One option is to be fitted with free NHS hearing aids which are available across England. A simple referral from your GP to a local supplier is all that’s needed. I have had a lot of experience with NHS hearing aids and they have been very successful for a lot of people – these hearing aids are fully digital and can enrich a person’s quality of life, enabling them to hear friends and loved ones with ease and improve their own mental health and well-being.

I strongly believe NHS hearing can be a fantastic way to start and even complete ones journey to better hearing, but I also accept that for some, it’s a difficult thing to accept. The NHS hearing aids are generally non-desirable and are often associated with being ‘large beige bananas’ behind the ear – it may surprise you that they are perhaps not as large as you fear; but with all that said, there is still a stigma that surrounds these NHS hearing aids and a lot of people just do not feel comfortable with the idea of wearing these devises in public, thus making them redundant if they’re not being worn.

This is why we have looked at supplying budget friendly hearing aids that are barely visible – we have a range to suit all budgets and can be viewed here with a breakdown of their differences and functionalities. We are able to offer these hearing aids at the fraction of the cost when compared with the highstreet due to our streamlined approach, lack of a permanent highstreet presence and an already built infrastructure used to help customers with their glasses. The majority of our hearing aids are fully digital and are very comparable with NHS and traditional private hearing aids from a technological stand point.

This approach isn’t for everyone, some prefer the convenience of popping into their local Audiology store if any problems arise. We have worked hard to continue to offer strong after care. Advancements in remote technologies are only making this easier and more effective but with that said, certain hearing loss types are better suited to having a deeper look from an Audiologist (NHS or highstreet) and this is something we can discuss with you by booking a free consultation here.

A third option is a combination of the above, a hybrid if you will. Everyone with a hearing loss in England are entitled to a free NHS hearing aids even if you already have private hearing aids. Many use their NHS hearing aids for certain scenarios but opt to use a more discreet hearing aid (often a budget aid) for public events such as family or friend gatherings. The advantage of this is that you will have regular hearing tests via the NHS and these results can be used to re-adjust your purchased hearing aids as well as NHS device if needed. There’s also an element of extra reassurance due to fact there being a fall-back option if one hearing aid set developed an issue or needs an adjustment.

In summary, improving your hearing health does not have to be costly – there are many advantages in going to the highstreet, they do supply the most state of the art hearing aids but there are also disadvantages, often the higher cost. The purpose of this article is express and promote the fact that there are other options available; and these options may be kinder to the pockets while being as effective in improving your hearing needs.

The post Hearing aids and the cost of living crisis – a message from our Audiologist first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

So, can these help you learn more about your own hearing health? Well, the short answer is yes. There’s a raft of available hearing tests online and mobile apps that test your hearing health, such as Apple’s built in monitoring of how loud a user listens to music and prompts warning messages if the listening volume is too loud and at potential harmful levels and it can also alert the user if they’ve listened to loud music for too long.

Apple health also supplies information around the topic of hearing loss and while all this is great news for technology, we need to remember this is also a device that is adding to the hearing health problem that we have today. Listening to loud music regularly, watching videos etc. while using state of the art headphones and earbuds – they all subject us to noise exposure. We are now protected in all work places to help limit noise damage, but then we expose ourselves to excessive noise and in some cases this happens on a daily basis. Current headphones have much greater output than headphones in the past as they’re able to seal the sound in a user’s ear much better – this is great for sound quality but can be more damaging if listened to at a loud volume for long periods of time.

To combat this, understanding the possible dangers of this exposure is essential and indeed, the hearing apps offer a window into understanding your own hearing health better, be it a small glance, but still a reference point nonetheless. And a reference point is essential in being able to fully determine if someone has or is developing hearing loss, as spotting any trend can help action to be taken sooner.

The downside is that trendspotting is where these health apps fall short in regards to hearing health BUT it does engage people and helps form knowledge around the subject of hearing health. Seeing a fully trained Audiologist will enable an open discussion for your hearing health, they may spot a negative trend developing and feel that a full pure tone audiometry examination is required.

Most online hearing tests do not go into specifics about your hearing health, instead they focus on giving you an overview. You would be promoted to listen to a particular soft tone or sound and be asked questions about what problems you have with your hearing and a result will be instant – the whole thing usually takes no more than 3-5 minutes. The software will determine your hearing health based on how you’ve answered the pre-populated but relevant questions and how loud particular sounds had to be before you were able to hear them. This is nothing new nor revolutionary, this approach has been on a dedicated machine in opticians and hearing aid stores for over a decade – however they’re regarded as hearing screeners rather than a full hearing test. What makes the technology more relevant today though is its reachability – we all have access to these ‘hearing screeners’ on our smartphones and home computers and can test as many times as we’d like which makes it more likely to be fully truthful with our answers to the questions asked.

Ultimately, anything that helps keep the conversation around hearing loss going is a good thing. Having a gauge and minor monitoring only encourages a person to seek help at a much earlier time.

If you are concerned about your hearing test results or hearing in general you can book an initial phone consultation appointment with our in house team by clicking here.

The post Hearing Health vs Health Apps first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Understanding hearing aid batteries

There are generally 4 different sizes of hearing aid batteries, and they are as follows:

It is worth noting that most hearing aid batteries are zinc air – this means the battery is only activated once it encounters oxygen and this encounter happens when you remove the battery tag. Once removed, a chemical reaction occurs within the battery, and your battery is activated – therefore, YOU MUST NOT remove the battery tag before you come to need your battery. The battery (once activated) will drain regardless; however, you can conserve battery life by turning the hearing aid off when you’re not using it e.g., at night.

3 top tips to get the most of your battery

• When you remove the tag, try and allow the battery to stand for up to 5 minutes before use. This can extend the battery life by up to 72 hours. This allows the battery to fully activate due to oxygen exposure. So, if you feel you’re not getting the full life span out of your battery then do please try this little trick.
  
• Another thing to consider is investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier, especially if you use the hearing aid during high activity scenarios such as running or exercise classes. Moisture can build up in the battery compartment and lead to rust – this can ultimately damage your hearing aid beyond repair and certainly will hinder the battery’s predictive lifespan.
  
• If you want to know if your battery is drained, simply drop the battery on a hard surface – if it bounces, the battery is empty and has depleted BUT if the battery bounces, then there’s still life left in it. Alternatively, and more accurately, you can buy a battery tester.
  

The benefits of battery-operated hearing aids over rechargeable

One glaring advantage of a battery-operated hearing aid is the initial cost of the aid. Non rechargeable hearing aids are generally cheaper to purchase than rechargeable ones, though it is disputed that the cost saving is minimal over a 3-year period. Another benefit of battery powered hearing aids is that batteries are readily available; so, if you were to forget your charging station you may be hard pressed to find an adaptable charging unit for your rechargeable hearing aids, whereas with a battery operate device, you can simply purchase your required batteries. If you desire to have a small hearing aid like an In The Ear aid then you’re more likely to find that your only option is a battery powered device. Battery technology is advancing at such a rate that a lot of manufactures are beginning to create rechargeable In The Ear hearing aids but the options are still limited. However, If you’re looking at a Behind The Ear device then your options are endless.

We are proud to be able to offer both rechargeable and battery-operated hearing aids and you can view our range here. You can also purchase hearing aid batteries here.

The post Hearing aid Batteries first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

A digital hearing aid enables the programmer to adjust the levels in a way that suits the user – the aid is tailored to the user’s specific hearing loss requirements. 

This can be adjusted time and time again and extra programmes can be added which are then also adjusted in such a way to help the user in particular environments e.g. noisy background situations.  The idea is to ‘re-balance’ a person’s hearing to normal levels and to enhance the lost hearing frequencies that accompany hearing loss.

The majority of us will lose the high frequencies in our hearing as we get older – this is basically the area of our hearing that’s responsible for clarity in speech; without this, things sound muffled and are hardly understandable. 

We can programme a digital hearing aid to target these weak areas but not at the detriment of areas that are working well – ideally, we want the natural hearing to continue doing its job. This means that when the user increases their hearing aid volume, everything will increase in a relative way and in a way that’s suitable for their specific hearing needs. 

A digital hearing aid has a built-in sound equaliser (like you would have with an old stereo) and this allows the audiologist to make fine adjustments to the aid itself. If you are a music lover, many high-end headphones will not do this, but instead they amplify based on a person having balanced and normal hearing thresholds.  

Today, many digital hearing aids offer wireless streaming and allow the user to connect their tailored hearing aids to their own music devices, which creates a balanced sound experience that matches their own hearing thresholds. In other words, the hearing aid would amplify the bass and/ or treble to the correct areas of your specific hearing requirements thus allowing a more natural listening experience when listening to music, for anyone with hearing loss. 

Our new Active hearing aid offers seamless music streaming as well as aid hearing amplification to hear friends and family easier. The clever and compact design is made to look like your average headphone instead of a traditional hearing aid. 

Check out our wider range of hearing aids here.

The post How Digital Hearing Aids work – The Basics first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Tinnitus is generally referred to as ringing or buzzing in our ears or head, it can be in one or both ears and can be intermittent or constant. It is recommended to seek GP advice if you suddenly appear to develop tinnitus, especially if it’s only in one ear. Tinnitus can come on suddenly due to exposure to high intense and loud sound such as gunfire or it can come on suddenly due to a medical condition. In general, it comes on gradually as we age and as the hearing begins to deteriorate. If someone has been exposed to a lot of noise throughout their lifetime then they are more at risk of developing tinnitus.

There are two main types of tinnitus:

Non-pulsatile tinnitus (also known as subjective tinnitus)

This is the more common of the two and is often accompanied by hearing loss. Someone suffering with subjective tinnitus normally notice a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in their ears or head but it can literally be any noise that is not an external sound.

This noise is subjective to the sufferer, people around them won’t hear it, the sound is coming from the sufferer’s auditory cortex within the brain; however, this is where there’s a bit of a grey area – even to this day it is not fully understood to where the tinnitus signal is generated, is it the ear itself? Or the brain? It is still unknown. It is, however, generally regarded to be rooted within the brain and the universal consensus is that it’s our brain filling in any gaps from possible hearing loss – the brain is filling any sensory information that has been lost due to hearing loss from ear wax blockage, general hearing loss or mechanical problem with the ear itself.

As the hearing deteriorates, the tinnitus may increase however, it is worth pointing out that this theory does not ring true for everyone. Not all hearing loss sufferers have tinnitus, some people with normal hearing thresholds do suffer with subjective tinnitus. Stress and/ or poor sleep quality can play a big part in any tinnitus sufferer.

Pulsatile tinnitus (Objective Tinnitus)

People with this type of tinnitus tend to describe a whooshing sound or a pulsing type sound in their ears that mimic a heartbeat. This type of tinnitus can be caused due to abnormal blood vessels or vasculature issues. People who suffer with high blood pressure are more prone to this type of tinnitus and any degree of hearing loss is likely to enhance the sound of this type of tinnitus.

Can we help Tinnitus?

The most frustrating thing about tinnitus is the fact there is no known cure for it but there are plenty of management techniques to adopt to help reduce tinnitus symptoms.

Tinnitus in usually worse late at night or early in the morning, partly due to tiredness which can have a negative effect, but the other factor is generally it being much quieter at these times. When there’s less sound around the tinnitus becomes more noticeable and more pronounced. Environmental noises can help mask the tinnitus’ intensity, so the goal is to fill the silence – this can be any external sound such as an ambient meditational sound or general background noise from the Radio or TV. Using headphones at a suitable volume can also be a good management tool.

Distraction methods are key when it comes to tinnitus management and hearing aids can be a good tool to help mask it – a hearing aid will amplify specific tones to aid a hearing loss which stimulates the brain in areas where tinnitus is more prominent, and this can result in a reduction in tinnitus for the sufferer. Some hearing aids come built in with a dedicated programme to help mask tinnitus with the aid of pink noise which is generally regarded as a better option for tinnitus sufferers than white noise.

At SelectSpecs we have a range of hearing aids that can help a tinnitus sufferer with hearing loss. Our Signia Nx 5 comes equipped with a tinnitus masking programme. For more information click here.

The post Tinnitus: an overview first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

1). Hearing aids whistle all the time

In simple terms, hearing aids should not whistle.

What most people refer to as ‘whistling’ is actually feedback from the hearing aid and it is a common, frustrating issue for the hearing aid user which should not be ignored. 

If you experience any ‘whistling’ at any point, you should contact your audiologist to investigate the cause and find a solution for you. 

The most common reasons of why the ‘whistling’ happens is usually either because of an incorrect fitting, the presence of wax in the ear or an indication that an adjustment is required to the hearing aid. 

It’s nothing to worry about, nothing difficult to fix and most certainly not something that you should ignore and just get used to. 

Our Signia range of hearing aids all have ‘feedback management’ systems in place to help reduce the chance of ‘whistling’ occurring.

View our ‘in the ear’ range here and our ‘behind the ear’ range here.

2). Hearing aids are too complicated to use

A common misconception we regularly hear during our consultations is that hearing aids are very confusing to use for new users.

Rest assured that your hearing consultant will always set up your hearing aids to a level that makes it comfortable for you to operate. 

If you’re an experienced tech user, you can choose a hearing aid which has the functionality to tweak settings to your heart’s content. You can choose a device which allows you to adjust sounds like treble and bass, fit rechargeable batteries so you’re never out of charge, select a faster processor or a smarter chip. Some aids come fitted with all the optional extras and they can respond quicker and return a more natural sound. 

However, that’s not to say that new inexperienced users can’t enjoy a natural sound with a hearing aid device that is programmed by your consultant to run fully automatically. Your audiologist will be able to programme everything up for you based on your personal preferences and hearing needs and set the device to function without you having to think twice about it. 

It’s all about personal preferences and own experience using tech devices, however as hearing professionals we’ll always make sure you get fitted something you’re very comfortable using. 

SelectSpecs offer hearing aids that you can purchase online that are designed to be super easy to use – a plug and play approach.

For more information visit https://www.selectspecs.com/hearing/.

3). Tinnitus is unmanageable

Hearing aids can be a very handy tool for anyone suffering from this as it helps mask any tinnitus you may be experiencing. Hearing aids disrupt the constant tinnitus sound travelling across the auditory nerve and pick up more sounds that are around you, making it appear to you as if the tinnitus has reduced. 

All of the SelectSpecs hearing aids can offer some degree of tinnitus management however; our Signia 5Nx offers an extra feature that can further help mask your tinnitus. This tinnitus masker emits a white noise at a specific frequency to help further mask tinnitus. If this is something of interest then see our Signia 5Nx product for further details.

How does tinnitus reduce by using a hearing aid?

Well, think about the sound of a noisy fly buzzing around you incessantly. How would you be able to drown the buzzing? Say that you turned on the TV. You’d immediately notice a difference as you wouldn’t be able to hear the buzzing as much. Why? Because the buzzing would not be the focus anymore. This is exactly how your audiologist can programme your hearing aid to target the area where tinnitus happens and help drown the sound out.

Bonus at home solution to help you reduce tinnitus

If you struggle to sleep at night because of tinnitus, we recommend that to try having some ambient noise playing in the background.

Choose any type of relaxing sounds that you enjoy (such as sounds of the rainforest).

There are plenty of free downloads to choose from online and you can also download them on your smartphone.

An even easier alternative is to simply leave the TV on or have the radio playing in the background as you drift off to sleep.

Whichever option you prefer, they’re all easy and effective alternatives to help combat tinnitus without having to wear a hearing aid. 

It is however very important to note that stress is a common aggravating factor to tinnitus, as well as sleep deprivation and blood pressure issues and that we always advise you to speak to your GP if you have any worsening tinnitus symptoms or sudden development of tinnitus.

4). Hearing aids work straight away

Although you may experience some great hearing benefits right away, generally it takes your brain between 2 – 4 weeks to fully re-train and adjust to hearing the new sounds. You should get a good response on what we class as ‘easy listening’ environments, such as one-to-one conversations or watching TV, but normally the 2 – 4 weeks’ timeframe is needed to adapt to more challenging listening environments, such as social gatherings or crowded places.

It’s also very common for hearing aid users to initially feel like the aid simply makes everything sound louder. This however is only a temporary first impression, due to the brain’s inexperience with dealing with a hearing aid.  Unlike wearing glasses for the first time, getting used to a new hearing aid takes that little bit longer. Rest assured, your audiologist will be there every step of the way to check on your progress and make any necessary adjustments you may require.

Hearing aids can be a costly purchase but be re-assured, SelectSpecs offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. We offer a wide range of hearing aids at the fraction of the cost of a local hearing aid care provider.

Want to know more? View our range of hearing aids here.

5). If I don’t like the hearing aids I chose, there’s nothing I can do about it

This is a myth that has no reason to exist in 2022. Hearing aids are products just like any other you purchase and they all come with a standard ‘cooling off’ period. 

Most hearing aid providers offer a money back guarantee for a specific timeframe, so you really don’t need to worry about making the wrong choice. A hearing aid is a very important part of your own health recovery and we fully understand that you need to be happy with your chosen product before committing to a purchase. 

Discuss your options and any concerns you may have with your consultant during the appointment as they will be able to provide information and help you make the right choice for your hearing recovery journey.

The post Five hearing aid myths debunked first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

MIRA is a smartphone application which can measure your Pupillary Distance (PD) with only using your smartphone and a mirror. PD is the distance between the centres of the pupils, which is widely considered the most basic measure in optics. This measure is important so the focal points of the lenses can be positioned right in front of your pupils. This way you can have better glasses which suit you perfectly. Read more about the Pupillary Distance on the MIRA Measure blog. MIRA comes with a millimetre accuracy, which makes this method the most accurate online method for measuring PD.  The image has to be taken in front of a half-length mirror in order to create a 3D model of the user on which the measurement can be done. In this way MIRA removes the need for scaling devices (such as credit card) and relies on algorithms based on your exact facial measurements. Read more about the technology behind MIRA on the MIRA Measure blog.

This service can be tried when ordering glasses at selectspecs.com. The ‘get measured by App’ option can be chosen during the ordering process under the ‘What is your Pupillary Distance?’ menu point. After the order is placed and confirmed an e-mail is sent to you from where the measurement can be accessed. If the App is not already downloaded then the same link first sends you to the AppStore. Then you only need to follow the steps provided by the application in order to take the perfect image. Finally, the image is uploaded to the cloud and then after the evaluation the PD result is sent back. The result e-mail also contains a link to a survey which helps MIRA Measure to collect valuable feedback for future improvements.

The application is easy to use. Based on the survey results almost 90% of the customers watch the tutorial video at the home screen of the app and more than 95% of the users feel easy or relatively easy the image taking process. The tutorial video already reached 1500 views on YouTube.

MIRA is becoming a more and more popular way to get PD measurement online. Based on the last 2 months the service has a more than 95% success rate and also almost 95% of the users feel more confident buying glasses online knowing that their Pupillary Distance was measured accurately.

Currently MIRA is only supported by Apple iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), but don’t worry in the upcoming few months the Android version of MIRA will be introduced as well at selectspecs.com. Until that point use your own iOS device or borrow your friend’s iOS device and measure your PD by the App at your next SelectSpecs order, and stay tuned for the Android release.

The post Measure Your Pupillary Distance with MIRA today first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

It’s understandable that in certain roles and industries – such as marketing, IT and graphic design – some of us have no choice but to use computers and laptops constantly, but it is vital to ensure that your eyes receive the care that they need. Here are our top 5 tips for caring for your eyes when working at a screen all day.

1. Take regular breaks away from the screen

Make sure you schedule regular breaks away from the screen to refresh your eyes because working at a screen non-stop can cause eye strain and headaches. Plus, taking regular breaks is beneficial anyway – it’s not healthy to be constantly on the go and have a rest from time to time can help you to refocus and reduce your stress levels.

2. Shut your eyes at regular intervals

In addition to taking breaks, a really good tip for caring for your eyes is to shut your eyes for 90 seconds at regular intervals throughout the day. This is another way to help your eyes to refresh, relax and re-adjust away from the screen.

3. Prevent glare

Glare – light that reflects from the sun and bounces back to your eyes – is very problematic for the eyes as it can interfere with your vision and cause eye strain. In order to prevent this, you need to ensure that your working environment is structured in such a way to prevent light from hitting your computer screen. First of all, make sure that you have blinds in your office to reduce the number of sun rays reflecting on the screen. You might have to consider sitting in a part of the office when you don’t have your back to the window and your computer or laptop is facing away from the window.

Other ways to reduce or prevent glare include:
⦁ Wearing sunglasses
⦁ Adjusting the angle of your screen
⦁ Adjusting the brightness setting on your laptop/computer
⦁ Applying a monitor hood
⦁ Adding anti-glare film

4. Use an adjustable seat

When working on the screen, it is important to make sure that your eyes are directly focused to the top of the screen. Use an adjustable seat or purchase props to help you adjust your seating position (i.e. cushions or a footrest) so that you are directly facing the screen in the right way.

5. Go for regular eye tests

Going for eye tests is essential to maintaining the health of your eyes, regardless of your age or other factors. However, if you find yourself using screen a lot, then perhaps you should consider going for checkups more regularly. In general, you should aim to go for a checkup once every two years (if you don’t have issues with your eyes) or at least once a year.

The post Top 5 Tips For Caring For Your Eyes When Working At A Screen All Day first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

A shocking infographic from Focus Clinics shares some truly astonishing statistics about blindness and eye care across the globe, exploring why so many of the world’s blind never receive sight-restoring treatment.

There are many conditions causing blindness that are treatable, and in some cases, reversible.

Common conditions like cataracts steal the sight of millions of people all over the world, but can be cured very easily. In many instances, a simple cataract operation can wholly restore a patient’s sight.

There are approximately 39 million blind people in the world and it is estimated that over 50% of these individuals could be treated to enjoy significantly improved vision. So why isn’t this happening?

The number one reason is a lack of access to healthcare, particularly access to ophthalmologists.

Access to proper eye care is incredibly scarce in many of the world’s poorest nations and that’s why blindness is so much more prevalent in developing countries.

In the developed world, people enjoy comparatively easy access to eye care, which is often free or subsidized for people with lower incomes.

In addition to the financial implications of gaining access to eye care, another contributing factor to the poor state of eye health in the developing world is the lack of qualified ophthalmologists who are able to offer care.

For example, in Japan, there is one ophthalmologist to every 9,099 people. In contrast to this, Malawi has just one eye doctor to every 4.3 million individuals.

Interestingly, the UK has the lowest ratio of ophthalmologists to people in Europe, with one eye doctor to every 20,224 members of the population.

Yet, even here we are lucky enough to enjoy accessible care. The real problems start when we look to poorer countries.

Here is a breakdown of the number of people per ophthalmologist across some of the richest and poorest countries:

Clearly, these numbers make it impossible for every person to receive the treatment and care they need to assess and care for their vision.

This means a huge number of conditions go undiagnosed and a vast number of people who develop reversible blindness never have the opportunity to see again.

This recent Outlook episode from the BBC World Service helps to highlight this issue. Dr Helen Ndume, known in Namibia as “Doctor Miracle,” returns regularly to her country of birth to provide eye care for those without access to these all-important services.

It’s a great listen that really helps give this huge issue a personal face.

Such a huge problem obviously can’t be fixed overnight but there are lots of charities and organizations working together to deliver more accessible eye care in developing countries.

If you’d like to get involved and help tackle reversible blindness, here are a number of charities you can support who help tackle this issue around the world:

• 20x20x20
• The Fred Hollows Foundation
• Cure Blindness
• Sightsavers
• Vision Aid Overseas

The post 20 Million of the World’s Blind People Could See Again first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

If you’re unfamiliar with laser eye surgery, here are the essential facts:

The technique works by using a laser to adjust the shape of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye). In the vast majority of cases, the precise operation enables the eye’s focus to improve – resulting in sharper vision.

As technology has advanced, laser eye surgery has become quicker, cheaper and safer. However, as with all medical procedures, there are still some risks to be aware of.

Firstly, though, let’s take a look at the benefits of laser eye surgery.

Top 3 Benefits of Laser Eye Surgery

#1 Freedom from contact lenses and glasses.

As someone who uses both contact lenses and glasses, I know just how inconvenient they can be at times. For example, my glasses often get steamed up or covered in rain drops.

Laser eye surgery can give you the freedom to discard your contact lenses and glasses – and the need to clean and replace them.

You can also expect to save money in the long term, as you’ll no longer need a contact lenses subscription or new glasses. Please note that some people still require glasses for night driving.

#2 New career and activity opportunities.

Some jobs require you to have 20/20 vision without the aid of contact lenses and glasses. In other words, you need perfect vision.

These jobs include: airline pilot, air traffic controller and firefighter. So, if you currently have impaired vision, but have your heart set on one of these career choices, then laser eye surgery may be able to make your dream a reality.

Laser eye surgery will also enable you to take up sports and hobbies that may not have been suitable when wearing glasses. For example, football, rugby and swimming.

#3 Confidence booster.

While some people enjoy wearing glasses, and find them stylish, others aren’t so keen. You may be one of the latter. Perhaps glasses can sometimes make you feel awkward or self-conscious?

Fortunately, laser eye surgery can allow you to take off your glasses for good. You can then feel confident about your looks, and about your eye safety.

And you never know. Your new-found confidence may help you to find a new job – or even attract a new partner!

Top 3 Concerns about Laser Eye Surgery

#1 Changes made to the cornea can only be corrected with additional laser eye surgery.

If you currently suffer from myopia (short-sightedness), then any laser eye surgery that you undergo should last a lifetime. However, this is not guaranteed, as the operation may not be 100% successful, and/or your eyes may change shape.

For hyperopia (long-sightedness), it’s likely that you’ll need follow-up operations due to the natural way the eyes change shape as we age.

So, best-case scenario is that you have one operation that gives you 20/20 vision for the rest of your life. Worst-case scenario, you may need to undergo further treatments to correct or improve your vision.

#2 Discomfit after the operation.

Many people are put off laser eye surgery due to feeling squeamish about the operation. It’s understandable, as our eyes are incredibly sensitive organs. Just think of the last time you got something in your eye!

There’s no point pretending that laser eye surgery won’t result in some discomfit. In fact, it’s normal to experience some or all of the symptoms following surgery: mild pain, itchy eyes, overproduction of tears. However, these symptoms normally clear up within a few days.

#3 Potential side effects.

As with any decision in life, it’s best to be aware of what can go wrong. And this is especially important when it comes to your eyes.

While the vast majority of laser eye surgery procedures are successful, there are potential side effects that you should know about. These include: dry eyes, glare, light-sensitivity, seeing halos and impaired night vision.

Some of these symptoms may clear themselves within a month of the surgery, unfortunately, others may be permanent.

My recommendation is to talk to family members and friends who have undergone the treatment. Ask them straight: “Was the surgery worth it for you?” “Have you had any problems?”

By doing this, you’ll be able to get an honest picture of laser eye surgery.

If you choose to go ahead with the treatment, you’ll be in famous company. Celebrities such as Elton John, Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt have all benefited from laser eye surgery. However, you don’t need to be earning a celebrities salary to have laser eye treatment.

Currently, prices start from around £1,500 per eye. Many opticians also offer easy payment plans.

Finally, for more information on laser eye surgery, and its suitability for you, please get in touch with your local optician.

The post The Pros & Cons Of Laser Eye Surgery first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Unfortunately, it’s often too easy to let convenience take the upper hand over safety.

For example: you’re running late for a night out with friends, and you need to take a quick shower before heading out. But, time is running out. You decide to keep your contact lenses in while showering, instead of taking them out.

Convenient? For sure.

However, contact lenses and water are a potentially hazardous combination. Here’s why.

Contact Lenses & Swimming

While lounging poolside, you may consider wearing contact lenses for a dip.

Opting for contact lenses during swimming sessions may sound like a great idea, but unfortunately it’s not.

Water in swimming pools can contain countless, dangerous microbes and viruses. If you choose to wear your contacts in the pool, you’ll be putting your eyes at risk of irritations, infections, and even serious conditions such as corneal ulcers.

But don’t let the above put you off having fun in the water.

Here are three quick tips to help you swim safely while still being able to see clearly:

• If you’re a regular swimmer (or sportsperson), consider correcting your vision with laser eye surgery
• Use swim goggles, so you can keep wearing your contact lenses.
• Get yourself a pair of custom-made prescription swimming goggles (No need to wear contact lenses with these)

Luckily, my friend did not cause any damage to his eyes. However, he certainly put his eyes at risk of severe infections.

It can’t be stated enough. Tap water is riddled with germs and microbes that can quickly lead to your contact lenses being an eye health nightmare.

Fortunately, you don’t need to clean your lenses in water, as there are lots of cheap and effective contact lens cleaners on the market.

The post Warning: Keep Contacts Away From Water first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

If you have a dog, then you’re no doubt used to treating him/her for fleas, ticks and worms. You probably also have them vaccinated annually to protect against diseases such as Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Kennel Cough.

While all of the above are certainly helpful for keeping your dog healthy – have you stopped to think about your dog’s eyes?

Dogs eyes are prone to various ailments and injuries. Luckily, however, if you follow the five recommendations below, you can help to reduce the chances of your dog experiencing eye issues.

1. Look into Your Dog’s Eyes

One of the best ways of spotting problems with your dog’s eyes, is to regularly gaze into them. And not just your usual loving gaze…

You need to be looking specifically into your dog’s eyes to see if they are: clear and bright, the pupils are of equal size, there is white around the eyeball, and no discharge from the eyes (or crust in the corner of the eyes).

Other things to look for include: cloudiness, a change in eye colour, and rubbing of the eyes.

Any of the above symptoms strongly suggest that you take your dog to your vet to be properly examined.

2. Keep Their Eyes Clean

Just like humans, dog’s eyes can naturally collect gunk and dirt around them. Unfortunately, dogs have the added problem of not being able to reach their eyes.

However, you can help your dog out by using a damp cotton ball to gently cleanse the corner of their eyes. (Please be sure to wipe outward and away from the eye, otherwise you could scratch the cornea.)

The second thing to do to help keep your dog’s eyes clean and healthy, is to use eye drops especially formulated for dogs. With anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, eye drops for dogs can quickly clear up common eye issues such as: conjunctivitis, irritation and stinging. You can choose to regularly use eye drops – or use them only when your dog experiences eye issues.

3. Protect Your Dog’s Eyes During Bathing Time

Picture the scene: You’ve come back from a long walk in the countryside. Your dog has enthusiastically romped through fields and forests – but there is a problem. They’re now coated from head to toe in mud!

It’s times like these, when giving your dog a bath or shower is essential. However, just be careful during this activity not to cause any irritation to your dog’s eyes. Many soaps and shampoos contain harmful chemicals that can lead to major irritation for your dog (if the product gets into your dog’s eyes.)

Ideally, only bathe or shower your dog using products designed specifically to be safe for dogs. Nevertheless, even with these products, it’s best to avoid them having any contact with your dog’s eyes.

4. Keep Their Hair Short Around Their Eyes

Depending on the breed of your dog, you may find they are prone to long hair on their face, which can lead to eye irritation and even injury.

Fortunately, you can easily help your dog out with this issue.

The trick is to regularly trim the hairs around your dog’s eyes by using scissors with rounded tips. (Please be careful when doing this!)

By keeping the hair around the eyes short, you’ll be protecting your dog from pokes and scratches from wayward hair.

5. Don’t Let Your Dog Stick Its Head out of Your Car Window

How many times have you seen cars driving past with a dog’s head poking out the side? Lots of times, no doubt.

Hopefully, you don’t allow your dog to do this, but in case you do, here are some important reasons to STOP asap.

Firstly, the wind generated by travelling at speed can lead to your dog having dry, irritated eyes. Not a good start.

The second reason is even more concerning. By allowing your dog to stick its head out of your car window, you will be putting its eyes at risk of damage from flying debris or insects.

While it’s certainly good practice to open a window in your car to allow fresh air to circulate, just be sure that the window is only opened far enough to prevent your dog from poking its head out.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Dogs are fantastic pets that can inject warmth and joy into our daily life. It’s no wonder that 24% of all UK households have at least one dog.

However, our love affair with our fluffy friends should definitely extend to caring for their eyes.

Be sure to implement the tips above to give your dog the best chance of having healthy eyes throughout its lifetime. And finally,  if you’re ever in doubt about your dog’s eye health, please consult your vet for advice.

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The post Top 5 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

As you’ll discover below, the development of contact lenses is a fascinating story filled with inspiration, perseverance – and timing.

The Da Vinci Codex

Go back more than 500 centuries to the year 1508 where contact lenses were first born.

The same year that Leonardo da Vinci introduced the concept of contact lenses in his Codex of the eye, Manual D.

In the book, he sketched ideas for vision correction through a contact lens/water combination. It’s believed that his inspiration for these ideas was from noticing a person’s vision could be corrected by immersing their head in a bowl of water. Not the best, or recommended way to correct your vision.

Sadly, his idea was totally impractical at the time of invention, and remained nothing more than a concept for some time to come.

First Glimpses of a Clearer Future

It wasn’t until 1636 that another idea for contact lenses was proposed.

This time, it was René Descartes who suggested that a glass tube filled with liquid placed in direct contact with the cornea could be used to correct impaired vision.

However, his concept was flawed, as the device prevented patients from blinking.

Luckily, the idea of correcting vision through contact lenses was not forgotten.

In 1887, German glassblower by the name of F. E. Muller succeeded in producing the world’s first eye covering to be seen through and tolerated.

One year later, German ophthalmologist Adolf Gaston Eugen Fick became the first person to fit contact lenses. His initial test fittings were made on rabbits, then himself, and then on a small group of volunteers.

Fick’s lenses were made from heavy blown glass and measured 18–21 mm in diameter. To prevent abrasion of the eyes, he used a dextrose solution between the cornea and glass.

While Fick’s lenses succeeded in correcting myopia, unfortunately, they were cumbersome. Additionally, they could only be worn for up to 2 hours at a time.

Contact Lenses Come of Age

Let’s jump forward to the 20th Century.

The time when science and technology saw rapid advancements in all areas. Included in this powerful trend was the development of comfortable and practical contact lenses.

Shortly after World War II, in 1949, the first ‘corneal’ lenses were developed. Much smaller than earlier lenses, they could be worn up to an impressive 16 hours per day.

As you can imagine, these lenses proved to be hugely popular throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

However, the lenses did have one major disadvantage. Namely, they failed to allow any oxygen to reach the conjunctiva and cornea. This serious downside had the potential to lead to adverse clinical effects in patients.

The late 1970s and early ’80s saw the introduction of oxygen-permeable contact lenses. While these were ‘rigid’ or ‘hard’ lenses, soft contact lenses were also evolving and gaining in oxygen permeability. Furthermore, it’s worth noting the contribution of British optometrist Rishi Agarwal, who in 1972, suggested the idea of disposable soft contact lenses.

This section wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the release of the first silicone hydrogel contact lenses by Ciba Vision in 1998. These lenses offered such high oxygen permeability and comfort, that opticians were allowed to prescribe them for extended (overnight) use.

A Simple, but Revolutionary Idea

Millions of people around the world benefit daily from wearing contact lenses.

Glasses are not always convenient, especially in terms of high-impact sports such as basketball and rugby. And not everyone likes their personal appearance when wearing glasses.

Fortunately, contact lenses are now so advanced that wearers find them incredibly comfortable and easy to use. Contact lenses can also be so thin that they are practically invisible to other people.

They can also be fun and fashionable. Many people choose coloured contact lenses that emphasis their natural eye colour – or even dramatically change it!

Next time you put in your lenses, take a moment to remember the creative endeavours of the many people who have helped develop them. Their work has helped transform the lives of millions.

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The post The History of Contact Lenses first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

If the answer is yes, then you may have experienced a scenario similar to this:

You unpacked the device from its box, powered it up, and were instantly mesmerised by how everything was beautiful and new. However, after using the device for leisurely browsing or work, you quickly come to realise the screen is highly-reflective, almost like a mirror.

Despite your best efforts to adjust the screen brightness and contrast, begrudgingly, you finally admit it: the screen is nothing more than a glare magnet!

Screen glare is a genuine nuisance, and can often lead to eye strain and headaches. Luckily, however,  there are several things you can do to mitigate this contemporary dilemma.

Not All Screens Are Made Equally

Many years of working in IT and as a freelance writer taught me that screens vary massively.

Some of the most expensive screens may have crisp, sharp displays – but they can also be the worst offenders when it comes to glare.

The secret is to make sure that you both see and try using a screen before purchasing one. You’ll be amazed at the difference in glare that screens have.

From my own recent experience, I remember walking into a computer shop and instantly noticing one monitor that was completely unaffected by intense sunlight streaming into the store. The other dozen or so monitors couldn’t handle the bright light (despite some of them being advertised as anti-glare).

The lesson here is to definitely view and compare screens before making a purchase.

A post shared by Fariz Mamedov (ex Джокеры) (@fariz_mamedov) on Mar 1, 2017 at 2:42am PST

Additionally, try to spend the most amount of your screen time on devices that are easy on your eyes. A great example of this is Amazon’s Kindle device, which uses e-ink technology to digitally recreate ink on paper. The screens on these devices are so good, that you can read a book on the beach in bright, midday sun. And what more could you ask for?

Screens & Direct Light: A Poor Combination

If you don’t have an anti-glare screen, then the best option to reduce glare is to position your screen away from direct light.

For instance, do you have a desk at home that you work from, where your screen is directly facing a window? If yes, then during the daytime your screen will be subject to unnecessary glare. To resolve this, sit facing the window instead of having your back to it. This will mean that your screen is naturally shielded from the light coming in from the window.

This one change can provide significant benefits to your eyes and your ability to work for long periods of time.

The same is true for using any of your devices such as mobile phones, tablets and TVs. Try at all times to find the angle and place where the least amount of direct light is hitting the screens.

At this point, you may be wondering about your office.

They’ve allocated you a poor-quality screen, and unfortunately, it’s directly facing a large window that is letting in copious amounts of light. In other words – your screen is hellish!

Don’t despair though, as there a few things you can do:

1. Ask for blinds or curtains to be fitted on the window, so you can control the amount of light coming in.
2. Ask for a high-quality, anti-glare screen to be fitted at your desk.
3. If the first two steps are declined, then ask to be moved to a desk that doesn’t have a screen that faces a window.

Your eyes are vitally important, and it’s essential that you have screens that are comfortable and easy to read.

A post shared by Desk Inspiration (@isetups) on Feb 28, 2017 at 4:54pm PST

Your Glasses May Be Adding to the Problem

If you need to wear glasses for reading when using a computer, then you may be incurring additional glare.

Fortunately, there is a quick and easy answer to this.

Make sure that the lenses in your glasses are treated with anti-reflective coating. Not only will the coating improve your optical experience when using a computer, you’ll also find that the coating helps with night driving too. Your vision will be clear and defined, and you’ll also see a reduction in eye fatigue.

If you’re considering placing an order for glasses through SelectSpecs, then, please note that we can offer anti-reflective coating FREE of charge with any Prescription lenses. (With the exception of standard tints.)

With the average person spending more and more time in front of screens – glare has become an ever-increasing problem.

Use the tips in this article to help protect your eyes from unnecessary glare. And remember, whatever screen you are using, take regular breaks from it.

Your eyes are precious. Be sure to look after them.

The post How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen Glare first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

During this time period, airborne pollen can trigger hay fever and its distressing symptoms such as itchy, red eyes, sneezing, and running nose.

In addition to the risk of hay fever, you may also be sensitive to indoor allergens (e.g., dust and mould), which can be present all year round.

As you may be aware, wearing contact lenses can be difficult when experiencing allergy symptoms. However, there are several steps you can take to help with this problem.

Here are our top three tips to help you during this difficult time.

1. Flush your eyes before and after wearing lenses

One of the best ways to keep your eyes free from allergens is to use an eye wash before and after wearing contact lenses. By doing this, you’ll be able to dilute any allergic debris, mucous or inflammatory proteins in the tears. This will help prevent allergens from ending up in your contact lenses.

While most commercially-available eye washes are suitable, the ideal product would be preservative-free tears.

2. Wear daily disposable lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses are the healthiest choice for your eyes if you suffer from allergies. This is because you’ll be putting in a fresh, allergen-free pair of lenses every day. There’s no chance for significant allergen build-up to occur (unlike if you’re wearing weekly or monthly lenses).

Not only will daily disposable lenses help with allergy symptoms such as itchy and red eyes, but they’ll also give you the added benefit of disposing without any care solution. In other words, they are a convenient and safe alternative to other types of contact lenses.

3. Shower before going to bed

Now, this third tip is one you’re unlikely to have heard of before in relation to eye health. Nevertheless, as you’ll discover, showering before going to bed does offer significant benefits to your eyes (if you’re an allergy sufferer).

The idea is really quite simple. Throughout the day, all kinds of allergens are deposited onto our clothes, hair and skin. If you fail to shower before going to bed, then it’s likely that these allergens will be transferred to your pillows. Once this has happened, your face, nose and eyes will be repeatedly exposed to the allergens throughout the night.

As well as showering before bedtime, it’s also recommended that you change your pillow cases every night during the peak allergy season.

Allergies can leave you feeling miserable and depressed. Hopefully, though, by following the above tips, you can alleviate some of the associated eye symptoms.

By helping your eyes, you’ll be helping yourself to enjoy your life more – regardless of season.

The post Allergies & Contacts: Top Three Tips To Help first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

The study, conducted by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, discovered that a specific cell in the retina may dysfunction if insufficient natural light is received. Scientists believe that the cell dysfunction may cause myopia.

Children who spend too much time indoors are likely to lack sufficient natural light. This could lead them to be prone to myopia, the study suggests.

The Newly-Discovered Retinal Cell

The newly-detected cell is highly sensitive to light, and appears to control how the eye grows and develops. If the cell dysfunctions, it can cause the eye to grow for too long. In this case, images fail to focus on the retina, leading to myopia. Corrective glasses or contact lenses will then be required.

“The eye needs to stop growing at precisely the right time during childhood.” ~ Professor Greg Schwartz

Study lead Professor Greg Schwartz has named the new cell, ‘ON Delayed’. This is a reference to the fact that the cell displays slow response rates to increasing light intensity. The study also found that the new cell was unique among many other retinal cell types, due to its precise sensitivity to whether an image was in focus or not.

Why Excessive Indoor Light Can Lead to Myopia in Children

The prevalent red/green contrast found in typical indoor lighting conditions, may cause the ‘ON Delayed’ cell to be overstimulated, the study found. Furthermore, researchers believe this overstimulation could lead to unnecessary growth of the eye – and subsequent myopia.

While it’s not yet clear exactly how much natural light a child needs, estimates reveal that approximately 40 percent of UK adults presently suffer from myopia.

It’s possible that technological changes have led to children spending more time indoors than previous generations did.

For example, computer games and online videos have changed the way that most children now spend their playtime. Before computers, children often spent a significant amount of their time outdoors playing games such as hopscotch, leapfrog and tag. Nowadays, however, it’s much more common for children to spend the bulk of their time indoors – usually entertained by a TV, computer or mobile phone.

In conclusion, children may currently be spending too much time indoors, and as a consequence, are putting their eyes at risk of development issues.

While myopia is usually correctable through the use of glasses or contact lenses, it would be far better to prevent the onset of the condition in the first place.

The post Could Spending Too Much Time Indoors Be Damaging Children’s Eyes? first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

With the latest statistics suggesting that a blindness epidemic is on the horizon, it’s evident that more needs to be done across the globe towards improving the way we screen eye diseases and disorders. In answer to this, researchers at the University of Rochester have been developing a new eye imaging technique to change the way that eye health is assessed.

This new technology is the first to ever be able to monitor individual cells at the back of the eye; an area that is often affected with vision loss diseases such as glaucoma. This new way of screening the retina could revolutionise eye testing forever, and may even detect blindness long before it happens.

Early Diagnosis for Glaucoma

The development of this new screening technique has one simple aim; to prevent the problems of vision loss through early diagnosis and prevention treatment. With glaucoma being the second biggest cause of blindness in the world, it’s a major breakthrough to be able to screen cells which are connected to the disease. The new technology is designed to distinguish individual retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which is something that has never been achieved before.

There has been a lot of interest in RGC imaging over the years. Despite various attempts by researchers, it has not been possible, until now, to capture images of RGCs due to their very transparent nature.

Up until this latest advancement, glaucoma has been detected and assessed by the thickness of nerve fibres going from the cells to the brain. While this has been a good indication to help eye doctors make a diagnosis; it’s a diagnosis that is often too late.

By the time retinal fibre shows a change in thickness, the eye patients may have lost up to 100,000 cells or more.

With no more than 1.2 million RGCs in each eye, a loss of 100,000 can be extremely detrimental to your vision.

The development of this imaging technique can really help to make a difference to eye health worldwide.

The Future of RGC Imaging

Whilst great progress has been made in RGC imaging, there still needs to be further tests before this technology can be used on patients.

The study conducted at the University of Rochester included a small group of volunteers and in order to ensure the complete robustness of the imaging technique. To follow up, the research team must now run the same tests with a larger group of people.

Although this technology is not ready to launch in clinics, the work completed so far has been very promising. The world of eye health can expect great things should further testing prove successful; there’s hope for future sufferers of glaucoma and other related vision loss diseases.

The post New Imaging Technology Could Revolutionise Eye Health first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

A photo posted by Alena Nazaruk (@alenanazarukiss) on Nov 10, 2016 at 11:53am PST

 
What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a condition that cause vision to become cloudy. The condition affects the lens of the eye, which is located behind your pupil. When an individual develops cataracts, their lens, which is transparent in a healthy eye, becomes more opaque, limiting the amount of light which can reach the retina from the cornea and pupil. This results in increasingly poor, misty or cloudy vision.

Who can develop cataracts?

Anybody can develop cataracts at any point in their lives. Yet this is typically an age-related condition most common in those over 65. There are, however, many cases of younger people developing cataracts. Childhood cataracts are another, less common form of the condition.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts are very difficult to detect at the early stages of their development. This is because the condition worsens steadily over time, making it hard to notice initially. As the condition develops, you may find that you are increasingly suffering from cloudy, misty, or unclear patches in your vision.

Other symptoms may include vision problems in dim and low light, desaturated or unclear colours, difficulty looking at bright lights, a dazzling or halo effect around bright lights, double vision and a yellow or brown tinge to your vision.

What causes cataracts?

In many cases, cataracts are simply a symptom of ageing. However, there are some conditions and factors which may increase your risk of developing this vision problem. The link between diabetes and cataracts, for example, is strong and diabetes sufferers are more likely to develop cataracts earlier in life.

Trauma to the eye can also trigger the condition, as can eye surgery and certain medications such as steroids. If you are already suffering from an ocular problem such as myopia (short-sightedness), retinitis, uveitis, glaucoma or pigmentosa, your likelihood of developing cataracts may also be heightened.

What are the treatments for cataracts?

Unfortunately there is no helpful prescription you can take to deal with cataracts – the only option is surgery. However, as the UK’s most common surgical procedure, cataract surgery is now very advanced and successful. During the surgery, the clouded lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an artificial version known as an IOL (Intra Ocular Lens).

The whole procedure takes no more than 30-40 minutes and can be performed under local anaesthetic to reduce health risks and minimise downtime. Typically performed on a “day patient” basis, you can receive your surgery and go home on the same day. For those with cataracts in both eyes (which is common) the surgeries are usually completed on two separate occasions, 3-5 weeks apart to give you time to heal.

Recovery from cataract surgery

Once a friend or family member has helped you get home from the hospital (you will not be allowed to drive), you’ll be able to go about your everyday life as usual. You may, however, want to rest for 1-2 days. Take extra care to protect your recovering eye from bacteria, dust, soap and water for 2-3 weeks.

It’s common to find that your vision is somewhat blurry for a few days following surgery, however, this will steadily improve and you should begin to find focussing and looking at bright lights much easier. Your vision should be clearer and colours will appear brighter and more distinct. You may require a change in prescription or need to begin wearing glasses.

For even more in depth information, Focus Clinic’s comprehensive guide offers extra insight and detail.

The post Everything You Need to Know About: Cataracts first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Moments in history when time stood still just for one second. How about the contract unveiling of one of the best footballers in the world? Possibly.

In today’s modern football world, money and fame has gone mad for many. Streams of supporters wait in line at the airport in the wee hours of the morning like crazed Beatlesque fans.

Or the way in which people will do anything to have just one second with their favourite pin up professional. Take for example the little chap who broke all security fences in order to cuddle up to David Beckham.

At the time he was being unveiled as the new signing of Real Madrid. Yet, Becks was more than forthcoming and gave the little fella a hug and shirt before departing. Now that’s a right old touch.

And it is to Los Blancos that we turn to. It seems that poster boy and former Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is in a spot of bother. It appears Ronnie is in trouble for wearing a pair of Nike glasses at the time of renewing his contract.

A photo posted by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Jan 7, 2017 at 10:15am PST

Dear Cris has many millions of Euros in the bank already but this new contract is set to add to his overwhelming wealth. You can imagine him plunging head first into a Scrooge Mcduck like vault to grab those extra coins.

Ladies and gents there you have modern football as we know it. Whilst Madrid and the Madridistas are happy with this the powers that be are certainly not.

In a statement of intent, the Portuguese forward has signed his future to the Spanish club until at least 2021. On top of this, he has even mentioned about turning out for Madrid until well into his forties. Nevertheless, he has been on the end of a tongue bashing after the new deal was recently announced. His employers are not thrilled by the fact he was adorned in a pair of Nike eyewear.

What’s all the hoohah about I hear you ask? As the club has an agreement in place with Adidas who they are loyal to, it doesn’t look great when Ronaldo turns out in a rival brand.

A photo posted by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Dec 12, 2016 at 1:56am PST

No, this is not a game of two halves. But as Bill Shankly declared, football is more important than that. According to the Spanish media, Ronnie was helping out Nike thanks to them being one of his main sponsors. With Real Madrid pledging their sporting allegiance to Adidas, it was a dilly of a pickle for the number 7.
Showing off a pair of Nike glass at such a major announcement was bound to cause a stir or two. In addition, the club has gone one step further and banned all Nike promotional products from specific club related events.

As a result, Ronaldo may be in line for a sanction. But don’t shed a tear, it’ll probably be just pocket money for the Portuguese star.

If you don’t have a few million lying around amidst the tinsel, why not land a deal with our exquisite collection of Nike glasses.

The post Glassesgate: Cristiano Ronaldo Could Be In Trouble Over Specs Worn At Contract Signing first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Many strive for the ultimate companion by taking to social media and dating apps to broaden their horizons.  Ranging from Tinder to JCrush, there are a host of dating apps on both iOS and Android platforms.

A photo posted by Charly Lester (@leagueofcharly) on Jan 18, 2017 at 10:25am PST

Looking for love can prove to be a minefield full of mishaps and crazy dating capers.  But what about if you are a glasses wearer? Well for one person, the light bulb moment has arrived. Glasses wearers can from time to time get themselves into all sorts of dating scenarios.

First dinner dates that steam up the lenses or posing for a pic creates a variety of spectacular dilemmas. We have all seen the successful show First Dates on Channel 4 as a prime example. The dating reality programme takes love to the next level with its fly on the wall perspective of modern chivalry.

With more than fifty episodes under its telly belt, it shows no signs of slowing down just yet. The premise is simple: Two people who have never met previously dine out in a London restaurant. At the end of proceedings they are filmed together to find out if there is any romance and if they intend to see each other afterwards.

There have already been many eye popping participants on the programme who gorged whilst wearing glasses.  For glasses wearers young and old, you too can have a smooch without fear of losing your dignity, nor your frames.

Dating is a unique discovery but you can always use your specs for far more seductive purposes. Let us introduce you to SPEX which has launched in the past few months.

This brand spanking new dating app specifically targets eye wearers and those who love a bit of eye candy. Charly Lester is the brains behind SPEX.  The dating industry expert certainly knows her Dr. Ruth from her Dr. Phil. Single spec wearers are in abundance on SPEX and those who really cant get enough of glasses wearers too.

A photo posted by Spex (@spex_app) on Jan 12, 2017 at 8:45am PST

Despite the fact that it is a niche concept, the app may be on to a winner. This is largely in part thanks to numerous stats that even Match of the Day would be proud of.

We don’t need Gary Linekar in his pants to announce the revealing news. It turns out that more than half the UK population actually wears glasses. To break that down even further, we are talking about in excess of 16 million glasses wearers.

The Dating Awards founder also believes that glasses are allegedly considered to be a bit of a novelty item.  As a result she claims that specs can make many feel quite insecure when it comes to their own appearance.

Sound sheepish? Well it needn’t be as there are a number of different celebs who have shortsightedness, with many being glasses wearers. This includes the likes of Friend to all Jennifer Aniston, as well as Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett and J-Lo.

‘I never used to like photos of myself with my glasses on and, when it came to dating, I’d never include photos of me in my glasses. And yet I wear glasses at least 85% of the time. It took me a long time to embrace being a glasses-wearer, but when I did, I was surprised by how many people told me I look more attractive wearing them!’ she said.

It seems her mantra is to put the sex back into specs. All eyes are without doubt on the progress of this new dating app. On top of this, it is about giving individuals the opportunity to wear glasses with style.

Having confidence is just one aspect on the spectrum.

‘Specs are something you choose to wear day in, day out.  So, you need to love the glasses you wear, and feel confident wearing them. I think SPEX can help people find that confidence, and realise just how great they look with their glasses on,’ she added.

So lets get down to the nitty gritty. The app functions pretty much in exactly the same way as the most popular ones at present (such as Tinder).

With SPEX, all you need to do is simply adjust the age parameters and location in order to personalise your preferences. Hit like or hide a match accordingly and job done.

As for sending and receiving messages, you can do so on the condition both people have officially pressed the like button.

The profile page is very much standard. However, with this particular app you can jot down your thoughts on your glasses and what impact they make.

So conceal those contacts and get your glasses groove on boys and girls. Have you got the ultimate SPEX appeal?

The post SPEX Sees New Dating App For Glasses Wearers first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

Continuously hitting the headlines, Snapglasses has gone one step further in the run up to the holiday season. As if taking videos on the move was not enough for the Twitterati. It appears that Snapchat intends to outdo others with the mysterious installation of yellow vending machines.

These luminous and imposing machines don’t dispense drinks or even snacks. Au contraire mon ami, the bright vending products distribute sunnies.

So what is all the fuss about? Snapchat’s own spectacles have really been causing a stir after their recent launch. This specific wearable device is not revolutionary in uploading clips to their app. However, what is eye popping is how they are causing a wave via their selling methods.

A photo posted by GetUpsight (@getupsight) on Sep 26, 2016 at 8:04am PDT

Hype is the name of the game as this Minions like vending machine has been making an unexpected landing in numerous destinations. This all singing all smiling machine popped up in the last few weeks on Venice Beach, California.

Coincidentally, this was within touching distance of Snapchat’s own headquarters. Funny that. Yet, these funky glasses seems to have made the company move stance. This is largely in part down to the fact that they have renamed the company Snap Inc. In fact, Google Capital has become a major investor in the social media app.

With their focus moving towards technology, Snapglasses or Spectacles (or whatever you want to call them) have finally been unveiled. Currently on sale for around £100, they are as hard to find as a needle in a very large haystack.

In this case, the catch is you will need to track down these futuristic vending machines in order to land a pair. Known as Snapbots, the custard yellow appearance is definitely eye catching.

But blink and you may well just miss it as they will only be popping up for a limited time. Fear not as Snapchat have introduced a dedicated map to help customers locate the whereabouts of upcoming vending machines.

A photo posted by Snapchat Spectacles (@snapchatglasses) on Dec 4, 2016 at 10:26am PST

At this stage, no one knows the amount of vending installations but interest is almost at fever pitch.  A few hardcore Snapchatters made the journey to California and literally snapped up the specs. No sooner had they been bought that many decided to repost them on sites such as eBay.  The price? In excess of £750.. Yikes!

This sought after pair of sunglasses can record up to 10 second clips dubbed as “snaps”. Young millennials have flooded social media in a bid to snaffle up a pair but so far they have been impossible to track down.

Not only are these high tech shades impossible to find but you can only purchase a maximum of two pairs. With the so called Snapbots kept as close a secret as Donald Trump’s Secretary of State, many are looking for that elusive buy.

So how do you grab this spectacular booty? Well hope is not lost just yet. If at first you don’t succeed try, try and that’s right try again. Isn’t that what they say?

If you are just one step behind the Snapbot, there might still be a solution. Head over to the Big Apple and you may be able to find the prized glasses. The in demand designer specs can be found inside a retail store in New York City. But you’ll need to have the patience of two saints.

It turns out that there is a little bit of a wait at the “Bot House” for Spectacles. You will have to wait in line and cross all your fingers and toes. Even that might not be enough as proved by news channel CNBC who waited nearly 19 hours straight to review the product.

A video posted by Alex (@gokv) on Nov 25, 2016 at 9:41am PST

Shown above: The SnapSpectacles in action by one user

Although Snapchat’s Spectacles are selling like well oiled hotcakes they need to be wary of what went previously. We are of course talking about the despairing initiative that was known as Google Glass. Smart glass technology was brought to the fore thanks to the Google boys. Nevertheless, they were highly unsuccessful for a number of different reasons.

In the first instance, the contraption that was introduced was extremely ungainly. Due to the unsightliness not to mention the cost of these smart glasses, it never came to market. As a result, Google Glass was banished to the glasses annals.

If you are tired of waiting for the next Snapbot your best bet is to go online. By taking a punt, you could actually land the prize. Very few and far between seem to exist but with a little research you might find some specs left on Ebay as well as Amazon.

In addition to this, you may have to lay out quite a bit to bag yourself a pair. At present, they are so hot that Spectacles are fetching upwards of a staggering £3,000 a pair.

Heck, we have also seen a few groups on social media who had a canny idea of hiring out Spectacles. This means you can have the chance to experience a short term high by using the glasses for a short period. If you would like to be snapped out and about, Snap fanatics are willing to shell out a fortune for the glasses.

Snap Inc intends to list on the stock market in early 2017. This will really test this new phenomenon to the max but we doth our tech hat to the creators.

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Well, there is of course American Football. Considered to be the ultimate in razzmatazz, NFL football has swept the nation like Storm Angus. The glitz not to mention the glamour of NFL cheerleaders and all has seen America’s favourite sport cross the pond.

Over the last few years, fans have been witness to a number of different sporting events. Taking place at the home of football, Wembley Stadium, American football has taken over the hallowed turf in style.

More than 80,000 fans have packed in over the last few years to see games in the north west of London. This year’s pulsating match saw the Cincinnati Bengals face off against the Washington Redskins.

It was certainly a tight match with both teams unable to land the sucker victory punch. Despite both sides have numerous opportunities to win, the lead swayed to a fro during the entire game.

The Redskins looked like they were going to steal the win with less than a two and half minutes to go in an enthralling overtime period. However, kicker Dustin Hopkins field goal sailed wide and resulted in the first ever all square game in the international series event.

But, it is rookie Su’a Cravens who has grabbed the headlines in recent weeks. The Washington Redskins defender courted the column inches thanks to a spectacular revelation.

It turns out that Cravens made an announcement via Snapchat some weeks ago that saw him have to wear glasses. This was largely in part down to a concussion suffered at the beginning of the new NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens.

Breathe easy pic.twitter.com/fLJPHbVc0t

— Suzy (@Sua_Cravens) December 23, 2016

It seems the star has to wear a pair of glasses from now on as declared in a video clip;

“Due to my concussion, my eyes have lost the memory to keep track of moving objects, so I have to wear these for the rest of my life. Fresh pair of prescription glasses on this road to recovery but I had to buy them and I’ll be wearing them for a very long time.”

Who knows whether or not this will be a career threatening condition, but all is not lost. Previous NFL stars have managed to play on wearing glasses under their regalia.

An important contributor to the Redskins recent form, Cravens has made an impact on the field of play. This included an interception when up against the New York Giants in game week three.

Craven’s weapon of choice seems to be the square framed look from his Twitter feed.  Here are a few of our favourite square framed glasses that are bound to score a touchdown!

Ray-Ban RX5283

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Suitable for bifocal as well as varifocal the sophisticated Ray Ban RX5283 are quite simply a class apart. Available in a variety of colours such as shiny black and yellow havana, the quality is not to be underestimated. Featuring the signature branding on the arms, this will have you on your feet in no time.

Hallmark E9855

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If you want the ultimate in geek chic then check out this offering from Hallmark. The E9855 is the bees knees when it comes to affordable style. American footballers like to keep it hip and what better way to salute your quarterback with this pair.

These hipster glasses are taken to the max with a nifty retro design fit for anyone’s wallet. The Hallmark E9855 prescription glasses are ready to wear in 3 ultra-sophisticated colours.

Elegant and appealing, why not snap up a Christmas deal with this unisex pair. Oozing elegance the super slim full rim frame is complemented perfectly by the oversized square lenses. This is finished off with lightweight temples that can be worn the whole day through.

Tom Ford FT5311

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Available in three different colours, the Tom Ford FT511 kicks many of the competition into touch. Quality engineering is at the core of these luxurious pair of specs.

Get your groove on and why not do the Mannequin Challenge in this eye popping unisex pair. Featuring the Tom Ford logo on the arms emblazoned in gold, the sleek frame really does not do it justice.

Diesel DL5062

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Want to outdo the half time show in style? Then grab yourself a pair of these fabulous glasses. The Diesel DL5062 prescription glasses are the Superbowl of specs. These stand out from the crowd and are certainly on trend for that dedicated follower of fashion. If you want the latest in nerd chic glasses then you are looking at it.

The Diesel DL5062 is a unisex pair offering a spring hinge and is made from the finest acetate. This urban eyewear enjoys a thick full rim not to mention signature logo which you will find on the temple.

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The post NFL Star Forced to Wear Glasses Following Concussion first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

The device (pictured below) aims to restore some vision to patients suffering with various conditions, including Usher syndrome, cone-rod dystrophy, choroidremia and retinitis pigmentosa, the most common cause of inherited blindness, affecting around 1.5 million people across the globe.

One patient, 73, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa and has been completely blind for more than 20 years, underwent this pioneering surgery at Moorfield’s eye hospital as part of a clinical trial. Consultant opthalmologist and vitreoretinal surgeon, Mahj Murqit at Moorfields said the man could now see a difference between light and dark, where he was previously unable to see anything at all.

Whilst it is reported that the patient’s expectations are realistic, it is clear to see he is very pleased to be able to see something. Following his operation, he will undergo a specialist programme of sight re-education, which will aim to give him greater independence, through his regained ability to appreciate outlines and movement.

Pixium Vision announces CE market approval of IRIS®II, its first #bionic vision system https://t.co/T9NX8eMpWo pic.twitter.com/Dy77dAvcxQ

— Bionic Retina (@neuromodulate) July 25, 2016

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa typically see their eyesight deteriorate in their teenage years and usually suffer complete loss of vision by their 40s. Eyesight worsens steadily owing to the degeneration of the photoreceptors in the retina, causing worsening tunnel vision, until eventually vision is lost completely. The Iris II seeks to replicate the physiological functions of the eyes’ photoreceptors, using a technique called neuromodulation.

A chip is inserted onto the surface of the retina, containing 150 electrodes which fix the ‘broken links’, allowing signals to be sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Alongside the chip, patients wear a headset fitted with an integral camera, that sends images to a small computer, about the size of a smart phone, which is worn on their hip.

Pixium aims to use this product to bring greater mobility to those suffering from vision loss, allowing them to regain light and shape perception. After a training and re-adaptation programme, it is hoped that patients will be able to recognise things such as keyholes and plates, be able to shake hands or grasp a cup. They hope to extend the use of this technology to those suffering from macular degeneration, which causes the loss of central vision and is the most common cause of vision loss in the UK.

Featured Image: Flickr Gorgeous Eyes

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What is AMD?

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula – the yellow area at the back of the eye, near the centre of the retina where vision is at its sharpest – becomes damaged over time. Once damage to the macular becomes evident vision becomes blurred, particularly at the centre of the field of vision, and over time vision can deteriorate all together.

What causes AMD?

Blue light is the main cause of AMD, but what is blue light? Basically, the eye detects a spectrum of coloured light ranging from red to green to blue. Blue travels and enters the eye at a higher frequency than any other, making it more damaging to the eye.

Our exposure to blue light comes from several, everyday sources like the sun and artificial light as well as from electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops.

With exposure from so many sources it may not surprise you to hear that AMD affects as many as three in ten people over 75 years old. And, with the rise in the use of mobile devices that has occurred in recent years this statistic could be set rise even higher.

How can it be prevented?

As daunting as these figures may seem, there is one very simple thing we can all do to dramatically reduce our risk of developing the condition and that is to adjust our diets.

The Harvard University study found that those who ate a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin were 40% less likely to develop AMD. And while lutein and zeaxanthin might sound like they could be hard to come by in the real world, they are actually surprisingly common nutrients found in foods like kale and carrots.

You can find full details of the foods with the highest levels of lutein and zeaxanthin below:

Image credit: Focus Clinics

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The post Preventing Eye Damage with Superfoods first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

We all know that there are both risks and perils of driving at night. The squinting of the eyes not to mention the tiredness. You may open a window in order to enjoy a little fresh air. On the other hand, you may have glasses to correct your vision related problems.

Nonetheless, many firms are looking of ways to ensure driving is a much safer experience. Yes, there may be HD night vision goggles and such like. Unfortunately, as we get older our reaction times gradually decrease.

This is precisely the case when it comes to older drivers. They may find it extremely difficult to spot the dangers compared to someone younger. This is because our sight is not as a sharp as it was in our twenties.

In this way, an older driver, especially one who is driving in the dark may not perceive the danger and react quickly. There have already been signs to combat driving in low light conditions. Just this year, leading brand Zeiss introduced Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses.

This makes driving easier especially in darker conditions or poor weather. This specific eyeglass lens is available in not only single vision but progressive versions and tailored to such environments.

DriveSafe as it is known is a pioneering lens that can be worn by the user for the entire day. On top of this, it also features a unique anti-glare coating assisting drivers in poor weather.

And Zeiss are not the only ones getting in on the glasses tech act. A company based in Cambridge has recently launch to combat this area. Inoptec is a brand new scheme in the electronic glasses market.

According to the enterprise, they can reduce glare from headlights dramatically, whilst maintaining clear sight for the driver. And that is just the beginning.

Clear vision is of course important when driving in low level conditions. Whether you are on a countryside road or on the motorway, our eyes have to put up with many factors.

This includes the likes of reaction times and adjustments between bright lights as well as darkness. As a result, these transitions can be hard to decipher with a split second decision time on the roads.

So what are the benefits of the glasses? Utilising up to the minute liquid crystal technology,  these super specs can balance different types of light levels.

Consequently, it allows the driver to keep the same vision no matter what the conditions are and how regularly they change.

This has proven to be a genuine breakthrough in this field and has been applauded by different types of sectors.

The driver’s headlights are connected up to the glasses. The headlights can still be maintained but unnecessary glare from oncoming cars can be blocked out significantly.

This also stretches to headlights which according to the firm will enhance drivers sight with no obstacles. Take for example when passing through a tunnel or when other drivers start flashing their beams.

In fact, they could even extend to hikers or those who have a fondness for outdoor pursuits. Much too chilly for that at the moment!

In association with PA Consulting they declared that;

“Inoptec is a highly innovative company with a portfolio of really interesting ideas. We can see that the benefits of these glasses can be applied to a wide variety of sectors such as sports, automotive, aviation and medicine. The demonstration system we have built has allowed Inoptec to show how brilliantly this technology can cut dazzle. It has also served as a platform to explore how the technology might best be applied in different applications.”

Meanwhile, CEO of Inoptec Ralf Zoll added;

“We set them a tough challenge in short timescales and I am very pleased to say that they did an excellent job of bringing our smart glasses idea to life in a physical demonstrator. Because we have engaged with PA at this stage, I have great confidence in our future capability to deliver new products through the design and industrialisation process, and into the market.”

With offices in Germany and in the UK, Inoptec are really pushing the tech boundaries with this latest anti-glare initiative. The initial idea has turned into an all encompassing tech reality for them in less than a month. What a bright bunch they are.

Frames were installed with this special liquid crystal filters that connect up to the drivers own specific source of light. These spectacular glasses were shown off to an excited crowd at a New Scientist technology show taking place in London.

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The post Tech: Groundbreaking Electronic Glasses Could Ease Driver Safety first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

We all remember (or some of us do) when she wore that infamous dress made from carnivorous animals. Yet the meatilicious Gaga turned up the heat when she sung about those pesky paps chasing her all over town.

We are not saying that she’s a William Shakespeare in the making. But, she did have a point. And for many celebs from Adrian Brody to Zayn Malik, the paparazzi can prove to be their worst nightmare.

The camping out like Woodstock outside their properties as well as the close invasion of space. It aint all Hollywood red carpets and goody bags, oh no. But it seems that all is not lost when it comes to the struggle against those persistent photographers.

Hmmm, those #glasses look #reflective That’s because they are #Reflectacles #reflective #sunglasses #eyewear #coming2016 #celebritystyle

A photo posted by Reflectacles (@reflectacles) on Jun 21, 2016 at 11:14am PDT

The argument whether celebs deserve all the spotlight is a never ending saga. Nevertheless, it is an unpleasant experience and can lead to serious issues. We have all seen Justin Bieber get involved in a number of different brouhahas with the paps.

But to have everything scrutinised to the nth degree including what you ate at Nando’s is really not ideal. Some go to many lengths in order to protect their identity such as hiding under coats and of course wearing oversized sunnies.

And sunglasses are the celebs natural friend as far as beating the paps are concerned. Hiding the flashes on arrival or departure is one way where sunnies come into their own.

However, some are fighting back in a bid to give themselves even more advantages over photographers.

 

Lower Wacker Dr. Chicago. #reflectacles #goreflectyourself #chicago #reflect

 

A photo posted by Reflectacles (@reflectacles) on May 9, 2016 at 8:43pm PDT

These particular materials are currently being developed by Scott Urban, a leading eyewear designer. And the nifty name for these super specs – Reflectacles! The concept is a simple one. According to Urban’s dedicated site;

“Reflectacles are the first collection of eyewear and sunglasses that reflect light. This allows Reflectacles to explode in an image or video on your mobile device with the flash or lets cars see you at night.  While Reflectacles appear brightly illuminated to others, your vision remains unchanged.  You can wear them with your prescription or as sunglasses.”

The sun may not be shining as bright with the nights drawing in. But you can still make a glittering appearance in a pair of these groovy glasses. These brand new specs are ready to cause a stir like never before.

The “Reflectacles” are made using highly reflective materials which are then wrapped around the frames. Consequently, if a pap is staring at these through their lens the result would be an all encompassing blinding light.

The manufacturing procedure sees the surface contain tiny spheres that are reflected literally in all types of direction.

Blue Reflectacles #glasses #sunglasses #eyewear #reflect #reflectacles A video posted by Reflectacles (@reflectacles) on Aug 30, 2016 at 1:59pm PDT

In addition, these mystical specs have the ability to be worn in a variety of situations. On the one hand, Reflectacles can be used when out and about running. On the other, they can be displayed when on your Bughatti bike or just out and about.

The high visibility materials ensure you will certainly be spotted in a crowd. Furthermore, with the amount of bikes increasing on the road, they can also be used in this instance.

This means for millions of cyclists, Reflectacles could eradicate the age old problem for many of visibility. For joggers, it means you don’t need to worry about running in the early morning fog or late into the evening. The multi functional specs are available in a range of colours including silver, red, orange, gold and even neon. Looks like it is almost time to shine.

Urban has unveiled the glasses as a scheme which has launched on popular crowd funding site Kickstarter. The question is whether the glasses will turn out to be an urban myth or urban legend.

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This vision impeding condition occurs when the macula, the central part of the retina, starts to deteriorate and although there is nothing that can reverse the ageing process, there’s lots we can do in earlier life to prevent it. Plus there’s plenty we can do at the later stage to slow down the process too.

Ultimately though, modern medicine has not yet found a cure. And those who develop the very early signs of the condition need to be prepared for loss of wide angle vision (such as blurring or distortions), contrast sensitivity (it becomes difficult to see textures and subtle changes in the environment), poor tolerance for changing light levels, worsened night vision and need for brighter lighting, and impaired depth perception.

For low vision complaints and conditions such as macular degeneration, there are a number of vision enhancing accessories that could be handy to use around the home. Here are some magnifying tools which you may find helpful.

Acrylic Magnifying Bar 

Acrylic bar magnifiers are fantastic for avid readers or anyone who needs to read a lot of paperwork for work or the household.

If you are suffering from low vision but would like to continue reading regularly, the Acrylic Bar Magnifier (available in 160mm or 210mm) from SelectSpecs could make a huge differnce to day to day life.

Traditional Magnifier Tools

A specialist magnifying glass designed for people with low vision and macular degeneration is a very useful accessory to keep at home or at the office.

The Waltex Classic Plastic Magnifer from SelectSpecs is extremely affordable and comes available in 50mm, 63mm or 90mm.

If you want something that is much more durable, a tough magnifying tool that will last and last, we also have the Traditional Chrome Magnifier (+2.00 / 90mm), which has been designed with a smooth, ergonomic handle for an easy and comfortable hold.

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Here are 5 of the most common eye health and eyesight myths, debunked!

1. “Not wearing glasses will damage your eyes”

Not exactly true. Whilst we can’t argue that not wearing glasses for some people may be uncomfortable, there is no scientific evidence to support that failing to wear your glasses will cause further damage to your eyesight.

In response to this common myth, Volunteer eye health organisation, Prevent Blindness says:

“This statement does have some truth for a small number of people. Some children have eye problems that can be corrected, and it is important that they wear their glasses. While corrective glasses or contacts are needed to improve eyesight, using your eyes with or without glasses will not damage them further.”

2. “Reading in dim lighting will damage eyes”

Another old wives’ favourite. Mums love to tell us off when we’re reading without sufficient lighting. But whilst reading in dim conditions can cause serious eye fatigue (and no-one wants that), there’s still no real evidence to support the idea that if causes any long term damage.

3. “Sitting too close to the TV is bad for you”

If you ever complained of a headache as a child and your mum told you that it served you right for sitting so close to the TV, then you probably grew up in the 70s, 80s or 90s! An urban myth that plagued parents of that era!

Ever since televisions became popular, parents have been telling us not to sit to close. But there’s no data to show less/more damage based on distance. However, reports do suggest that the increased use of computer screens at work and at home can be a catalyst for the recent deterioration in eye complaints. So be careful not to rely on digital technology too much.

4. “Only boys can be colour blind”

Colour blindness is experienced by around 8% of the male population, whilst it affect less than 1% of girls. So whilst it’s very, very rare in females, it’s not impossible. For the vast majority, colour vision deficiency is hereditary whilst others can develop the condition in later life as a result of diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

5. “Don’t cross your eyes, they’ll stay like that”

I think this one is an obvious myth for everyone. In the desperate bid to stop us from pulling faces at our siblings, family members and friends, our parents told us the fib that our eyes would stay crossed if we kept doing it. In the same way that our frowns would be forever fixed when the wind changed.

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Yes, it’s very much a virtual experience – but also a great indicator of how far the technology has come, not to mention a hint at how much further it could go.

Introducing “Destination: Mars”

We all know the story of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon – but, over the last 70 years, various strategies for human travel to Mars haven’t even left the planning stages. In 1985, Buzz Aldrin, who accompanied Armstrong on his Moon mission, began work on an ambitious Mars trip intended to ultimately help batches of astronauts to reach the planet.

That work hasn’t yet culminated in an actual manned journey to Mars, but Aldrin does appear as the holographic tour guide for members of the public sampling the recently-opened mixed reality experience “Destination: Mars”. Based at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, this Microsoft-NASA collaboration enables users to virtually walk around the Red Planet.

An “incredible” mixed reality experience

While we imagine that it could be a long time before Mars appears as a listing in your Virgin Atlantic brochure, trying out Destination: Mars could nonetheless leave you feeling like something of a space tourist. Several actual Mars sites have been recreated – and authentically, too, thanks to the use of hi-res imagery from NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover.

Earlier this year, at Microsoft’s Build developers conference, The Telegraph‘s Cara McGoogan went hands-on with Destination: Mars, which was said to be one of the San Francisco event’s most popular attractions.

The views of Mars, McGoogan reported, were “incredible” – and, while the HoloLens offers what is technically referred to as mixed reality, the Mars demo provided “the kind of immersive experience you’d expect from a virtual reality headset.”

Don’t hang about before your journey to Mars

Exciting though Destination: Mars is, it’s set to stay open to the public only until January 1, 2017. So, if you want to check it out, now could be a good time to start planning your trip to Florida! Upon reaching the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you will have to reserve your timed slot for Destination: Mars – which, between the daily opening hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm, has limited availability on a first come, first served basis.

Also, if you wear glasses, as is likely if you’re reading this SelectSpecs blog, rest assured that you can comfortably keep those glasses on while wearing the Microsoft HoloLens headset.

Could Mars be in your 2017 itinerary?

However, even if you can’t get to Florida before January 1, there remains the distinct possibility of more opportunities to virtually explore Mars.

Microsoft has recently made the HoloLens headset available for preorder to UK businesses and developers – and, after it starts shipping in late November, it will be interesting to see what further use is made of the technology.

Plus, NASA is, in partnership with the US-based TV network Fusion, preparing to launch The Mars 2030 Experience, which will allow exploration of the Red Planet through Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR or Google Cardboard virtual reality headgear.

While Digital Trends says that a release date for The Mars 2030 Experience has yet to be provided, chances are that the next time you explore Mars, you won’t catch sight of a single chocolate bar.

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The post You Can Now Explore Mars Thanks to Microsoft HoloLens first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.

To prevent cornea sunburn, it’s important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, all year round. No matter what the time of year it is, sunglasses are essential whenever you are outside.

What Causes Corneal Sunburn?

Corneal sunburn can happen in both the summer and winter. In mountain areas such as the Alps or other places of high elevation, chances of damage to the cornea are greatly increased.

Reflection of the sun off the bright, white snow can cause flash burns and when sight is temporarily impaired, it’s known as ‘snow blindness’. This is why seasoned skiers and snow sport enthusiasts always wear high-tech goggles to protect their eyes. Sunlight reflections on lakes, rivers and other bodies of water can also create the same problems if you are not wearing sunglasses.

Other things that can cause corneal flash burn are sun tanning beds, photographer’s flood lamps, welding torches, strong halogen lamps, or lightening (if it strikes close to you).

Symptoms of Corneal Sunburn

• Pain, ranging from mild to severe
• Sensitivity to the light
• Temporary loss of vision or blurred vision
• Feeling of having something in your eye
• Eyes appear bloodshot
• Watery eyes

What to Do if You Get Corneal Burn

If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to seek medical advice straight away. Blurred vision, under any circumstances, should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist immediately. If you are not able to see an eye specialist or your GP in time and your symptoms worsen overnight, it is advised to visit your local A&E or emergency centre without delay.

If you are skiing, remember that all ski resorts have on-site ski mountain doctors who are trained to look at common injuries which occur in snowy conditions – so they should always be your first port of call.

How to Prevent Sunburn of the Eye

To prevent damage to your cornea, it is imperative to wear protective sunglasses throughout the year. For high altitude snow based holidays, shopping for high quality shades is important. Don’t cut corners with a budget option and always ensure that your lenses are UV400 (able to block out UVA and UVB rays).

Choose mirror or polarised lenses to reduce glare and choose the right lens tint to block out the sun in intense conditions. For driving, always opt for photochromic sunglasses which can adapt darkness and lightness as your landscape changes on the road.

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The post What is Corneal Sunburn and How Can We Prevent It? first appeared on SelectSpecs Glasses Blog.