It’s no secret that as you get older, your eyesight changes. Rather than carry around multiple pairs of glasses for different uses, many lean more towards purchasing bifocals or progressive lenses. However, which is better: progressive or bifocal lenses? This depends on which will work better for you.
Let’s look at the difference between bifocals and progressive lenses to help you determine which is better for you.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are lenses that have a line separating each prescription. In most cases, the top prescription is for distance, and the bottom prescription is for reading or viewing things up close. Bifocal lenses only allow for two different prescriptions.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses do not have a line separating different prescriptions. Progressive lenses look like a single prescription lens but can allow you to see better at up to three different distances. There are many kinds of progressive lenses.
Standard progressive Lenses
The most affordable progressive lenses. These lenses give you a wide reading area.
Short-corridor progressive lenses
Used more in smaller frame eyeglass frames. They do not have as wide a reading area as the standard progressive lenses.
Computer progressive lenses
Used for short-range viewing, such as looking at a computer. These lenses are created to give clear vision at about 16 inches to 6 feet.
Premium progressive lenses
These lenses are customized to your prescription and frame size. They provide a vast reading area. They are the easiest to get used to.
Ground-view progressive lenses
Lenses that are good for people who spend a lot of time outdoors being active. They give you a better vision when looking down at the ground or driving. These lenses are great for golfers.
Which is right for you?
If you have discovered that your eyes are changing due to age and it’s time to get eyeglasses with different prescriptions, knowing what you know now can help you decide if you should get progressives or bifocals. Consider your lifestyle. Do you stare at a computer for most of the day, or are you outside working looking out into the distance? If you decide on bifocals, will the line in the middle of the lens be challenging to get used to? Whichever lenses you choose, it will help give you a wider range of vision and improve your quality of life.
Stop into the Sunglass Shoppe, and one of our experts can help you find the perfect fit for what you are looking for. We have stores located in Petoskey, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Saugatuck, MI.
We all put on our sunglasses every day (or at least you should) when we walk out the door on a sunny day, but have you ever thought about how your sunglasses work and the technology behind them when it comes to protecting your eyes? We decided it would be fun to lay it all out for you!
Different types of UV rays
There are many different types of UV rays, but the ones that affect our eyes the most are UVA and UVB rays. Both types of UV rays are those that reach the earth and can be harmful to a person’s eyes. Sunglasses are designed to reflect both of these types of rays.
Types of sunglasses
There are many different types of sunglasses that all serve different purposes. It’s important to decide which ones are best for you and what you are using them for (i.e., driving, outdoor sports, etc.).
Prescription
Lenses are the same as your eyeglass prescription, but they have a tint to them to protect the sunlight.
Gradient lenses
These lenses have a darker tint at the top and get lighter towards the bottom. This allows for more protection from overhead sunlight.
Transition lenses
Lenses adjust to the brightness of the sunlight.
Mirrored
Lenses look like a mirror on the outside and work in the most bright conditions.
Polarized
Lenses have a special lamination on them which blocks horizontal light and sun glares.
How do sunglasses actually work?
Sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from damaging UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can damage the retina, which is in the back of your eye. UVB rays can damage the front of your eye in the cornea. When you are wearing proper sunglasses, the UV rays are unable to get into your eyes. If they did, you could eventually potentially suffer from eye damage or loss of vision.
When you are shopping for sunglasses, it’s important to make sure that the ones you choose protect you from 99% of UV rays. Otherwise, you are risking damage to your eyes. Stop in at the Sunglass Shoppe, and we can fit you for the right sunglasses that fit your needs and lifestyle.
With the cold weather at our doorstep, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your body for the dramatic change in temperatures, including your eyes. Winters in Michigan can take a toll on your eyes, but there are steps you can take to protect them.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is important all year long, but it’s often forgotten in the cold months. It’s easy to remind yourself to drink plenty of water in the summer because it is so hot outside, but drinking water in the winter is just as important, even for your eyes. Drinking plenty of water during the day keeps your body hydrated. Drinking water also keeps your skin and your eyes moisturized. Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable; help avoid discomfort by staying conscious of the amount of water you drink.
Use a humidifier indoors
You not only experience dry air outdoors in the cold, but it also follows you indoors. Use a humidifier in your home. Keep it in the rooms where you spend the most time. Using a humidifier while you sleep will also help your eyes adjust to the dry air when you wake up every morning!
Wear Sunglasses
Even though we don’t see the sun as much in the winter as in the summer, harmful rays can still affect us. UV rays are still present in the winter and sometimes can be stronger. The sunlight can bounce off the bright white snow to produce a stronger light in your eyes. There can also be more flying debris in the winter when the wind picks up, such as snow, ice chips, and dirt. Protect yourself from flying debris by wearing sunglasses.
Check out the Sunglass Shoppe’s selection of sunglasses!
Wash your hands often
If it wasn’t drilled into your head over the past two years, we are here to remind you again to wash your hands frequently! Viruses tend to show up more during the winter months than any other time of the year. Viruses are most commonly transferred through hands to your eyes. Avoid touching your eyes and washing your hands frequently to prevent viruses and other eye-related sicknesses.
Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet
Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids help with eye dryness and itchiness. The oils from the omega-3 fatty acids help to produce more moisture in your eyes. Add an omega-3 fatty acid pill to your daily routine to help with discomfort in your eyes. Be sure to always consult with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet, for safety precautions.
The winter season can be lots of fun if you embrace the cold weather and take care of yourself. Use the above tips to feel more comfortable during the Northern Michigan winters!
Eyeglasses can significantly impact your appearance and choosing the right makeup to complement them can sometimes be tricky! Here are a few makeup tips to make you look your best while wearing your glasses.
Avoid shadows Some glasses will cast dark shadows around your eyes in certain lights. To fight this, use a lighter shade of foundation under your eyes and down the center of your nose. Contouring your face by your cheekbones and around your forehead can also help with shadows.
Lighten up your eyeshadows Wearing darker eyeshadows with glasses can make your eyes look tired. Sticking to more neutral and bright colors can make your eyes pop more behind your glasses. If you just can’t give up those dark eyeshadows, invest in larger frames. The bigger the eyeglass frames, the more people will see your eyes and your darker eyeshadows.
Match your eyeliner with your glasses If you have thinner eyeglass frames, go for a thinner eyeliner around your eyes. If your glasses have a thicker frame, a thicker eyeliner around your eyes will accentuate them.
Volumize your eyelashes Choose a volumizing mascara if you wear glasses. However, be careful about using too much mascara because you don’t want clumps ending up on your eyeglass lenses. A creamier mascara will help prevent this.
Boost your brows Use a brow brush to brush your brow hairs up and out. This will make your eyebrows sit more on top of your eyeglass frames.
Bring attention to your lips or your eyes – not both Whether you wear glasses or not, it is best practice to accentuate either your eyes or your lips. If you have big, bold glasses, go for a more neutral lipstick color so your eyes will stand out. If you have thinner, less obvious eyeglass frames, go for the red lipstick!
Wearing makeup is fun, but it’s also important to remember that it can sometimes cause eye irritation or infections. Always remember to clean off your makeup every night before you go to bed to prevent infections. Be sure to also clean your eyeglass lenses frequently, as makeup can often get on them. Use an anti-reflective coating on your lenses to help eliminate distracting reflections so people can see the beauty of your eyes more clearly!
Not sure which lenses are suitable for your face? Stop in to a Sunglass Shoppe store, and we can help pick out the perfect pair! Locations in Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Saugatuck, MI.
We think Saugatuck, MI is a great summer spot in the state, but did you know it is also a great spot to celebrate the changing of the seasons? There is a lot to do in Saugatuck in the fall; here are a few of our favorites!
Oval Beach
Enjoy a long walk on Oval Beach with a lot less traffic than you would see in the summer! At times you will have the whole beach to yourself! It is a peaceful place to take in the changing of the seasons. Come in the late afternoon and enjoy one of the most breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Eat like a southerner
Experience a bit of southern home cooking in Saugatuck! The Southern is a family-owned restaurant known for its southern-style meals and a favorite among the locals. Their fried chicken sandwich and homemade biscuits will make you feel like you are in the heart of the south.
Apple picking
Fall is the perfect time for picking the most delicious apples! Crane’s Orchards is just a 15-minute drive south. Pick your own apples or grab a bushel already selected for you. While you are there, enjoy hayrides and get lost in their 20-acre corn maze. It’s the perfect place for all the traditional autumn activities!
Raspberry picking
Not only does the fall bring delicious apples, but it is also raspberry picking season! Riverbend Farms has acres of raspberries for you to pick yourself. The season lasts through the end of October.
Walk downtown Saugatuck
There’s so much to do in downtown Saugatuck! Treat yourself to some homemade ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops, or shop around all the little gift boutiques on Butler Street. You can make a whole day out of it. While you are there, stop in at the Sunglass Shoppe and say hi!
Climb Mount Baldhead
If you are looking to get in a little more exercise, visit Mount Baldhead. Mount Baldhead has a one-mile loop around it for hiking, biking, or walking. Climb up 302 steps to the top and get a panoramic view of Saugatuck in the fall. It’s a perfect picture opportunity for sure!
Visit the sand dunes
Saugatuck has over 2 miles of shoreline you can visit, and it’s worth the trip. Walk the shoreline and you will see 200-foot-high dunes that frame the beach! You won’t want to leave once you visit.
Go for a boat ride
A boat ride in the fall is the perfect way to say goodbye to the warm weather. Rent a boat from Retro Boat Rentals, and you can enjoy a slow cruise on the Kalamazoo River, which leads into Lake Michigan. Choose from a variety of boats to rent. They are open through October, but it’s recommended to book ahead.
Saugatuck is not just a beach town. There is plenty to do during the other seasons, so be sure to add it to your list of places to visit for some fall fun!
