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Five Essential Tips for Contact Lens Users: Safety Guide by Mac Nally Opticians

By Contact Lenses, Eyecare, Prescriptions

Are you a contact lens wearer? At Mac Nally Opticians, we’re dedicated to ensuring your eye health and comfort. Here are five crucial tips to help you maintain safe and comfortable contact lens usage:

  1.  Stay Clear of Water: It’s essential to avoid exposing your contact lenses to water, whether it’s swimming in a pool or showering. Water harbors harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections. 
  2. No Sleepovers for Contacts: Sleeping with contacts increases the risk of corneal ulcers, infections, and discomfort due to reduced oxygen flow to the eyes. 
  3. Healthy Eyes First: If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection, such as redness, pain, or discharge, it’s crucial to refrain from using contact lenses until your eyes are fully healed. Continuing to wear contacts while your eyes are infected can exacerbate the condition and prolong recovery. Prioritize your eye health and consult with our optometrist if you have any concerns.
  4. Stick to the Schedule: Whether you wear daily disposables or monthly lenses, it’s essential to adhere to the recommended wearing duration. Overwearing lenses can lead to discomfort, dryness, and an increased risk of complications.
  5. Makeup After Lenses: To avoid irritation and potential infections, it’s best to insert your contact lenses before applying makeup. Makeup particles and debris can easily transfer onto your lenses if applied before insertion, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Ensure proper hygiene by washing your hands before handling your lenses and inserting them before starting your makeup routine.

At Mac Nally Opticians, we understand the importance of convenience and affordability. That’s why we offer the option to order a three-month supply of contact lenses with free shipping, making it easier for you to stay stocked up on your lenses while prioritizing your eye health. If you have any questions or concerns about contact lens care, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team of eye care professionals. Your vision is our top priority!

Protecting Your Vision from UV Light During the Winter

By Eyecare, Prescriptions, Sunglasses

As the cold sets in and the temperature decreases it’s reasonable to believe that UV radiation is less of an issue.  As important as it is in the summer, you need to take precautions to shield your eyes from the winter light. UV radiation is still a concern in colder climates with cloudy skies, therefore protecting your eyes becomes essential all year round.

Because of changes in the angle of the sun and Earth’s position throughout this time of year, there may be more UV exposure. Scenes covered in snow have the ability to reflect UV rays upward, acting as a mirror and enhancing their effects on human eyes. As a result, wearing eye protection in the winter is essential.

Given the significance of safeguarding your eyes during this season, follow these crucial guidelines to ensure the safety and security of your vision:

Put on Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection: Make an investment in premium sunglasses that offer complete UV protection. Seek out sunglasses that can protect UVA and UVB radiation. To further protect your eyes from the sides, think about wraparound designs or wider frames.

Think about photochromic lenses, which can adapt to different lighting conditions. When exposed to UV light, these lenses darken, providing convenience as they adjust to the varying light levels throughout the day.

To lessen glare from surfaces like snow and ice, which can seriously strain your eyes, choose polarised lenses.

Hats and Visors: Wear visors or hats with wide brims to complement your eye protection. Additional protection from both direct and reflected UV radiation is offered by these accessories.

Routine eye exams Make an appointment for routine eye exams with your optometrist. The winter is a great time to check your eyes and see if there are any issues. Drink plenty of water because the dry air and chilly winds of winter can cause pain and dry eyes. To keep your eyes lubricated, stay hydrated.

Digital Screens and Indoor Protection: Shield your eyes from blue light emitted by digital screens even throughout the winter. If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, you might want to get some blue light filtering glasses.

Don’t forget that cloudy days don’t always call for UV protection. It is a year-round requirement. The combined effects of UV exposure have been linked to a number of eye disorders, such as photokeratitis, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

This winter, choose wisely to protect your eyes. To get the finest eye protection for your needs, see your optician. During these chilly months, your eyes will appreciate the love and care you give them.

You may take in the beauty of the winter season and make sure your eyes stay healthy and clear for years to come by making eye protection a priority.

Eyewear and Face Shapes: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair of Glasses

By News, Prescriptions, The Collection

When it comes to eyewear, finding a pair of glasses that not only correct your vision but also suit your face shape can be a daunting task. With a variety of styles and shapes to choose from, it’s important to consider the proportions of your face in order to achieve a balanced, flattering look.

First, let’s identify the different face shapes:

  • Round: Characterized by full, round cheeks and a circular hairline.
  • Oval: Considered the “ideal” face shape, with balanced proportions and a slightly narrower jawline than the forehead.
  • Square: Prominent jawline and square hairline, with a forehead and jawline that are roughly the same width.
  • Diamond: Narrow forehead and jawline, with prominent cheekbones.
  • Heart: Wide forehead and narrow chin, with the chin often pointed.
  • Triangle: Narrow forehead and wide jawline, with the jawline being the widest part of the face.

Now that you’ve identified your face shape, let’s discuss which eyewear styles will flatter your features:

  • Round face: To elongate a round face, opt for angular frames that have a wider top than bottom. Avoid round frames, as they can make your face appear even rounder.
  • Oval face: As an “ideal” face shape, oval faces can pull off a variety of frame shapes. However, it’s best to avoid frames that are wider than the broadest part of your face, as they can throw off the balance of your features.
  • Square face: Soft, round frames can help balance out a square face and soften angular features. Avoid frames that are too square, as they can emphasize your strong jawline.
  • Diamond face: Frames that are wider at the bottom can help balance out prominent cheekbones, while rimless or semi-rimless frames can also be flattering. Avoid frames that are too narrow, as they can make your face appear even longer.
  • Heart face: To balance out a wide forehead, look for frames with a bottom-heavy or narrow top design. Avoid frames that are too wide, as they can make your forehead appear even wider.
  • Triangle face: To add width to the top half of your face, choose frames that are wider at the top. Rimless frames can also be a good choice, as they draw attention to the eyes and away from the jawline. Avoid frames that are too narrow, as they can make your face appear even longer.

In addition to face shape, it’s also important to consider skin tone, hair color, and personal style when selecting eyewear. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect pair of glasses that not only correct your vision, but also compliment your features.

Transitionsâ„¢ Lenses: Popular Pick for 2023

By News, Prescriptions, The Collection

Transitionsâ„¢ lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, are a type of eyeglass lens that automatically adjusts to the level of light around you. In bright sunlight, the lenses darken to reduce glare and provide more protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In lower light conditions, the lenses become clear again, making them ideal for indoor or night-time use.

Another benefit of Transitionsâ„¢ lenses is that they provide enhanced protection from the sun’s UV rays. UV radiation is known to cause damage to the eyes, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Transitionsâ„¢ lenses block 100% of UVB rays and up to 90% of UVA rays, providing a higher level of protection than regular clear lenses.

One of the biggest benefits of Transitionsâ„¢ lenses is that they eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses. With traditional glasses, you would need a separate pair for indoor and outdoor use. Transitionsâ„¢ lenses can be worn all day, regardless of the lighting conditions, which can be a great convenience and cost-saving.

Polarized Transitionsâ„¢ lenses are designed to reduce glare from surfaces such as water, snow, and pavements. They can be especially beneficial for outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, and cycling.

There are different types of Transitionsâ„¢ lenses available, including generation 8 Transitionsâ„¢ lenses, Xtractive Transitionsâ„¢, polarized Transitionsâ„¢ lenses, and the latest Style-Colour Transitionsâ„¢ lenses. With each generation, the technology keeps getting better and the choices available now suit everyone. They also provide enhanced protection from the sun’s UV rays and can improve visual comfort.

Overall, Transitions™ lenses are a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of one pair of glasses that can be worn in any lighting condition, especially when you’re on the move or want to travel light. Transitions™ lenses should always be considered in addition to all your existing glasses to enhance your eyewear wardrobe. Let us steer you in the right direction on your choice of Transitions™ colour options, depending on your frame choice and your natural colouring. We can make the whole package suit your style.

To choose the right Transitionsâ„¢ lens, simply schedule your appointment with us at Mac Nally Opticians and we can advise you on the best options for your needs.