For those of use who love winter sports, we hope he sees that shadow. We’d like to keep the good times rolling (or shredding) on the slopes.

While there’s little science behind Phil’s prediction (tradition reigns), there is substance behind seeing the slope shadows to keep us safe and coordinated. If you haven’t opted to change the tint in your eyewear lens when ripping it up on the slopes, you’re missing out. Amber or rose ski goggle lenses or glasses enhance soft grays that mark shadows on a ski slope. Because these shadows indicate ridges or bumps in the surface, skiers and snowboarders “read” them to decide when to turn, so they won’t catch an edge and fall. Missing a mogul could be disastrous to your body and maybe your ego.

So, on February 2^, (at least while Phil is emerging from his den), don your rose-colored glasses and keep your fingers crossed for more snow. Then, keep them over those baby-blues and shred–safely.

Learn more about how tints affect vision in the Center.

That’s the cool part; they’re designed for optimal vision about an arm’s length in front of you. That’s farther away than reading glasses but quite a bit closer than regular distance glasses.

If you’re like me, and I know a lot of you are, you sit at your computer, or look at your smartphone, and have to squint to see the words on the screen. You probably even hunch forward to get a closer look. I’ll admit I used to catch myself just a few inches away from the screen. That’s just not good for your eyes—or your posture.

I used to try and wear my regular glasses when working, but I could tell they were too strong. At the same time, with no glasses at all, I would hunch forward. Computer vision glasses allow me to sit with proper posture and see the screen clearly—they’re even helpful with my phone. They’re great!

So are computer vision glasses right for you? If what I wrote above sounds frighteningly familiar, I’d highly recommend talking with your eye doctor. My new glasses have really made a difference in comfort throughout the day.

If you do get computer vision glasses, here are a few tips to help you maximize your VSP benefits:

• Check to see if you have a Computer Vision Care plan with your benefits. If you don’t, read Fashion Maven’s post about using your base plan for more than just regular glasses.
• If you like your current glasses but are a candidate for computer vision glasses, you may want to get computer vision glasses at your next visit.
• If you’re like me and can never seem to have enough glasses, get your computer vision glasses at the same time as a new pair of regular glasses. Most members get 30% off unlimited additional pairs of prescription glasses purchased on the same day with the same provider who performed the exam.
• If you have already used your benefit but want to invest in a pair of prescription computer vision glasses, you can still get 20% off your complete pair.

Check your benefits by logging into VSP.com. You can also call customer service at 1-800-877-7195.

The short answer is, “YES!” Thanks to a titanium and nickel technology called Flexon, there are frames that can bounce back from those kinds of incidents and be as good as new. Flexon is a memory metal that is 10 times more flexible than your average metal frames. You can literally fold or twist the frames, and they will resume their original shape.

To learn more about Flexon frames, click here.

Jessica G., a VSP employee and lens and frame fanatic, shares her thoughts on her new UNITY™ Performance Optics lenses and anti-reflective coatings below:

When I picked out my latest pair of Jil Sander frames, I took the opportunity to give UNITY lenses and anti-reflective coatings a spin. While I’m not an optical expert by any stretch, I am pretty picky about my eyewear. Very little irritates me more than dirty or smudged lenses, but my new UNITY lenses pass the test with flying colors. With a few swipes of my cleaning cloth, oils and dust wipe right away.

And the visual clarity? Flawless. Having worn glasses for almost thirty years, I can recognize usability and high quality when I see (through) it. Glare from my computer screen is minimal and nighttime driving suddenly seems less risky (thanks to the reduced ‘halo’ effect from oncoming headlights).

I couldn’t be more satisfied. My biggest optical decision now is what frames to use my 2012 eyecare benefits toward…I know they’ll be holding UNITY lenses.

Did you know that VSP members can save up to 50% on UNITY single vision and progressive lenses when you use your VSP benefit? Find out more here.

Looking for more info on what lens options to consider? Check out our Lenses and Technology Center.

Flexon Live In Times Square 1 from Marchon on Vimeo.

Dear Sirs:

I have had my eyes tested, new glasses & lenses on November 22, 201[1] by Dr. Michael J. Moses in Killeen, Tx. This is just to let you know I am very please with my testing and the frames I picked. Since I was 16 I have seen the tops, bottoms, sides and bows of the frames, an annoyance. The new frames are almost colorless so I’m really pleased. At 86 I need bifocals and I read 10 books, at least, a month, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Time & Science News plus a daily and bi-weekly paper. Reading and TV mean my eyes and their care is very important. I just wanted to thank you for your coverage and Dr. Moses services.

Sincerely,
Margaret

For privacy reasons, all identifying information has been removed.

Dear Margaret,

You are very welcome, and we are so pleased that you like your new glasses. We really appreciate the time you took out of your day to write us and tell us about your experience.

Sincerely,
VSP

However, as we take to the slopes with childlike abandon, the cold snap brings its own challenges for the outdoorsman (and woman) and one hazard that’s easy to forget—protecting our eyes. That’s surprising, considering eye injuries are a common injury suffered during ski and snowboarding activities, and the glare from the snow can make it very difficult to see where you’re headed.

The surface of our eyes often become irritated by harsh winds, and snow sport enthusiasts should protect their eyes using properly fitted, sports-rated eyewear that filters out 100% of UV light. Those with less than perfect vision benefit from the availability of prescription goggles. In either case, the risks of not protecting your eyes include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis, and retina damage, not to mention direct injury to the eye.

While our body is able to repair much of the damage we do it, the lens of the eye can’t repair itself. The risk of irreversible damage is too high to risk. We also have a tendency to think the sun is less intense during the dark winter months, but the winter sun sits lower in the sky and exposure can actually increase.

So, while you raise your glass to toast the winter events, remember it’s a lot more fun when you can clearly see the smiling faces around you celebrating a day on the slopes together.

Visit The Center to learn more about keeping your sight safe this winter.

David in Flexon

Not every guy looking for new shades is as lucky as our David C! He was looking for a fashion assist on his decision so we asked you to vote on which pair of shades was the best choice. Remember – David’s got an oval face, pale skin with a rosy cast, a professional lifestyle that includes outdoorsy stuff, and a fairly bold style.

The style masses have spoken. And it’s time for frame choices 2 & 3 to make their concession speeches.  You decided David looks best in frame 1. Fashion democracy at its finest!

Frame 1, the Flexon Sun Force (in Coffee),  not only compliments David, but it has this cool feature. You can twist the metal frame around your finger and it will pop right back to its original shape. Shades that come with a party trick! What’s not to love?

P.S. If you don’t have a group of people to help vote on the best frames for you, get some expert fashion advice on eyeconic.com.

Read the full article or blog on the Wall Street Journal.