During these times to flatten the curve, people who are stepping out for essential needs such as groceries or medical requirements have been encouraged to wear a face mask in public. This helps to stop the spread of any airborne particles from entering our passageways, and several countries have made public recommendations for their citizens to cover up.
However, one pesky issue has affected mask wearers. The condensation from our breaths have caused our glasses to fog up! While not a life-altering affliction, this can still be bothersome for most, especially when it comes time to drive or read product labels. Here are some tips that can help.
TIP #1 - Use Masks That Have A Bridge Wire
Many surgical masks and respirators have a wire fixed in the mask, which is meant to conform to the shape of your nose bridge. When properly formed, it should create a "seal" of sorts at the top of the mask, so your breath doesn't escape from the top.
TIP #2 - Place Your Glasses On Top Of Your Mask
Wear your glasses on top of your mask, so that the seal between your mask and your skin isn't compromised and your breath wafts through. This will also be far more comfortable than... well, wearing your mask on top of your glasses.
TIP #3 - Wash With Detergent And Water
Gently wash your lenses with dish soap, and rinse with tepid water and gently dry it off with a microfibre cloth. The detergent creates a "thin surfactant film" which prevents moisture from building up on the lens, at least temporarily.
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Doug Ford recently shortened the list of essential businesses; while taking all necessary precautions, Glass Monocle Eyecare is happy to say that we're still open to help those in dire need! However, the rules and laws of distancing have also increased and become more defined. Here are some of the precautions we've taken to protect both our staff and the public during this time.
Any surfaces that were touched during a patient's visit is disinfected with Lysol wipes or alcohol pads, which includes table surfaces, pupilometers, frames, credit card machines, and door handles. As for our staff, our keyboards, phones, display keys, etc. are also wiped consistently.
We keep all our frames behind glass panes, and we try to minimize the amount of frames that are tried on. Any frame which is tried on is put aside, then thoroughly washed with soap to cleanse them before putting them back on our shelves. The reason we avoid using rubbing alcohol or lysol wipes is because they are caustic chemicals, which can damage the acetate of plastic frames, and oxidize the metal parts such as hinges and screws.
We have a small amount of PPE which are donned when handling any devices (frames, measurement tools, etc.) Gloves are worn when anything is passed between our staff and patients, and a mask is worn when taking measurements needing to get within a few feet.
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We know to wash our hands and avoid touching our face to protect ourselves and help stop the spread of COVID-19. Us spectacle-wearers must also remember to regularly wash our eyeglasses, too. Viruses, like COVID-19, can remain on hard surfaces for hours to days. Whether it’s a matter of taking reading glasses on and off or pushing up sliding glasses, we touch our glasses several times a day. Here are some tips to help keep your glasses clean and virus-free without compromising the integrity of your eyeglasses.
How To Clean Your Glasses
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While we navigate our way through this difficult and stressful time, changes are being made to accommodate and protect the health of the public. While we fully understand the risks of keeping our doors open, Glass Monocle Eyecare remains operational at this time for essential services.
On Monday March 24th, Premier Doug Ford released a list of essential services that would be allowed to remain open during this time of emergency. Under the category of Health Care and Seniors Care and Social Services, section 56 states that businesses that sell, rent or repair medical devices can remain open.
We feel it our responsibility to help those who direly need it. We've temporarily closed one of our locations, as well as shortened our hours, to protect the staff who are diligently working to help those who have come to us in need.
1. Are you dependent on your missing/broken eyewear?
Due to lack of corrective lenses (glasses and/or contact lenses) are you not able to work from home anymore? Are you dependent on your eyewear for computer work or any other tasks your job requires from you?
Are you unable to take care of yourself, or for those who depend on you (such as elders or children) without your eyewear? For example, are you no longer able to drive to pick up groceries, deliver supplies to those who rely on you, etc.
2. Are your glasses broken beyond a temporary home repair?
While we understand glasses do break, is there a temporary fix you can manage at home? We recommend the use of tape, as it is a non-permanent fix that we can remove at a later time and inspect what may need to be done to repair the glasses (lens popped out, temple fell off, screw came loose, etc.)
3. Do you have a backup pair at home?
If you have a back up pair at home that you can use in the meantime which isn't too different from your current pair, would those suffice for a short while?
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During this unprecedented and worrisome time, there are many issues surrounding the spread and communicability of COVID-19. Besides the obvious of social distancing and avoiding those who are exhibiting symptoms, what else can help us avoid contracting this disease?
A few worried patients have reached out and expressed their concern for contact lens wearers and COVID-19; should they stop wearing contact lenses?
The American Optometric Association has stated that currently, it is safe to wear contact lenses. It is a safe and effective form of vision correction which, as a medical device, does not contribute to the spread of the virus. However! The habits with those who wear contact lenses CAN contribute to the spread if proper hygiene is not followed.
While pink eye is not a defining symptom of COVID-19, due to the nature of the virus it can cause it. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be caused by any number of issues, including improper hygiene or physical irritation such as shampoo or dust. In this case, viruses tend to thrive in moist environments, and COVID-19 in particular seeks mucus membranes to latch onto, such as the one on the surface of your eye.
There's a saying that your eyes are the windows to your soul. While that may be harder to prove, your eyes are actually a window to your body that doctors use to get an idea of your overall health.
The eyes are the only place in the body where one can directly visualize blood vessels and nerves without making any incisions. This provides lots of important information about your health. Much of this can be seen in the retina, located on the inside surface at the back of the eye.
When doctors use dilating eye-drops to enlarge your pupils, they are not only checking for eye-specific diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal detachments – they are also looking for indicators of medical conditions that can present in your eyes. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and even some types of brain tumours. Sometimes, diabetic retinopathy (DR), a manifestation of poorly controlled diabetes in the eyes, can be detected before a patient even knows that they have diabetes.
In DR, blood vessels in the retina bleed, and in severe cases, abnormal, weaker blood vessels grow inside the eye. This can eventually lead to complications like retinal detachments, which can cause permanent blindness. Additionally, if there is bleeding inside your eyes from diabetes, it is likely that the disease is affecting other parts of your body, like the kidneys, as well.
With your eyes containing so many valuable clues about your body, it is important to see your eye doctor for routine examinations. This includes not only an update of your eyewear prescription, but also the eye health exam. Early forms of many diseases mentioned above may not be obvious, and someone who has it may still have great vision. If signs of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are found, your optometrist can work together with ophthalmologists, family doctors, and other medical specialists to better manage your blood pressure and sugar levels, in order to best take care of both your eye and overall health.
]]>If makeup is not properly cleaned, it can build up under the eyelid, resulting in something similar to this:
Eye Makeup Tips - Preventative measures
Eye Makeup Removal Tips
Soak a cotton pad with dual phase (water and oil) eye makeup remover, then gently wipe over eyes in one go - no harsh rubbing or pressure.
It is important to use a remover with oil because it helps to break down the makeup.
Make sure you use a gentle, moisturizing eye makeup remover and NOT a regular facial cleanser. The most sensitive skin on your face is around the eyes! In some cases, using the wrong cleanser can cause lichenification (thickening of the skin).
"Swipe gently across your lash line moving from the inner corner of your eyes outward. Then go back to the inner corner and make short downward motions, following your lashes across your eye until you reach the outer corner," says Dr. Fusco. Never go back to swipe underneath the eyes either. (If you do the above correctly, you won't need to because you're removing makeup from the upper lid and lower lashes simultaneously.) "A common mistake I see some women do is open up their eyes, tilt their head back, take that cotton pad, and try to get the underside of the lashes," says Dr. Fusco. "They shouldn't do that because the fiber of the cotton or the pad could get in their eyes and really irritate them."
Cleanse/rinse AFTER you’ve used the oil-water combo. There can still be residue left behind from removers. If you need to fix leftover residue, dip one side of a cotton swab in the eye makeup remover, tidy up, and then dip the clean side in a micellar water to wipe away any oily residue.
]]>With that said, here are four reasons why you should get eye exams regularly!
Evidence is growing that myopia (nearsightedness) is growing around the world. Based on recent studies it is estimated that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic and by 2050, almost 50% will be myopic; that’s equivalent to 5 billion people.
Serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer can be detected in a routine eye exam. Other health problems such as cataracts, retinal detachments and macular degeneration can be spotted early on by an optometrist (doctor of the eyes.) This is why it is important to not only get your most up to date prescription, but to also undergo a comprehensive eye health exam.
Of all the eye conditions, glaucoma is the sneakiest. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which lead to progressive degeneration of the optic nerve. This in turn can lead to loss of nerve tissue that results in gradual, irreversible vision loss and potential blindness if not detected and treated early. If left untreated, some form of permanent vision loss is likely to occur. Of the eye health checks, this is one which can be missed if exams are not regularly performed.
In Ontario, OHIP covers for children 19 years old and under; an annual, full comprehensive eye examination plus any follow-up assessments that may be required with the same doctor. This is especially important when children are young, as they are not able to discern when their eyesight is beginning to change. While teachers may mention that their students are struggling to see the board at school (squinting, sitting closer to the front, etc), routine eye exams can also detect a prescription in children. This is far more comprehensive than the general screenings done at schools.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
]]>In the new age of smartphones, computer monitors, and tablets, we are spending more time than ever in front of digital screens; Psychology Today has hypothesized around 11 hours per day. With information, communication, and entertainment all at our fingertips, there are more and more reasons to expose ourselves to these devices. The technology in these new digital screens emit a by-product; high energy visible light (HEV) which affects our eyes. This HEV is comprised of blue light, which is at the highest end of the visible UV spectrum. This means that blue light is comprised of super high energy wavelengths, the ones that have the most effect on our eyes.
Our bodies are constantly exposed to blue light, as the sun is the largest source of it! This is not a bad thing. We use it to regulate our circadian rhythm, because it allows our bodies to regulate our sleep cycle. At night, as our exposure to blue light diminishes, our bodies shift production of chemicals and hormones to prepare for sleep. This is important for our bodies to rest and recover properly.
Social habits have changed since, which have parked us in front of digital devices at all times of the day. This means our bodies are constantly exposed to blue light, and this has a few adverse effects on us.
Short Term: Because blue light is the highest energy wavelength, it scatters more easily. It makes it tougher for our brains to focus on digital devices. We strain our eyes more to focus, and as a result those who work in front of a computer for the majority of their day suffer from more fatigue and strain.
Especially at night, when we use our phones or laptops before bedtime, our bodies are tricked into thinking there is still blue light present and that our bodies should still be awake and alert. This makes sleep right afterwards much tougher, and our bodies are not recovering in the way it intends to.
Long Term: The focused exposure of blue UV light may lead to a higher risk of UV-related issues such as macular degeneration, where patients suffer from decreased central vision. This still remains to be a hard fact, but research has speculated the strong correlation between the two.
Patients may have heard this term OCT while doing an eye exam; sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when some more in-depth tests are being conducted. Dr. Natalia Nowakowska explains in more detail about our new scan and the benefits of doing them.
OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, is an advanced screening procedure which, analogous to an ultrasound, creates a cross sectional image of your eye. It uses non-invasive light technology allowing for a scan that is precise, quick, and painless.
Standard retinal imaging photography creates a 2D retinal image of the surface of your retina. The OCT screening takes things beyond the retinal surface creating a sectional model, which allows us to obtain 3D geometrical data. This enables us to check your eye health layer by layer.
Seeing beneath the surface of the retina plays an important role in the detection of eye conditions such as:
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Macular Hole
- Optic Nerve Diseases
- Vitreous Detachments
Examination of the retina at this level has revolutionized the diagnosis of various retinal conditions and treatments.
]]>Every day, we have patients asking us about the health of their eyes. Every day, our talented doctors take the time to educate them, settling their curiosities and helping to put their minds at ease when it comes to the abnormalities of ocular health. We began to realize the questions asked are relevant to many patients, some of who are either too shy to ask, or it slips their mind until long after they've completed their exam.
Today, we sit down with Dr. Raymond Ho, one of our licensed optometrists at Glass Monocle Eyecare, and discussed a very frequent question that we get asked a lot of times.
Contact lens wearers range from teenagers to seniors; many people enjoy the convenience of not wearing frames on their face for evening events, being active, or just to change the way they look.
However, there are things to be cautious about when wearing contact lenses, especially for extended periods of time. What are three of the most common issues contact lens wearers will encounter? Dr. Raymond Ho outlines them below.
The Lemtosh is perhaps Moscot's most popular design. It's boldness has been seen on the likes of Buddy Holly, Truman Capote and most recently, Johnny Depp. It's mix of bold and vintage shape has made it a very wearable piece. Doubling as both a sunglass and eyeglass shape, it is also one of Moscot's most versatile frames.
Aviators have been around since Bausch and Lomb created the shape in 1936, and has since taken on many variations. Moscot's Zulu frame modernizes the typically teardrop shape of Aviators to something a little more 70's, with a more rectangular frame and the classic double bridge. Ryan Gosling wears them in his recent 2016 film The Nice Guys.
Eyewear designers are no stranger to the browline style of glasses; Ray Ban's Clubmaster has become synonymous with the style. However, 30 some years before Ray Ban debuted their version, this design had been produced by many other companies seen commonly on intellectual and authoritative individuals, the browline design has been a vintage look popular in the 50's. In Moscot's version, musician and actor 50 Cent wore them for a New York Post editorial photoshoot.
If you're a fan of MOSCOT Eyewear, visit any of our Toronto eyeglasses stores where our opticians can help find you the perfect eyeglasses and if you need an eye exam, we have on-site optometrists.
]]>Twin sisters Corianna and Brianna stepped into the eyewear game in 2009 and became an instant hit. From humble beginnings in Minnesota to fashion shows and runways in Paris, Coco and Breezy have embedded themselves in both the fashion and entertainment worlds.
Prince shared his hometown of Minnesota with Coco and Breezy, and wanted to work with the duo for some time before finally sitting down and collaborating on a design. His request? "I would love for you guys to make us some glasses with three lenses. Can you have them ASAP?" The shades were first featured on SNL, and with that, Coco and Breezy became a demand in the eyewear fashion industry.
In addition to designing for Prince, they also danced on stage for one of his performances. Their love for music extends into other pastimes as well, and we personally had the pleasure of seeing them in action during Vision Expo West's 2017 exhibition. They've also joined line ups with artists such as Travi$ Scott and 2 Chainz.
While they didn't have the most traditional childhood, wearing sunglasses at a young age helped give them the confidence they now exude so effortlessly. Handmade in their bedrooms first in Minnesota then in New York, they wore them proudly in public, but it wasn't until they were offered money from passersby for the shades right off the twins' face that Coco and Breezy entertained the idea of starting their own brand at just 19 years of age.
]]>A lack of Vitamin A in children is the leading cause of blindness among them. Nearly half a million children in impoverished countries fall victim to this ailment, while this is a very preventable condition.
Article One Eyewear was founded to help raise awareness and funding to combat Vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. They support Helen Keller International, a foundation dedicated to stopping blindness and improving the sight of those less fortunate. Beyond this, however, Article One Eyewear prides itself on it's quality and sense of fashion.
In a small village in Northern Italy, a small family-owned factory of 12 craftsmen arduously and meticulously handcraft each pair of frames. While many larger companies aren't fully transparent about their manufacturing process (read more here), Article One actually highlights each individual worker and process that goes into making the glasses.
Article One designs each of their piece to work as both eyeglasses and sunglasses. The shapes are timeless, and carry a certain sturdiness and durability which ensures your pair will last for years.
]]>We're proud to carry Jonas Paul Eyewear at our Annex and Leslieville Optical Store in Toronto and today we will be showcasing why they're such a great brand!
An independent company with a truly vested interest in eyewear, Jonas Paul Eyewear has set themselves aside from other children's frame companies in their design. Since their inception in 2013, the founders have continued to expand their designs, their reach, and their brand, to appeal to parents who want their children to have a fashionable look at a very reasonable price.
Jonas Paul Eyewear is the brainchild of parents Ben and Laura Harrison, whose son Jonas Paul was born with an ocular disorder known as Peter's Anomoly. This resulted in Jonas Paul being blind at birth, but his parents diligently did everything they could to restore some of his vision. 21 surgeries later, Jonas Paul finally had some of his vision! Ben and Laura began to look for frames for him, but grew frustrated with the lack of style and selection in the market. Thus, Jonas Paul Eyewear was conceptualized, a company that would give children a very stylish look with many designs to choose from.
Their tireless efforts to create fashion glasses has put them in the spotlight on media channels such as NBC Today Show, The Wall St. Journal, and Huffington Post. Check out their feature on NBC!
If you're a fan of Jonas Paul Eyewear, visit any of our glasses stores in Toronto where our opticians can help find you the perfect pair of eyeglasses.
]]>Back in 1926, P. Oliver Goldsmith was the pioneer in creating sunglasses as a fashion accessory. Old Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Michael Caine, and Grace Kelly donned Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses both in movies and in their day to day life.
Fashion houses such as Givenchy and Dior commissioned sunglasses to match their fashion runway collections; Oliver Goldsmith was the first to appear in Vogue and Queen magazine, and to this day they are the epitome of glamour Hollywood.
We're proud to present the Family collection, sunglasses designed in this day and age but inspired by the icons throughout the decades.
This frame is inspired by the 1966 Orbison. It's geometric shape combined with a cat-eye flair is reminiscent of the bold and beautiful female icons. A vintage feel with personality.
The Carnaby is related to the Casper from 1971. Carnaby has all of Casper's interesting details in this P3 design, but this frame combines them with a slimmed down silhouette with slightly softer edges than its iconic relative.
You may be suffering from dry eyes resulting from long hours of computer use, aging, side effects to various medications, eye surgery, environmental factors, contact lens over wear-the list is endless.
Artificial tears are often used to provide moisture and relieve symptoms of dryness. When selecting artificial tears it is important to use eye drops best suited to your eyes specific needs. Artificial tears can target different layers of the tear film. In addition to lubricating your eyes, some artificial tears contain additives such as electrolytes which promote ocular surface healing and thickening agents which promote ocular surface moisture retention. Artificial tears may also contain preservatives which if overused can further irritate the eye. In addition some eye drops contain vasoconstrictors which are aimed at reducing redness, but if overused can result in rebound redness and further irritation.
When using drops it is important you are using the type best suited to your ocular condition. It is important to note that no single brand of artificial tears works best for every form of eye dryness. If you are suffering from dry eye see us for an assessment so we can help provide your eyes relief.
Dr. Nowakowska
]]>Founded as a shoe manufacturer in 2006, TOMS has built their company on the philosophy of giving back. They perform extensive outreach work for those less fortunate, and have made a positive impact wherever they go. From their inspiration during a trip to South America to their humble beginnings in California, TOMS expanded their manufacturing process to include eyewear, coffee, and handbags.
Here's some notable facts about their eyewear and why we're so proud to be supporting their cause.
In an attempt to help grow and support the communities they work in, they team up with local doctors and eyewear manufacturers. This makes sure that they don't take away business from the locals, but instead help to foster growth and support. Their One for One program guarantees that for every pair sold, they will help to restore the sight of one person in need in a community, while working with that community in an educational and constructive manner.
The TOMS Eyewear collection all sport a distinctive stripe on their temple. This is to represent their philosophy: The first part of the temple is you, the buyer, for your personal sense of style. The middle stripe represents TOMS, and the temple of a different colour represents the person whose vision is restored.
A lesser known fact about TOMS is that their frame designs are done by the same creative team as Oliver Peoples, a well-known luxury eyewear brand famous for their vintage looks.
]]>While many companies boast "Made in Italy" or "Made in Japan", State Optical Co. approaches their manufacturing very differently. 5 years ago, State Optical Co. had a vision (no pun intended) to create high quality eyewear right in the United States. Nestled in the heart of America's 21st state, this independent eyewear company set up a factory and design lab in Chicago. Never have the words "Made in USA" been more accurate. The high quality acetate forms designs by Blake Kuwahara, a licensed optometrist and one the optical industry's top designers.
What distinguishes State Optical Co. as a high end luxury American brand? Here's three reasons we chose to bring them in our shop.
Being made in the USA allows the company more control over the process, quality, and design of their frames. While it increases the expenditure in terms of labour, rent, and overhead, State Optical Co. does not compromise on their product.
With factory tours available to the public, State Optical Co employs experienced craftsmen who understand the painstaking labour that goes into creating quality frames. Their products are meticulously handcrafted, hand finished, and individually inspected.
What makes them unique is the lack of branding on their on their frames. The brand boasts itself using layered acetates, durable pointed hinges, and a labourous 21 point drill to represent Chicago, the 21st state of The Union. Come in today and explore the collection!
]]>This line of Lafont is the ultra trendy collection with playful cat eye motifs, bright patterns, and complimentary colours. Geared more towards feminine shapes and sizes, the collection is a wonderful representation of the French fashion without breaking the bank.
As a point of pride for Paris, Lafont is the first eyewear company in France to receive an "OFG" stamp on about 80% of their frames. This certifies that a specific frame has been designed in France, transmitted to their manufacturer in France, was worked on and inspected by Parisian craftsmen, then packaged and finally distributed by a French company. Essentially, every aspect of the frame is French. Look for the logo on their frames!
As an homage to their elaborate history, Lafont created a line that reflected the iconic styles they brought to life. In particular, we brought in the "Genie", a round vintage shape with a keyhole in colourful translucent acetates.
If you're a fan of Lafont, visit any of our Toronto eyeglasses stores where our opticians can help find you the perfect eyeglasses and if you need an eye exam, we have on-site optometrists.
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UV radiation can have many effects on the eye which include:
Cataracts - clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to blurred vision.
Pterygium - tissue growth over the eyes surface that can cause irritation, irregular tear
film, and astigmatism by altering the curvature of the eye.
Macular degeneration - damage to the retinal cells in the area of the eye responsible for
central vision resulting in damaged central vision.
Sunglasses are not only an essential fashion accessory their essential in protecting our eyes from the suns harmful effects. Wearing the right pair of sunglasses protects our
eyes by blocking UV radiation from penetrating the delicate tissues in and around our
eyes. It is important to remember to wear sun protection all year round as the snow can
also reflect up to 80% of the suns UV radiation. As long as you are well equipped with
the right eye protection to reduce UV exposure you can look forward to sunny days
ahead.
“Functionality and strong does not exclude glam," Walker says about her designs. Her trademark is optimistic, unpretentious fashion which throws opposites together such as masculine and feminine, luxury and practical, and street versus utility. Her frames sport a trademark bold arrow along the temples.
Below are some of the classics we're excited about and who carried the look well. If you like them, visit any of our Toronto optical stores near you for more of Karen Walker.
Called the Number One, it's no wonder we're most excited to have this frame. This piece is a classic in the Karen Walker collection. The shape is decidedly feminine but with a flair of fierce. Bold angles makes this piece a standout in the cluttered world of cat eye shapes.
As Seen On: Rihanna (singer/songwriter)
This unisex, understated look is a timeless shape. Although it's a little more subtle in it's design, the brow shape is prominent and conveys a bold presence. The crazy tort colour lends trendiness to it's profile.
As Seen On: LeBron James (professional basketball player)
Round glasses have been around since we figured out how to make lenses; it has made a huge comeback in the last year. Combined with the luxury of oversized frames, Karen Walker's Super Duper frames are highly sought after, and for good reason.
As Seen On: Scarlett Johansson (actress)
A slightly shorter profile than the Deep Freeze, this trendsetting piece has become an icon for the Karen Walker collection. Its bold frame covers yet flatters the face well, and the slight droop highlights the brow bridge.
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We signed another collection today; something a little more on the colourful and bold side. Handmade in Paris, this started as a collection under the famous frame company Face A Face. Every piece has a quirky name proudly displayed on the inside of the temples. Two words, and a whole lot of personality. Chic and trendy, Woow exudes an aura of uniqueness and style. Here are the top three frames we're excited for.
It's no secret that round is in; however, Woow's take on the round is a brow-heavy design which features a wide keyhole and a dual tone front. There are 4 other colourways, but this one stood out the most.
We mentioned last post that clear is the 'it' thing right now, and Woow capitalized on it well with this frame. Light havana temple tips compliment the clear look with a contrasted finish.
Yes we are excited for round frames, but this year metal is making a huge comeback. 80's vintage style is a huge influence in these designs, while modernizing it with a slight oversized look. A futher vintage inspiration comes in the form of a double bridge, which ties the whole look together to make it a little more left of original.
]]>It's no secret that trends cycle. Glasses are currently following a vintage trend, with shapes and patterns reminiscent of the 40's and 50's. Clear frames have been around for decades, but the trend has resurfaced again very recently. Ranging from crystal clear to lightly tinted frames, this look is very versatile and fashion forward; a staple in any collection and every wardrobe.
Here are the three best selling clear(ish) frames that move through our store:
Martin x Martin is a German eyewear manufacturer that meticulously handcrafts their frames. Round has been a vintage shape for ages; combined with a slightly amber hue, this frame has been our number one seller.
From eyewear culture company Etnia Barcelona, a three-generation development of quality and passion, comes the Kitsilano. This frame is a true crystal clear, with the silver core wire disappearing behind havana temple tips for a touch of colour. This shape has done well for those who don't particularly suit a round frame, but enjoys the vintage design of a keyhole bridge and a smaller profile.
Fashion powerhouse and designer Tom Ford has become the epitome of sexy and sophisticated. From directing movies to dressing celebrities, Tom Ford exudes style in his collections. This piece features contrasted dark turquoise temples against a clear frame face in a classic phantos shape.
]]>Similar to clothes, your vision can be tailored to achieve the best fit. When the visual assessment portion of the exam is performed, optometrists use a phoropter to derive your prescription. You may remember sitting behind one of these over your eyes, answering "1 or 2? 3 or 4?" as the letters get smaller and tougher to read. What your optometrist is doing is discovering your most accurate prescription.
At the end of it all, you're given your prescription as per the doctor's findings. Now on to getting your glasses!
The phoropter typically sits 12 millimeters in front of your eyes during the exam. However, not every pair of glasses sit the exact same distance. Some sit closer, some sit further depending on your nose bridge, the glasses' nosepads, and even the thickness of the plastic or the width of the bridge. There are many factors which affect how far the glasses sit in front of your eye, and it can vary from 12 millimeters.
What does this mean? With your prescription, any little change in the vertex distance alters the vision you get through the lenses. While lower prescriptions will not see a noticeable difference, higher prescriptions will definitely notice a difference in intensity of their prescription. This is something that should be taken into consideration when choosing a frame and the corresponding lens.
Again, we refer to the phoropter to make this adjustment. The phoropter usually sits perfectly straight, parallel to your face. Again, not all glasses will sit the same way. Most glasses have something called a "pantoscopic tilt", which causes the frame to slant inwards towards your cheek. Both an aesthetic design and a comfort factor, this will also affect the vision through the lens. This angle usually varies between 2° and 12° inwards.
Frames that tilt the other way, away from the face, are known as having a "retroscopic tilt", although this is a less common fit type.
In the most extreme cases, frames will have a high wrap (in the case of sunglasses). Most optical frames will have a mild curvature to them, making them both a more comfortable fit and a little more natural looking.
The phoropter is again set at a perfectly straight angle. Changing the angle of the frame can begin to create a fishbowl effect, not to mention distortion similar to a funhouse mirror. Compensating for this wrap can help to alleviate these distortions. These angles vary from 2° to about 10°, but some sunglasses can wrap up to 30° in the most extreme cases.
]]>“All the companies that were in the market were developing boring eyewear. I kept looking at all the experimental independent clothing brands and wondered why no one had yet dared to develop a quirky, bold line of eyewear." - Daniel Beckerman, Founder
Retrosuperfuture was created in 2007 by Daniel Beckerman, who saw a need for something that pushed the creative boundaries of the optical design industry. The collection has now grown to 27 distinctive designs, and has been seen on the faces on athletes, musicians, and models.
The quality behind SUPER is exceptional. Handmade in Milan, Italy, they collaborate with some of the industry's finest manufacturers to ensure quality techniques, details, and finishes. Here's a look at what brought SUPER to it's current fame status.
Arguably one of the best lens manufacturers in the world, SUPER teamed up with Zeiss as their exclusive lens supplier for all their sunwear. Aside from top notch sun protection, the vision through these lenses provide a level of clarity and sharpness seen only through some of the best lenses in the world. Each pair is temporally laser etched with the unmistakable Zeiss logo.
SUPER is no stranger to injecting outside influence into their patterns and styles. Clothing companies such as A.P.C., Carhartt, and Rains have all teamed up with the sunglass maker to create limited edition pairs which reflect each brand's unique DNA. In addition to these collaborations, SUPER releases special edition designs, such as their Andy Warhol line, the Hieroglyphics line, and Parisian Art line.
Kanye West was one of the first celebrities to endorse SUPER; he was seen in the iconic flat top frame on several occasions. Early on, he helped to solidify SUPER in the hip hop industry, and now several artists including Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky, and Big Sean are seen in the Italian eyewear brand. To this day, celebrities such as actress Jessica Alba and professional driver Valentino Rossi have been spotted in SUPER frames.
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One of the oldest eyewear companies in the world, Persol has led the optical industry in innovation and production. It was started by an optician in 1917, who saw a need for high quality frames and lenses for professional pilots and sports drivers. Recognized by the iconic "supreme arrow" wrapped around the temple, the quality of handmade Italian acetate and crystal glass lenses has kept adventurers, scientists, fashion icons, and adrenaline enthusiasts protected for nearly a century. Persol has released many different collaborations over the years which have reflected their sense of style, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. This upcoming season, keep an eye out for a re-imagining of some of their historical pieces to celebrate their 100 year anniversary.
In the meantime, here's a look at their top three models.
Designed for trolley drivers in Italy, they were featured in the Italian film "Divorce Italian Style" (1961) which solidified their commercial appeal. This is one of the original Persol models which has stood the test of time; to this day it is still one of their most popular models. A slimmed version (Model 9649) was introduced decades after, following the same shape and design.
Steve McQueen was often seen both on and off set with Persols, the first ever folding sunglasses introduced in the 1960's as a variation of the Model 649. He wore them in both "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1968) and "The Getaway" (1972). A special edition colourway was released in his honour. Again, a slimmer version (Model 9714) was released recently to provide a thinner profile to a classic shape.
Released in the 1950's, this combination frame stays true to a vintage design. Its name "Cellor" comes from the use of cellulose acetate for the brow bars of the frame, and has remained in Persol's line up for over 50 years.
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It's no secret that James Bond is an impeccably well dressed gentleman. From shootouts and car chases to having martini with women, he has a aura of elegance and class. Tom Ford is the personal tailor for Daniel Craig's 007; from suits to sunglasses his wardrobe shows a love for luxury and style. Take a look at the featured sunglass pieces from the latest Bond movies.
Daniel Craig wears a pair of TF108 sunglasses, now discontinued and incredibly difficult to find. The screen-worn pair sold at a charity auction for nearly $40,000. One can only imagine how much the actual Aston Martin driven in the film was scooped up for.
A similar colour and shape to the pair seen in Quantum of Solace, 007 dons a pair of TF144 ("Marko") which is currently still in production. The rhodium (silver) frame with the smoke blue lenses are a perfect fit for the elegant gentleman. A slightly narrow fit, it doesn't overpower the features the way some other aviators do.
In Spectre, James Bond sports the TF237 ("Snowdon") at a funeral. The vintage-inspired shape lends itself well to a timeless classic look, and while the frame looks black, it's actually a dark havana with a dark brown lens, perfect for complimenting an impeccably tailored look. These frames are also available to order!
Daniel Craig appears in a second pair of Tom Ford sunglasses for this movie. Here with a lighter coloured suit and a more casual ensemble, he wears the TF248 ("Henry") sunglasses, another vintage-inspired cult accessory of the past. Again, this model is an available order from Tom Ford, this specific colourway being a dark havana with dark metal accents.
]]>Glasses have become a fashion statement, a complimentary accessory that keeps you from walking into walls while looking sharp. Buying a new pair is only halfway there; making sure they are fitted properly is just as important as finding the right style.
While not regularly disheveled, ill fitting glasses nonetheless can still be a bit of a bother; constantly adjusting them while they're on your face is a telltale sign they need to be better adjusted for your features. Here's a few things to consider.
Our work station is called a "bench". So, when we say bench align it means we are making sure that it's flat on four points. We flip the frame over, making sure the front is flat on the surface and the two temples (or arms, or legs, or stems, there are so many terms for it) are also resting on the surface. This is a starting point, and adjustments carry on from here.
To ensure a snug fit, the end of the temple (called the earpiece) is curved downwards to hook behind your ear. Too far back and the glasses will slide until it catches; too far forward and the glasses will sit slanted. It should be bent at around 45°, and fit right behind the ear while gently touching the skin. Too tight and it will cause headaches, too loose and it will stick out from behind your ear. It's truly an art!
For metal frames, a common complaint is red marks on the nose bridge. This is often caused by nose pads which aren't resting properly, digging in and causing irritation. A specific tool is used to "splay" the pads so they rest flush against the skin. The size of the splay will determine how high or low the glasses sit.
It's best to let your local optician do this for you; both specific tools and equipment are used to ensure we don't break or rough handle your frames. Frames will become misaligned over time as you live it up, so stop in every so often for a quick adjustment and tune up.
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There are times we fall in love with a frame. Its shape is flattering, its colour is complimentary, and its materials are top notch. When we put it on however, something about it just doesn't fit well. It hovers over your nose bridge, it slides down, and generally leaves a little something to be desired.
At Glass Monocle Eyecare, we can modify the frame to be fitted for nosepad arms. This allows a more customized and comfortable fit, while allowing a patient to still wear the frames they love.
Watch this short clip of our hand crafted process; from trimming and polishing the frame to implanting the arms.
This is something that takes time, practice, and a steady hand. Each pair we modify is treated with love, gentle hands, and a lot of polish. If you have any questions or comments, leave us a note or stop by our store! We'd love to hear from you.
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