sport sunglasses

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 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.

Adult Sunglasses at Performance Eyecare

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Performance Eyecare St. Louis

While summer is winding down, it’s important to continue to protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses, such as ones that you can find at Performance Eyecare.

As noted by GetEyeSmart.org, we often spend more time in the sun during the summer which increases our chances of developing cataracts and growths in the eye, including cancer. This risk also applies to those who go to tanning beds for their bronze look.

Do you remember that brightness when the sun reflected off a fresh snowfall six months ago? Well, that can cause photokeratitis, which is responsible for snow blindness. This same effect can happen when you’re at the beach or a pool as the sun reflects off the sand or water. This is why it’s always important to wear UV-blocking glasses when you’re out in the sun.

A survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), only about half of people who wear sunglasses say they check the UV rating before picking out their pair. The AAO recommends the following:

1. Wear sunglasses labeled as 100% UV protection.

It’s important to wear glasses that protect both UV-A and UV-B rays and are labeled either as UV400 or 100% UV protection.

2. Wear a hat along with your glasses

This is self-explanatory as a hat can help keep the sun away from your eyes. Clouds don’t block UV light, so sunglasses are important to wear even on cloudy days.  And remember that sun rays are strong. So strong they can pass through haze and clouds. Remember: sun damage can happen at any time of year.

3. Stay inside during UV-intense times

The sun’s light is strongest mid-day to early afternoon, at higher altitudes, and when reflected off of water, ice or snow. It’s important to remember this when you leave the house.

As Performance Eyecare, we offer designer frame sunglasses that will not only look stylish on you, but more importantly protect your vision from the sun’s harmful rays.

Show Your Eyes You Love Them With These 8 Simple Eye Care Tips!

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You can tell that Valentine’s Day is on its way right now. Every day there are more and more advertisements on the television about jewelers and Hallmark cards, and many radio stations may soon be playing more love songs as Valentine’s Day approaches.

If you think about it, many of those love songs tend to include eyes. Think about it – there’s “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, and “Brown Eyed Girl,” by Van Morrison.

It makes sense, though – as William Blake once said, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” We place great value on our eyes and vision, and we wish to give them the best care we possibly can. All to often, however, life gets in the way. We become busy or we simply forget to do a few easy things to keep our eyes healthy and strong.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t just show your love to your special someone by serenading them with these songs (and other great love songs out there) – show much you love and care for your eyes by following these 8 simple eye care tips!

VeggiesEat the Right Foods

Many studies have shown that several nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and vitamins C and E can help fight off or slow down age-related vision issues such as cataracts and Macular Degeneration. Be sure to regularly eat the following foods to keep your eyes healthy:

  • Leafy green veggies like spinach, kale, and collards
  • Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
  • Oranges and other citrus fruits
  • Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources

Keep in mind also that eating the proper food will not only keep your eyes healthy and your weight maintained, but it will also lower your chances of getting Type II Diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults. What a win-win reason to eat more healthily!

Stop Smoking

If there’s another reason to help you quit smoking, it’s probably this – smoking has been found to increase your risk of getting cataracts, Macular Degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Show your eyes how much you care by quitting smoking!

Protect Your Eyes from Injury

Did you know that about 325,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year? Perhaps more frightening than that statistic is the fact that more than 90% of those injuries could have been prevented with proper eyewear! When you partake in your favorite hobbies or sports, be sure to wear the proper eyewear. Remember, you only have one pair of eyes. Protect them well!

Avoid Eye Strain As Much As Possible

Computers and smart phones are fantastic inventions and help us accomplish so much these days, but spending so much time in front of them has harmed our eyes. By spending lots of time in front of the bright screen, you can strain your eyes or get dry eyes or blurred vision. Be sure that your computer monitor is 5-9 inches below eye level and that the brightness isn’t very high. Also, be sure to abide by the 20/20/20 rule – every 20 minutes you are looking at the screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help keep your eyes healthy and well-focused.

Say “No” to UV Rays

Did you know that ultraviolet rays can harm your eyes as much as they can harm your skin? It’s true! In fact, every 15 minutes you are outside adds to the cumulative effect of radiation damage you have accrued. Fight against UV rays by wearing sunglasses or contact lenses that are UV protective. Remember, even if you wear contacts, you’ll still need to wear sunglasses to protect the whites of your eyes.

Be Smart When Driving at Night

Nighttime driving can be hard on the eyes, and since it’s still dark out around rush hour, it’s still an inevitable part of life for commuters. When driving in the dark, try to look at the bottom right of the road whenever you’re able (especially as cars are coming toward you on the other side of the road). Make sure, also, that you use the night setting on your rearview mirror to help reduce headlight glare behind you!

Take Proper Care of Your Contacts

Contacts might seem scary to new users, but they’re actually pretty easy to care for. However, contacts must be kept clean. Every single time you put in your lenses or take them out of your eyes, rinse them out with contact solution. Change the solution in the contact holder every time so that you don’t risk infecting your contacts. Also, don’t fall asleep in your contacts unless your eye doctor gives you instructions to do so.

Get an Eye Exam Every Year

The scary thing about eye problems is that more often than not, they tend to sneak up on you slowly or progress without being detected. Your eye doctor can take a look into your eyes and ensure that your eyes are truly healthy. Your doctor can also tell you if your glasses or contacts are still benefitting your vision and can update your prescription, if need be.

Want to show your eyes some love? Schedule your next eye exam with us at Performance Eyecare! Just give us a call at (618) 234-3053 in Swansea or (314) 878-1377 in St. Louis. We would be more than happy to take a look at your eyes!

Are You an Athlete? Let Us Protect Your Eyesight!

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Every spring, both professional and amateur athletes head out to the play their favorite sports. And while many people love to look cool sporting their jerseys on the field, it’s important to remember to protect your body from injury, especially your eyes.

Why protect your eyes when playing baseball, basketball, or any other sport? Just imagine an errant pitch or a baseball lost in the sun going right toward your unprotected face. Perhaps another player on the basketball team accidentally hits you in eye with his or her elbow. These instances can cause scratched corneas, fractured eye sockets, and even permanent vision loss, all because you didn’t think it was “cool” to protect your eyesight in front of your friends or rivals.

And think about it – you protect your knees, shoulders, head, and other parts, bones, and joints when you play sports, so why not your eyesight? After all, broken bones and bruises will heal in time, but serious eye injuries can take you off your favorite sport’s roster permanently.

Luckily, we at Performance Eyecare can provide you with your sport’s eyewear needs! Check out some of the great products we offer!

For Baseball Players – America’s favorite pastime is a very visually-demanding sport, especially when you need to hit a 90+ mile per hour fastball. We offer some fantastic, special sunglasses just for you!

For Football Players – Since football players must wear helmets, we recommend that you wear our very own retainer contact lenses and take advantage of the Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS).

For Tennis Players – We have many types of lenses that will improve contrast and enhance the color of the yellow tennis ball. We also have lenses that are best for certain weather conditions when playing from sunny to cloudy and everything in between.For Golfers – Did you know that we are one of only a few offices in the St. Louis area to specialize in Golf Vision? That’s right! We carry several different styles of golf sunglasses. The latest is the Rudy Project Ketyium featuring a green-tinted lens that enhances all green colors, thus enhancing the contrast of the white golf ball while it is resting on the green, tee box, or fairway. This wrap-style of frame provides great coverage for the golfer and can also incorporate a prescription.

For Swimmers – Don’t let chlorine get you down! We carry an assortment of swimming and scuba goggles. You can even have your own prescription lenses inserted into them so that you can see whenever you swim.

For the Hunters – We provide several lens tints that can be utilized to achieve optimal visual performance based on various weather conditions,

If you’re ready to get out there and play your sports while protecting your vision, schedule an appointment at your local Performance Eyecare office today!

Summer Fashion Trends

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Performance Eyecare has the summer fashion trends in sunglasses. Looking to go to the beach or head on vaca? Stand out from the crowd with the latest summer trends in sunglasses.

There’s a style for everyone this summer from mirrored lens to rounded, extra-large frames to acetate semi-sheer frames. Those styles along with sculpture-like, ombre frames, mannish-styled, vintage inspired and edgy silhouettes are in this season.

Here’s what’s “in”:

Rounded frames

Round-shaped sunglasses have become popular recently and were highlighted at a variety of recent fashion shows.

Classic Cat Eye

These fashionable glasses are a blast from the past. The vintage-inspired are popular in women for the bold colors but mostly the cat-eye shape.

Oversized frames

Oversized frames are a quick way to make a fashion statement. The thick frame version of this style is extremely popular and offers a classy and trendy look that is bound to turn heads.

Other ‘in’ styles

  • Thick frames – Super thick frames are definitely in this season and come in a variety of fun shapes and classy looks.
  • Clear frames – White or light-colored rims is the one of the women’s fashion trends of 2014.
  • Mirrored lens – These add a splash of color and shine to any outfit.
  • Prints on frames – A classic pair of sunglasses couldn’t be trendier with printed or patterned frames.

Need Glasses? Find the Perfect Frame for Your Face Shape!

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Did you know that it takes only three seconds for someone to make a first impression of you? That’s right – your hair, clothing, height, and the way you carry yourself is all analyzed within that short amount of time by those who encounter you.

Many times a certain type of frame can really attract a lot of positive compliments! But what type of frame is right for you? The endless options of eyewear can be very overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of what will work with your face shape.

That’s where we come in!

If you don’t know your face shape, pull back your hair and look at yourself in the mirror. What kind of shape do you see when you examine your hairline, cheeks, chin, and jawline? If need be, take a dry erase marker and draw the shape of your face in the mirror.

Most eyewear will fall into one of four face-shape categories: square, round, oval, and heart. Choose the category that best describes your face shape, and see which frames you should shoot for to help you look your best!

If you have a SQUARE face…

You probably have a face that is proportional in width and length. You also might have a broad forehead, strong jawline, and a squared chin. You will want to create the illusion of length to help soften your jawbone, so round or oval frames with upward curves would be great for you! Frames with pops of color of flourishes in the corner can also help soften your sharp features. Try on semi-rimless, oval, and cat-eye frames to see which one you feel flatters your face the most.

If you have a ROUND face…

Your face is probably proportional in length and width but instead of sharp features, you have soft curves, a rounded jawline, and very few angles. Unlike those with square faces, you will want to stay far away from small rounded frames. Instead, try on high or mid-height temple frames, which will help give you a longer, slimmer face. Geometric and angular frames will also provide your face balance. Give squared frames with straight top lines and bold colors a shot – you’ll probably love them!

If you have an OVAL face…

Then celebrate! Your face shape is one of the easiest to dress up! Your face is probably longer than it is wide, has balanced features, and a chin that’s slightly narrower than your forehead. Your jawline is probably rounded, too. Wider frames with strong top lines will probably complement your face the best. But because your face is suited for nearly any frame, you don’t have to feel confined to a single look! Experiment with geometric shapes, square frames, and everything in between.

If you have a HEART face…

Your face is probably shaped like an inverted triangle in that your forehead is wider, your cheekbones are higher, and your jawline is narrow. Stay away from frames that exaggerate the widest parts of your face. Add width to your eye line by choosing round or oval frames that curve upward. Low temples and 70’s styled frames would all look fabulous on you!

If you’re ready for some new glasses, come on in to Performance Eyecare. We have several styles of frames for you to choose from. We want to help you look AND see great!

Eyeglasses for the busy lifestyle

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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.

The Top Five Reasons To Get Your Eyeglasses From Performance Eyecare!

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There’s a lot more to purchasing glasses than picking out a frame and getting some lenses put in it.  You want to purchase a quality pair that is going to hold up while you wear them and last for a couple of years  And if something were to go wrong with them, you want it fixed.  You also want to feel good wearing eyeglasses, knowing they work well with your face, style and that they represent you.  This is where PERFORMANCE EYECARE comes in.  We can take away the stress of worrying about all of these things while picking out your eyewear.

In fact, we’ve compiled a list as to why you should buy your next eyeglasses (and sunglasses) from us!  Check it out.

Reason #1: We’ve Got the Best Selection of Frames in the Metro-East

Our optical selection is one of the best in the area with over 700 quality eyeglasses and sunglasses to choose from. Whatever your style or budget is, we are confident that we have several frames that you will love.

Reason #2: Our Opticians Are Specially-Trained to Fit You in a Frame

We have a custom selection-process to fit your optical needs and our non-commissioned opticians pick frames for you according to your face shape, skin tone, brow structure, and so much more! We also have the ability to fit you into specialty eyewear, including sport sunglasses, sport goggles, and even scuba goggles!

Reason #3: We Have Our Own Eyeglass Laboratory

We make eyeglasses in the office with our state-of-the-art edging instruments. We can grind lenses for most prescriptions in our office to ensure the best quality. This also decreases turnaround time so that your new eyeglasses are ready sooner.

Reason #4: We Carry Quality Products

Like most products, there is a wide spectrum of quality among lenses and frames in the optical industry. We offer the most technologically advanced lenses that allow you to see your absolute best. Our frames are that of the highest quality, which hold adjustments. They’re built to last for many years to come.

Reason #5: Five-Star Warranty You Won’t See Anywhere Else

We are so confident in our eyeglasses that we carry a 2-year warranty on lenses and frames at no additional cost. If your glasses break, simply bring them back and your glasses will be repaired or replaced for free. We also offer a 60-day exchange policy, so if you decide you don’t like the shape or color, you can return it for another frame. If new lenses are required, a small lab regrinding fee will be charged depending on the type of lens you require.

If you’re ready to buy your eyeglasses now or even if you simply have more questions about what we do, don’t hesitate a minute longer! We can help you find eyeglasses that you will love!

 

Missing Summer Already?

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We have a sale worth seeing!

If you are already dreading the cold, snowy winter days ahead of us; and instead are dreaming of the sun-kissed afternoons that summer brought, you are in luck! We have a special going on that is sure to brighten even the coldest of winter days. Now, through December 31st all of the sunglasses at Performance Eyecare are on sale! The good news is we have several hundreds of sunglass frames to choose from in both our Swansea & St. Louis locations. Not only do we have a selection like you wouldn’t believe, we also carry top of the line name brands such as Callaway, Oakley, Maui Jim, Kate Spade, Wiley X, Nike & Tom Ford.

Performance Eye Care, Sunglasses

Keep in mind that the health of your eyes shouldn’t take a back seat because the cold months can be just as dangerous as the summer ones. Sunglasses not only help protect your eyes from the reflective rays off of the snow..but also:

  1. Decrease Dry-Eye Problems
  2. Reduce Glare
  3. Less Eyestrain From Squinting
  4. Protective Layer From Debris
  5. Visual Appeal

That being said, make an appointment today with Dr. Dirk, or Dr. Cuff and stuff your stocking with the unexpected – vision and stylish sunglasses to go with it!

What Are Your Chances of Developing Macular Degeneration? Visit Us to Find Out!

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EyeImagine doing your favorite activity right now. Perhaps you picture yourself reading your favorite book, sewing together a gorgeous quilt for your best friend, fixing up a car, or painting a landscape that would even make Monet jealous.

Now imagine yourself doing those same things with low vision or no vision at all. That’s what it would be like to partake in your favorite activities if you suffered from macular degeneration.

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “macular degeneration” but have no idea what it’s all about or maybe you shrug off the worry, thinking that it only strikes the elderly. We at Performance Eyecare are here to tell you that you should take the time out to get tested to ensure that you are not developing the disease that is a huge reason for causing vision loss in people across the world.

It’s true, macular degeneration is a common eye condition that mostly affects people in their 50s or older. What happens when you have macular degeneration is your macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see things in sharp, clear vision, is destroyed gradually, causing you to lose your vision in time. Sometimes the disease advances so slowly that you won’t have vision loss for a long time, and other times it progresses so quickly that you might experience vision loss in one or both eyes, making it hard to recognize your loved ones’ faces, drive your car, or do your favorite hobbies and activities!

So who is at risk for this disease? Macular degeneration typically occurs in those 50 years old and older, and as you age, your risk increases. Other risk factors include smoking and if anyone in your family has developed the disease at some point.

There are some schools of thought that believe that your lifestyle choices can make a difference in developing the disease, especially if you’re predisposed to the disease due to family history. Lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking, exercising, maintaining a normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eating a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish might help you prevent this disease.

The most important thing you can do to fight against macular degeneration, however, is to get tested. Seeing your eye doctor at least once a year for a complete eye exam can help ensure that you’re healthy, and the disease is much easier to deal with when it is detected early.

We at Performance Eyecare are happy to inform you that we will be holding a testing day at our office in Swansea on Thursday, January 31! We will be offering the MaculaRisk Genetic Test – the most advanced diagnostic tool for determining your risk of vision loss from macular degeneration – to all who come in on that day! Your health insurance will be billed, so your out-of-pocket expense that day will only be your copay, if you have one.

To schedule an appointment with us on our testing day or to make a regular appointment for an eye exam, just call us here at (618) 234-3053 in Swansea or (314) 878-1377. Be sure to check us out online at www.PerformanceEyecare.com to see what we can do for you!