Prescription Sunglasses

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

by

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

by

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!

by

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

by

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!

Never leave home without your sunglasses

by

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.

PeC has the latest trends in performance sunglasses

by
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

by

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.

Matching Eyeglass Frames To Your Face Shape!

by

We get it. You want to see, but you want to be fashionable while wearing your new glasses. So what should you look for when trying to pick out the best frame?

  1. Eyewear should repeat your personal best feature (such as a blue frame to match blue eyes).
  2. The frame shape should contrast with your face shape.
  3. The frame size should be in scale with your face size.

While most faces are a combination of shapes and angles, there are seven basic face shapes: round, oval, oblong, base-down triangle, base-up triangle, diamond and square.

Here is a further description of these face shapes and which types of frames work best for each, according to The Vision Council. A good optician can help you use these guidelines to choose your new eyeglasses.

Round

A round face has curved lines with the width and length in the same proportions and no angles. To make a round face appear thinner and longer, try angular narrow eyeglass frames to lengthen the face, a clear bridge that widens the eyes, and frames that are wider than they are deep, such as a rectangular shape.

Oval

An oval face is considered to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. To keep the oval’s natural balance, look for eyeglass frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of the face, or walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or too narrow.

Oblong

An oblong face is longer than it is wide and has a long straight cheek line and sometimes a longish nose. To make an oblong face appear shorter and more balanced, try frames that have more depth than width, decorative or contrasting temples that add width to the face, or a low bridge to shorten the nose.

Base-down Triangle

A base-down triangular face has a narrow forehead and widens at the cheek and chin areas. To add width and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face, try frames that are heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half or cat-eye shapes.

Base-up Triangle

This face has a very wide top third and small bottom third. To minimize the width of the top of the face, try frames that are wider at the bottom, very light colors and materials and rimless frame styles (which have a light, airy effect because the lenses are simply held in place by a few screws, with no surrounding frame material).

Diamond

Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and jawline, and have broad cheekbones that may be high and dramatic. This is the rarest face shape. To highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones, try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines, or try rimless frames or oval and cat-eye shapes.

Square

A square face has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead, plus the width and length are in the same proportions. To make a square face look longer and soften the angles, try narrow frame styles, frames that have more width than depth, and narrow ovals.

No matter what your face shape is, we will help find the right pair for you. We have a variety of frames (over 700) to match your style while helping you see the world around you a lot better.

We have custom selection-process to fit your optical needs and we pick frames according to your face shape, skin tone, brow structure, and more. So schedule your Performance Eyecare appointment today!

The Most Valuable Christmas Gift: Eye Health

by

“Where did you buy that gift?” “I went to Performance Eyecare.”

Okay, that may sound weird for two reasons: 1. The gift didn’t come from the epicenter of Christmas shopping, the mall and 2. The gift came from the eye doctor.

But don’t count us out when you’re searching for a Christmas gift this year. We have the most valuable Christmas gift in town and that’s the gift of vision.

For starters, we have the most fashionable eyeglasses and sunglasses in the St. Louis area. We’re sure you overheard a relative or a friend say they wish they had a different pair of sunglasses or new stylish frames at some point this year. The reality is people keep wishing and never do anything about it.

Bring them into Performance Eyecare to check out the several hundred eyeglass and sunglass frames on display at one of our 8 locations around Missouri and Illinois. We have glasses in all price ranges and for infants on up.

Our top designer frames are made with the highest quality and come from Lafont, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tom Davies, OGA, Tom Ford, Maui Jim, OGI, and many more. You won’t have a problem finding the perfect style.

Eyeware Gift Ideas

Every year you buy the avid golfer on your Christmas list the same thing: a dozen golf balls and a gift card to the golf store. Well, switch it up without switching the gift theme. We carry top of the line golf sport sunglasses that will help any scratch golfer or golf ball hacker see the ball better.

We also have baseball eyewear, football contact lenses, tennis lenses, shooting and hunting specialty eyewear, and more. Give the gift of sight improvement this holiday season!

Eyeglasses and sunglasses are the obvious gift choice, but you could give a more important gift: overall vision.

We all have a relative or friend that wears glasses or contacts and still says “I can’t read that. What does it say?” It’s time to bring those loved ones in for an updated eye exam because eyes change and they need to wear the right prescription of eyeglasses or contacts. Plus, you won’t have to be their eyes for them anymore which is a relief if you’re always being asked to read things for them.

After all, it’s the thought of the gift that counts.

Eyeglasses for the busy lifestyle

by
Man sitting at desk holding documents, side view

Do you use the same pair of glasses for everything you do, or do you own a pair of specialty eyeglasses designed for specific tasks?

“One size fits all” is true in some situations, but it’s unlikely that one pair of eyeglasses is suitable in every situation, such as when you’re sitting at the computer or driving a vehicle.

The most important reasons for purchasing specialty eyewear, according to a survey by The Vision Council, include:

  • For a specific activity such as computer use, work, hobbies, sports or driving.
  • To see better in general.
  • For safety reasons to protect the eyes from harm while playing sports.
  • For cosmetic reasons.

Computer Glasses

You are at an increased risk of developing eye strain and other symptoms with the more time you spend sitting at a computer. This is the result of focusing on a very specific area for a long period of time. The computer screen can tire the eyes more quickly than reading a book or newspaper.

Computer glasses are designed for intermediate and close-up distances and will help you avoid eye strain.

Work and Hobbies

If you wear bifocals, you may realize that you have to tip your head back to use the reading zone in the bottom of the glasses. That is unless what you’re reading is in your lap.

You can purchase special work glasses that have the reading segment placed higher in the lenses. Special bifocals and trifocals for work-related tasks are called occupational lenses.

A separate pair of reading glasses might be helpful if some of your hobbies include beading, needlepoint, crafting or anything that requires intense focus at close distances.

Then there is safety glasses that can protect your eyes while working with hand and power tools.

Sports Eyewear

You can improve your visual acuity on the golf course or tennis court by changing the lens tint of sunglasses. Sport-specific eyewear can enhance performance by improving visual clarity while protecting your eyes from injury.

Driving Glasses

There are two categories when it comes to driving glasses: sunglasses designed for driving and prescription eyeglasses.

Sunglasses for driving have polarized lenses that reduce glare and make it easier to see in bright light.

Prescription eyewear for driving includes an appropriate distance prescription and lenses with an anti-reflective coating. This coating reduces glare from light off the front and back of your lenses and allows more light to enter your eyes for better vision when driving at night.

Safety Eyewear

Many people buy specialty eyewear for increased safety, such as safety glasses, sports goggles or shooting glasses.

Safety eyewear is made of ultra-durable materials and provides more coverage than regular glasses.

You can get the latest fashionable specialty eyeglasses at Performance Eyecare. Our team will work with you to discover which prescription works best and looks best so you can see safely in your everyday tasks.

Maui Jim Sunglasses

by

Vacation Excursions and Eye Protection

Your summer getaway may be a romantic excursion to Venice or a family vacation to the Ozarks. Regardless of the nature, exotic or conventional, any excursion risks ruin when eyes don’t get the protection they need. During warm weather, it’s the wind and the sun that fatigues the eyes and increases the chances for foreign bodies and corneal abrasions. There is a solution, and it’s probably already in your bag, but did you consider the quality of the sunglasses you packed?

Designer sunglasses are fashionable and stylish, but they aren’t all equal. Your typical Gucci or Dolce & Gabanna frame will get admiration, but the functionality of these brands ends with fashion. Maui Jim provides fashion and function in lenses that are lightweight and designed for a premium optical experience.

PolarizedPlus2 technology eliminates 100% of UV rays and 99.9% of glare, perfect for outdoor land or water sports. Maui Jim also offers four colors in their lenses meant for different uses, such as increasing contrast and color to cut a few swings off your best golf score. They also have multiple mirror applications from which you may choose to create lenses that fit your personal style.

The lenses are lightweight and shatter resistant, which provides comfort and safety during a time when the thought of eye protection shouldn’t cloud your ability to let loose and create lifelong memories.

Be sure to pack your designer sunglasses when you’re planning your summer vacation this year, but be prepared for them to stay in your suitcase. Your Maui Jims are unlikely to leave your face.

If you are interested in a superior sunglasses experience contact us. We’ll help you match your style to your sunglasses needs.