The first thing you’ll want to look at is getting yourself a quality pair of sunglasses with proper UV protection. Most sunglasses from top designers will offer 100% UV protection as a standard feature, but there’s no harm checking with your optician if you’re unsure. You should make sure you wear your sunglasses whenever you’re out. Even if it seems cloudy you should still wear them, as UV rays can penetrate even on a cloudy day.

If you have a prescription, you should pay a little bit more for prescription sunglasses, meaning your sunglasses will improve your vision and reduce eye strain at the same time as protecting your eyes from UV rays. This should mean you don’t have to strain to see when you’re wearing your sunglasses, helping to keep your eyes healthy at all times.

You might also want to consider having a look at photochromatic and polarised lenses. The first will react to the presence of UV rays, darkening the lenses and increasing the level of protection as necessary. This makes them perfect for any light condition and an excellent choice for glasses for driving, as they allow you to always see the road clearly. Polarised lenses are specially designed to lessen the amount of glare suffered by the wearer from wet or particularly reflective surfaces. For this reason these lenses are great for driving and for sport, and you’ll often find that most brands focused around sport like Oakley sunglasses wil feature these kinds of lenses.

The first thing you’ll want to look at is getting yourself a quality pair of sunglasses with proper UV protection. Most sunglasses from top designers will offer 100% UV protection as a standard feature, but there’s no harm checking with your optician if you’re unsure. You should make sure you wear your sunglasses whenever you’re out. Even if it seems cloudy you should still wear them, as UV rays can penetrate even on a cloudy day.

If you have a prescription, you should pay a little bit more for prescription sunglasses, meaning your sunglasses will improve your vision and reduce eye strain at the same time as protecting your eyes from UV rays. This should mean you don’t have to strain to see when you’re wearing your sunglasses, helping to keep your eyes healthy at all times.

You might also want to consider having a look at photochromatic and polarised lenses. The first will react to the presence of UV rays, darkening the lenses and increasing the level of protection as necessary. This makes them perfect for any light condition and an excellent choice for glasses for driving, as they allow you to always see the road clearly. Polarised lenses are specially designed to lessen the amount of glare suffered by the wearer from wet or particularly reflective surfaces. For this reason these lenses are great for driving and for sport, and you’ll often find that most brands focused around sport like Oakley sunglasses wil feature these kinds of lenses.

[Cleaning your contacts: What to know]

1.  Saline

Saline is a common product for rinsing contacts, most used for storing and rinsing your lenses.  When you take your contacts out at night, you’ll normally put them in saline solution.  Even though it is perfect for storing and rinsing your contacts, it should never be used to clean or disinfect them.

2. Daily Cleaner Solution

These are used to clean out your contacts. You can simply place several drops of the solution in your palm, place your contacts there, and then rub them gently in the solution. Do this for about 30 seconds, making sure that both sides are cleaned thoroughly. If you need to rinse and disinfect them, use products that are specifically designed for them.

3.  Multipurpose solution

This is about the best type of solution you can get for your contacts, as it cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores your lenses.  You can do everything with this type of solution, including soaking your lenses at night.

Once you have finished cleaning your contacts, simply rinse them with this same solution and they will be ready to wear.  With multipurpose solution, you won’t need any other products.

4.  Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a solution that cleans, disinfects, stores, and rinses your contacts.  You don’t need to rub your contacts in the solution, simply allow them a few minutes to soak.

Hydrogen peroxide is a no rub solution, and contains chemicals that does burn your eyes.  Before you put the contact lenses into your eyes, you should always rinse them with another produce first.

5.  Cleaning and disinfecting

As the names imply, this is for both disinfecting and cleaning your contacts.  Cleaning is normally achieved by either ultrasonic waves or agitation, where the disinfecting is done by multipurpose solution or UV light.

You can read the instructions on the brand that you purchased, it should be at the bottle; always follow them to avoid incurring damage to your eyes.

6.  Enzymatic cleaners

These types of cleaners are ideal for removing protein on your contacts, normally on a weekly basis.  They come in the form of tablets, which you can use with either disinfecting or saline solution to clean the protein from your contacts.

7. Protein Removers

These products come in the form of liquid, and remove the protein from your contact lenses on a daily basis.  They can be used with multipurpose solution as well, as they will get all of the protein buildup off your contacts.

To use this formula, just add the normal solution to your case, then one or two drops of the remover into your solution and place it into your contacts.

8.  Eye drops

Eye drops are a common commodity with contact lenses.  They lubricate your eyes, re-wet your contact lenses, and help to give you relief from dryness.  When you choose your eye drops, make sure you select a brand that is safe to use.  This way, you won’t experience any problems when you start using the drops.

You can find a good variety of products that you can use to clean your contacts, although the ones mentioned above are some of the most commonly used. You can find these products in your local department stores and at very affordable prices as well. When you wear your contacts, it is important that you never be without cleaning supplies to help avoid problems.

Article by:[Mike B.]

Find out more [Here]

Whether you are a new contact lens wearer or you have been using them for years to correct your vision, you may be wondering how can you tell if a contact lens is inside out. If you suspect you may be wearing your contact lenses incorrectly or they just feel uncomfortable, here are some ways you can determine this to avoid the problem in the future.

Look at the Lens

Before placing the lens in your eye, hold it on the tip of your index finger and look at it carefully from the side. Is it shaped like the letter “U” or it is flared on the sides, like a soup bowl? The correct shape of a soft contact lens should be like the letter “U”. If its shaped like a soup bowl, then its inside out. Some people also recommend the “taco test” whereby you gently squeeze the lens so that the edges touch. If they touch completely, then the lens is right side out. If the edges flare out and dont touch fully, then its inside out. Simply flip the lens around and it will be positioned correctly for wearing.

Another way to determine if your contact lens is right side out is to look at it from the top. This is especially important if you are wearing the colored enhanced type. The edge of a tinted lens will be look very blue. If it looks greenish, then it is inverted and you should carefully flip the lens around in order to wear it properly.

Find the Engraving

Some contact lenses have factory engraving on them, done by special lasers. This can include the manufacturer information, model number, brand name or grade of materials used. While this is not detected by the human eye when wearing, it can be of help when trying to determine if you are wearing your contact lenses correctly. Some brands have a “1-2-3″ engraved on them, so you would make sure this is the side facing downwards on your finger as you place the contact into your eye. If you can read this label, then the lens is inside out. You can remove it safely without damaging your eyes and flip it around for replacement.

Ask the Professional

Of course, please check with your eye doctor if you experience any discomfort with your contacts. They can often help you more with this perplexing problem or demonstrate to you further what to do. Common sense should tell you if you are wearing your contact lens incorrectly. If they feel uncomfortable or you feel slight pressure on your eyes, its probably because you have placed the lenses incorrectly on your eyes. You may want to practice a little when first getting a new set of contact lenses to see what works best for you and to get used to the feel of them. Once you do, you should enjoy months of enjoyable experience with your new lenses.

A daily care routine is an essential part of owning Acuvue Oasys contact lenses. There are a few basic care needs that one should be aware before using these contact lenses. If you are unable to follow a routine, unable to insert and remove the lenses, or have another person insert and remove the lenses, then it would be wise to rethink the need or desire for contact lenses. If you are great at a routine then there are a few basics you will need to follow.

Before you go home for the first time with contact lenses, make sure you insert and remove them while you are still at the Optometrist or eye care specialists office as this will help clear up any questions. Before handling the lenses make sure your hands are washed and dried thoroughly. A common mistake that can be made is putting the lens in your mouth to lubricate or moisten it, or using tap water to clean or moisten the lens. Unfortunately, this could lead to accidentally swallowing the lens or dropping it into the sink drain. Also, tap water contains impurities that can contaminate the lens or could lead to eye infections, possibly even injuring the eye.

The first time you purchase a pair of lenses, be sure to get a recommended cleaning and disinfection routine as well as instructions about care, handling, and cleaning. The eye care specialist will be able to teach you about proper care procedures and will suggest the best products to use for the type of lenses you have. When you remove your lenses, they must be cleaned and disinfected before you put them back in your eyes.

In order to continue safe and comfortable wear of the lenses, it is important that you first clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses after each removal. Be sure to do this by using the lens care products and procedures that have been originally recommended by your eye care specialist. Ideally, it is best to form the habit of cleaning of the lenses as soon as they are removed from your eyes. Cleaning and rinsing are needed to remove mucus, secretions, films and protein deposits that may have built up on your lenses during wear.

Always follow the set routine and use the recommended products to avoid any serious eye problems. If you wish to change products for some reason, it is highly recommended to consult with your eye care specialist about the product before doing so. There may be many reasons why you should not or cannot safely use the new product. Also, keep track of expiry dates on lenses and all the lens care products. Do not mix lens care systems with other products because not all products will be compatible with others.

Basic Cleaning Rules

- Always clean the same lens first to avoid mix-ups when the time comes to insert them again. – Always follow the instructions provided on the cleaning solution label and from the eye care specialist. – After the cleaning is completed, rinse the lens with the recommended rinsing solution to remove the cleaning solution as well as any mucus and film from the lens surface. – Once the process is completed, put the lens into the correct chamber of your lens storage case.

Disinfecting

- After the cleaning is completed, disinfect the lenses using the system recommended by your eye care specialist, following the instructions given and /or written on the product label. – When using hydrogen peroxide lens care systems, the lenses must first be neutralized before wearing. – Be sure to thoroughly rinse the lenses with a fresh solution before inserting and wearing your lenses. Take caution with lenses that are chemically disinfected, as they could absorb ingredients found in the solution. These chemicals could irritate the eye, so to avoid this, thoroughly rinse the lenses in a fresh and sterile saline solution just before inserting the lens in the eye.

Proper care of your Acuvue Oasys contact lens is a necessary responsibility. Cleaning is an important part of lens care. Improper cleaning can eventually ruin the lenses. To maintain fresh lenses, they must be cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected daily.

Acuvue is a leader in the contact lens industry for a number of reasons. Chief among them is their innovative approach to contact lenses themselves. The number one brand prescribed by doctors, these fantastic contact lenses has the highest UV protection rating of all major brands. In fact, many Acuvue lines have up to 97% UV-A and UV-B protection, something a lot of contact lens makers do not offer.

They also have a 1-2-3 inside out marker so you can tell if you a putting your contacts on correctly. Clear contacts even come with a visibility tint so they can easily be found in your contact lens solution.

With all these innovations, the outstanding lens manufacturer sets to outdo itself with great products that can suit every need and lifestyle. Their most popular brand lines include:

OASYS with Hydraclear Plus – Made for nearsighted or far sighted individuals, OYASYS with Hydraclear plus can be changed out every two weeks or worn for six consecutive days. The greatest advantage of these contact lenses is that they are extremely comfortable and lightweight. Many wearers feel they are not wearing contacts at all. OASYS with Hydraclear plus also comes in an advance formula that includes a moisture rich technology that keeps eyes from feeling too dried out during wear.

OASYS for astigmatism – OASYS for astigmatism was specifically designed for people who have the common corneal malformation. These contacts are specially shaped so that they stay stable in the eye, something that is essential for people with this particular vision problem. Like the Hydraclear plus brand, the contacts can be worn for 2 weeks or 6 consecutive days. This also comes in the moisture rich advance formula for those who have problems with dry eyes.

2-Colors brand – Cosmetic contact lenses have never been more comfortable or vibrant with Acuvues 2-Colors brand. The ten marvelous shades offered can be ordered with a near sighted or far sighted prescription or sans vision correction. Like all of the fabulous lenses under this manufacturer, color contacts can be worn for 2 weeks or 6 consecutive days. Perfect if you are looking for a dramatic change in your appearance.

Bifocal lenses – finally there is help for individuals who suffer from a combination of both near and far sightedness with lenses specifically created for people with presbyopia. This brand contact lens utilizes five concentric cones that are not visible to the naked eye. These cones help establish clear vision that can see both near and far. Bifocal lenses have all the same advantages as other Acuvue brands in regards to wearability and comfort.

1-Day lenses – for people who dont wish to bother with daily upkeep, there are 1- Day contact lenses. Use them once, toss them away and pop in a fresh pair every day! 1- Day lenses moisture rich come in a patented LACREON technology to keep moisture in the eye during all day wear. There is little to no need for constant re-wetting with drops. You can also get 1-Day lenses that are devoid of this technology. Both 1- Day brands should be disposed of the following day to be replaced by a fresh pack of lenses.

Now that you realize the many choices that you have with Acuvue brand contact lenses you can rest assured that you will find a pair of lenses that will best suit your vision correction needs! Before you decide on what kind of contact lenses you should buy be sure to discuss all of these options with your eye doctor so you can make an informed and decision that will keep you and your eyes happy for years to come.

No matter the season, a part of your routine in maintaining good health should be the sunglasses you choose and wear. Sunglasses are not just for movie stars, or for looking cool on the beach. They are crucial in protecting your eyes from Ultra Violet (UV) radiation and its potentially damaging effects on your eyes.

From the polished lens made from emeralds worn by Nero to watch the Gladiator contests, sunglasses have evolved through the last two thousand years to the modern choices we have today. Sunglasses as we know them actually were developed by James Ayscough in the 1750′s when he ground the first blue and green corrective lenses for correcting optical impairments.

While sunglasses were marketed in the early years of the twentieth century, it wasn’t until 1929 when Sam Foster started mass producing his “Foster Grants” that sunglasses become readily available and quickly grew to be adopted by high society members and movie stars alike as a fashion accessory.

In the 1930′s the Army Air Corps asked Bausch & Lomb to develop sunglasses that would efficiently reduce high-altitude sun glare for pilots and they came up with dark green tinted sunglasses that absorbed light through the yellow spectrum.

Edward H. Land had invented the Polaroid filter and by 1936 he used it in making sunglasses and soon, sunglasses became “cool.” Movies stars began wearing sunglasses to hide behind and for fashion. Aviator glasses became popular with the movie stars and the general public in 1937 after Ray Ban developed the anti-glare sunglasses using polarization. The longer lens was created to give more protection to pilots’ eyes from light reflecting off their control panels.

In the 1970′s movie stars and fashionistas made a big impact on the marketing of sunglasses by adding their endorsements. Now everyone had to have a pair of the latest hot craze. Now in 2009 not much has changed. Movie stars, rock singers, everyone who is anyone, hide behind their oversized sunglasses making a fashion statement and at the same time protecting their eyes from the harmful Ultra Violet radiation.

The corneas of our eyes can be seriously damaged by UV rays, so we need to ensure that we have a good pair of sunglasses that will shield 100% of these rays. Most sunglasses have a protective coating on the outside of the lenses that acts as a kind of filter. The coating allows light through, and helps filter our the radioactive light waves.

Modern sunglasses are always tinted in one or more light blocking colors, in addition to their UV ray blocking ability. Light of course comes in all the colors of the rainbow, so the tint chosen is important. Gray through almost black give the greatest amount of protection for intense light with the least color distortion.

When choosing your new sunglasses be sure they have anti-glare properties, usually the tag will say they are polarized. Glare is a real hazard, particularly when driving in wet conditions and on the ski slopes in the winter with the sunlight reflecting off the snow.

As noted before, Sunglasses can eliminate specific frequencies of light. Certain light frequencies can cause blurred vision, while other frequencies enhance contrast between colors. Choosing the right color for your sunglasses lets them work better in specific situations.

Blue light is a color of light that can cause burred perception, so sunglasses that are yellow, gold, amber and brown can be chosen to counteract blue light. Yellow tinted lenses, while making the rest of the world look a different color, will enable you to see the most clearly through them.

Green tinted sunglasses are better for filtering some blue light and reducing the occurrence of glares. They also offer the highest contrast and greatest visual sharpness of any other colored lens. For this reason, green sunglasses are very popular. Rose colored shades and purple tints offer the best contrast of objects against a green or blue background and make great sunglasses for hunting or water skiing.

Hopefully this article has enabled you to be a knowledgeable consumer when it comes to selecting your next pair of sunglasses. Try to combine lastest dictates of fashion with the optimal selection of color tinting with good quality that includes UV protection and anti-glare polarizing.