EYEWEAR & VALUE PACKAGES

You will find one of Lincoln's largest selection of designer eyeglass frames at EyeCare Specialties. International Boutique Designers From Paris and Denmark
Fredrich Beausoleil	BCBG
Face A Face	Burberry
LaFont	Clairborne for Men
ProDesign	Columbia
Dior	Kate Spade
Gucci	Liz Claiborne
Nine West	Ralph Lauren
Valentino	YSL

        

SPORT, SUN, & SPECIALTY EYEWEAR

Function
Sunglasses, if manufactured correctly, can protect the eye from the harmful affects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There are three bands of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

• UVA rays are primarily absorbed within the lens of the human eye, though there are no documented disorders of the human eye from UVA, this still remains a much debated and researched topic.

• UVB rays are the ones that burn the skin and can damage the eyes. Combined with cold wind and snow, UVB has the potential to cause snow blindness (photokeratitis), a temporary (lasting 12 to 48 hrs) but painful problem in the cornea of the eye. Some research has suggested that UVB exposure may play a role in the formation of cataracts.

• UVC rays are of little concern since they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface.

• To best protect the eyes, look for sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. All sunwear carried by EyeCare Specialties fit this requirement.

Click here to read more about U/V protection

Fashion
This is one of the most visible reasons why sunglasses (prescription and non-prescription) come in such a variety of styles. Many clothing designers and celebrities have their own lines of sunglasses, and EyeCare Specialties carries some of today's hottest styles.

Many parents don't think about Children's Sunglasses, but experts say that sun damage to the eye is cumulative over a person's lifetime. Ask how to best protect your child's eyes. For those with a more active lifestyle, there are sunglasses to fill your needs. With flexibility, durability and non-slip materials, many of these features can make all the difference.

Sunglass lenses come in a variety of colors, with grey and brown being among the most widely used. Make sure to try on sunglasses not only for fashion, but for vision. Different eyes see better through different colors. Polarization is a filter that absorbs reflected light from horizontal surfaces. This makes your eyes more comfortable when driving, fishing and playing sports. Mirror Coated lenses can be very effective in very high reflective conditions such as snow skiing and water sports. It also plays a role in the fashion arena. Anti Reflective Coating is very helpful on the inside (concave) of the lens where reflection of the eye and images behind you can become a hindrance.
Sport Eyewear
 

Whether you are hunting game or fowl, fishing or clay shooting, EyeCare Specialties has glasses that will assist you. Prescription or non-prescription shooting glasses are available in up to 12 different lens colors. This helps to isolate the background and pick out the target, as well as improved clarity to pick up on any movement. All lenses and frames are interchangeable. That means you can easily snap out one color of lens and replace it with a different color in a matter of seconds. These lenses are also available in polarized or anti-reflective coated.

If contacts or glasses do not work for your water activities such as snorkeling, water skiing or swimming, we now carry prescription swimming goggles. The lenses are molded for better vision, and easy to adjust. Stop in and try on a pair!

Sport Lenses
If you play sports, you should keep two things in mind related to your vision: protection and precision. Sports lenses protect the wearer’s eyes. Sports like tennis, baseball, softball, and racquetball may see ball speeds of 90mph or more. In baseball alone, there are over 500,000 injuries per year! But that’s not the most common eye injury. Most eye injuries occur in basketball, where an elbow or a finger jabbed into the eye can cause corneal abrasions, fractured bones, retinal detachments, or even blindness. Polycarbonate lenses are more resistant to impact than glass or plastic and offer protection for 90% of eye injuries. Protective eyewear fits well, features a padded bridge, has prescription or non-prescription lenses, and deep-grooved eyewires to prevent the lens from falling out.

The specialized lenses also optimize your vision. Depending on your sport, certain lenses are more appropriate than others. Dark, UV protection lenses are great for baseball and other outdoor sports. Golfers can benefit from gray-brown tinted lenses which make it easier to outline the course. Even if you don’t normally wear glasses, non-prescription sports lenses can benefit your performance. Some people think that lenses prevent the wearer from seeing the action, but many sports lenses have anti-fog, glare reduction, and scratch resistant properties. Some are also designed to maximize peripheral vision.

Call EyeCare Specialties, P.C. today for more information about sports lenses. We can recommend eyewear that will offer great protection and will help you to take your athletic performance to the next level. We’ll help you keep your eye on the ball and keep the ball out of your eye.

Computer Eyewear

Computer Glasses for Blurred Vision and Other CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) Symptoms. Computer glasses can make a world of difference in your comfort level while you're using the computer: not only can they correct blurred vision, but they can also relieve symptoms caused by struggling to focus, such as eyestrain and burning.  

• I Already Wear Glasses, Do I Really Need Computer Glasses?
  If you already wear glasses, you may be tempted to just dismiss the idea of computer glasses. Unfortunately, your regular glasses may not be quite right for computer work. Why? Most people wear glasses that do not correct the intermediate zone, or arms length, that most computer work is done. Without appropriate eyeglasses, computer users end up with blurred vision, eyestrain and, often headaches. Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their lens. Both of these positions can result in a sore neck, sore shoulders and a sore back.

• Computer Lens Designs
  There are more than one type of lens that will fill the need of computer users, and various coatings available to help as well. Computer Lenses are the occupational lens of choice. Often compared to the progressive lens, this no-line lens corrects near, intermediate and, up to a point, distance vision. It has a larger intermediate zone than regular progressive lenses.

• Single Vision Lenses give the widest field of vision, yet limit the clarity of vision to one distance.

• Lined Bifocals offer a large field of view through the upper portion of the lens and accommodated near point through a visible segment in the lower portion of the lens.

• Lined Trifocals offer again a large field of view through the upper portion of the lens, near point clarity through a small window in the lower portion of the lens and a ribbon segment between the two that enables for focusing at the intermediate distance. Trifocals are available in a variety of sizes for the intermediate distance, so ask one of our opticians if one of these options is right for you.
   

Don't forget to ask about Anti-Reflective Coating for reduction of glare and reflected light, and Ultraviolet Coating and Tinting that can reduce the harshness of some fluorescent lighting conditions.

LENSES & COATINGS

Anti-Reflective Coating
Normal lenses often create glare, reflections, and “ghost images.” Now that can be eliminated with an anti-reflective coating. What we see is a result of light being sensed by our eyes. With normal glasses, much of the light reflects off the lenses. This produces glare. It also reduces the wearer’s visual acuity. In other words, the light reflections are a cosmetic and visual problem. Anti-reflective coatings increase light transmission through the lenses to 99.5 percent. It makes it easier to see and easier for others to see you. These coatings are especially useful for those viewing computer screens and driving at night.

Bifocal Lenses
For many people, different lenses are needed for seeing at different distances. Bifocal lenses allow the wearer to look through two areas of the lens. One area focuses on distant objects. The other is used for reading. A little-known fact is that bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin, and his style of bifocals are still available today. Most of the time the “reading” area is smaller, shaped like a sideways “D”, and found in the lower hemisphere of the lens. These bifocals are called line bifocals or flat-tops. If you are focusing on distant objects, you look through the top half of the lenses. To read a book, magazine, or newspaper, you look through the “reading” area. The Franklin style lenses are less common, and are split horizontally down the middle of each lens. One thing that is difficult about using bifocals is dealing with the line between the two vision areas. Fortunately, recent technologies have come up with a new type of lens, called the no-line, or progressive.

Cosmetic and Specialty Tints
Your glasses don’t have to be an eyesore to those around you. Eyeglasses can be a stylish accessory, a part of your personality, or a way for you to be different. There are a variety of frames to choose from, but you may not know that there are a variety of ways to improve the appearance of the lenses, too. Cosmetic tints are now available. These tints offer a variety of colors and shades. You can choose light blue lenses, or slightly gray lenses. Some lenses are clear at the bottom and gradually get more colored towards the top of the lenses. There are many ways to adjust your lenses to whatever style suits your personality. Some tints are also functional. Recently there has been much attention on a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS. A special tint for your glasses can reduce eyestrain associated with CVS. There are many other tints to choose from, as well.

High Index Lenses
Previously, the only materials available to use for lenses were glass and a hard resin called CR-39. But recently, high index lenses have become available. High index materials are named because they have a higher index of light refraction. Basically, they can do the same job that glass or CR-39 does, but high index lenses are thinner and lighter. With high index lenses, you can avoid having “soda bottle” lenses. When speaking about high index lenses, you may hear many unfamiliar numbers and terms. Here are a few things to remember.

Polycarbonate
The first and still most popular high index plastic is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate was originally developed for fighter jet cockpits. It is very strong, very light, and resistant to scratches and impact. Most sports lenses are made of polycarbonate.

Mid-Index
Other high index materials are classified by numbers. The higher the number, the thinner and lighter the lens. The lower numbers are classified as mid-index lenses. Mid-index lenses, such as 1.54, 1.56, and 1.57. These lenses are thinner than glass, and nearly as strong as CR-39.

High-Index
High index lenses, such as 1.60, 1.66, and 1.71, are much thinner than glass, but not as strong. Talk with your optician in deciding which high index lens is right for you.

Progressive Lenses
One of the main problems with bifocal and trifocal lenses is the problem of eye fatigue. It is difficult to switch from one focusing power to another. It can make your eyes tired, and it can even lead to a headache, sore neck and sore back. A variation of bifocals and trifocals was introduced in 1955, theses lenses are called Progressive lenses, often called no-line lenses. No-lines provide a smooth transition from focusing on nearby to focusing on distant objects because they do not have a distinct line which separates the focusing powers. Instead, a gradual change in power allows the wearer to focus on objects at all distances. Distant objects are viewed through the upper portion of the lens, while near objects are viewed through the middle lower portion of the lens.

Photochromics
If you’ve ever felt frustrated at needing prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses to accommodate an outdoor lifestyle, you should consider photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays. The change is caused by photochromic molecules that are found throughout the lens or in a coating on the front of the lens. When the wearer goes outside, the lenses darken or tint. When the wearer goes back inside, the glasses become lighter. There are a variety of photochromic options available. Depending on what you choose, you can customize the lenses to your needs. Some lenses darken only in direct sunlight, while others darken in little or no direct light. Some are designed to darken while you’re in the car to reduce road glare while you’re driving. You can even choose the color of the tint. Ask your optician what options are available.

Polarized Lenses
Glare from wet roads, light reflecting off other vehicles, and glare from your own windshield can be annoying and dangerous. To eliminate this glare, you may want to get some polarized lenses. Polarized lenses eliminate almost all glare, reducing eye strain and increasing visibility. Polarized lenses are the most effective way to reduce glare. Most glare comes from horizontal surfaces, so the light is “horizontally polarized.” Polarized lenses feature vertically-oriented “polarizers.” These polarizers block the horizontally-polarized light. The result is a glare-reduced view of the world. Polarized lenses can make a world of difference for any outdoor enthusiast. Fisherman can eliminate the bright reflections from the water and actually see into the water more easily than with any other sunglasses, golfers can see the green easier, and joggers and bikers can enjoy reduced glare from the road. In addition, drivers can enjoy the safety and comfort that polarized lenses provide while driving.

Scratch Resistant Coating
If you have hard resin lenses (CR-39 or high index lenses), you should consider getting a scratch resistant coating. Resins and plastics are more susceptible to scratches than glass. Scratches damage the cosmetic look of the lenses as well as their performance. With a scratch resistant coating, you don’t have to worry so much about minor scratches on your lenses. Another advantage of scratch resistant coatings is that most coatings come with a two-year warranty. They are a great investment to prevent minor scratches. However, it is important to remember that scratch resistant does not mean scratch-proof. All lenses are susceptible to scratches.
 

Specialty Lenses
We all have heard the phrase, “Different strokes for different folks.” Well, this holds true in terms of selecting glasses. There are different lenses for just about anybody. No matter what your particular need, there’s probably a specialty lens designed for you. For example, a specialty lens that is becoming increasingly useful is designed for computer users. Computer lenses have “windows” designed for viewing your computer screen, documents on your desk, and distant objects. The lenses are designed to reduce Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, which is characterized by headaches, eye strain, neck and back aches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and double vision.

Another example is called the double D-segment lens, also known as the double flat-top lens. If you look through most of the lens, you can focus on distant objects. But you can also look through a D-shaped segment near the top of the lens to see nearby overhead objects more clearly. This is very useful if you are involved in work where you’re looking at nearby objects above your field of vision. The D-shaped segment near the bottom of the lens allows for reading.

Trifocal Lenses
Bifocals allow the wearer to read through one area of the lens, and to focus on distant objects through another area of the lens. As the eyes age, though, a stronger prescription is needed to read. This would be fine, but the stronger prescription that allows for reading makes it difficult to focus on objects at intermediate distances, such as grocery items on a shelf or your speedometer. Thus, trifocals are necessary for a third prescription for intermediate focusing. Trifocals, also known as line trifocals, feature three areas of focusing power, each separated from the other by a distinct line. The three windows allow for focusing on distant objects, intermediately distanced objects, and for reading. The downside of trifocals is dealing with the lines between the different focusing powers. Fortunately, recent advances in technology have led to developments in no-line, or progressive lenses.

EYES OVER 40

Presbyopia Means, Seeing the World in a Different Way!

When some of lifes special events, such as birthdays appear on the calendar, it can mean different things to different people. To baby-boomers it usually means some things may be changing, including our ability to read fine print. Presbyopia is the inability to focus on objects near the eye. One usually notices that it is harder to read or use the computer.

Presbyopia is a natural consequence of the aging process. There is no cure, though researchers are constantly looking for one. Even if a person has never had vision problems before, he or she can still develop Presbyopia. While symptoms can present suddenly, Presbyopia usually occurs over a long period of time. Symptoms include having to hold things at arm's length to see them clearly, eye strain, fatigue and headaches from near work.


Fortunately, EyeCare Specialties has many options available to eliminate the difficulties associated with Presbyopia, such as:

• Glasses

• Contact Lenses

• Progressive Bifocals

• Computer Glasses

• Reading Glasses

• Lined Bifocals

• Lined Trifocals

Progressive Bifocals
For many presbyopes, bifocal lenses are a necessity. But it can be difficult to adjust to the harsh line that is found in bifocal lenses. Fortunately, there are no-line lenses which are called progressive lenses. No more lines! Just a gradual change in focusing power which allows you to comfortably focus on any distance. Just like bifocals, distant objects are viewed through the top portion of the lenses, and near objects are viewed through the bottom portion of the lenses.

Computer Glasses
To reduce eye strain and fatigue, we carry specialized computer lenses. These lenses are perfect for computer users who spend a majority of their day working on a computer. And since three out of four computer users will suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, computer lenses are a great way to keep your eyesight healthy.

Reading Glasses
One of the first areas of your life where presbyopia becomes prominent is in your ability to read. We carry a broad line of reading glasses to help you read without holding the page at arms length. There are a variety of styles available, with sleek designs that allow you to carry them anywhere.
 

Lined Bifocals
To allow you to see two distinct images, one at far and one at near, the lined bifocal is bound to suit your needs. The upper portion of the lens will see beyond arms length, and has a large window or field of view for clear vision from side to side. The reading portion is a small half moon portion under a line in the lower hemisphere of the lens, that allows you to focus at a distance of 12' to 16". With this design of lens there is what is known as an image jump as your eye travels from the upper portion of the lens to the magnification of the lower portion of the lens. This lens also does not have a power suited for the arms length distance.

Lined Trifocals
Much like the lined bifocal lens, this lens has a portion that allows for the arms length distance. There is a portion of the lens that lies between the upper and lower lens that is called the ribbon segment. This segment comes in a variety of widths for different uses, so ask your optician if one of these will work for you. The drawback to this lens, is that it not only has one line for image jumps, it has two.


Contact Lenses for Presbyopia
How to avoid those telltale signs of aging-bifocals or reading glasses? There are currently three types of contact lenses for correcting the close-up blurred vision.

• Bifocal Contact Lenses
  
  One of two types of bifocal contacts may be most suited for you.
  
  Simultaneous Vision
  With simultaneous vision bifocals, you look through both the reading and distance portions of the lenses at the same time. This means that whenever you look at an object, you see two images. One will be clear (from the portion of the lens most matched to the distance you are observing). The other will be blurred (from the other portion of the lens). Your brain will learn to ignore the blurred image to see the other image clearly.
  
  Translating
  Translating bifocals are similar in concept to bifocal eyeglass lenses. They have a thicker lower edge, which, when you look down to read, rests on the lower lid. As the eye turns downward to read, it looks through the reading portion in the lower part of the lens.
  
  If you wear bifocal contact lenses, they will normally perform optimally in bright conditions. Because bifocal lenses divide the light into two images, each of which will use about half of the available light, you may find that, in dimly lit conditions, it is more difficult with bifocals. Driving at night may present more challenge as well.
   

• Monovision
  
  Monovision is an option where one eye is fit with a lens for seeing distance and the other is fit for viewing at near. After a period of time, the brain switches to the eye that is giving the clearest image at that moment. While many people successfully use monovision, others find adapting difficult. Mildly blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, and a feeling of slight imbalance may last for a few minutes or for several days. Approximately two-thirds of patients eventually adapt to a monovision correction. If you are new to monovision you may benefit from avoiding visually demanding situations at first, and instead wear your new lenses only in familiar situations. For example, it may be better to be a passenger, rather than a driver in a car.
  
  Some people are uncomfortable in situations with low lighting, such as night driving. If this is a concern, ask about prescribing an additional lens to correct both eyes for distance for those times when sharp distance vision is needed. An alternative is a pair of glasses with additional power in the reading eye, so that the combined power of your contacts and the spectacles match the distance prescription. If you require very sharp near vision, you might want to ask about an additional lens to correct both eyes for close work. Or, to occasionally have the clearest vision for the difficult tasks, you may want to request supplemental glasses to wear over your monovision correction contacts, converting the distance eye to a reading prescription.
   

• Contact Lenses for distance vision with reading glasses for close work
  
  The final option for correcting Presbyopia is to wear contact lenses for distance, then slip reading glasses over them for near work. Still allows for some freedom in limited activities.