Oct 08

How to Read a Prescription for Glasses?

by Amy Nutt

If you go to an eye care professional for all of your optical needs, then reading your eyeglass prescription is something that you may never have to worry about. However, if you ever plan on trying to order a pair of eyeglasses online without visiting the optician's office it's imperative that you know how to properly read your prescription it you want to get a pair of glasses that you can see out of.

You prescription will often be delivered as a pair of numbers - one number under the Latin abbreviation of OS (your left eye) and the other under the Latin abbreviation OD (your right eye). The farther away either number is from zero in either direction (plus or minus) the worse your eyesight is and the more correcting your vision will need for you to be able to see clearly.

If the numbers in your prescription are in the positive it means that you are farsighted, or that you have problems with seeing things close to you; if the numbers are in the negative it means that you are nearsighted or that you have difficulty viewing objects that are far away.

If you suffer from astigmatism you'll see three numbers in your eye glasses prescription - the first of which will represent both of the numbers seen in a prescription of a person who doesn't have astigmatism, the second number will represent the severity if the astigmatism - the larger the number here the greater you are effected by the astigmatism. The third number in the prescription of a person who suffers from astigmatism will be between zero and one hundred and eighty and this number reveals the location of the astigmatism. For proper corrective treatment of astigmatism, the technician making your lenses needs to know the location of the astigmatism in degrees as well as the level of severity.

Each of the numbers that you see in your eyeglass prescription is crucial to the final result, the numbers may be whole numbers or they may be fractional (like 1.25, representing one and one quarter) and the exact number is required for you to be able to see clearly. The numbers represent diopters which is the unit of vision correction from which your lenses will be manufactured. If you are off by even a fraction of a point when relating the information of your diopters, your glasses may not be as precise as they need to be to properly correct your vision. When relating all of the numbers and symbols of your eyeglass prescription for an order it's imperative that you be precise or you will receive a pair of glasses that won't properly correct your problem.

There are other considerations when contemplating ordering prescription glasses online that don't necessarily have to do with your prescription itself, but that could seriously affect the corrective properties of your glasses. The most common number not represented in your prescription that you'll need to know when ordering glasses online is the distance between your pupils, or your PD. There's a good chance that your PD will be imprinted somewhere on your old glasses, if you've still got them - if you don't the number isn't all that difficult to get. You'll need a ruler that measures in millimeters and a mirror. All you do to get you PD is to look straight ahead into the mirror and hold your ruler directly below your eyes to measure the distance between the centers of your pupils. The most common distance for a PD is between 58 and 70 mm, so if your distance is either well under 58 or well over 70, you might want to measure again.

Reading your prescription and ordering glasses without visiting the optician is certainly possible, but if you have any questions about what you're reading it's highly advisable to visit your eye care professional to be certain that you get it right - eyeglasses are expensive and you certainly won't be able to return a custom pair, so make sure you get everything right before you make anything final.

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Mar 28

Trendy Shades

by Doris Darby

All celebrities understand the real value of a decent pair of fashionable sunglasses. They can be used to hide within the masses as well as hiding the sins of an excessive night out! Whilsts fashions ebb and flow in other aspects of attire, a stylish set of shades will always be trendy.

To work out what will be in vogue this summer, it is helpful to observer the fashionable and famous as they will often be at the cutting edge of style - it's their job. So looking ahead to 2009, it appears as though big sunglasses will be the way to go.

One of my best fashion indicators is Carmen Electra. Whilst I don't claim to be an avid fan of her TV work, whe did look great in her Missoni shades last week.

Catherine Zeta-Jones could have a thing for old, outdated thespians however her style sense is as new as a spring breeze. I just caught her featuring a set by Dolce & Gabbana eyeglasses which were out of this world! I suspect they were the absolutely astonishing "4005" model. They comprised black, with the D&G logotype fashioned into the arms of the spectacles. The dark glasses are big, brash, and beautiful!

One of the most glamourous party girls is Heidi Klum. Heidi was wearing some aviator sunglasses the other day and she looked stunning in them. Whilst some might think that Aviators are a bit Tom Cruise and 1990's - there is definitely going to be a lasting place for them and Heidi proves that.

Paris Hilton has got to be the ultimate party girl. Whilst I am not clear as to where her valued talents lie, she is definitely of the moment, when it comes to style. She was wearing a set of Oakleys the other day and the brand new oakley range will be red hot this Summer.

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Mar 21

Where can you get crazy contact lenses?

by A Nutt

Everyone needs a change now and again, especially when it comes to personal aesthetics. When the itch to experiment arises, there are many ways to achieve a new and exciting look. One way is through dramatic change in our hair style or clothing. Another way to do this is via the use of colored or novelty contact lenses.

For those who are feeling a bit adventurous but may not want to walk too far on the wild side, they may simply go with a different eye color. Individuals who wish to boldly go forth with something outrageous and daring, may find that cat's eye, black and white or spiral lenses are the remedy.

People who look for interesting and unusual or crazy contacts don't merely have to do so to make a unique fashion statement, such lenses can also be used for costumes, plays or any needful occasion. Problem is, when people attempt to locate these fanciful lenses they are often at a loss of where to go.

Below is a listing of some of the more common areas where one can locate odd ball contacts that will offset a wonderful costume or complete a fantastic new look.

Online retailers The largest inventory of unusual contact lenses would of course be on the Internet. This is because merchants that sell these eye accessories can hawk their wares from anywhere on the globe. In the end, you'll have literally hundred of companies to choose from when you decide to look for insane looking contact lenses.

Just be wary when purchasing anything outside of the US, especially if the item is something you plan to place on a delicate area of your body like your eye. The United States has stringent rules about company conduct and consumer safety but other nations may not have such rules in place. Also, should something go terribly wrong, like an infection that costs you your sight, you may not have legal recourse.

If you do wish to purchase a pair of outrageous contacts from overseas, be sure to investigate those countries policies in regards to business accountability and liability.

Costume and novelty stores " Specialty shops that sell theater or Halloween costumes could carry several lines of contact lens in a variety of styles. Before visiting the store you have in mind, try calling them to see if they have what you are looking for. Even if they do not, they may be able to refer you to a company or two that does.

Counterculture hot spots " Goths and Emo subcultures are into avante garde and underground fashions. If you go to where such creatures hang out, you are bound to see one or two them sporting wonderfully decadent eyewear. If you feel so bold, you can go up to the person and ask where they procured their lenses.

If you are feeling bit sheepish about approaching a perfect stranger and asking such a question, all you have to do is find out where Goths and Emo type personalities shop. Most of these stores carry accessories like creature or special effects contacts for a small fee. There may even be wigs and other items that can really cement the look you are going for.

Pre Eye Exam Before you stick anything in your eye however, get an eye exam to make sure it will be okay to do so. Just because the contacts will be used for cosmetic purposes doesn't mitigate the potential dangers to your vision should you put them in wrong (or leave them in overnight). When you receive the go ahead, feel free to hunt for the contact lenses you desire most.

Picking one or several pairs will not only open up a new door to your creativity, it will allow you to explore a side of your personality that has lain dormant and will now get a chance to come out and play.

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