The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses in the Winter

Wearing bifocal sunglasses in the winter to protect your eyes may seem somewhat paradoxical. After all, once the blistering sun of summer fades to the cooler and less taxing sun of winter, shouldn’t you be able to go outside and enjoy the sun with impunity?

Unfortunately, this myth – that sunglasses are only needed during the warmer seasons – is pretty destructive. The truth is that harmful UV rays from the sun, the ones that cause eyestrain and eye damage and pave the way for problems like cataracts, stream from our nearest star all year long. They don’t take a “break” during winter. In fact, if you go out skiing or head to a place with substantial snow cover, you must contend with a double-whammy of UV rays. First, you must deal with UV rays emanating from the sun itself. Second, you have to process the UV rays that bounce off the snow and reflect into your eyes.

If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, you know that you need to wear substantial sun protection on your skin, if you’re going to be on the snow-topped mountain all day, even if it’s below freezing outside. The ambient temperature has nothing to do with the risk for sunburn or dangerous sun exposure. Obviously, you’ll be less likely to burn your back and chest, because you’ll be wearing heavy clothing. But your eyes will still be just as exposed as when you are frolicking on the beach.

Sunglasses can also provide protection against dust, debris and ambient pollution that can cause irritating symptoms like dry eye syndrome, which affects millions of people every winter.

Plus, wearing the right sunglasses can seriously add to your fashion cache, too!

Shop Online for Sunglass Frames from I Heart Eyewear

Explore our sunglass frames, reading sunglasses and other quality eyewear for winter, right here at I Heart Eyewear! Sort by type, shape/style and color, to find the perfect shades for your winter wardrobe.

Top Reading Glasses and Sunglasses for Fall

Staying on top of the latest trends is one of the most enjoyable parts of transitioning from summer to fall. Your new look doesn’t have to be limited to apparel; your eyewear plays an important role in your autumn accessorizing, too.

When searching for designer eyeglass frames and sunglasses this fall, keep the season’s hottest trends in mind:

• Throwback Renaissance. Those seeking a fashionably classic look will love these fresh new frames, which combine old-school sensibilities with new-school style. From round shapes to aviators to Clubmaster-esque frames, these style staples collide with earthy colors such as red, orange, and brown for the perfect fall look. Our Margot Bifocal Sunglasses were featured in eyecessorize’s Fall Trend Report for this look!

• Modern Prep. These ultra-flattering frames range from simple squares to pronounced cat eyes, accentuating the wearer’s features. Colors range from simple pastels to vibrant watercolors, calling to mind the preppy looks of the 60s but remaining firmly in the now. Our Darby Reading Glasses fit this look perfectly!

• Enigmatic Perspective. When clouds fill the sky and the leaves fall from the trees, it lends a mysterious atmosphere. These frames have the same effect, combining dark, muted colors with touches of opulence, such as I Heart Eyewear’s reading glasses with bling. Animal prints, lace and other artistic patterns are also on-point for the enigmatic perspective look! Our Dahlia Readers (below) and Catarina Reading Glasses are spot-on with this trend.

Which fall eyeglass trend are you excited to try?

Check out I Heart Eyewear’s collection for the most on-trend, stylish and affordable reading glasses for women.

Eye Exams Aren't Just for Those Who Wear Glasses Every Day

For people of all ages and in all states of health, regular eye exams represent an important part of a well-rounded wellness plan. A skilled ophthalmologist will check eyes for vision problems, as well as common health conditions affecting the eyes.

Age and health status affects how often an individual should have their eyes checked, including:

• Children. Young people should receive their first eye examinations before turning three; those without identified vision problems should continue to receive them every two years into adulthood.

• Adults. Although many adults believe they have perfect vision, this is often because they have not yet experienced the improved quality of life glasses can provide. From the 20s through the late 30s, adults should continue to receive eye exams on a biannual basis.

• Individuals with glasses or contacts. Regardless of age, anyone who has already received an eyeglass or contact prescription should receive comprehensive eye exams at least once per year to detect further vision changes.

• Individuals with eye-related symptoms. Anyone experiencing pain, excessive tearing, redness, injuries, or changes to vision should contact an eye doctor immediately.

• Older adults. Past the age of 40, adults should seek comprehensive eye exams each year to ensure early identification of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Take Our Eyeglass Frames with You

I Heart Eyewear offers everything from reading glasses to bifocals with designer eyeglass frames to suit any style. Our “no power” glasses are perfect for having fit with specific eyeglass prescriptions -- simply take them to your next eye doctor appointment, and viola! Peruse our wide selection to find glasses for your unique style and vision needs!

[SEE ALSO: TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST EYEGLASS FRAMES]

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam?

Never Leave the House Without Sunglasses!

Whether you're searching for affordable women's sunglasses because you lost your favorite pair at the beach; or you're seriously researching reading sunglasses or sun bifocals because you're worried about your eye health, here are a few things to know.

Let’s talk a little bit about the science of UVA and UVB exposure. As you probably already know, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can harm your skin and potentially lead to skin cancer from overexposure. (Too little sun exposure can also be dangerous, believe it or not!) Sun overexposure can also injure the cornea and lens in your eye and elevate your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration – both of which can lead to blindness later in life. Ideally, you want sunglasses that provide full spectrum protection against UV radiation. For instance, your sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of all UVB and UVA rays. The American National Standards Institute has also issued blocking requirements (ANSI Z80.3) – your sunglasses should meet those as well. For extra protection against the smallest UV radiation, choose UV400 protection. You should also consider Investing in polarized lenses to reduce glare useful if you plan to spend a lot of time around reflective surfaces, such as pools, lakes or snowcapped mountains. Polarized sunglasses also help you to see clearer when in the sun for those not needing reading sunglasses.

If you're a hardcore sports fanatic, consider investing in polycarbonate lenses, which provide some degree of impact protection. Other specialty lenses include: bluelight locking lenses (good for helping you see long distances), photochromic lenses (which change the available light your eyes take in), and mirror-coated lenses (which reduce the visible light that enters your eyes). All of our non-bifocal sunglasses feature polarized polycarbonate lenses and full UVA/UVB protection, so your eyes are fully protected from the sun! Our bifocal sunglasses offer full UVA/UVB protection as well, but feature AR coated polycarbonate lenses.

Affordable, Designer Inspired Sunglasses and Reading Glasses

For an easy sunglass shopping experience, visit the I Heart Eyewear website today! Our navigation allows you to search and sort by type, shape/style, and color/pattern. With all of our eyewear priced below $25, you’ll find stylish, designer-inspired eyeglass frames that fit any budget. After all, you can never have too many pairs of shades.

Why Readers are Needed as We Get Older

Perhaps you're shopping for reading glasses because you scored surprisingly low at your annual eye exam. Or maybe you're researching bifocals because you're developing eyestrain and headaches every night staring at your tablet. 

There are different tests to measure this farsightedness or presbyopia. For instance, a diopter strength test measures the progress of presbyopia. Other simple “home tests” can also help you identify this condition. For instance, if you find that you're holding books far away from your eyes when you read -- to the point that your arms hurt from holding the books -- you might be developing the condition. Likewise, a poor performance on an eye exam or high score on a diopter test may indicate the initial stages of farsightedness.

I Heart Eyewear Readers Can Help

For more information about this kind of farsightedness -- as well as help developing solutions to avoid discomfort, see better and keep your eyes healthy -- schedule an eye exam with your optometrist today! If reading glasses or bifocals are all you need, check out our large selection of eyeglasses, sunglasses and bifocal sunglasses. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to learn more about common eye health topics and eyewear fashion.