short-corridor progressive lenses are also available in crown glass. Most lens manufacturers provide laser-etchings on the surface of their lenses to help the optician properly identify manufacturer, lens design, material, addition power and location of the optimal reading area. The wise eyecare professional will keep abreast of these new designs since many of the major manufacturers are advertising them directly to the consumer. Your customer will need your expert assistance in sorting through all the choices and selecting the best lens for their needs.

Short-corridor progressive lenses are designed to meet a specific combination of needs. However you choose to determine your customers needs and wants, with a "lifestyle questionnaire" or through general conversation, matching customer to lens style is critical to their success as a wearer. "How do you use your lenses?" may sound like a dumb question, but it really isn't. Yes, they use them to see, but how? Both fashion and function motivate the best possible candidate. They have taken great pains to remain fashion-forward and are conscious of the image they project. They have come to the realization that they need help with reading and close work, and are ready for their eyecare professional's help. Co-workers, friends or family may influence them, especially their kids, with their frame selections and now need your help in combining all those needs and wants into fashionable and functional eyewear. Short-corridor progressive lenses are also an excellent solution for those customers whose facial structure requires a small frame.

TALKING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS ABOUT SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVES

This new lens category means that as an eyecare professional, we need to re-think how we present the idea of progressive lenses. A single generic description of the advantages of progressive lenses is no longer a good idea. Begin by reading the technical literature provided by the manufacturers. Double check that information with other sources such as independently published lens data. Familiarize yourself with the kinds of consumer advertising that your customer will see so that you can answer questions that they might have. Ask your customer about what they need their lenses to do and then be quiet and listen. Ask them about previous experiences with multifocal lenses and progressive lenses in particular, then be quiet and listen. They expect you to be able to piece all of this information together and come up with a solution. Repeat their concerns and expectations back to them to verify that you have the correct information and begin to describe how particular designs will help. But, above all, don't over-promise on lens performance. Let your customer know how this new lens design is different from what they might have used in the past so that they won't be surprised and possibly unhappy with their purchase. Short-corridor lenses are just one of many options available in progressive lens designs and one lens may not cover all the needs your customer will have.

PROPER FITTING PROCEDURES FOR SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVES

As with any progressive lens, fitting a short-corridor lens requires some groundwork.
Monocular PDs are imperative, preferably taken with a pupilometer for accuracy. Make sure your patient is holding the end of the pupilometer firmly against the face much like looking through a pair of binoculars. Record this measurement in monocular or "split" PD form, i.e. 32/31.

Select the proper size frame for measurements. It may not be the correct color, but size is indeed what matters in this instance.

Adjust the frame fit, if necessary, so that the nose pads, pantoscopic tilt and temple bend are comfortable. If possible allow the customer to wear the frame for a few minutes to become comfortable with the fit and so that you can note head position when sitting and standing. Remember, where you think the frame should fit and where your customer actually wears it may not agree. They need to be comfortable at all costs. If you have had to change the pantoscopic tilt of the frame, note it in the patient's record so that you can duplicate it if you are not using the fitted frame.

Make sure that your chair height allows you to work at the same eye level as your customer. If you are looking up or down while taking your measurements, they will not be as accurate as they should be.

Using a felt tip pen or fine point marker, dot the center of the pupil on the demo lens in the frame. If no demo lens is available, try covering that portion of the frame with transparent tape to provide a marking surface. The truly steady-handed optician will be able to use a PD ruler to measure pupil height, but marking the demo lens is still the better option
Using a PD ruler, measure the distance from the pupil mark to the deepest point on the frame eyewire, not at the point directly below the pupil mark. This measurement is the seg height you will order from the lab.

Using cut-out charts provided by the lens manufacturer, verify that the lenses will work with the chosen frame. If the frame you and your customer selected will not work even with the short-corridor design, don't try to make it work. Choose another frame and repeat the process. Your customer will appreciate your attention to detail and your interest in his or her success with short-corridor progressive lenses

ORDERING SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE LENSES

There is no big secret to ordering short-corridor progressive lenses. As with any lab order make sure that your lab can provide the lens design that you need. Check your order form for accuracy and legibility. Don't make the lab guess at numbers and signs. If possible send the frame to the lab for processing. If you prefer to do your own edging, remember that old carpenter's rule, "measure twice, cut once." These lenses are too expensive to have to remake for an error in measurements.

Before dispensing, verify the power, optical center placement and seg height for accuracy. If necessary, adjust the pantoscopic tilt and bring the frame into standard four-point alignment. Some opticians prefer to leave any markings intact on the lenses to aid in the final adjustment; others prefer a pristine lens surface to present to the customer. Either choice is acceptable.

DISPENSING SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE LENSES

Begin the process by reviewing the lens properties that were decided on when the order was placed.

Have reading material of various sizes at hand to help your customer begin the learning process. Many opticians find it beneficial to begin with slightly larger than average print size and introduce different and smaller sizes so that the customer understands the transitional corridor and how it leads the eyes to the reading area.

Let the customer know that these lenses may require slightly more head movement than usual, at least during the initial learning period but with time that should decrease. Be sure he or she understands that it will take several days for the visual system to become accustomed to a new set of lenses and that the greater the wearing time the faster the learning process becomes. Caution the customer that switching back and forth between the new glasses and the previous pair will only slow down or even stop the entire process.

Have the customer move from distance viewing to intermediate to reading rather slowly to reinforce the idea of progressively increasing lens power.

Once the customer is comfortable at the dispensing table, it's time to get up and move around a bit to understand how to use the lenses while standing and walking. Emphasize that to comfortably navigate stairs and curbs, it will be necessary to tilt the head down and look through the distance portion of the lens to have the sharpest vision.

Finally, instruct your customer on the care and maintenance of this new purchase. Suggest the proper cleaning solutions and the way they should be used. Remind them that using two hands to put glasses on and take them off will preserve their adjustment and that storing them in their case will prevent accidental damage.

Savvy opticians will make a follow-up appointment to check the adjustment of the frame, ensuring that the customer is completely satisfied with their selections.

TROUBLESHOOTING SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE LENSES

Okay, so you've done everything by the numbers. The frame fits properly. The lenses were fabricated properly and your customer is still having problems. The first thing to do is NOT remake the lenses, changing a base curve or the seg height or the PDs. The first thing to do is listen to what your customer is saying. Did the environment in which they are using the lenses change? Are they spending more time at the computer than they originally thought? Has the frame adjustment been altered? Do flat surfaces appear curved? Or did someone close to them whose opinion they value react negatively to the frame? The key here is to listen, repeat what you heard to make sure you understand and then make your decisions. Ask your questions based on what they said, not what you were thinking.

Changing the pantoscopic tilt may solve flat surfaces that appear to curve

Difficulty in using the transitional corridor or insufficient reading area may be solved by changing the frame's vertex distance or changing the "face form" of the frame. Keep in mind that changing the "face form" will impact the optical center placement.Holding the head in an uncomfortable position may mean that the segs are either too high or too low. Re-mark the lenses and check their placement relative to the eyes. You may be able to solve this problem by raising or lowering the frame with a nosepad adjustment. However, if this requires excessive adjustment that interferes with the frame's appearance, you may need to remake the lenses with a lower seg placement and that may create a new set of issues with frame selection. This is where following correct procedures from the very beginning, even though they may slow you down a bit, could pay off by saving you money and saving your customers time and aggravation

Non-specific complaints, just general dissatisfaction may mean that the customer has had second thoughts about the frame or is reacting to comments by friends or family. Just listening to them and re-evaluating and validating their choices may solve this one.

NON-STANDARD APPLICATIONS FOR SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVES

Most non-standard applications for short-corridor lenses are anecdotal, but can plant some seeds for future use.

Discuss with the prescribing doctor the use of short-corridor lenses with children who are being fitted for bifocals. The advantage here is that there is no line for them to try to avoid, the prime reason bifocals are fitted so high in children's frames. Theoretically, the eye is drawn down the corridor to the reading area.

Suggest using short-corridor lenses in elegant small frames for those events requiring evening dress.

Short-corridor lenses may be an option for sports where a bifocal is only necessary for reading a scorecard, such as golf.

SUCCESS WITH SHORT-CORRIDOR PROGRESSIVE LENSES

Your customer's success with short-corridor progressive lenses hinges on a few important key points.

Know your product. Know what lens designs are available, in what materials and in what parameters.
Listen to your customer's needs and wants, paying careful attention to previous wearing experiences.
Describe the features that will address those needs and wants, being careful not to over-promise lens performance.
Pay careful attention to frame selection and fit. Don't rush the process.
Verify finished eyewear before dispensing.
Carefully adjust the finished eyewear and instruct your customer on its use and care.

Schedule a follow-up visit to check their progress.

In short, and I meant that pun, this new lens category offers a realistic solution to the problem of designing fashionable and functional eyewear.

That’s it!…as always, hope this helped someone, feel free to leave comments or questions.
Ben Ramsey…aka MobileEyeGuy

info@FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Factory Direct Eyeglasses.com

Delivering a Safety Sermon

2006-08-13T22:53:00.000-04:00

Hello to my regular readers, thanks for stopping by.
And to you first timers, thanks to you as well,
Please feel free to stop by often, and ask any questions you might have,
Or subjects you would like to see posted.

I came across this Article in one of my Optical Trade Journals,
And thought sense it is that time of the year when our kids are going back
To School and Sports will be starting soon that it would make a good post.
It was written by Andrew Karp, and was in the July edition of 20/20 Mag.
I thought it would be good food for thought.
Here it is:

I don't have much patience for proselytizers. I tend to tune out anyone who sanctimoniously preaches about politics, religion, philosophy or any other topic.

So why am I getting up on a soapbox now? The reason is I’d like to call attention to a topic that can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially children. I’m referring to the under-recognized need for eye protection for athletes, both amateur and professional. As Dr. Paul Berman asserts in this month’s Lens Choices feature, “Pro-Active: Meeting the Challenge of Protecting Kids’ Eyes,” many people are at risk for serious eye injury while playing sports because their eyes are not sufficiently protected.

I became a believer in the importance of wearing protective eyewear for sports when a colleague came to work one day with a nasty gash across the bridge of his nose. It seems he was playing softball and slammed into an infielder while trying to steal second base. The impact snapped a nosepad off the sunglasses he was wearing, which were designed for streetwear, and the exposed metal arm cut him right at eye level. While the wound wasn’t serious, it could easily have been, since the nosepad arm was only a few millimeters from his eye.

My friend wisely took this as a warning and purchased a pair of prescription sports goggles. Fortunately, he was wearing them the day he was playing basketball and got hit in the face with the ball. Although the impact knocked him down, his eyes were protected and he got up and continued playing. Many readers may already be promoting the use of sports protective eyewear to their athletic patients. But what about the occasional athlete who takes part in a casual pick-up game or tosses a ball around the backyard with their kids? Are they getting the message too? If there’s any doubt, it may be time for you to get up on a soapbox and deliver your own safety sermon.
—Andrew Karp

As always, hope this has be helpful, see you next time.

Ben…aka MobileEyeGuyhttp://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

DRY EYE

2006-07-22T16:37:00.000-04:00

DRY EYE
To my regular readers…Hey Gang!…Thanks for stopping by again,
Thanks to you first timers too!
As promised, here is another article regarding Eye Health.

DRY EYE: An Irritating Problem

If your eyes often feel dry and scratchy, you may have a condition called dry eye.
This occurs when the eyes are not kept moist enough by tears.
Dry eye can be uncomfortable. It raises your chances of eye infection. Left untreated, dry eye can cause serious damage to the eye issue. Over time, the cornea (the eyes protective covering) could even become scarred, resulting in vision loss.
Dry eye can also make wearing contact lenses very uncomfortable.

If you have dry eye, you'll be glad to know that this condition can be treated. This article will help you understand how.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can cause one or more of the following symptoms:

1 watery eyes
2 scratchy, dry, irritated or generally uncomfortable eyes
3 redness of the eyes
4 a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye
5 blurred vision
6 and apparent loss of the eyes normal clearness and luster

Two types of tears

Normally, the eye is lubricated by tears. These lubricating tears are made by a gland in the eyelid. (These are different from the more watery reflex tears that are made when you cry.) Every time you blink, lubricating tears spread over the surface of the eye.
They then flow out of the eye and drain into the nose.

The Anatomy of a Tear

Lubricating tears form of film on the eye.
This keeps the I moist. These tears have three layers that work together to lubricate the eyes.

When You have Dry Eye

Dry eye is caused by a problem with the lubricating tears. In some cases, not enough tears are made to moisten the eye. In others, enough tears are made but they don't have the right amounts of each layer to work right. The tears may be to watery or too sticky to properly lubricate the eye.

When the cornea is irritated, the body tries to fix this by making more tears. So, dry eye can actually cause your eye to water. But since these tears aren’t able to properly lubricate the eye, making more of them doesn't solve the problem.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can be caused by one or more of the following:

1 Age. As a person gets older, the eyes don't make tears as well as before. More than half of the people who have dry eye are over age 50.
2 Blinking problems. When you can't blink normally, your eye doesn't stay as moist.
3 Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, birth-control pills, and tranquilizers.
4 Environmental factors, such as a dry climate or excessive exposure to wind.
5 Allergies or hayfever
6 Chemical or thermal burns to the eyes.
7 Certain health problems, including arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome (an autoimmune condition that affects mostly middle-aged women).

To Diagnose Dry Eye

Early detection of dry eye leads to more effective treatment and helps prevent damage to your eyes. If you have had symptoms of dry eye, make an appointment with your eye doctor. Your eyes will be examined using sophisticated diagnostic tools. You and your doctor will also discuss lifestyle habits, environmental factors, medications, and health conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Your examination and this discussion help your eye doctor determine the best form of treatment.

To Treat Dry Eye

Dry eye cannot be permanently cured, but there are effective treatments. Your eye doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

1 specially formulated eye drops (called lubricating eye drops or visual tears) which replaced your natural lubricating tears.
2 Soothing eye ointments that can be applied at bedtime.
3 The use of a humidifier in your home or office during periods of especially dry weather.
4 The insertion of tiny plugs in the tear drainage canal in the inner corner of each eye for more severe cases of dry eye. Visa slowdown in the drainage of tears from the surface of the eye. This way are tears remain on the eye longer and provide more natural lubrication. The plugs are inserted during a simple, painless procedure.
5 Surgery to permanently close the drainage Canal's in rare cases of dry eye. The surgery is simple and painless.

This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your health-care professional can diagnose and treat a medical problem.

Well as always….Thanks for stopping by, hope this has been helpful to you,And feel free to leave comments, or ask me questions.

Ben…aka MobileEyeGuy
http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

Allergies and Your Eyes

2006-07-01T14:18:00.000-04:00

To my regular readers, sorry it has been awhile since I posted an article.
Last season's hurricanes caused things to be a little topsy-turvy for a while, but things are back to normal now, just in time for the new hurricane season. LOL

I know my blog is primarily intended to be about safety glasses, designer eyewear, and new eyewear products, but here in the very near future I'm going to be throwing in some articles in regards to your eye health as well as eyewear. So here's the first one, I figured it was a good time of year to discuss this topic.
Enjoy

The Problem With Allergies

Allergies can be triggered by many substances.
Seasonal allergies (also called hayfever) are often caused by the grass,
tree, and weed pollens that are abundant in spring and late summer.
Other types of allergies can affect your eyes year-round. Allergy symptoms include
sneezing, congestion, and red, watery, itchy eyes.

Why Allergies Occur

Your body's immune system protects you against illness by staying alert for harmful agents entering the body. If this occurs, the immune system protects you by neutralizing, removing, or destroying the harmful agent.

Allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies a normally harmless substance, such as pollen or mold, as a harmful agent. The body responds by producing more of certain chemicals to neutralize the substance. These chemicals, called histamines, are what caused the itchy, redness, swelling, and irritation you experience.

Many substances can trigger an allergic reaction. Most allergens that cause eye symptoms are airborne. Plant pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander (skin particles) are the allergens that most often affect the eyes.

Allergies can lead to a condition called allergic conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye). It may occur at about the same time each year, when the allergen is most abundant

Relief for Irritated Eyes

Short of completely avoiding the allergens that cause your symptoms, it's impossible to escape your allergies. However, you can take steps to relieve your symptoms:

1. Try over-the-counter products such as antihistamine eyedrops to reduce redness, itchiness, and other symptoms. Artificial tears can also help by flushing allergens out of the eyes these products are available at drugstores.

2. When possible, limit your exposure to allergens. Stay inside when pollen or mold counts are especially high.

3. For cleaner indoor air, use air-conditioner filters that are designed to reduce allergens in the air.

4. Ask your health-care provider about other options. For example allergy shots may reduce symptoms and the need for other medication. Prescription medications may also be available.

This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your health-care professional can diagnose and treat a medical problem.

Just throwing in a little bit of a disclaimer there.
This article is just to give you a bit of an overview in regards to allergies, if you think you may have allergies than please consult your physician.

Well as always….Thanks for stopping by, hope this has been helpful to you,
And feel free to leave comments, or ask me questions.

Ben…aka MobileEyeGuy
http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

DEFINITY PROGRESSIVE LENSES

2006-02-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

DEFINITY Lenses use a revolutionary DUAL ADD design, to help you achieve your full vision potential. It is associated with a patented Free Form technology to optimize your prescription.

· DUAL ADD technology splits the add power between the front and back surfaces of the lens.

· This results in twice the surface area, which is used to create an offset design that delivers advanced optics.

Well hello again to my regular readers,
And welcome if this is your first time.

Obviously, in this post we are going to talk about the new Definity progressive lenses, but before we do, I would like to discuss some basics on progressive lenses in general.

First off, for those who don't know what a progressive is, the slang term that most people use, and are more familiar with is
No Line Bifocal.
But the proper term for this style of lens is Progressive.

When selecting a progressive lens it can be confusing because there are so many different styles of progressive lenses. It is like saying pickup truck, pickup truck is the style but you have Fords, Chevey’s, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Ect.
It is the same with progressive lenses there are many different styles but the style you get unless you're aware of this many times depends on where your buying your glasses, and what style that establishment likes to sell.

You might ask, what makes the difference?
Well each style has a different structure to the lens.
All progressive lenses have some sort of compromise that the consumer will have to deal with.
They all have some distortion or displacement somewhere in the lens design, any of you that have or are wearing progressive now know what I am talking about.
With most progressives, the biggest thing is you have to point your nose at what ever you are looking at.
You've heard the stories…… I can see great while I’m driving but have a little problem reading,
or
I can read great but I can't see very good in the distance.
And the biggest problem with all of them is in the intermediate.
People often complain that while on the computer or doing something else in that intermediate range that intermediate focal point is too narrow.

So that is some of the key factors to different styles of progressive lenses, for years all progressive lens manufacturers have been trying to develop smoother transitions between distance vision and near vision,
and have been trying to widen that intermediate area to make it more comfortable for intermediate tasks.
And that is the difference between a basic inexpensive progressive that you get at a discount optical versus a more expensive top-of-the-line progressive that you get in private practice or high-end boutiques.

So having said all that,
the new Definity as stated above uses a duel add design.
Instead of putting all the add power or the bifocal power on the front surface of the lens, they split it, and put some on the front surface and some on the back surface.
This, if I'm understanding correctly allows less distortion, a smoother transition between focal points, and a much wider intermediate area.

So for us old-time hardheaded lined- bifocal wearers that have not been able to adapt to a progressive lens in the past, we are supposed to be able to wear this particular style progressive without the inherent problems of other styles in the past.

I did get a coupon from my sales rep. At my Lab, and had myself a pair of polarized sunglasses made up with the new Definity lens.
And I have to admit it is a much wider intermediate then I ever tried before. And I am wearing them on a daily basis for driving.
I would like to get a clear pair now, and see how they are for my computer. I've seen so many new progressives come out over the years claiming to be the best and distortion free, and wider intermediate's, larger reading areas, and so on.
Some are very good, and some are junk.
But this new design does seem to make sense, so if there are any of you out there that have tried progressive lenses in the past and did not get along with them, you may want to try this new Definity lens, if you would like to know more about the Definity lens here is a Link:

http://www.definity.com/why_definity.html

As always, feel free to leave any comments, or ask any questions,
Hope this has been helpful, see you next time.

Ben…akaMobileEyeGuy
www.mobileeyeguy.com

John Lennon Eyeglasses

2006-01-11T08:42:00.000-05:00

John Lennon Eyeglasses
Legend...Peace, Love, and Cool Eyewear
Stylish ... Smart ... Quality.
A distinctive collection that demands attention.

Before I start this post, I would like to say, I hope everybody had a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Christmas weekend I meant to put up a holiday post, but as I’m sure you can all understand, it got a little hectic and I didn't get a chance.
My teenage kids were out of school, and my mother came to visit us for two weeks during the holidays, so it was a bit busy, but we had a great visit and had a lot of good quality family time, I hope you and yours had the same opportunity.

Thank you to all of you that come visit my blog, please continue to visit, and please continue to leave comments and ask questions about eyewear that you would like to know.

This post is a new product announcement.
One of my vendors Smilen Eyewear has a new line of eyewear called the
JOHN LENNON COLLECTION

In the eyewear business it is not uncommon for celebrities or companies to put their brand or name on eyewear products for marketing purposes.
And I usually don't get too excited about names or labels, but this one I guess, because I am from the baby boomer generation, I thought
John Lennon eyewear would be pretty cool.
Also it's a pretty good quality frame, and each frame comes with its own hard case, and a three-year warranty.

I have seen on eBay and other places a lot of John Lennon eyewear being advertised, but most of it has been a bunch of what I call cheap gas station sunglasses, and they're not really made to put a prescription lens in.
Just because a pair of glasses is round doesn't mean it's John Lennon glasses.

These glasses on the other hand are a good quality Opthalmic frame made specifically for the purpose of putting a prescription lens in.
So for those that are looking for that old retro style looking glasses,
these are a pretty good frame to look into.

If you'd like to see more of these frames then are pictured here,
then click on this link:
www.mobileeyeguy.com/products.php?c_id=115

In the next few articles we will be talking about some other new products that are out, like, John Deere eyeglasses, and a new progressive lens called the Definity

As always, please don't hesitate to ask any questions in regards to any other products you would like to know about.

See you next time

Ben Ramsey…aka Mobile Eye Guy

http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

SAFETY READING GLASSES

2005-12-06T05:17:00.001-05:00

Safety reading glasses, unlike the tinted contact lenses we talked about last time,
are not a brand-new product, they have been out for about four years now, but there are still a lot of people that have never heard about them, so that's why we're going to talk about them today.

When these things first came out there was only one company that had them available,
and I was a distributor for that company, so I was doing pretty good with them on eBay, but as it is with everything in the eyewear industry once something new starts to catch on, other manufacturers get involved, so now here we are several years later and I couldn't even begin to tell you how many companies are now making safety reading glasses.
Needless to say the eBay market is flooded now so I'm not selling as many on eBay as I used to.
But they are still one of my hottest selling items on my web site and off my mobile truck.

These safety readers really are the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to a safety or industrial environment!
Why is that? You might ask, here is why.
Many of you, myself included, that have been wearing prescription eyewear whether regular or safety glasses for any length of time have it in our train of thought to go to the doctor periodically and get an eye exam, we wear glasses so our mindset is such that we know from time to time we have to go and get an updated prescription.

But as I'm sure you're aware of, the times we live in now and this generation is full of Baby Boomers,
we have more middle-aged people now from 40 to 65 than ever before in the work force.
And although a large number of these people have never needed glasses in the past,
As they get older they need some help reading.
So what do they do?…They go to the nearest Walgreen’s Drugstore, or Rite Aid or what ever Drug store is in their area and buy themselves a pair of Cheaters, or off the shelf
Reading glasses.

A.Because it does not require a prescription
B.Going to the Dr. for an eye exam is not in their train of thought
C.It is convenient, and they are there anyway

And for the most part that is OK for people to do.
But, what makes it bad is, if you are working some place where safety glasses are needed
What happens is, (I see this all the time in my job) people will wear the safety glasses
That the company provides for them for free, then they carry their drug store Cheaters in their pocket, and when they need to see close up or read something they take off the safety glasses, and reach in their pocket and put on the cheaters.

Well what’s wrong with that Mr. Mobile Eye Guy?
Think about it……those drug store cheaters are not safety glasses, and they are not Z87 OSHA compliant, so every time you take off your safety glasses to put on your cheaters
YOU ARE AT RISK for an injury! Why take the chance with your eyes?

That is why everybody in a work environment loves these things, and more and more people are starting to look for them.
You don’t have to carry around an extra pair of glasses, you can just put your Safety Reading Glasses on and leave them on all day, then:

A. You are OSHA compliant
B. You minimize the risk for injury
C. You don’t have to look over your shoulder for the Boss or Safety director
D. Best of all you can see what you need to see!

Safety Readers are available with Clear Lenses, Smoke (sunglass) lenses or Indoor/Outdoor lenses

And that My Friends is why I think this is really a Great product what ever Brand name you buy.
I now carry Radians ProX, and Dewalt safety readers, but there are several other brands available out there.

As always Hope this has helped some one and Please feel free to leave any comments

Ben …aka Mobile Eye Guy
www.FactoryDirectEyeglasses.com

Nike Maxsight Tinted Contact Lenses

2005-11-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

New product announcement!

What will they think of next?
This past weekend my daughter had a birthday sleepover, and one of my friends who is an Optometrist brought his daughter over for the party, while he was there he says hey “ what do you think about the new tinted sunglass contact lenses”
I said, I have not heard about them.
So….. he proceeded to tell me a little bit about them, I thought it would be a neat subject for my blog.

I don't know that much but I will tell you what I do know and post some links so you can go look for yourselves as well.

It seems that Nike and Bausch & Lomb have got together and developed a new line of tinted contact lenses for sports called
Maxsight.
Just like I specialize in the safety niche, my friend Dr. Atkins specializes in sports eyewear, so that is why he knew about the new sports contact lenses.

There are two different color tints, one gray green for golfers and other similar sports, and one amber for faster pace games such as baseball, soccer, etc..

It is a brand-new product so actually not too many optometrists are selling them, but since he deals a lot with the athletic department at UL ( University of Louisiana ) he went on ahead and open an account with a vendor so he could have access to them.
Because they're put out by Nike you can't just buy them from any of the normal sources optical professionals usually by contacts from, you have to open a special account with this Nike division in order to have access to them, and there is a cost involved, so a lot of doctors may not be interested in marketing this product.

Since it is a brand-new product were both learning as we go here, my friend is going to put some of the athletes at UL into this lens, so at a later date I will have an update on how they are working. In the meantime here are some links to some web sites I found in regards to these new lenses and a link to the Nike web site.
You might have a bit of a problem on the Nike web site if you're using a dial up connection because it's all built with flash so it has a lot of graphics, but is a pretty cool web site, so here's the links.
Go check them out and be one of the first to know about this new product.

Here are the links:

http://www.sportingnews.com/experts/stan-mcneal/20050421.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/content.cfm?content_type=article&content_type_id=8942

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/05229/554802.stm

Nike Link:

http://www.nike.com/nikevision/main.html

As always, leave comments or questions if you'd like
Hope this has been helpful
and we'll see you next time

Ben Ramsey aka….MobileEyeGuy

http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

EYEWEAR Q & A’S

2005-11-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

To my regular readers, thanks for stopping by again, and as always thanks for the comments.
As I always say, I love it when people post comments and or questions cause that is basically what I had in mind for this blog, an opportunity to share information in regards to eyewear, and hopefully help people solve their problems.
Last post I had a couple of people that were having problems with their local optical retailers, so I'm going to post their comments and address the issues they're facing.
Here's the first comment:

Just the one I need to talk to. I am disgusted because I am being given the roundabout by the optometry business. I have worn glasses for over 50 years.
I am having trouble trying to buy frames for my lenses. The crappy frames on the market seem to be made to fall apart.
When I went for my last pair of glasses, the shop (Sears Optical) refused to make me the lenses that I wanted.
I spent good money to have my eyes checked and got my RX for tri-focals,
I picked out a frame, and told them I wanted photogrey, real glass lenses, hardened with the invisible line trifocals. I am the customer mind you.
They said no. I said what? they said that the glasses would be to heavy for me.
I told them that I was the one to make that call.
They said they couldn't help me one more time, and I threw a fit.
I took out my Sears Gold Card and said I was going to cut it up in a hundred pieces and sent it to Corp. and tell them how I was being treated.
They finally submitted my order, but we scowled at each other all the time. They purposely slowed my order down, but finally I got the glasses I wanted. I love them. I absolutely love them. Fast forward to today.
I need new frames, but the pie holes will not sell me frames.
They say they have nothing to fit the lenses. I ask them to order me some. They say no.
Makes me want to use a sharp stick on them so that they need glasses. Sorry, this gets me angry, just thinking about it.I am going to lodge a complaint with the state.
This is colusion. All of the firms tell me the same thing. I cannot get any place to sell me frames.
This is a perfect example of government helping business screw the consumer.
Boy am I hot.

I sympathize with this person, and unfortunately, sad but true I hear this kind of thing all the time in my shop. First off it's not the government or the state that is giving you the runaround, they don't regulate to optical shops or any business for that matter how they treat their customers, but you could contact your local Better Business Bureau, you would probably get farther with them than contacting the state.
Now I don't want to sound arrogant or like I'm the only good optician out there in the optical industry, but the sad truth is, there is a real problem in my industry with good customer service, I'm not sure why that is, but it is a fact.
There are a lot of places that try to tell the patients or customers what they need, or don't need, or try to sell them what they want them to have rather than selling them what the customer wants, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record that is what this blog is about, I am trying my best to educate John Q. consumer so they can make an educated decision on who to buy from or what to buy.

FOOT NOTE: ( the best thing to do is buy from me! www.MobileEyeGuy.com or call me toll free for a free consultation 1-800-417-5650 I would be glad to speak to anyone and help them as best I can)

Most optical places are trying to keep from selling glass lenses these days, but this person is correct, it was their call whether or not glass lenses would be to heavy for them.
I addressed this issue in a prior post, “plastic vs. polycarbonate vs. glass lenses” you may want to go and read it, but a quick recap to the glass issue, most opticals avoid glass because of the legal issues.

As far as frames go, some frames are made better than others, and yes some of them are pretty crappy, but even a crappy frame should be able to be reordered. I'm not sure why this person was having such a problem getting the optical to order them a frame, although sometimes what can happen is some of the discount places are selling discontinued frames, so they are one-of-a-kind and if it gets broken they can't replace it. But there's also a way around that if you can get someone to just take the time and look around in their inventory, they may be able to find a very similar frame to yours and do what is called a “lens transfer”, but when doing a lens transfer it is the luck of the draw so to speak because you have to use what ever frame that fits the lenses and you may not always be able to get the color that you what, but it can be done.
It is just that in this day and age we lived in a disposable mindset society, use it, if it breaks, throw it away and buy another one. Nobody wants to fix anything anymore, they just what to sell it, not work on it,or service it.

OOOPS! Now my age is showing through on that statement.

Here is the second comment:
You have an interesting site and I think I have a question for you. I recently had to get new glasses and they are now a little over a month old. I have worn them, maybe, 15 times. The problem? My lenses are progressive bifocals (to correct distance) and have a prism in each lense. I was talked into purchasing $140 frames which are too small. What happens is my perfect field of vision in each lense is literally the size of my thumbpad. Looking left, right, up or down outside that field, I hit the prism, or blurriness. This is tough since I cannot wear the glasses going downstairs - cananot see the steps and BOOM.
My question, to fix this, I'm afraid I'd have to purchase another pair of frames and lenses - meaning another total out of pocket expense of $259. I haven't even spoken to the optician about this, because I'm afraid of seeing that cost come up. The first time was hard enough. Am I doomed?

Well….. in my opinion, No, you should not be doomed!
But again it really depends on who you're dealing with and how much they're willing to work with you.
First off, you should never let anyone talk you into frames that are too small for you, or that you're not comfortable with. I realize that today's fashion trend is to wear as small a frame as you can find, but you have to find a happy medium between comfort, utility, then style.

As far as the progressive lenses, in layman's terms also known as no-line bifocals, even prescriptions without prism, they inherently have some peripheral distortion, your optical center or best visual acuity is going to be somewhat limited, you cannot look side to side through the lenses, you have to point your nose at what you're looking at and try to stay in that optical center, and if your prescription has prism in it, it is go to intensify that condition.
Most places, or at least good reputable places have what is called a satisfaction warranty,
in other words, if you cannot see through a progressive lens then you are what is called a Non-Adapt, which means you cannot adapt to that style of lens and there should be a manufacturer's warranty where they can try putting you into a regular lined bifocal at no charge.
So you should not have any other out of pocket expense considering the fact that the first pair you purchased has not yet corrected your vision problem.
Don't be embarrassed or timid, I strongly suggest you take them back where you got them and make them aware of the problem your having, if they want to charge you for a whole other pair of glasses then I would get a copy of my prescription and go elsewhere because your prescription at this point has not been filled adequately to correct your vision.

As always I hope this has been helpful, all readers please feel free to leave comments or questions, and I'll see you next time.

Thanks a bunch, come and visit me at:
www.MobileEyeGuy.com

Ben Ramsey…..aka MobileEyeGuy

Expired eyeglass prescriptions

2005-10-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Once again hello,
Before we start with today's topic, on a personal note, you may or may not know that I live down here in Southern Louisiana, Lafayette to be exact.
And, unless you have been in a cave for the last month you know that we have had a few little storms going on down here!
We have all been a little busy down here, and resources are pretty strained, I sure hope the rest of hurricane season will be quiet for us, and for everyone for that matter, we could use a break.
As you know my blog is for the purpose of education not a political blog like a lot of blog's out there, but man, I could sure write some political views about what has really been happening down here versus what the national media is telling the rest of the country.
But I am going to let that go!

As always, thanks so much for your comments, the last post was fun wasn't it!
The reason I like comments so much is because it gives me new subject matter for more posts.
Today's posts will be an answer to one of the comments in the last post.
The question was asked:
How about filling expired eyeglass rx? Is there a Fed reg limiting time on eyeglass rx's? I only found the reg. for Contacts. for example, patient comes in, wants new eyeglasses, file shows has not had recent exam and rx is 5 years old...can it be filled? Do you have legal right to refuse? or just give duty to warn statement regarding having routine eye health exam? should patient sign waiver of liability if filling old rx?

The answer is, No, there is no federal regulation mandating how long an eyeglass prescriptions is good for.
But, there is a federal regulation mandating that before you make a pair of glasses you have a current prescription, but the Dr. decides how long to make the prescription good for, just like any other prescription medication.
So... If the doctor that gave you your eye exam puts an expiration date of 12 months on the prescription then that's how long it is good for.
12 months is pretty much the standard, although some eye doctors use 18 months, and every once in a great while you will see a prescription that is good for 24 months, but you don't see those very often.
And there is no waiver of liability for filling an old RX.
If you walk into a optical shop with an outdated prescription by law they are not supposed to fill it.

Especially in my case where I am an independent optician which is basically like being a pharmacist for eyewear, and all my prescriptions are what we call an outside RX.
I can not fill that 5 year old RX, or I would be in deep trouble.

Now I am not going to say that this doesn't happen sometimes,
Here is the scenario:
If you buy your glasses from the same guy who gave you the eye exam and it has been 13 months or so since your last exam, and you tell them, I am not going to get an exam right now, the doctor has the option to go into your patient file and extend your prescription so he doesn't lose your business and at least sell you a pair of glasses.
He wrote the original prescription, so he can modify it if he sees fit.

But when you take your prescription to either an optician like me, or another doctors office, or discount place of some sort, they cannot change the expiration date or fill the prescription if it is past due.
That's also the definition of outside RX
whenever you are getting your glasses from someone other than the place you got your exam.

It's the same thing with contact lens prescriptions, the doctor decides how long the prescription is good for and when it is time for you to have a new exam.

As always hope today's posts was helpful,
keep those comments and questions coming, that's what this blog is all about.

Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Ben Ramsey A.B. O.C.
a.k.a….. mobile eye Guy

www.mobileeyeguy.com

PIERCED EYEGLASSES

2005-09-13T07:54:00.000-05:00

As always let me say again, I am glad those of you that our viewing my blog enjoy the content, and I'm glad you're leaving comments, that was the concept from day one.
So thanks for your participation.

Today's posts should be fun!
On the last post someone had left the comment saying how they enjoyed the blog, and what did I think about the new “pierced eyeglasses”.
Well, I have been in this business almost 18 years, and I like to think that I keep up on all of the latest trends, but I have to admit I had never heard of “pierced eyeglasses”until this comment asking about them.
Check out the photos below:

The person that left the comment also left a link to another web site where the pierced eyeglasses were pictured.
http://hodgepodger.blogspot.com/2005/04/artist-invents-pierced-glasses.html

The person that invented these is an artist, and said he was tired of his glasses slipping down his nose and that is why he invented these.
Now call me old-fashioned but I think this is about the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.
As an optician I do not think this is very practical at all.
I suppose it could be my age, and if you are a young person you may think it is cool since so many young people seem to be piercing things these days, but again I don't think this is very practical even from a cool, hip fashion standpoint.
From a professional standpoint if you're having trouble with your glasses slipping down your nose,
A. get a frame that properly fit's, or
B. get contact lenses

What do you think?
Are they cool or crazy

As always, thanks for stopping by, please feel free to leave comments.

Ben….aka MobileEyeGuy

www.MobileEyeGuy.com

Plastic VS Polycarbonate VS Glass Lenses

2005-08-05T13:21:00.000-05:00

In this segment I am going to talk about the different choices of material that lenses are available in.
This is another subject that was sparked by a previous comment on a prior post.
The subject was “ do I really need that, scratch resistant coating”.
In that post I stated that everyone needs scratch resistant coating because they do not clean their lenses properly so scratch resistant will help prolong the life of the lenses.
You can read that article if you like, by clicking the link in the archive section of this page.

To comment went like this:
If people just bought Glass lenses they wouldn't need to get scratch resistant coating's. It's amazing how the optical industry has brainwashed people into thinking that they need plastic lenses and then they tell them to get the lenses coated.

I have been in the optical industry for going on 17 years now,
and I am afraid I would have to somewhat agree with this statement.
That is exactly what happens, but that is also why in that post I threw in a shameless plug for my company, because I give free scratch resistant coating on every pair of lenses I sell, as opposed to most places that are pushing plastic lenses are also pushing the scratch resistant coating and charging for.

John Q. consumer has been brainwashed into thinking plastic lenses is what they need,
in fact, the deal now is everybody is pushing polycarbonate lenses,
on the premise that they are thinner, lighter, and impact resistant, which is all true,
but they are also more expensive than regular plastic lenses, of course, and just like plastic, or Glass for that matter, they're not for everybody.

So what I would like to do is discuss the pros and cons of all three of these choices.

Some of you along with myself included are old enough to remember back when we didn't have all these choices, there was a time when Glass lenses were the only thing you could get.
Then they came out with plastic lenses which everyone was excited about because they were much lighter weight, but what they discovered was they scratch easier.
The Glass lenses are a little tougher but they were so heavy.
And the mindset now days is people want their glasses to be as light weight and nonintrusive as possible, that is why they are pushing polycarbonate lenses now.

So,
Glass lenses weigh more and if you drop your glasses they may shatter because Glass is the least shatterproof.
But, Glass lenses give you the best optics, in other words you get better visual acuity through a Glass lens, and they do not scratch as easily as plastic or polycarbonate.

Plastic lenses are lighter weight, and much more shatterproof, but will scratch easier if you do not clean them properly, and you will lose a little visual acuity.
But this is still the most popular choice for lenses because most people do not want to put up with the extra weight of a Glass lens, and with a scratch resistant coating and proper cleaning they will last for a good amount of time.

Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter and are shatterproof, most optical,s
you go to will also call them impact resistant which is the same thing.
You can take a hammer and smack a polycarbonate lens with it and it will not break,
so they are the safest lens when it comes to impact resistance, but once you smack it with that hammer you will not be able to see through it because it will be scratched up and dented.
Polycarbonate lenses are very soft and pliable that's why they're impact resistant,
but they also scratch the easiest, so it is a must that you use proper cleaning methods with a polycarbonate lens or their only going to last about 10 minutes.
And for some people they have some inherent distortion that they cannot tolerate,
also some people complain about chromatic aberrations as well.
So although they are the safest you are going to sacrifice some visual acuity with a polycarbonate lens.

I specialize in prescription safety glasses, and being in a safety environment, one of the things I'm faced with when I am sitting down with a safety director to discuss their prescription eyewear program is what type of lenses should we use?
You would think that in a safety situation you would want polycarbonate lenses for your safety glasses because they are the most impact resistant therefore the safest.
And in some cases that is true. But what if the workers are in a really dusty dirty or greasy grimy work environment?
The polycarbonate lenses are going to get so scratched up very quickly that now the worker cannot see through them. So is that safe if they can't see through them?
In a case like that their really better off with a Glass lens.
That way they are easier to keep clean so they can see better which makes them safer.

In summary, what you really have to do is ask yourself what is important to you,
what are your cleaning habits, and in the case of safety eyewear, what type of environment are you going to be using these glasses in?
Are you going to take good care of your glasses? Or do you know that you're not very good at cleaning them properly.
Is it impact resistance and safety that you are after?
Or do you want the best visual acuity, and if so are you willing to put up with the extra weight of a Glass lens?

So, although as I stated before I somewhat agree that we have been brainwashed,
I can't honestly say everybody should be wearing Glass lenses.
Glass lenses are not for everybody nor are plastic lenses or polycarbonate.
As I have always stated in prior post or face-to-face with my customers,
you have to educate yourself to the different choices available in eyewear and then
You Choose what is best for you!

As always, I hope this has been helpful.
I encourage any comments or questions in regards to regular glasses or prescription safety glasses, please feel free to visit my web site, where you can go to the “contact us”
page there you will find my phone number and my e-mail address.

See you next time

Ben…..aka MobileEyeGuy

http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

Why isn't my Eyeglass Exam good for Contacts too?

2005-08-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

Once again, thank you for all your comments on the last
“Do I really need that” post.
As I stated the comments brought forth some great questions,
and were going to address one of those in this post.

I hope the person that posted the comment doesn't mind me using it for this post.
But I think it is a question that a lot of people have, and that is why I wanted to use it as a basis for this post, it read like this:

“ This is useful considering I need a new pair of glasses. Actually, I prefer contacts, but I need a new pair of those as well, and the insurance won't cover the cost of the exam. Ridiculous. The insurance will pay for the lenses, will pay for the regular eye exam, and will pay for the glasses, but it won't pay for the measurement for contacts. Why is it a separate charge, anyway? Why isn’t it just part of the exam? Not fair.”

OK... Let's talk about this a moment, I am not going to say whether it is fair or not, but I am going to explain why they consider it too different types of eye exams.
In fact, there are actually three types of eye exams.

1. Eye exam for eyeglasses

2. Eye exam for contact lenses
(commonly know as a Contact lens fitting)

3. Eye exam for pathological problems
(usually given by a Ophthalmologist)

First off let's understand the difference between the three O’s.
An Ophthalmologist holds a doctorate of medicine (M.D.). These doctors have an intimate knowledge of all types of eye conditions and diseases, and can perform eye surgery when required.
They do more of a comprehensive exam looking for problems such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataracts etc. You can get an eyeglass prescription from these guys, but it is usually going to cost a lot more, and the doctor himself very rarely does the eyeglass exam, his technician does it and he signs off on it.

Optometrists hold a doctor of optometry degree (O.D.). Optometrists typically diagnose vision limitations, prescribe corrective lenses, and when vision disorders are present, refer patients to ophthalmologists.
These are the guys that are giving you either and eye exam for eyeglasses, or an eye exam with a contact lens fitting so they can give you a contact lens prescription.
Their eye exams are usually much less expensive than the ophthalmologists, and they do the eye exam their self rather than they're technicians doing the eye exam.

Opticians specialize in prescription eyeglasses. In certain geographical locations, they can distribute and fit contact lenses as well.
In some states it is mandatory for opticians to be licensed, and in some states it is not required. Opticians are like a pharmacist they fill the prescription.

That is what I am, I am an optician and licensed by the ABO.
That means I have passed a board exam to prove my competency set forth by the ABO.
ABO stands for “American board of opticianry”, so when I write my name it looks like this:
Ben Ramsey A.B.O.C. which means American board of opticianry certified.

Now, in my opinion if you are not having any pathological problems with your eyes, and all you want is eyeglasses or contact lenses then go to an optometrist.
The eye exam will be a lot less expensive and usually they're a little bit better at correcting your vision.
Please do not misunderstand I am not saying anything negative about ophthalmologists,
it's just that when they give you an eye exam they are looking at you from a surgeon’s point of view, and are looking more for pathological problems than just a refractive error.
And if you're not having any other problems besides just not seeing as well as you would like there is no sense in paying the extra money to go to an ophthalmologist versus the optometrist.

Back to the original question.
Why isn't my eye exam good for contacts too?
When you get an eye exam to correct your vision they put you in the chair and have you looked through the thing-a- majig , and say which is better number one or number two. Right?, then you tell them which one looks better to you.
This is called a subjective exam, you are making the choice of what looks better,
which in turn enables the doctor to diagnose what power your corrective lenses need to be.
But if you want contact lenses that power is going to be slightly different because instead of your corrective lenses being several millimeters away from your cornea suspended in a eyeglass frame, the corrective lenses are going to be laying directly on your cornea.
So that is going to change the power slightly. Plus, they also need to establish what size and what kind of contact lens is going to fit you.
They have to know what base curve you require how much liquid versus oxygen content your eye needs etc.
Unlike eyeglass lenses contact lenses are not standardized.
Because everybody's eye is not the same size or shape there are several different types of contact lenses, so the doctor must establish what size and shape and style of contact lens is best for you.
If you're a first-time wearer you may have to try a couple of different styles of contacts to find out which one is best for you, which may require a couple of follow-up visits.
So the point is, being fitted for contact lenses is more time-consuming than just a simple eye exam for glasses and that is why a contact lens fitting is more expensive than an exam just for eyeglasses.

Therefore most insurances don't what to pay the extra cost for the contact lens fitting.
They usually want the patient to pay a copayment to cover the extra charge.
I guess their philosophy is their job as an insurance company is to correct your vision with eyeglasses, but if you want contact lenses they consider that a luxury and do not want to
pay for it.
Again I'm not saying whether or not this is fair, I'm just saying that's the way it is.
I have heard of some insurance companies paying for contacts but then you have to buy your own eyeglasses.
It is very rare that I have ever seen an insurance company pay for eyeglasses and the contact lenses both.

As always I hope this has been helpful, feel free to post any comments or ask any questions that you may have regarding this post or any other optical questions.
You can also visit my web site, and go to the contact us page, there you will find my phone number and e-mail address feel free to contact me.

See you next time
Ben.... A.k.a. mobile eye Guy

http://www.mobileeyeguy.com/

Sorry for slow update...but more to come soon!

2005-07-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

Once agian I must say I'm sorry for not keeping my blog updated!
I am more of a "face to face guy", I hate to write!
But I like to educate and help people...( catch 22 )

I want to thank everyone who left comments on my last post.
I am glad the blog has been helpful and also brought forth more questions.
And even suggestions to update more post.
I am going to do better! I PROMISE! on putting more post's up.
So please keep dropping by to see what is new!

In fact I am going to step away from the "DO I REALLY NEED THAT " thing for the next few post, and address some of the comments that were brought up on the last post.

Hopefully this weekend I will have at least two more post's up.
I am going to address the comment that was brought up in the last post,
( WHY IS MY EYE EXAM NOT GOOD FOR CONTACTS TOO? )
And
( PLASTIC VERSES GLASS VERSES POLYCARBONATE LENSES )

Thanks again for your comments , PLEASE feel free to keep up the comments and Questions
on anything you would like to know about

See'Ya very soon

Ben.....aka Mobile Eye Guy

www.mobileeyeguy.com

Do I Really Need That Part 2, Scratch Resistant & UV Coating

2005-03-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

Hello again ,
Welcome to “Do I Really Need That Part 2 “ Lets get right to it!

Do I need scratch resistant coating?.... Yes!
In my opinion everybody needs scratch resistant coating because no one cleans his or her glasses properly. Some people take better care than others of their lenses, but everyone at one time or another cleans them with their shirttail or their skirt, and that's when they get scratched.

Let me clear something up for a lot of you while we are talking about Scratch coat.
There are those that think because they paid extra and got the Scratch coat, their lenses won’t scratch…. WRONG!
Scratch Resistant means MORE RESISTANT to scratches, Not SCRATCH PROOF!
Now some places sell scratch warrantees, so when they scratch you can get new lenses,
But most of the time that is pretty expensive, and people are so busy now days they never
Get around to changing their lenses until they are ready for a new prescription so
They never use the service they paid for, at least that is what most places are counting on.

Most places charge extra for scratch resistance, but unless they just want a crazy amount for it, it is worth it to everyone to have. If they want too much for it, then you’re buying your Glasses from the wrong place anyway!

Do I Need UV 400 protection?
On your Sunglasses Defenatly Yes, on clear lenses? , It doesn’t hurt but not totally necessary.
Some Optical professionals will disagree with me, but think about it, people who don’t wear glasses do not have any UV protection and they are not suffering because of it.
BUT …when wearing Sunglasses or a tinted lens the tint makes your pupil dilate
Which lets in more UV, so that is when UV is necessary.
When wearing clear lenses or no lenses your pupil constricts letting in less UV.
So when deciding if you want to get it in your clear lenses it is back to “HOW MUCH”
Extra is it?

You see Gang, you sometimes have to be careful when shopping for glasses because some places, especially so-called discount places use the old ( Bait & Switch ) to jack up the price of their discount eyewear.
Anybody ever see this happen? ….. You see an ad for Complete pair of glasses
Frame and lenses $39.95 , which is usually a Cheap frame with Bare bones lenses.
Then they charge you $60.00 for a Scratch Coating and UV, so those $39.95 glasses
End up costing you $99.95 + Tax

So Buyer’s beware, educate yourself and shop around, know what you are buying.
That is the point of this Blog! , To help educate the Consumers.

Now It is time for my Shameless Plug!
It just so happens that one of my slogans is:
“No Gimmicks – Just Savings”
I am a one-man operation, so I don’t have time to haggle over price.
So to keep from having to discuss whether it is worth the extra or not for Scratch coat
I just give Free Scratch Coating on ever pair of lenses I sell.
(I know what you are thinking) No, I didn’t raise my price to force every one to buy it.
That is another thing some places do.
I charge $42.00 dollars for a Pair of single vision lenses, That includes Scratch Resistant & UV 400 protection!
That’s enough Shameless Plugging for this session.

As always please post any question you might have, or subjects you would like to know about . I hope you can visit my Blog and it helps you to become an educated consumer.

See’ya next time

Ben Ramsey…..aka Mobile Eye Guy

www.MobileEyeGuy.com

Prescription Release Rule

2005-02-24T03:15:00.000-05:00

Hi gang..... I know in my last post I said we were going to do a series on “Do I Really Need That”, and I am anxious to get that started, But before we proceed with the next post on that series I thought it was important to face another issue that seems to be unknown by the consumers who wear prescription eyeglasses.
So for today we are going to talk about the FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
Prescription Release Rule. Did you even know that there was such a rule?
How many times have you been at your doctor's office to get and eye exam and when you were ready to go you asked for a copy of your prescription and they looked at you like you just asked for $1 million dollars.
For whatever reason the eye doctors have got the general public hoodwinked into thinking that your eye exam fee is a down payment on a pair of glasses.
Most of the time they make it seem so uncommon that most people are intimidated to even ask for a copy of the prescription, so they end up buying a pair of glasses from the doctors office that they got the exam from. And Maybe that was not the best deal for you.
Well you as a consumer have a right to shop around for the best deal on your eyeglasses just like any other purchase you make. Your exam fee is just that, a fee for the exam only and you are entitled to a copy of your prescription with out asking for it.

When you go to your family physician for whatever reason, flu, cold, sore throat, etc. and they write you a prescription, do they walk you out to their reception area and you buy your prescription from them before you leave?….. No! You take it to your pharmacist,
Or shop around for the best price on your prescription. Then why is it that we are made to feel like we have to by our Eyeglasses on the way out of the eye Dr’s?
Now if you are comfortable with your Dr’s optical department and you like their selection & prices, and quality of service then that is GREAT! Stay with them.
Just because I am an independent Optician in the business of selling eyewear that doesn’t mean I am trying to pull anyone away from their Dr. As I have stated before, The purpose of my Blog is to help educate the consumers, So I am just making you aware that you do have and are entitled to choices. Here is how the Rule reads:

Facts for Consumers from the Federal Trade Commission

Eye Wear -- May 1994
Produced in cooperation with the American Academy of
Ophthalmology, the National Association of Optometrists and
Opticians, and the Opticians Association of America

If you, like many Americans, wear eyeglasses or contact lenses,
you probably know that comparison shopping can help you find
quality eye wear that meets your budget. In fact, your ability to
comparison shop for eyeglasses is aided by a Federal Trade
Commission Regulation. Under federal law, you have a right to a
copy of your eyeglass prescription so that you can shop for the
best value in eye wear. If you are buying contact lenses,
comparison shopping also can help you find an eye care specialist
who offers products and services suited for you.

This fact sheet explains what rights you have under the law and
gives you information about various types of eye care
professionals. It also gives some suggestions about selecting an
eye care specialist and shopping for eye exams, eyeglasses, and
contact lenses.

Your Legal Rights

Eyeglasses

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC)
"Prescription Release Rule"
Requires eye doctors to give you your eyeglass prescription, at
No extra cost, immediately after an eye exam that includes a
Refraction (a test that determines the prescription needed to
Correct your vision). Your eye doctor may withhold your eyeglass
prescription until you have paid for your eye exam, but only if
your eye doctor requires immediate payment whether or not a
visual correction is needed.

With prescription in hand, you can shop for eyeglasses just as
you would for other health-related products and services, looking
for the best quality at the best price. You have a legal right to
your eyeglass prescription, so request it if it is not provided
immediately after an eye examination in which a refraction is performed.

I didn’t want to make this post to long, but there is much more info on this RULE.
If you want to read this whole report were I got this info here is a link:
Facts for Consumers from Federal Trade Commission

Here are a couple more links with more info on the subject:
More info on Prescription Release Rule

Update on Prescription Release Rule

I hope you find this info and this Blog helpful, as always feel free to post a comment

Thanks for stopping by
See’ya next time

Ben Ramsey…aka Mobile Eye Guy

www.mobileeyeguy.com

Sorry for delayed updated post!

2005-02-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

Well….. It was my intent to post another segment on “do I really need that” by now,
But as you can see it has been awhile since I posted anything on this blog.
I am sorry for the delay, but I had one of my best friends come down sick with cancer, so I have been spending a lot of time setting with him in the hospital and so on.
On January 31 he went on to be with the Lord.
So now that that is over with, and the holidays are behind us, I now have more time to concentrate on keeping this blog updated.

Please come back and visit frequently, as it really is my intent to have a website (blog)
where people can come and learn about eyewear and safety eyewear, and ask questions.
I promise to put new information up more frequently from now on.

I am going to post some segments on lens add-ons as discussed in the last post in regards to “do I really need that”.
And some more upcoming subjects will be Polaroid lenses, or as some people call them polarized lenses.
And also for those who are interested in some new innovations in safety eyewear,
We will be talking about the new polarized safety glasses, and did you know they have pre-made safety reading bifocals, and reusable stick on bifocals for safety glasses now?
These are some subjects that we will be talking about in the blogs to come.

Please if there's anything you would like to know about, or discussed, feel free to post on this blog, that is what it is here for.

Thanks a bunch for visiting,
See you soon.

Ben

www.MobileEyeGuy.com

Lens add-ons...OR...“Do I Really Need That?”

2004-11-23T05:35:00.000-05:00

Five years ago when I first started working for myself and had just launched the first version of the MobileEyeGuy.com Website I started a newsletter.
The newsletter had some pretty good stuff in it, but I was pretty green back then and didn't know too much about backing up your files.
Well, that first little Hewlett-Packard computer I bought finally crashed one day, I guess I overworked it, and I lost all those newsletters I wrote.
So these first few blog's I will be going on memory and redoing some of those old topics.

One of the things that I talked about was how opticians are taught to profile their customers in order to better decide what add-ons and extras to push at them,
so that's where I came up with a little series called “Do I Really Need That”
Now if you're not clear on the profiling thing, here is an example.
Let's say you just finished your exam, you have your prescription in hand, you go out to look at frames and speak with the optician.
They start asking you questions like, what do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, do you spend much time on a computer, etc. etc.
They want to know all these things because you may be eligible for multiple pairs.
Maybe you work in an office, but on the weekends you love to fish.
They may suggest that you get a progressive bifocal with an anti-reflective coating for your computer, and then a second pair of Polaroid sunglasses for your fishing.
Now I'm not saying that profiling is a bad thing, because that very well may be the case.
You may want a nice pair of Polaroid sunglasses for your fishing, and anti-reflective coating is great for the computer, but what if you're not on the computer that much in fact you have to go out into the shop quite a bit, then the anti- reflective coating may not be the best thing, and you are working six days a week so you don't have that much time for fishing and don't get to go very often, so the added expense of a second pair of sunglasses and the extra cost of the anti-reflective coating may not be worth it to you.
That's why I like to explain to my customers the pros and cons of each add-ons or the advantages and disadvantages of more than one pair of glasses, obviously the largest disadvantage is the added cost.
I think it's best to educate people, then they can profile themselves, and make an educated decision on what's best for them.
Using the same scenario you could get one pair of glasses but instead of anti-reflective coating you could get a Transitions changeable tint, that way when you do get a chance to go fishing your lenses would turn into sunglasses while you're outdoors but at work while you're in the shop you would not be tearing up your Anti-reflective coating.

So, in the blogs to come we will be discussing these different add-ons, their advantages and disadvantages, and that will hopefully help you the consumer decide for yourself
“Do I Really Need That”

As I stated in the introduction I do encourage those of you that are reading this blog and have questions in regards to optical please feel free to post a comment and ask me any questions that you might have about frames lenses or safety issues, that's what this blog is for, thanks once again for visiting.

Signing off for now
Ben
www.MobileEyeGuy.com

Introduction

2004-11-21T07:36:00.000-05:00

If you have worn glasses for any length of time then you know that you have two choices - you can go to the retail chains at the mall and doctor's offices where the belief is you will get expert advice and service along with better quality eyewear, but you will pay a premium price for your glasses. Or you can go to the discount places and get a really good price on your glasses, but maybe not such expert advice or quality service and products.

It's been said to me in the past when I've helped people pick out their frame and lenses "boy, you are a really good salesman". I really don't care for that term "salesman" because I don't think of it as sales, I think of it as expert advice and I think of myself as an eye care professional not a salesman. I like to take the extra time to explain to my customers their choices.
The eyewear industry has gone through a lot of changes in the last 10 years. We have a lot more choices on lens options and add-ons and frames to pick from such as:

* lined bi-focals versus no-line,
* anti reflective coatings,
* changeable tints,
* titanium frames versus stainless steel frames
* plastic frames versus metal frames, etc.

So I can imagine to the consumer, how overwhelming it can be to make the right choices to fit their lifestyle. I pride myself on educating my customers to the advantages and disadvantages to all the various product options available. That way they can make their own educated decision on what is right for them.

And that is the purpose of this Blogg, I will be posting little newsletters on this blogg on different subjects from time to time on frames, lens choices and options, and safety issuse on safety eyewear.
But I would like to leave this blogg open to anyone for comments and or questions on anything you read here, or on anything you would like to know about.

Thanks for stopping by....and enjoy
Ben
www.MobileEyeGuy.com