Education

Glasses are a unique form of medical device closely tied to every individual. Throughout one’s life, whether dealing with refractive errors, presbyopia, sunglasses, or protective eyewear, the need for glasses is universal. A quality pair of glasses should provide precise vision correction, clarity, comfort, aesthetics, and prevent visual fatigue.

Also known as progressive lenses, they gradually and continuously change the refractive power from the upper part of the lens (for distance vision) to the lower part (for near vision). Their appearance resembles single-vision lenses, with no visible dividing lines between different prescriptions, avoiding abrupt changes. Consequently, a single pair of glasses caters to various distances seamlessly, which is not achievable by any other type of lens apart from progressives. Crafting a high-quality progressive eyeglass involves meticulous steps: selecting frames, choosing lenses, adjusting frames, taking measurements, crafting the glasses, adjusting the fit, follow-ups, and more, ensuring satisfaction and comfort at each stage.

Apart from reducing glare and enhancing aesthetics, the primary purpose of sunglasses is to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Despite colder temperatures, UV rays remain strong during winter, with only a 20% reduction compared to summer. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and retina, leading to conditions such as pterygium, recurrent corneal inflammation, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

1. Regular Sunglasses: These tinted sunglasses are commonly used for shading purposes and are created by dyeing the lens. When purchasing regular sunglasses, ensure they have UV protection. Look for UV protection labels or confirm through UV testing instruments, as simple tinted lenses may not offer UV protection and could harm your eyes. Regular sunglasses reduce light intensity but do not effectively eliminate glare and reflections from various angles, particularly on uneven surfaces. Glare can cause discomfort, fatigue, and reduced visual clarity, especially for drivers.

2. Photochromic Lenses: These lenses incorporate silver halide in the lens material, which, when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation, breaks down into silver and halogens. The dispersed silver forms small aggregates inside the lens, creating irregular blocks that absorb light and change the transparent lens into a tinted one. When light intensity decreases, the silver halide reforms, restoring the lens to its clear state. The latest 8th generation photochromic lenses change faster, become darker in sunlight, transition faster to clear indoors, but over time, the reversible reaction can lead to reduced color-changing speed and effectiveness, so it’s advisable to replace them periodically. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, available in gray and brown tints.

3. Polarized Sunglasses: Also known as polarized sunglasses. Glare is generated when light scatters, refracts, and reflects off surfaces. Polarized lenses are made using the principle of light polarization, with vertically-oriented molecules (similar to blinds), which filter out dazzling polarized light. They convert chaotic light into parallel light entering the eye, effectively eliminating glare, enhancing clarity, providing three-dimensional vision, and effectively blocking harmful light. Ideal for driving, fishing, cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Have you measured your corneal curvature before wearing contact lenses? Are you aware that contact lenses come in different sizes? Before using contact lenses, in addition to a series of regular eye examinations, it’s essential to measure your corneal curvature to determine the size of the contact lenses, known as the base curve (BC), with values like 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, and 9.2. After wearing contact lenses, they are examined under a slit lamp to ensure proper fit with the cornea. If the fit isn’t right, it can lead to complications such as dry eyes, corneal swelling, blurred vision, corneal inflammation, and new blood vessel growth. If you’re already using contact lenses but have never measured your corneal curvature, or if you’re considering wearing contact lenses, feel free to contact me. I provide free sight tests, corneal curvature measurements, and contact lens trial fittings.

Did you know that lens coatings offer numerous benefits for eyeglass wearers?

1. Anti-Scratch Coating: This coating, known as anti-scratch coating, enhances the lens’s resistance to abrasion and wear.
2. Anti-Reflective Coating: Utilizing the principle of light interference, this coating reduces surface reflections on the lens, increasing light transmission and making vision clearer. Not only does it reduce glare you perceive, but it also minimizes reflections others see on your lenses, allowing people to see your eyes and facial expressions more clearly.
3. Easy-to-Clean Coating: The easy-to-clean coating makes lenses more resistant to water, dirt, and dust, making them easier to wipe clean.
4. anti-blue light coating：Protect your eyes from digital screens, electronic equipment, fluorescent and LED lights, etc., and reduce eye fatigue.
5.  Anti-UV.

These coatings provide valuable benefits for your eyewear experience.

Swimming goggles are equipment used for swimming, designed to protect the eyes and provide clear vision underwater. The water in swimming areas is usually clear or seawater, which has different osmotic pressure from the eyes and can cause discomfort. Additionally, exposure of the eyes to water can lead to susceptibility to bacterial infections. For individuals who wear contact lenses or have refractive errors, using regular swimming goggles along with contact lenses can also lead to bacterial growth and inflammation. Therefore, wearing prescription swimming goggles is a better choice.