Sunglasses

Celebrating National Sunglasses Day 2023: Safeguarding Your Vision with UV Sunglasses

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To celebrate National Sunglasses Day 2023, we’re shedding light on the importance of protecting our eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The Vision Council, a leading authority in the eyewear industry, has been instrumental in raising awareness about the significance of UV sunglasses.

In this blog post, we delve into the history of National Sunglasses Day, discuss the vital role of The Vision Council, and emphasize the significance of shielding your eyes with UV sunglasses.

The History and Purpose of National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day was established by The Vision Council to educate the public about the harmful effects of UV radiation on eye health and promote the use of sunglasses as a protective measure. This annual observance, held on June 27th, serves as a reminder to prioritize eye protection and raise awareness about the importance of selecting quality sunglasses.

Advocacy for Eye Safety

The Vision Council is a non-profit organization that serves as a unified voice for the entire eyewear industry. Comprising manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers, this esteemed council collaborates to foster innovation, set industry standards, and promote best practices.

The Vision Council’s commitment to advocating for eye safety is evident in their efforts to promote National Sunglasses Day. Through this campaign, they aim to emphasize the role of sunglasses as a fashionable accessory and a vital tool in safeguarding vision.

Protecting Your Eyes: The Importance of UV Sunglasses

Understanding UV Radiation

UV radiation, a component of sunlight, can cause various eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without adequate protection can lead to long-term damage and vision impairment.

Benefits of UV Sunglasses

UV Protection: High-quality sunglasses with UV filters block harmful UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of eye damage and potential vision problems.

Glare Reduction: Sunglasses minimize glare from reflective surfaces, enhancing visual comfort and reducing eye strain.

Blue Light Filtering: Certain sunglasses are designed to filter out harmful blue light emitted by electronic devices, reducing eye fatigue and potential long-term effects on vision.

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

To ensure optimal eye protection, consider the following factors when selecting sunglasses:

UV Protection: Look for sunglasses labeled with 100% UV protection or UV400 to ensure maximum shield against harmful rays.

Lens Quality: Opt for lenses that provide distortion-free, high-definition vision while blocking UV radiation.

Fit and Coverage: Select sunglasses that provide adequate coverage, shielding your eyes from all angles and minimizing peripheral light exposure.

Accurate Prescription: Make sure you’re getting your prescription sunglasses from a trusted eye care provider. At Performance Eyecare, we specialize in comprehensive eye exams to ensure the prescription in your sunglasses are exact.

Check out this helpful infographic for fun facts about sunglasses and UV protection:

Remember to celebrate this day by wearing your favorite pair of UV sunglasses and encouraging others to prioritize their eye health. Let’s keep our vision clear and bright for years to come!

Need Prescription Sunglasses?

Fill out the form below to schedule an appointment at your nearest Performance Eyecare location to get fitted for prescription sunglasses for the whole family!

All About Prescription Sunglasses

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If you’re someone who needs prescription eyewear but also loves spending time outdoors, you may have found yourself in a difficult situation. How do you enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing clear vision? Enter prescription sunglasses. 

However, purchasing prescription sunglasses can often be an expensive and stressful process. Not to mention, the fear of losing them can make wearing them even more anxiety-inducing. 

Use Your Vision Benefits

That’s why our latest video focuses on the benefits of utilizing your vision plan benefits to purchase prescription sunglasses. By using your benefits, you can potentially save money while also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have insurance coverage for your eyewear. 

But the benefits don’t stop there. In this video, Dr. Senija Turan also offers tips on how to choose the right frame and lens options to maximize your vision benefits and ensure your investment lasts. Plus, you’ll be able to do all of this with confidence, knowing that you’re making an informed decision based on your specific vision needs. 

Let Performance Eyecare Help You Find the Perfect Pair

Say goodbye to the stress and anxiety of expensive glasses shopping and hello to clear vision and confident style. Check out our latest video to learn more about how utilizing your vision plan benefits to get a pair of stylish, functional prescription sunglasses from Performance Eyecare! 

If you’re ready to explore the joys of prescription sunglasses, schedule an appointment with one of our locations today!

Performance Eyecare is the Midwest’s largest, privately held eye care provider with nine locations in Missouri and Illinois.

Is Your Eyesight in Need of Protection During the Winter? We Say YES!

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Snow lovers everywhere are gearing up for winter to officially hit, and many are wondering if this year’s winter will be a winter wonderland or a mild season. Many forecasters are calling for more wintery precipitation than last year in the St. Louis area.

You might be one of the many who dread winter and are currently putting away your shorts, flip-flops, and swimsuits for the rest of the year. One important “summer” item that you shouldn’t put away – your sunglasses!

You may not realize it, but spending a day in the snow can be much harder and detrimental to your eyes than a day at the beach. That’s because snow reflects nearly 80% of the sun’s rays, which means that more harmful ultraviolet rays are directed into your unprotected eyes.

Hours of bright sunlight can actually burn the surface of your eyes. This causes a temporary yet painful condition called photokeratitis. As time passes, unprotected exposure to the sun can contribute to cataracts and even cancer of the eyelids and to the skin around the eyes. Ultraviolet exposure can also increase your risk of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65.

Winter Eye Protection

How do you ensure that your eyes are protected during the winter? Easy! Wear the proper eye gear.

When you go outside to build a snowman, take a walk in the snow, start a snow fight, or attempt to drive to work in the snowy wonderland, always wear a pair of sunglasses that will block out the harmful ultraviolet light. Make sure that your sunglasses can block out 100% of UV light. Remember, just because the lenses are dark doesn’t guarantee that they will block out 100% of the light.

If you plan on hitting the slopes this winter, be sure to wear protective eyewear. Goggles or sunglasses should do the trick and should help ensure your safety.

Most importantly of all, please do remember to wear sunglasses while on the road. Too often we are blinded by the bright light reflecting off the snow, and this can cause harm to ourselves and others around us. Avoid any and all accidents by wearing sunglasses so you can see where you are going.

If you’re looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses for you to wear during the winter (and the rest of the year, too!), come see us. We have hundreds of frames for you to choose from. Protect your vision this winter with help from your friends at Performance Eyecare!

Performance Eyecare will keep your eyes healthy this winter

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What’s the number one concern during the cold winter months? Staying warm, of course! Keep in mind that your eye health shouldn’t take a back seat because these cold months can be just as dangerous as the summer ones.

Here are 3 tips to keeping your eyes healthy this winter:

  1. Keep your eyes moist

We all love to sit around a fire or next to the heater during the winter, but doing this can cause dryness and irritation to your eye. Those who already suffer from dry eyes should really be careful where they sit in relation to a heat source as this can be extremely painful.

Dry eye syndrome is just one of the many eye conditions we can treat at Performance Eyecare. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition, especially in women over 40, but it has many available treatment options.

  1. Wear sunglasses with UV protection

Many of us don’t like snow because it keeps us from traveling outside, but here’s another reason to dislike the snow: it’s super bright when the sun is out. As noted by YourSightMatters.com, “snowy conditions double the sun’s effect as ultraviolet rays can enter the eyes from above and are reflected off the snow into your eyes.”

So what’s the best thing to combat the brightness? Wear sunglasses that block 99 or 100 percent of UV light. In addition, wear a hat or a visor for extra protection.

At Performance Eyecare, we carry a lot of UV-protected sunglasses. What’s even better is that we have designer sunglasses, so yes, you can look fashionable even when you’re wearing a heavy coat and bulky pants to stay warm during the winter. Just stop by for a visit soon to find the right pair for you!

  1. Wear goggles

It can be easy for debris to into your eyes when you’re outside. It can be easier when you’re skiing behind someone or having a snowball fight. It’s recommended that you wear goggles for maximum protection as sunglasses won’t be as effective for protection.

Who knew the winter months could be so dangerous for your eyes? Luckily, we know and we also know how to treat your eyes with care and precision. Contact us to make an appointment or check-up soon!

Get the latest fall fashion glasses at Performance Eyecare

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Trends can be hard to keep up with, but we always carry the latest style of eyeglasses at Performance Eyecare.

Rima Kh. of Fashionisers.com points to several trends if eyewear for this fall and winter.

The number one trend is graphical forms in sunglasses. These forms are a variety of squares, triangles, ovals and rounded forms. The shade alternatives add extra character to the glasses and make an impressive fashion statement.

The second trend is oversized sunglasses. The big, opaque sunglasses will give you a sense of style and modernism while hiding your look from the eyes of everyone, if that’s what you’re going for.

The third trend is the cat-eye sunglasses which remain the catchiest and most impressive alternative of the main sunglass trends this season. This style of sunglasses is an awesome solution for people with diverse face shapes and complexions.

The fourth trend is aviators. This look is back on the catwalk this season with different variations to the aviator look. This comeback gives eyeglass wearers a sophisticated and modern look while adding creativity and personality to your complete style.

Massive plastic frames is the fifth trend for this season. This look can make you appear as a strict lady or a mysterious femme fatal. It adds a ton of personality to your complete look as it can add any stylish look and combo to your wardrobe.

Another trend this season is having dark tones in your sunglasses. Buying a pair of stylish opaque sunglasses secures a successful combo for your style. This style completes the combination of opaque textures and designs with modern shapes and interesting garment choices.

Ombre is also a major trend to have for the colder months. These sort half-and-half sunglasses shift from dark to light is an amazing and cool design solution. These sunglasses should be matches with your garment and fine details such as nail polishes.

Never leave home without your sunglasses

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More than half of 10,000 Americans polled didn’t know the health benefits of sunglasses and 27 percent stated they never wear sunglasses.

One main health benefit of wearing sunglasses is to protect against skin cancer.

According to SkinCancer.org, five to 10 percent of all skin cancers are on the eyelid. Some of the skin cancers found on the eyelid are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Only five percent of the skin cancers on the eyelid are melanoma.

The signs of eyelid cancers are highly variable. They are often scar-like in appearance or texture. One study out of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found the most common symptoms of skin cancer on the eyelids included a mass or tumor (42 patients); ulceration or sore (33 patients); altered appearance (10 patients); a red spot (five patients); ingrown eyelashes (two patients).

It’s recommended that you rub sunscreen on your upper and lower eyelids to protect from UV rays.

Sunglasses are also key to protection from UV rays. Many studies have shown a photo-protective effect from both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Sunglasses are more effective in blocking the harmful UV rays than prescription eyeglasses.

At Performance Eyecare, our eye doctors will set you up with the perfect pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses to match your style while protecting you from harmful UV rays. Schedule an appointment with us to ensure your eye will be protected this spring as you begin to head outdoors more.

Performance Eyecare is the place for children’s glasses

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With the kids going back to school, it’s time to bring them in for an eye exam and pick out any necessary eyewear to help him or her succeed this school year.

We understand kids can be picky about what they want to wear, but we’re confident your child will find the perfect pair of glasses at Performance Eyecare.

Here are the five trends in children’s eyewear:

  1. Designers have taken cool and classic designs that work for adults and scaled them down for kids. Don’t be surprised if your child wants eyeglasses that look a lot like yours.
  2. Branded or licensed eyewear lines grab a child’s attention. Fisher-Price, Hush Puppies, Stride Rite, Disney and Marvel Comics appeal to kids of all ages, but especially to very young children. Lines related to extreme sports (X-Games), basketball (Nike, Converse) and other sports are very popular with slightly older kids.
  3. Spring hinges, strong and flexible frame materials and impact-resistant polycarbonate or Trivex lenses all help protect your child’s eyes — as well as your financial investment in his or her eyewear.
  4. Don’t forget about sunglasses for kids. Protecting your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays may lower the risk of adult eye problems like cataracts later in life.
  5. Photochromic lenses made of impact-resistant polycarbonate are an excellent choice for kids who spend a lot of time outdoors. Clip-on sunglasses (or newer versions that magnetically attach to eyeglasses) also are good choices.
  6. For the child who is fast becoming a teenager, eyewear fashion is increasingly important. Designer eyeglass frames from Guess?, Calvin Klein and others are very appealing to “tweens.” Also popular are frames branded with apparel and accessories names such as Esprit, Nine West and Banana Republic, as well as celebrity brands like Hilary Duff and Thalia eyewear collections.

SUNGLASSES Protection and Quality

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Summer is just around the corner: it’s time to protect yourself with prescription sunglasses! Our eyes, like our skin, need protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to the National Eye Institute, sunglasses protect eyes from UV rays and can lessen the incidence of the following health conditions:

Cataracts, a clouding of the eyes’ lens which can blur vision. (An estimated 20% of cataracts cases are caused by extended UV exposure).

Macular degeneration, a disease resulting from damage to the retina which destroys central vision or our ability to focus straight ahead with acute detail. (Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States).

Eye care protection

Sunglasses are the simplest and single-most effective method of eye protection; coupled with polarized lenses which contain reflective surfaces can offer many of the following benefits:

  • Elimination of glare
  • Neutralization and blocking of most UV rays
  • Stylish comfort and quality frames
  • Protection of sensitive eye tissue

Quality Sunglass Frames and Lenses

Sunglasses containing polarized lenses can block multiple ultraviolet rays and help shield sensitive eye tissue from the sun. At Performance Eyecare, we offer a wide selection of designer sunglass frames including Maui Jim. Maui Jim developed PolarizedPlus2®, a special lens technology which provides nearly 100% protection from harmful UV rays. We also offer waterproof, anti-reflective lenses with an option of four, color polarizing lenses that block light reflection and glare to produce a crisper, sharper view. Our sunglasses are available in prescription and non-prescription lenses as well as four, distinct lens material types to provide individuals with maximum flexibility to select lenses for high performance sports or everyday wear.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and check out our selection of eye-protecting glasses!

PeC has the latest trends in performance sunglasses

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Performance EyeCare Illinois Sport Sunglasses

The interest in performance-oriented sunglasses has surged in recent years, as well as outdoor activities such as mountain biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, golfing and in-line skating.

The boom in outdoor sports activities like mountain biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, golfing and in-line skating has also created a demand for sports- and performance-oriented sunglasses.

These special-purpose sunglasses are designed to be exceptionally light and comfortable, able to withstand extreme conditions and stay comfortably in place during any activity.

Lenses

Perhaps the most important aspect of effective sports sunwear is the optical quality and visual enhancement properties of the lenses. In particular, sports and performance lenses are available in a wide variety of tints to modify light in certain ways to enhance contrast. This allows you to see certain objects (a tennis ball, for example) with greater clarity to enhance your reaction time.

Polycarbonate lenses are the lens of choice for most sport sunglasses because they are lightweight, super strong and more impact-resistant than lenses made of other materials.

Polarized lenses are also in demand, because they reduce glare from light reflecting off flat surfaces such as water or a field of snow. There is, however, some debate about the advisability of polarized lenses for sports like downhill and mogul skiing, since seeing sunlight reflecting from icy patches on the slopes is often beneficial.

Frames

The frames for performance and sport sunglasses are made of lightweight and durable materials such as polyamide, which keeps its shape even under stress. Styles are typically aerodynamic, with sleek lines. No-slip temple grips and nose pads are popular features to help keep the eyewear in place despite wearer perspiration during the heat of competition.

What’s your sport?

Each sport has its own unique visual requirements, which has led to the development of sport-specific sunglasses. Frames and lenses are now available that are targeted specifically to the golfer, the cyclist, the boater, the rock climber and so on.

For example, a certain lens tint might help a golfer notice subtle changes in the direction of the blades of grass on a green that could affect the line of their putt, while a completely different tint might be better to help a hunter see the contrast of a flying bird against an overcast sky.

If you prefer to be a Jack (or Jill) of all sports, there are also multipurpose sports sunglasses that feature interchangeable lenses with different tints for different sports and lighting conditions.

For more information on prescription sunglasses, visit your local Performance Eyecare location!

Keep your eyes safe on the golf links

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The weather is warming up and many of us will be hitting the links to play a round of golf this spring. Before you take your first swing of the season, make sure you’re wearing the proper golf eyewear.

Did you know Performance Eyecare is one of only a few offices in the St. Louis area to specialize in golf vision and prescription sunglasses for golfing?

It’s important to wear sunglasses when you’re outside to begin with, but many sunglasses aren’t optimized for the game of golf. This is why we carry several different styles of golf sunglasses in our stores.

We all have troubles finding our golf ball from time to time, but it’s become a little easier with the latest eyewear from Rudy Project Ketyium. This eyewear features a green-tinted lens which enhances all green colors and helps enhance the contrast of the white golf ball.

It also has a wrap-style frame to provide greater eye coverage for the golfer and it can also incorporate a prescription.

While finding your golf ball easier is great, the main reason you should wear sunglasses on the golf course is for protection from UV rays. Sunglasses can limit your chances of developing cataracts and possibly macular degeneration as it protects the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. You should choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

Stop in soon or schedule an appointment to Performance Eyecare and let us help pick out the best eyewear for your style and health. The eye care professionals at Performance Eyecare give each of our patients the personal attention and care that everyone deserves and ensures that your eye health is our number one priority.