The Internet Glasses Company

Glasses Industry News

Pale & Interesting

March 10th, 2010

If you’ve seen Johnny Depp out and about in the UK recently promoting Alice in Wonderland, you may have noticed his black geek specs and blue tinted lenses. (Our scrutiny of his specs was the only reason for spending hours looking at his pictures, honestly!!) Light tints are an interesting topic, as many patients cannot literally see the point of them, while others swear by them. So could they have a role to play in your eye wear wardrobe?

The density of a tint is indicated by a transmission percentage. So a light tint, which allows most of the light through, might be about 85% transmission. This pale colour will slightly affect your colour perception, depending on the colour you choose, but will still be legal to drive at night. There are many benefits of a light tint even though it does not act as a sunspec tint in bright sunlight.

Patients with very sensitive eyes feel that a hint of a tint helps to make their vision more comfortable indoors, or even for computer use. That slight protection from glare soothes the eyes. Migraine sufferers often like a tint, as does anyone with very light coloured eyes.

Cosmetically many Ladies feel a warm pink tint enlivens their complexion, and can detract from those pesky wrinkles! If you have a rosy complexion grey tints can calm things down a bit. Tints are nice on a rimless frame, to give definition to the shape and soften the twinkly effect of the cut lens edges.

Dyslexics often find their condition is helped by the right shade of tint, there is a whole science built around the affect of a coloured lens or overlay sheet to help give clarity to their reading matter. This is a complex subject and correct diagnosis of the visual defect and/or extent of the Dyslexia gives rise to the perfect filter colour for each individual patient.

Other than for Dyslexic patients the choice of tint density and colour is an entirely personal choice, and it’s up to you as the patient to decide whether a hint of colour will benefit you. Your optician or online optician will be happy to make recommendations if you think a tint will help you. (That includes you Johnny Depp! Call me anytime, it’s absolutely no problem!)

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Tags: Alice in Wonderland, black geek specs, blue tinted lenses, coloured lens, Dyslexics, eye wear wardrobe, Johnny Depp, Migraine sufferers, sunspec tint
Posted in Eye Health, Glasses Fashion, Helpfull Info | No Comments »

Anatomy Lesson

March 8th, 2010

Wearing specs can be a curse as well as a blessing – ok it’s a nice simple solution that corrects your sight, but can’t they be annoying at times! How many of us speccy four eyes have almost dropped the dinner when we open the oven door, or crashed into a display walking into a warm shop on a cold day. If life is permanently in soft focus for you due to misting up, have a look at your anatomy…..

It’s a fact of life that chubby cherubic cheeks or even Kate Moss razor sharp cheekbones are not always a good thing if you wear specs. If your glasses sit close to the face and air cannot get behind them, then they will mist up at the slightest increase in temperature. This is especially a problem with plastic frames, as the moulded bridge sits right on the face with not as much air space behind it as a metal frame.

If you also happen to have a petite little nose with a flat bridge, your problem is compounded! So besides switching to contact lenses, what can you do? The first step is to make sure that your frame is a shallow as possible. So when you come to pick your new pair, look for a wide front that still looks big enough for you, but one where the depth from eyebrow to lower edge is as small as possible. Even varifocal lenses can go into small and shallow frames nowadays, so if you are a varifocal wearer don’t panic!

The shallow frame may be enough to solve the problem, if you have a nicely projecting bridge to your nose. If however you do have a flatter bridge, then you will need a metal frame. The nose pads lift the frame away from the cheeks, to allow a good flow of air behind the lenses. Thinner material lenses will also help if your lens power is strong, as this will decrease the weight and allow the frame to sit up higher. Don’t just put up with the problem – a funky trendy pair of shallow specs for spring will lift the fog for you!

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Tags: plastic frames, speccy four eyes, specs, Varifocal
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Even Barbie Goes Geek Chic!

March 7th, 2010

It’s an interesting fact that the mere sight of a studious looking girl in glasses makes most men go weak at the knees. That Librarian image of a good girl who might just turn out to be bad if you can persuade her to whip off her specs and shake loose her hair is an ever popular fantasy that has been used in photo shoots, film and possibly real life since specs wear began.

This week, even Barbie dolls get in the act, as Mattel launches a new version of the blonde bombshell, complete with laptop, Bluetooth earpiece, and geeky chunky specs. The new model was chosen by fans and is based on the personality of a computer engineer. So if you want to be taken seriously by your male colleagues, and use all the deadly weapons at your disposal, then the look for girls is clearly computer geek chic.

Women are taken more seriously in the workplace, and are likely to be more successful in interviews if they wear glasses. Something work appropriate and stylish is a heavyweight, dark and single colour plastic frame, with the minimum of embellishment and the maximum of blue stocking appeal. It will lend a fashion edge to your boring work suits, and is sturdy and practical for every day wear.

Chunky rim plastics are perfect for high prescriptions, as they disguise your lenses. If you just wear specs for reading they are wonderfully intimidating if you slide them down your nose and peer over the top edge! They are also great for varifocals as you can choose a shape that’s deeper, giving you plenty of room for your distance, reading, and middle distance prescriptions.

With your bold and eye catching Librarian specs in place you only need to add a slick of bright lip colour to make it clear you’re one of the girls not the boys, and you’re good to go – just ask Barbie!

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Tags: chunky specs, girl in glasses, glasses, high prescriptions, plastic frame, specs, varifocals, wear glasses
Posted in Helpfull Info, Humourous | No Comments »

Secrets of Varifocal Success

March 6th, 2010

Here at the IGC ( Internet Glasses Company) we supply a high percentage of varifocal specs, as one of the few online opticians who embrace the wonders of these practical lenses and sell them over the internet. It’s rare that we have a problem with these dispenses, but as with any other type of spec we do get the occasional query. Here are some of the questions we’ve had, for everyone to share.

How come you offer varifocals when so many other online optical sellers don’t?

We can’t speak for other retailers, but our team are qualified opticians with a wealth of experience, both in testing sight and dispensing spectacles. We decided from the outset that we would not be offering a complete service if we didn’t sell varifocals. Our expertise means that we have a very high success rate, with less than 1% returned to us. This is a higher success rate than most opticians have in High Street stores.

How can they work when you don’t see people face to face?

For the vast majority of patients, with average facial measurements and a straightforward prescription, varifocals fitted to our standard measurements will work perfectly. They may need a slight adjustment, but we send out instructions on successful wear with the specs, and will always talk to people if they do come across any problems. This is usually easily rectified.

How long do they take to get used to?

Within a week, most wearers will have forgotten they’ve got them on! It’s rare that after two weeks anyone has any difficulties. They just take a day or two to settle down, and for that first couple of days you might feel a bit wobbly. Put them on, leave them on, and read and take note of the wearer tips we send to you.

What if I don’t get on with them?

In the unlikely event that there is a problem, we will mail you and also chat to you on the phone about what might be wrong. Often the client just needs reassurance that the specs take time to adjust to. We offer a no quibble refund at any stage, but most people want to find a solution that makes the specs work. We can also suggest alternative types of lens to the varifocal if all else fails!

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Tags: IGC, Internet Glasses Company, qualified opticians, Varifocal specs, varifocals
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Celeb Watch Winter’s End 2010

March 5th, 2010

We’re exhausted this week Celeb watchers, what with drinking in every detail of the fab frocks at the Baftas and trying to keep up with the news on our face Celeb couples. How divine did Kate Winslet look in her slinky black lace panelled gown? How dreamily delicious was Colin Firth in his gracious acceptance speech? (Totally our new crush, even without the Mr Darcy wet shirt) Then we’re having to cope with worrying about Cheryl, and even Vernon and Tess are causing us stress…only one thing for it…..time to Celeb watch then shop shop shop……

Cheryl Cole – Poor darling, fighting for her love or maybe just her sanity but holding up in the style stakes with some fab hats and very cool bronze Aviators. Perfect colour with her luscious toffee coloured locks, now she just needs to find a perfect man….

Cheryl Cole wearing aviators

Lady GaGa – Ok they weren’t really glasses but how cool was her lace headgear with lace eye mask! She just has to get a mention for being so wonderfully bonkers!

Brad and Angelina – in a show of togetherness even wearing matching Avaitors, and those shades are as out of their sell by date as Brad’s tragic beard. Smarten up man! Then maybe Jen will do the whole world a favour and take you back.

Victoria Beckham – Doing oversized with complete conviction, a huge smoky plastic in a very cool and retro octagonal shape. She may have her detractors but honestly, she never gets it wrong.

Well that’s better isn’t it, some serious style watching puts you right back on track for the must have list for Spring and we’re sure a bit of serious shopping will cheer Cheryl right up. You can’t rely on a man but there’s never heartbreak browsing the rails down Bond Street……

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Tags: Avaitors, Brad and Angelina, bronze Aviators, Cheryl Cole, Colin Firth, Kate Winslet, Lady GaGa, Victoria Beckham
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Eye Health Breakthroughs

March 4th, 2010

Some exciting eye health advances have hit the news within the past couple of weeks, with a couple of surprising ways to protect your sight!

Researchers at the Hong Kong Eye Hospital have found the Green tea could help in the prevention of the eye disease Glaucoma. Glaucoma leads to loss of peripheral vision due to excess production or inadequate drainage of fluid within the eye. This leads to an increase in pressure within the eyeball, which damages the Optic nerve. The study examined Rat’s eyes, where it was found that catechins, active constituents in green tea, are absorbed by the eye. This helped to protect against oxidation, the cause of some eye diseases.

A test that can be purchased and used at home can help patients to find out their risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration. This eye disease leads to loss of central vision and fine detail. The kit uses a small saliva sample for analysis, which is then checked and a full report issued. A free counselling service is also offered, with suggestions to protect against and prevent ARMD.

For sufferers of ARMD, research has proven that Saffron can reverse the disease. Saffron is a spice used as a colouring in Spanish and Indian cuisine, which derives from Crocus Savitus flowers. Pound for pound it can cost more than Gold, due to the vast quantities of delicate filaments needed to make a pound of Saffron. It is a well known anti-oxidant and is presently used to treat cancer and depression. It encourages oxygen flow, and in the eye affects fat storage to make the cells of the retina more resilient to damage. Patients on the trial showed a reversal of symptoms while taking the Saffron, and researchers are now working on finding the optimum dosage.

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Tags: anti-oxidant, ARMD, eye health advance, Glaucoma, Green tea, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, macular degeneration, protect your sight, retina, Saffron
Posted in Eye Health, Helpfull Info | No Comments »

A Little Help

March 3rd, 2010

Now that the halcyon days of the NHS paying for eye exams for everybody are gone, it’s often a bit of a blow to find that you have to pay for your tests. Do remember though that help is there for those in need, and you can get free sight tests through the Health Service if you meet certain criteria. Your optician should check this with you when you go for your exam, and will then ask you to sign a form. They also need your NI number, and may ask for extra information such as your GP’s name, or where you study. The test is currently free if:

You are over 60, or under 16 years of age.

You are under 19 but in full time education.

You, or your partner receives:

Income support, Income based job seekers allowance, Income related Employment and support allowance, Pension guarantee credit, Tax Credit and you are named on a valid NHS Tax credit Exemption certificate.

If you do not qualify under the heading above, but are on a low income, your optician can give you a form HC2, which you fill in with your financial details. The certificate you get in reply tells you if you get any help, and is also useful if you need help towards dental treatment etc.

There are also qualifying reasons under health grounds. If you are registered blind or partially sighted with your local authority, if you suffer from diabetes or Glaucoma, or you are at risk of Glaucoma. If you are the sibling, parent or child of a Glaucoma sufferer and you are over age forty, this also qualifies you for a free examination. If you are a prisoner or on leave from a prison you also qualify. You will have to give details of your GP/Hospital/Prison as applicable on the form. If you are very long or short sighted, and your optician will tell you if your prescription is high enough, you are deemed to have a complex prescription, and this also means a free test.

After your test you will be given a copy of the prescription. You can take this away with you and use it to order glasses from the online optician, in exactly the same way as our clients do with private eye exam forms.

Some who qualify for a free exam also get an NHS voucher, which gives help towards the cost of new specs. We do not accept NHS vouchers, but these are for a relatively small amount, and many clients prefer to pay our modest prices for something nice rather than use the voucher! We also get patients who have used their voucher at the optician to have a spare pair, and then buy their glasses from us for everyday wear.

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Tags: eye exams, glasse, long or short sighted, NHS vouchers, Optician, prescription, short sighted, sight tests
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All Eyes on Milan

March 2nd, 2010

The Optical world is getting excited as we gear up for our version of Fashion Week, the International show Mido which hits Milan in early March. It’s the fortieth anniversary show and expectations are high. The average spec wearer on the streets of Britain may wonder what this has to do with them, but the answer is everything!! The new brands, styles, and colours that grace the catwalks and displays at Mido will gradually filter through to an optician near you, so what have you got to look forward to – and through – for the upcoming season?!

Pattern, colour, and the new large shape are set to give us new looks and ideas for the Spring. All manufacturers sneak a peek at each other of course, so as with mainstream clothing and accessory fashion there are always key themes and trends. Etched and inlaid floral patterns are still very much in vogue, and there’s a hint of more ethnic designs creeping in this year.

New collections will be exhibited by Seven for all Mankind, better known for hot denim, John Rocha, Paul Costelloe, the iconic Jaegar, and the ever cool Lambretta. We’re keen to see what they come up with, and as ever we’ll be amazed at how new techniques, colours and styles will still appear, just when we thought you could do no more with eye wear!

Our predictions are for huge over sizing, the re-appearance of preppie round eyes and Aviators, and retro shapes such as cats eyes. All of these arrivals will be updated for 2010 with new colours, innovative detailing, and exciting texture. Fashion may always come round again but thanks to new materials it’s always a little better and brighter for its reinvention. We also suspect that the technology that can create curved lenses will give us lots more wrap around styles.

So along with the 1000 or so exhibitors we’re looking forward to spring in Milan, hard work of course, but someone’s got to do it….line up those Espressos please – Ciao for now!

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Tags: eye wear, Fashion Week, International show Mido, Jaegar, John Rocha, Lambretta, Optical world, Paul Costelloe, pec wearer, Seven for all Mankind, wrap around styles
Posted in Glasses Fashion, Helpfull Info | No Comments »

Under Pressure

February 26th, 2010

The eye disease Glaucoma is a cause of blindness that can be easily treated if detected at an early stage, with the result of no loss of vision. As the patient often doesn’t suffer any symptoms until the disease has progressed, it is a definite reason to keep up to date with your eye examinations. Glaucoma occurs due to a build of pressure inside the eyeball. This happens when the fluid produced in the eye cannot drain away as it is meant to. The pressure builds and begins to affect the Optic nerve, which then reduces the sufferer’s field of vision. This usually happens so slowly that the patient is not aware of the problem.

Acute Glaucoma is a different issue, in that symptoms do appear, as the disease occurs suddenly. The eye will be painful and vision is quickly affected. Immediate treatment is vital to save sight. For either form of Glaucoma treatment may involve eye drops or surgery. Close monitoring is also vital, to keep the delicate balance between the in and out flow of fluid within the eye.

If you have Glaucoma then the NHS will pay for your sight tests, which should be done yearly. Close relatives over the age of forty will get their tests through the NHS too, as the problem can be hereditary. If you are diagnosed make sure your children, siblings and parents know and tell them to go for a check-up. The Optician screens for Glaucoma by reading the internal pressure of the eye, checking your field of vision, and examining the Optic nerve when they look into your eye. Usually pressure is checked by bouncing a puff of air onto the eye ball, to read the pressure. Older screening equipment needed anaesthetic drops so the eye could be touched, but nowadays the test is non-invasive. Field screeners emit flashes of light that you register to give a read out of your peripheral vision. There are different formats of tests, but all are quick and simple, and give a record of how good your field of vision is at a given time. When the Optician looks inside your eye with their ophthalmoscope they can examine the Optic disc and check for any changes or signs of high pressure. Subtle changes with any of these tests may be early signs of Glaucoma, so your Optician may refer you to the Hospital for further investigation. Always take their advice seriously and follow up warnings. It might just save your sight.

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Tags: eyeball, field of vision, Glaucoma, Optic nerve
Posted in Eye Health, Helpfull Info, Science | No Comments »

Real Men Real Style

February 26th, 2010

With the release of Tom Ford’s new film A Single Man, classic English style for men is back in the spotlight. As a designer Ford is known for his attention to detail and the elegance he brings to his work, so his film was bound to be a dazzling showcase for his expertise. Colin Firth has earned rave reviews for his understated performance, and his look for the film and his iconic geek specs are a huge part of his character. So who suits the look? And what if it’s not for you?

Colin Firth on Set of A Single Man

Classic English – This is the grown up, tailored look that Colin does so beautifully in the film. Think smart suits, dazzling white shirts, classic tailoring and a huge amount of class. Specs should be subtle tortoiseshell or black, with sleek lines and minimal detail. Frames that are forever in fashion would suit you, so go for a classic Aviator or NHS style heavy plastic.

Sporty – If you’re more at home on the track or clad in Lycra, then look for streamlined and well fitted, lightweight frames. A light as air metal or very skinny plastic will keep out the breeze and stay in place during your more energetic moments. Look for contours that follow your face, possibly with light reacting lenses or a dark tint if you’re a fan of sport on the water.

Techno Trend Setter – If you’re never seen without the latest electronic offering and life didn’t exist before your i-phone, add a dash of techno detail to your frames. Funky hinges, sharp rectangular metals, a hint of bright coloured lining will suit your innovative way of life.

Traditional – If you’re the solid dependable type you may not want to stand out in the crowd. Something simple but functional will keep you within your comfort zone and do the job for you. Steer clear of anything loud and obvious, go for quiet muted tones that blend with you, and a softer take on the trendiest shapes, in soft plastics or slender metals.

Hippy Hero – If you favour a pony tail and hand knit sweaters then the John Lennon look is for you. Hunt out skinny round metals in classic gold or silver, in as small a size as you can find. Or re-glaze a vintage round plastic, there are plenty to be found in markets. Just try not to pick up any real shell, we don’t want to go back to those bad old days. Retro blue or yellow tints are the ultimate in hippy chic, so take control of your flower power!

Real men ooze individual style, so take the time to think about yours…..and don’t panic, if you haven’t got it you can always buy it!!

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Tags: A Single Man, Colin Firth, Tom Ford’s
Posted in Celebrity, Glasses Fashion | No Comments »

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The Internet Glasses Company

Pale & Interesting

Anatomy Lesson

Even Barbie Goes Geek Chic!

Secrets of Varifocal Success

Celeb Watch Winter’s End 2010

Eye Health Breakthroughs

A Little Help

All Eyes on Milan

Under Pressure

Real Men Real Style