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.

Reading Glasses are the New "IT" Accessory

Thirty plus years ago, reading glasses were often stigmatized as “anti-fashion.” But Nerd Chic, Geek Chic and Hipster Chic have all changed the playing field, and readers and non-readers alike are using glasses as fashion accessories to stand out.

In fact, some mavens have gone as far as to describe reader glasses as “the new shoes” – meaning that they're not just utilitarian items but rather true accessories.

One Bay Area entrepreneur, Patty Lee Hoffman, said that reading glasses used to be considered “like the Crocs of glasses” – i.e. low in sex appeal and purely functional. But that’s all changed.

At some level, this is exciting news, because you can now use glasses to outfit and augment your general “fashion personality.” On the other hand, it could be somewhat stressful news, because now you might feel pressure to have “cool enough” reading glasses to keep up with the Joneses at your book club.

Browse Our Website for Exciting Reading Glasses for Women 

Do you now need to fret over the sexiness (or lack thereof) of your reading glasses? Fortunately, the solution is neither complicated, nor beyond you. Shop I Heart Eyewear to explore cool solutions, whether you want glasses to accessorize a hipster or “smart corporate exec” outfit; or you just want to avoid looking like a stereotypically nerdy librarian. Browse our website to learn more about your exciting eyewear choices!

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.