Our very own David C. is in the same frame selection cunundrum. So, we thought why not exploit David’s need for new eyewear to help all mankind out? First, we’ll offer David some expert tips. Then, we’ll let YOU select what frames David should get! I like it.

Here are the things every guy should consider when selecting the perfect frame:

1) Identify your face shape. Is it round, oval, square, or heart shaped?
2) What’s your shade? No, not your sunglass shade but your skin tone shade.
*Cool – pale with a rosey cast to skin
*Warm – golden, buttery or honey tones (Anyone else getting hungry?)
*Neutral – a blend of both which is olive
*Dark – tan or deep brown
3) Lifestyle. Active, gamer, techy etc.
4) Style. Are you bold, understated, preppy, trend setter?

Let’s see what David’s answers are:
1) Oval.
2) I would probably say a “cool” tone.
3) Professional who likes to be outside.
4) I like style…bold, but not too bold. Trends are good, but let’s not get crazy.

David also said: I have hazel eyes, so green and brown tend to work for me, but my head is big, so I need to go to the eye doctor and get my measurements so I don’t buy something that doesn’t fit…I hate that. I’m also tired of breaking my glasses because I just throw them on the couch and then forget about them.

Using Eyeconic, we entered David’s preferences to find a few frames that compliment his needs. I snapped a few pictures and here they are. Now YOU decide! Vote for David’s perfect frame in a comment below.

#1

#2

#3

To check out these frames yourself, visit eyeconic.com.

Fashion Maven

I recently attended an employee brownbag to learn about Nike Vision lenses. Among other things, they demonstrated how and why the different technologies are important to an athlete’s success: the lens, tint, weight, temple, shape, and more. They all work together to create superior and intensely clear line of vision for athletes around the world and in every sport.

Experiencing Nike this way got me pumped not just to pay closer attention to how I see while participating in activities, but it also lit a fire bringing out my inner athlete. Like Nike says, “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.” I better get to it. I wonder how it will change my game and what I’ve really been missing.

And don’t forget you can use your VSP benefits for genuine Nike lenses.

Eyeconic.com

I don’t know about you, but I get seriously bummed when I have to put away all the colorful stuff I wear all summer just because I don’t live in a sun shiny place like Maui. Yeah, black is eternally epic. Gray is awesome. But can’t I hang on to my “crush” on color all year round?

Turns out – I can! At least this season. I did some serious research—getting stuck in the longest line in the supermarket can come in handy—and there it was. In magazine after magazine. Bags, scarves and boots in some really strong colors, like orange! Oh yes, I’ve got a crush. An orange crush. Now, no one wants to look like a pumpkin or gigantic can of soda, so key word…moderation. But warming up all the gray, brown and black outfits was splashes of orange, yellow and magenta.

Tyreke sports orange

So, I decided the easiest way to keep my crush alive all winter was through a sunglass splash. And eyeconic.com has some hot orange sunglasses that look like me (or NBA star Tyreke Evans…yeah, I think he copied me). Ok, so, I used a webcam on my computer to try a pair of Nikes on live. It was fabulous, and since my style team was out of town I could confirm that my orange crush was real…Color rules.

Fashion Maven

I’ve always loved the chic but classic styling of Michael Kors sunglasses. From streamlined aviators, like the one shown below, to oversized shades in rich colors, you’ll see that his eyewear is made from the finest materials. He uses cool textures to make the glasses visually interesting, and he has a knack for adding fine details that make his glasses stand out.  They look luxurious but work for everyday use.

Michael Kors Aviators

At eyeconic.com, check out our “live try-on” feature to see how different styles look on you in real time! Or you can upload a photo of yourself to scope out your look. It’s like being in the store without ever leaving your computer.

Once you’ve picked out the jet-set pair of Michael Kors that looks great on your face, Eyeconic will help you find a VSP doctor’s office  nearby that carries it.

Try on a pair of sleek, sophisticated Michael Kors frames at eyeconic.com today!

1) Save you and your family money - VSP saves members an average of $290 a year, that’s enough for 90 cups of coffee!

2) Help you and your family be healthy - Annual eye exams can reveal signs of eye-related and overall health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

3) Give you and your family access to great eyewear - From classic styles to the latest design brands, VSP doctors offer hundreds of options for you and your family!

 4) Protect your family’s vision - Getting your child an eye exam is important to their overall health and helps them succeed in school.

 5) Ensure you and your family experience life to the fullest - Every day is a chance to experience life’s richest moments big and small. Life is too good to squint through, make sure you do all you can to see your life clearly!

Visit SeeMuchMore.com to learn more about the importance of vision care.

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 and you can win a pair of designer sunglasses and $200 cash!

Colors: Bubble gum pink, crystalized reds, regal purple and "never go out of fashion" black and tortoise

Shapes: Cat-eye, oversized square or round

Style: Retro, disco, and material girl (think 50's and 60's with a splash of 70's and 80's)

Details: Crystalized, fun bling, interesting or artistic metal accents

One super important thing to mention about sunwear is to invest in a pair with 100% UVA and UVB protection from the suns harmful rays. Also, to keep all kinds of glare down, especially when you’re on the water this summer boating, fishing (for compliments or for real fish), and/or lounging by the pool, try polarized lenses. You will love being able to look right at and through the water with virtually no glare! You can thank me later. For more styles, check out our eyewear gallery.

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.

Jing Han O.D. is a VSP Provider in Folsom, CA

We welcome Dr. Han to our blog with his first post on allergies and your eyes.

It’s the time of the year when the sun is out and just about everything is in full bloom. It’s also a great time to be outdoors. Why shouldn’t we take advantage of what nature has to offer? For many of you, the answer is simple: allergies.

A stroll through the park or a bike ride down the street is a great way to enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately, even a walk down the driveway is often all it takes to encounter pollen and other allergens. To fully enjoy the outdoors during this time of year, you must first understand how our body responds to allergens and learn how to properly prepare ourselves for outdoor activities.

Within the skin and soft tissue around the eyes are mast cells. Mast cells contain many smaller histamine cells. When mast cells detect something they don’t like or recognize, they burst and release the histamine cells. These cells bind to receptors in the skin, which triggers itching, redness and swelling—an allergic reaction. Many common allergy medications are histamine blockers that prevent this reaction from occurring. You can purchase these over the counter from your pharmacist. Other, more effective allergy medications have a mast cell stabilizing capability in addition to histamine blockers. These are the prescription medications that your optometrist can prescribe to you.

You can prepare for outdoor activities by limiting the contact of allergens with your eyes.  As you run or bike, all sorts of particles and foreign objects fly at your face. Remember, it doesn’t take much for the eyes to respond with an allergic reaction. One way to keep your eyes protected is with a good pair of sunglasses that create a seal between your eyes and the surrounding air. You may also want to use prescription allergy drops, prescribed by your optometrist, during allergy season for optimal comfort.

Fear not this Spring! Get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather and see all the life spring has to offer! Read more about allergies and your eyes.

Have a question for Dr. Han? Feel free to ask in the comments section below.

Click the image to read the full article on EnVision

• Get a customized view -  customized pair of 3D glasses with a built-in prescription from your eye doctor
• Find new focus – glasses with special prisms may help correct focus and eye coordination problems
• Treat your eyes to vision therapy - special treatment and eye exercises

Check out this month’s EnVision Newsletter for more expert tips, browse the latest styles of sunglasses, contest information to win a 3D prize package, and much more!