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Phone: Blanchardstown 01 820 2900 | Rathmines 01 497 0516
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Your World – Bring it to life

October 16th, 2012

I am just such a fan of Maui Jim sunglasses. Why ? Really comfortable frames, fantastic wraparound features, and lenses that really bring your world alive. Discover how.

So why Polarised Sunglasses?

May 5th, 2012

Polarised sunglass lenses are far superior at cutting out glare than basic tinted lenses.   Also, they are not overly dark to look through, so you don’t have to constantly take them on and off when the clouds come out.

Due to the quality of the lenses, polarised prescription sunglasses are usually more expensive than sunglasses with a standard tint.

We are currently running an offer on prescription polarised sunglasses, including frame and lenses:

  • €200 for polarised single vision lenses and frame.
  • €325 for polarised varifocal lenses and frame.

The selection and quality of frames on offer is great too.  Here are photos of some of the frames included in the offer:

polarised2polarised3

polarised1

Something great has become even better !

April 14th, 2012

UV LIGHT IS A MAJOR HAZARD TO THE EYE

UV exposure is dangerous not only for our skin, it can also damage the inside of our eyes.  This can contribute to several eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.  Even in cloudy weather, there is still a certain amount of UV radiation.

Clear glasses will help to stop some of this radiation from reaching the eye (the light is filtered as it  passes through the thickness of  the lens).  However, there will also be unfiltered light reflected from the back surface of the glasses into your eye.

UV LIGHT BOUNCES BACK INTO YOUR EYES 

uv

In a previous blog, I mentioned the benefits of a Premium Crizal  Scotchgard coating (resistant to dust, water, scratches, smudges and glare).  This coating has now been improved even further, and now incorporates UV blocking technology to the front and back surface of the lens, giving maximum protection for the wearer, as good as the best sunglasses available.

 NOW THERE IS A NEW SOLUTION  

Now you can be confident that your eyes will be protected from UV light, even on a dull day when sunglasses might not be an option.  Research suggest that we get 40% of UV exposure when we are not in full sunlight!. So it’s like wearing sunblock on your skin… you won’t notice the difference now, but you’ll be glad you did it when you’re older!

cryzal-forte-uv

Are you always cleaning your glasses ?

February 25th, 2012

Some cheaper anti-glare coatings can make glasses very difficult to keep clean.  These budget coatings get smudged very easily, should anything touch them.  Most glasses wearers know how irritating it can be, constantly cleaning grubby lenses.

We recommend a Crizal Forte anti-glare lens coat.  This scotchgard coating has a number of great benefits:

  • It is very tough, and doesn’t scratch easily.
  • It’s smudge resistant, and will stay cleaner than other lenses.
  • It is also easier to clean, when it does get dirty .
  • It lets through 99% of light, (up to 30% more light than cheaper alternatives), and minimises reflections and glare.

It’s a little more expensive than standard anti glare coatings, but well worth it when you consider the extra benefits.

Are Polarised Sunglasses better than normal Sunglasses?

January 21st, 2012


When looking at a flat surface like a road, the surface of still water, or the bonnet of a car, there is a lot of light reflected from the surface.  This can be very dazzling and cause a lot of glare.  Most of the light from a surface like this is reflected in the horizontal direction instead of being scattered in several directions.

Polarised lenses cut out all the glare in the horizontal direction, allowing you to see past those reflections.  This enhances the colours visible beneath the reflection, the contrast of the object , and increases the overall visual comfort for the wearer.  They are excellent for general use, and also for activities such as water sports and driving

Because the technology in this type of lens cuts out so much glare, the lens itself doesn’t need to be as strongly tinted as regular sunglasses.  This means that they can be used more often, as they’re not excessively dark to look through.  Also, when you’re driving you won’t have to take them on and off  as much as normal sunglasses if the weather gets duller (as it tends to do a lot in Ireland!).

However, they should be used with caution while skiing, as they may cut out so much glare that the wearer might find it difficult to differentiate between snow and ice.

polaroid

Tip: Reading by the pool in comfort ?

August 6th, 2011

So you have prescription sunglasses for all your outdoor activities, but reading outdoors is something you only do when on holidays.

Tip: Upgrade your free second pair of prescription spectacles to a pair of sunglasses with a multifocal lenses and read in comfort by the pool.

Time for Sport

July 2nd, 2011

The balance between protecting your eyes and giving 110% on the sports field is made easier if you invest wisely.

If you are swimming you will need protection from microbes that live in the water. A good set of prescription goggles makes an amazing difference to your under-water experience.

Sports related eye injuries can range from a scratch on the cornea, bruising of the eyelid, to internal eye injuries and in severe cases, eye loss.  Many of these injuries can lead to vision loss and permanent blindness, therefore the use of protective eye-wear is very important.

High speed ball games from football, to squash or cricket, water team-sports, projectile sports, such as hunting and shooting are all high risk eye-injury activities.

We have the full range of sports related protective eye-wear to fit your needs.

Call us and let us help you to choose the best solution.

Fantastic New Daily Lenses “TRUEYE” Amazing for dry eyes!

January 15th, 2011

I have always had dry eyes, and find most lenses dry and uncomfortable after a few hours. This year, I wore Acuvue Trueye daily disposable contact lenses to the Christmas party, and had comfortable eyes all night! No more dry scratchy eyes!

Traditionally, contact lenses were made from a hydrogel material. This material contained a lot of water. Oxygen travelled through the water part of the lens to allow the eye to breathe.  However the amount of oxygen getting through to the eye was limited, and the water in the lens tended to evaporate during the day. This meant that eyes often felt dry and irritated after a few hours.

Manufacturers found that when silicone was added to the lens, the amount of oxygen getting through to the eye increased dramatically. This is much healthier for the eye.

Another benefit of silicone is that doesn’t dehydrate during the day so the eyes will be whiter and more comfortable.

Now, this silicone hydrogel material is available in daily disposable contact lenses, giving the ultimate in
health and hygiene. Great news for dry eyes!

‘TRUEYE’ Lenses… Fantastic for Dry Eyes!

Mary Browne FAOI Optometrist Rathmines.

Cheap Varifocals versus Superior Varifocals

December 18th, 2010
  • Varifocals have the distance prescription at the top of the lens, so when you’re looking straight ahead, things should be clear far away.
  • There is a gradual change in the prescription from top to bottom of the lens, where your reading area is located.
  • Because all these powers are blended together in the lens, there are distortions at the sides of the lenses, and only a central channel in the lens has clear vision.
  • People with lower quality varifocals will notice that they have to move their head from side to side a lot when reading in order to keep within the narrow central zone in the lens.
  • Superior quality varifocals have less distortion than cheaper ones.  This means the wearer will have a wider clear zone in the lens, and enjoy greater comfort with the glasses.  You may still have to move your head a little from side to side when reading, but not nearly as much.
  • Like all superior products, they cost a bit extra compared to standard varifocals, but considering the added benefits, they’re well worth it.

The cheap varifocal has a narrow area of clear vision centrally, and a narrow area for computer and reading due to distortions at the lens edges.

High Quality VarifocalsCheap Varifocals

Enjoy your cycling with the right lenses

October 23rd, 2010

Tip no 4

For Cycling we recommend:
• A large wrap style frame and sports band eg: Adidas sports range
• Polarised lenses to reduce surface glare and absorb UV
• Essilor Inuit polarising yellow 30% LTF for road cycling or
Touareg Brown 12% LTF for mountain biking
• Airwear Transitions VI lenses with Scotchgard Forte coating –
hydrophobic and smudge repellent

Shooting with greater accuracy with the right lenses !

October 18th, 2010

Shooting accurately requires a great deal of concentration, physical control and superb eyesight, particularly with the right lenses.

Our Shooting lenses tip No 3

For Shooting we recommend:
• Skeet tint reddish brown in colour, this tint is ideal for woodland shooting – this filter makes objects stand out against the sky
• Essilor Apache orange 37% LTF
• Polycarbonate for safety
• Large frame for maximum protection

Attention all spectacle wearing golfers

September 20th, 2010

We all know that spotting your ball as it hooks or slices its way to oblivion is one of the most frustrating parts of your golf game.  Even worse is depending on your colleagues to tell you where your ball has landed.

Why not give your self every advantage so you can have the confidence to follow that ball on its journey.  To improve the contrast ratios and thus enhance your visual recognition you need the right tints and lenses.

For Golf we recommend:

• Transitions VI and Scotchgard Forte coating – hydrophobic and smudge repellent
• Essilor Master Brown 24% LTF
• Large frame for a wide field of view

Planning going skiing this year ?

September 15th, 2010

Top Tips for Sports eye-wear over the next few weeks !

How you perform at sports often depends on your tools and gear. Hand-eye co-ordination is a critical success factor in most sports.  So over the next few weeks we will be sharing some of our secrets for enhanced visual recognition which hopefully will be relevant to your favourite sport.  I hope you enjoy the tips and put them into practice!

Firstly a little background:

Excessive Ultraviolet Light can cause you a lot of harm. Short-wave UV is present in sunlight and particularly at high altitudes, especially where the sun is reflected from the sand, snow or sea.

Tinted lenses are designed to operate at contrast filters to give you the edge when playing competitive sports. They absorb specific wavelengths of light and increase contrast, therefore providing enhanced visual recognition. You can see it faster than you opponent.

Tip No 1.

For Snow Skiing we recommend:

• Large slightly wrap spectacle frame for maximum protection
• Mirror tint to reflect UV
• Essilor Touareg Brown 12% LTF suitable for snow skiing, rock climbing,mountain biking and hiking
• Essilor Sherpa Brown 5% LTF suitable for glacier skiing and mountain climbing. Note as this level of tint  is a class 4  and therefore it is not suitable for daytime driving.  

Are you missing 12% of light when wearing your glasses

August 2nd, 2010

Crizal lenses from Essilor allow 99% of light through with their specially patented technology.  Experience the difference!

Cork Week – Sailing Paradise – Maui Jims prevail

July 21st, 2010

It was truly astonishing to see the number of Maui Jim sunglasses being supported at the Biennial  Cork week sailing event.  While many sunglasses look the same, the Maui Jim sunglasses case sets them apart.

They are big – so you wont forget them. They are incredible strong so no matter what abuse you give them, you favourite sunglasses are fully protected, when you are not wearing them.

We all forget out sunglasses after sailing – a few drinks to rehydrate and engage in social banter as we re-live the races.  The Maui Jim sunglasses do not get lost, you just cant forget them!

Well worth the extra bit.

Do you have blurry vision when swimming ?

June 20th, 2010
  • Are you having trouble seeing the clock or the other side of the pool when you go swimming?
  • Contact lenses shouldn’t be used in water, as bacteria in the water can stick to the lens giving you very bad eye infections.
  • Prescription swimming goggles are a great idea for swimming.

  • We stock ready-made ones with the same prescription in both eyes.  These can be a great help for those who find it frustrating not being able to see in the pool.
  • They’re particularly useful when swimming with children, meaning you can keep a close eye on them to make sure they’re safe.
  • Goggles can also be made to order for those with unusual prescriptions.

Try them out for yourself… you’ll be surprised how much more enjoyable swimming will be!

How do varifocals work ?

May 23rd, 2010
  • The top part of the lens has your distance prescription, so when you’re looking straight ahead, everything is clear far away.
  • There’s a gradual change in the prescription from distance at the top, to reading at the bottom.
  • Slightly below eye level, you have an intermediate prescription for computer use.  Your computer must be below eye level for clear vision with varifocals.
  • Unlike bifocals, in they have no dividing line on the lens, so nobody knows you’re wearing them.
  • Because all the powers are blended together in the one lens, there are distortions at the sides of the lens, so just a central channel in the lens is clear.
  • Better quality varifocals have significant less distortion.  They’ll give you more area for doing things, and are easier to get used to.  It’s worth investing in good quality lenses, so you’ll have more comfort with the glasses.
  • They take up to two weeks to get used to, but once you realise how convenient they are, you’ll never look back… no more taking glasses on and off, and swapping between pairs!

Squinting in the Summer Sun ?

April 10th, 2010

Its a beautiful morning, the sun is shining today. Perhaps you will be squinting without even realising it.

Transition lenses may be the answer for you.

These lenses change colour depending on the amount of sunshine (UV light), saving you the hassle of swapping between clear glasses and prescription sunglasses.

Now is a great time to try them out.

From now until September 31st we are offering a

‘Love them or Leave them’ guarantee for all transition lenses with a Crizal anti glare coating.

If you’re not happy with them, you can return them within 30 days. We will replace the lenses with an equivalent clear pair and refund the price difference between the two.

Transitions are clear lenses with benefits:

  • Totally clear when away from sunshine, eg at night, or indoors away from a window
  • Darken quickly when outside
  • Block 100% of harmful UV rays
  • Automatically adjust to changing light to improve visual quality and reduce eye fatigue

I had them last summer, and loved them. You may need separate sunglasses for driving, as UV blockers in the windscreen prevent the lens changing colour, but they’re smashing for everything else. Why not try them out while this offer is running… you’ve nothing to lose!

transitionsdeal1

Transitions – watch the video