Archive for the ‘Eye Safety’ Category

See golf better.

Posted on August 22nd, 2011 by Lisa P.

The sun is out, the days are long—perfect time to grab your clubs and hit the links. But is your eyewear helping make every swing your best?

Golf is a game of precision. That’s why Nike Vision sunwear, in prescription and non-prescription, offers the patented Nike MAX Golf Tint™ to help make the ball “pop” and highlight the contours of the green.

Specially tuned to the game of golf, this tint is ideal for any course, in the sun or under the clouds.

It enhances critical details of the fairway and green and helps you navigate the unique visual challenges of the golf course.

Exclusive to VSP Members
As a VSP member, you can use your benefit towards prescription Nike sunwear. Interested in adding the Nike MAX Golf Tint? Just talk to your VSP doctor.

About Nike Eyewear
Nike eyewear is superior and trusted by the best athletes in the world. Why? Because Nike has developed proprietary technology that allows athletes to see their sport better, such as:

  • Nike Max Optics: virtually distortion-free optics
  • Nike lens tints: specially tuned for specific sports to provide maximum performance
  • Nike eyewear’s fit and function: based on work with elite athletes to gauge their sport needs.

Find out more about Nike Eyewear
Visit The Center at vsp.com for more information and to view the different styles for both men and women.

File under: Eye Safety, Frames & Lenses, Fun, Get Fit, Technology | Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,
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Relax your eyes and run.

Posted on August 11th, 2011 by MaryBeth

If you’re a runner, you know the strain both your body and eyes endure on long-distance runs. So does Nike Vision. That’s why Nike sunwear, in prescription and non-prescription, offers the patented Nike MAX Speed Tint™, engineered for runners facing both direct sunlight and the harsh light reflected off asphalt. When you run, you focus your eyes on a single spot for extended stretches, so the Nike MAX Speed Tint is scientifically tuned to relax your eyes and body and enhance your run.

Exclusive to VSP Members

As a VSP member, you can use your benefit towards prescription Nike sunwear. Interested in adding the Nike MAX Speed Tint? Just talk to your VSP doctor.

About Nike Eyewear

Nike eyewear is superior and trusted by the best athletes in the world. Why? Because Nike has developed proprietary technology that allows athletes to see their sport better, such as:

  • Nike Max Optics: virtually distortion-free optics
  • Nike lens tints: specially tuned for specific sports to provide maximum performance
  • Nike eyewear’s fit and function: based on work with elite athletes to gauge their sport needs.

Find out more about Nike Eyewear 

Visit The Center at vsp.com for more information and to view the different styles for both men and women.

File under: eye health, Eye Safety, Frames & Lenses, Get Fit, sports, Technology | Tagged: , , , , ,
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What’s hot this summer? Sunwear, for guys, that’s what!

Posted on August 3rd, 2011 by fashionmaven

Last month we reviewed what was happening in the fashion world regarding summer eyewear trends for gals. This month, we’re checking out what some of the hot ”guywear” trends are this summer. Here’s the scoop gentlemen…

Colors: Brown, sand, gray and clear or a combo of color and clear (all about neutrals)

Style: Small round (like John Lennon), small square or rectangle (think Johnny Depp), aviator or navigator (for sunwear)

Details: Keyhole bridges, two tone and for sunwear blue or white to make an impact

So, using all the scoop gathered for both gal and guy trends, I picked out my new frames. Going with what’s happening in “guywear.”  Kooky. I know, right? Selected small, square, “geek chic” look for everyday and for sun, decided on navigator (squared off aviator) in shiny silver with “flash” mirror coating (this type of mirror coating still allows others to see one’s eyes through the lenses unlike the true mirror coating that shows one’s reflection).

I can’t leave you without tossing out a tiny word of caution. Please, please, please get UV protection on your prescription eyewear and/or sunwear. Consider polycarbonate lens material, if your VSP doctor feels it’s appropriate, which inherently has UV protection and can be tinted for sunglasses.

For those of you that don’t need a prescription, and are on the prowl for new shades, look for 100% UVA/UVB protection, it’ll be noted on the lenses. Every little precaution helps lessen sun damage…talk about other UV options with your VSP doctor.

File under: eye health, Eye Safety, fashion, Frames & Lenses, Fun, Uncategorized, vision benefits | Tagged: , , , , ,
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The Sun & UV Rays – How to Protect Your Eyes

Posted on July 28th, 2011 by Lisa P.

Today’s Blog Post comes from our friends at ACUVUE®.

Okay, today we’re talking about a really hot topic: Protecting your eyes from the sun.

Most of us know how important it is to shield our skin from harmful sunlight. But few of us ever stop to think about how the sun can damage our eyes.

The truth is, there’s a very real connection between UV rays and eye damage. Exposure to intense UV rays—whether from natural sunlight or artificial UV rays—can have cumulative effects on the eyes. In the short-term that can include Photokeratitis, a kind of sunburn of the cornea, and Photo Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membrane outside of the eye. In the long-term, prolonged sun exposure over years can lead to conditions like cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye.

What’s more, research has indicated that a large percentage of lifetime UV exposure to the eyes may occur in childhood because children have larger pupils (allowing more light into their eyes) and clearer lenses than adults.  Add to that the increased risk of damage due to greater exposure to sunlight from spending more time outdoors during the summertime, and it’s important to take steps to protect your family’s eyes now to prevent problems later on.

So we know the sources and potential effects of sun damage—but what’s the comprehensive solution? In addition to wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when outside, UV-Blocking contact lenses can provide an important extra layer of protection.

Not all contact lenses offer UV protection, and in fact most don’t. When selecting UV-blocking contact lenses, make sure they block both the UVA and UVB rays that reach the lens. Luckily, all ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses offer effective UV-blocking so it takes all the guess work out!†*

Check out this 2 minute video about UV and how ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses help protect the covered portion of your eyes more than any other brand:

YouTube Preview Image

Exclusive offers for VSP members

Now go enjoy the summer—and be sure to keep an eye on safety!

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File under: eye health, Eye Safety, Special Offers, Technology | No Comments »

Protect Your Eyes This Fourth of July

Posted on July 1st, 2011 by David C

It’s the July fourth holiday weekend, and fireworks will be exploding in cities across the United States. Some of you may even have your own fireworks, sparklers and bottle rockets to set a patriotic tone at your backyard barbecue. But did you know that every year thousands of people receive eye injuries from fireworks? Most of the victims are under 15 years old and are injured by bottle rockets or sparklers. A significant percentage of their injuries are permanent and cause vision loss or blindness.

Sparklers and bottle rockets may seem harmless, but sparklers are hot enough to cause third-degree burns and bottle rockets fly unpredictably through the air.

If you or a loved one does have an eye injury, don’t rub it or rinse it. Doing so could actually cause more damage. Instead, immediately cover the eye with a makeshift shield (such as a Styrofoam cup) and seek emergency medical care. For more information, take a look Prevent Blindness America’s firework information.

Oh, and don’t forget about protecting your eyes from the sun this weekend either—wear your sunglasses! Watch this video about how UV rays can damage your eyes!

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Court vision: A look at some of the greatest in NBA history

Posted on June 23rd, 2011 by Alex

VSP Sports Blogger, Alex Sigua

With the 2011 NBA Draft taking place tonight, I wanted to highlight some of the best players in NBA history when it comes to court vision. Court vision, as basketball aficionados would define it, is a player’s ability to see everything on the court during play, selecting the appropriate strategy and having the understanding and confidence to properly execute.

Jason Kidd

The current Dallas Mavericks point guard and new NBA Champion always comes up in conversations about players with the best court vision. Kidd ranks third all-time among NBA players in triple-doubles with 107, which is when a player records double figures in three statistical categories such as points, assists and rebounds. Many players say Jason has eyes in the back of his head.

Saying (Kidd) has eyes in the back of his head is true for him, because his vision is just … crazy,” said New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor.

Steve Nash

The seven-time NBA All-Star has been lighting up basketball courts with his blazing speed and piercing court vision for 14 seasons. One of his most admirable qualities is the fact he continues to elevate his game the further he evolves in his career.

I admire what a great point guard he is and his longevity,” said New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. “It’s tough going out there going against 20- and 21-year-olds night in and night out, and he’s still one of the toughest guys in the League to defend.

Larry Bird

While Bird may ultimately be recognized as one of the greatest shooters, if not THE greatest in NBA history, his legendary court vision is what helps set him apart as possibly the greatest small forward in NBA history.

Bird also had the uncanny ability to make his teammates better, as fellow Celtics players Kevin McHale and Robert Parish entered the Basketball Hall of Fame after teaming up with the player known as “Larry Legend” to win three NBA titles.

Larry Bird made every player on the court better and he made everybody believe they can win,” said Lakers great Magic Johnson.

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Protect your eyes from sports-related injuries

Posted on June 9th, 2011 by Alex

Alex Sigua

Hi everyone! My name is Alex Sigua, and I’m the newest blogger to the VSP Blog. I have a great passion for sports, entertainment and living an active lifestyle. I’m thrilled to share some fun ways on how these exciting topics relate to all things eyes through my upcoming blog posts.

As a basketball fanatic, I, along with millions of sports fans following the exciting 2011 NBA Finals currently taking place, turned my eyes to the eye of one basketball star in particular when Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh suffered a nasty injury after taking a sharp poke to his left eye during Sunday’s Game 2 of the best-of-seven series. Bosh’s battered eye received a tremendous amount of high-profile attention through the media worldwide, placing focus on the severity of eye injuries and their effects on an athlete’s ability to perform.

Basketball is just one example, and is also one of the sports with the highest risk for experiencing eye-related injuries. More than 600,000 sports-related eye injuries occur each year. Estimates show that 90% of these injuries can be avoided. Here are some tips on how to protect your vision and stay active in sports.  

Be sure to check back with us next week as we’ll be launching the latest Webisode of VSP’s EyeFiles series – all about sports vision.

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3D Makes Me Dizzy

Posted on June 1st, 2011 by David C

Amblyopia if left untreated

3D technology is impressive, but does it ever make your head feel like it’s on overdrive? 3D works by sending two slightly different images—one through each eye—to the brain where they are superimposed to create a 3D effect. However, this is not how you normally see, so it puts extra stress on the visual system. That extra stress can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea (3D vision sickness) in about a third of the population.

The good news is that the discomfort is only temporary; no permanent damage can come from watching 3D. The catch is that the reason for the discomfort may be an underlying vision problem. Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) are the most common causes of 3D vision sickness. These conditions indicate that one eye is either misaligned or sending blurry images to the brain, and that’s a problem.

If you experience discomfort watching 3D, you should make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. An eye doctor can check for these conditions, give you exercises to strengthen your weaker eye and discuss treatment options. Even though 3D can’t harm your vision, ignoring a vision problem can lead to permanent vision loss.

See more FAQs about 3D Eye Health.

File under: 3-D, eye health, Eye Safety | Tagged: , , ,
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Don’t Let Your Eyes Fry Outside

Posted on May 27th, 2011 by David C

Today kicks off a three-day holiday for many people. Whether you’re heading to a beach, a backyard barbeque or a baseball game, the sun will (hopefully) be shining bright and hot above you. But while you’re out in the sun, don’t forget to protect yourself from its harmful UV rays.

People are more aware than ever of the sun’s damaging effects on skin and are therefore more inclined to wear sunscreen to protect themselves. However, people don’t always think about the sun’s damaging effects on their eyes. It’s important to know that just as the sun can burn your skin it can burn your eyes. Long-term effects include cataracts and macular degeneration.

To protect your eyes, you should wear sunglasses every time you are outside for an extended period of time. The lenses must be rated to block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays; tinted sunglasses without UV protection do not protect your eyes and can actually enable more damage than no glasses at all. Here’s a tip: when you buy sunglasses, look for a sticker indicating the level of UV protection and make sure it lists a specific percentage. If it doesn’t, move on! Your VSP eye doctor can also help you find both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses (with full UV protection). Oh, and don’t forget about the kids. Our research shows that 68% of adults wear sunglasses outdoors, but less than 30% of children do.

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3D Technology Refined

Posted on April 26th, 2011 by Philip K

Philip K. is a member of VSP's Enterprise Information Services and avid video gamer

For those of you that have trouble adapting to 3D images, there are advances in the technology that may help people avoid the headaches and sickness from watching or playing 3D movies or games.  In-Focus 3D might be the answer to these problems. 

I recently read a couple articles that describe this promising technology.  In-Focus 3D appears to also have a much broader application than making 3D viewing more comfortable.  The technology can also be applied to the medical world by limiting the intrusive nature of some surgeries.  According to Dr. Gordon Love of Durham university’s Biophysical Sciences Institute:

“inside the body, there’s no natural light, no right angles, none of the reference points we take for granted. In-Focus 3D combats those drawbacks and means as well as having an accurate image of what’s happening in the body, there’s no need for as much invasive surgery, making it much less traumatic for the patient”

I am not exposed to enough 3D images to experience headaches or sickness, but I imagine that there are plenty of folks, particularly kids, who are more sensitive to 3D.  if you do experience headaches or sickness from 3D exposure, be sure to take breaks with the experience and you may want to make an appointment with your eye doctor. Read the full article by M2M Evolution.

File under: 3-D, eye health, Eye Safety | Tagged: , , , , , ,
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