THE SCOOP ON SELECTING SPECS

Most people know they need eyeglasses to correct their vision. But, the reality is that getting an eyeglass prescription is just the beginning. From fabulous frame shapes and colors to advanced lens technologies, today's eyeglass wearers have endless options.

To help make your next purchase as easy as possible, optometrist Rod Tahran recommends five "Eyesavers" that every spec sporter should consider before heading to an eyecare professional. Yearly check-ups are also important as recommended by the Vision Council of America and its "Check Yearly. See Clearly.(tm)" Campaign

Eyesaver 1: All in a Day's Work

Do you find yourself sitting in front of a computer at work all day? Or do you drive at night with the glare of headlights straining your eyes? Or do you just want to look better in your new glasses? If so, you might want to look into anti-reflective lenses, which help reduce the glare and reflections that often cause eye fatigue. These same, "No Glare" lenses help reduce the reflections other people see on the outside of your glasses, which allows others to see you "eye to eye."

Eyesaver 2: Tired of Dirty or Smudged Lenses?

Dirty eyeglasses are an eye-sore! More than 64 percent of eyeglass wearers in a recently conducted survey have noticed or commented on other peoples' dirty lenses. And, while lenses can get dirty from everyday occurrences such as the environment, cosmetics, and adjusting your glasses, you can avoid constant cleanings. Just ask your eyecare professional about a new dirt-resistant, smudge resistant, easy to clean lens, such as Crizal® Alizé(tm) from Essilor of America. These new anti-reflective lenses help resist dirt and smudges and are specially treated to be ten times easier to clean than standard anti-reflective lenses, while also offering two-sided scratch resistance that helps extend the life of the lens.

Eyesaver 3: Tennis Anyone?

Perhaps you play golf, basketball or even flag football. Whatever your sport of choice, you need eyeglasses that fit your active lifestyle. First off, consider a polycarbonate lens. These lightweight lenses provide more impact resistance - meaning they're more durable and less likely to break. Polycarbonate lenses also are scratch resistant and can offer UV protection from the sun. Besides the lens, you'll also want to invest in a flexible frame. Many metal frames often provide the most flexibility, as these types can bend without breaking. And did you know that certain tints are an advantage in certain sports? A light-brown tinted lens can help you better spot the ball, the green or the trail when playing golf.

Eyesaver 4: Face and Friendly Facts

Glasses play a big part of how you look and feel - so you'll want to find frames that are a perfect match for your face shape, size and coloring. The frame shape should contrast with your face shape (i.e. if you have a curved face, you should choose angular frames). The frame size should be to scale with your face size and your eyes should be centered in the frame. But, you might want to bring along a trusted, fashionable friend for some help and that extra vote of approval when you are choosing your frames. An extra set of eyes can definitely help you decide on a fashionable look that's just right for you.

Eyesaver 5: Over 40?

Do you having trouble reading the menu in candle-lit restaurants? Are you finding it more difficult to read telephone numbers or price tags? You are probably becoming "presbyopic" - a natural part of aging caused by the lens inside your eye becoming less flexible and less able to focus up close. Did you know that you can have one pair of eyeglass lenses that can provide good correction for all of your visual needs - distance, intermediate and up close? And they can do it without the telltale signs of the unsightly bi-focal lines that your grandparents wore. These lenses are called "progressive lenses" and they allow a smooth transition from all fields of vision. Varilux® lenses by Essilor of America are the most prescribed progressive lenses in the world today, and they can be made to fit a variety of frame sizes and fashions. Why show your age if you don't have to?

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Essilor is the leading manufacturer of optical lenses in the United States and founding partner of VisionWebSM, www.visionweb.com, the premier Internet-based tool for eye care providers backed by industry leaders. A pioneer in the development and production of ophthalmic lenses, Essilor is the market leader in progressive, high-index and anti-reflective coated lenses. The company manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Airwear® and Essilor brand names. For more information, please see www.essilorusa.com.