Contact lenses are available in multiple variants and are suitable for most individuals, and their vision needs. Whether you’re a sports person or a retired person, contact lenses are perfect for you. All you need is the knowledge to take proper care of your contact lenses so that you can enjoy them without stressing.

How to Wear and Remove Contact Lenses:

Wearing and removing contact lenses are quite tricky and it might take you a few tries before you get the hang of it. But once learnt you can do it easily and without thinking twice. Here are a few simple tips to keep your first time contact lens wearing experience pleasant.

• First get your eyes checked by a trained eye specialist and consult whether you are a good candidate for contact lenses. Though contacts suit most people, it’s best to be sure before you invest in pricey contacts.
• For people who need vision correction the whole day, then contacts can act as a good option? But choose one with high water content and according to your prescribed type. Some of you might be prescribed to wear Gas Permeable contacts while some may be advised to wear soft contacts.
• Avoid cosmetic lenses, and try to wear contacts made especially for your vision problem. Choose from brands like Alcon, Bausch & Lomb and Johnson & Johnson.
• For first time users trim your nails and make sure you wash your hands with an unscented soap and water and let it air dry.
• Then take out the contacts from its case and place it on your palm and use contact lens solution to moisten it. Then take the lens on your right hand index finger and hold your upper eyelid with your left hand.
• Looking into the mirror use your ring and little finger to hold your lower eyelid down so that you can get an unobstructed view of the eyes. Now place the lens on your eyes and move your eyes quickly so that the lens settles into the right place.
• Keep blinking quickly to produce tears for the lens to get placed successfully. And repeat on the other eye in the same manner. Don’t rub your eyes and use a bit of eye drops to calm the eyes and reduce the redness.

Taking care of your Contact Lenses after wearing:

For lenses that have a wearing time of more than a day, you will need to store them in special containers and disinfect them so that they don’t get contaminated. Here are some quick  tips to avoid problems like infections and eye discomfort with long wearing lenses.

• Always remove and wear lenses with clean hands and use lens solutions to moisten lenses prior to wearing.
• Don’t over wear lenses, lenses come with a wear time and extended wearing the lens even after the suggested wear time will create problems for your eyes. Always keep a second pair at hand and throw away the lens as soon as the prescribed wear time is exhausted.
• Always change your lens solution every day, and change your lens case every six months to avoid any infections.
• Always use multipurpose lens solutions to clean lenses. Lens cleaning removes dust, dirt, proteins and bacteria from lenses and keeps them safe for wearing.
• Don’t sleep with your lenses on, and alternate between the spectacles and lenses to avoid long term lens wearing problems like lack of oxygen supply to your eyes, changes in the thickness and shape of the cornea, formation of micro cysts and vision loss. Also possible eye problems include swelling of the cornea, dry eyes, inflammation, allergic reaction, infections etc.

So, be a smart contact lens wearer and take proper care of your contacts. Follow these tips and get the maximum use out of your contact lenses.

Step 1:  Determine your face shape

You might feel strange when we put importance to recognizing your face shape, but it’s the first step towards choosing an eyeglass that’s worth your time and money. So, before even checking out eyeframes, decide what type of face you have. Here are the most common ones: Round, square, oblong, heart, diamond, rectangular, oval and many more. You can check out our face shape guide for details on how to determine your face shape.

Step 2: Determine which Frame Shapes Look Best for Your Face Shape

Whether you’re a first time wearer or purchasing a replacement or additional glasses, always choose a frame that’s marked as compatible with your face shape. Noone wants to look strange wearing their glasses. Skip round frames if you already have round face shape, if you have a square face shape, avoid thick square frames which make you face look more square.  All of our eyeframes come with indicators which display the ideal face shapes for each  frames, so take note and choose accordingly.

Step 3: Determine the Frame Material& Size

Eyeglasses frames are made from different materials like metal. Titanium, shell, plastic and more. Some even have speailjewellery like designs wth precious metals or rhinestones on them, some can even come with diamonds studden in their eyeframes, so choose wisely. For a more durable eyeframe that is also very lightweight choose Titanium eyeframes. Shell eyeframes and plastic eyeframes come in a variety of colors and designs. Also it’simportanct to know which frame sizes are required for your face shape. Most faces suit medium frmae sizes but you can check out your esictingeyeframe for the dimensions and compare with the eyeframes on GKB Opticals for the best fitting.

Step 4: Choose your Frames design

Eyeframes are mainly categorized by their frame designs which include Full rimmed, Half rimmed and rimless eyeglasses . Full rimmed styles are most common and are safe if you’re always dropping or mishandling your glasses. The frame protects the lens , but it also creates a line around your vision and can change your looks. Half rimmed or semi rimless ones have a rimmed upper portion (viz. the temple) but don’t have rimmed lower portions, making them more comfortable and easier to own. Rimless eyeframes are the least obtrusive and can be really lightweight too. But they also come with chance of damage to the lens by accidentally dropping the lenses.

Step 5: Decde upon the Brand

At the GKB Opticals online catalog, you will find numerous branded spectacle frames that you won’t find anywhere else. Choose from high end brands like Ray Ban, Oakley, Vogue, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Gucci, Versace and more. You’ll also find affordable spectacle eyeglass frames from Lance Bremmer, Inspira and Legacy. Browse through the catalog, use the panel on the left side to refine your search. You might just get some extra discounts and deals too, just check out the online store or ring us at 1800 419 1990 for any queries and to know about special offers and promotions(If any).

Step 5: Choose your lens package

If you’re getting lenses without power you will need ‘Plano Lenses’ , if you have single vision, rhen thee are nuktiple lens packages for you. If you require bifocal lenses, you will again have a few choises to make . Also there are hhigh index lenses,  progressive lenses and many, many more. So if you’re stuck or confused with what lenses to choose let our customer support guide you through the purchase.

Step 6 : Try on Eyeframes using Virtual Try on Tool

It always makes sense to try out how your eyeglasses look before you place the order, so make use of GKB Optical’s online virtual try on tool and see how your chosen eyeframe looks on your face. Upload or click your photo using your webcam ; or you can also choose a model face similar to your face shape to try on the eyeglass.

Step 7: Finalize & Checkout

After you’re sanguine that your selected frame is Ok, Upload your prescription, or let our customer care executives guide you through the next phrases. Add your lens order or get your eyeframes only, and pay for your order. In a few days, you will receive your eyeframes at home.

The more hours we spend before these screens, the more our eyes are stressed out and fatigued. Constantly looking at digital screens make eyes work even harder to focus on the on-screen object. The main culprit here is the prevalence of blue light rays that make eyes tired easily and also cause eye fatigue and eye problems.The Blue lights emitted from the computer screens can be reduced by using specially designed spectacles or computer eyeglasses for computer usage. These eyeglasses mostly come with two features that are essential for optimal protection against eye stress.

Anti Reflection lenses are used in case of Computer glasses since the reflections from computer screens can make it even harder for eyes to focus, resulting in eye fatigue. Also these glasses come with tinted lenses. Depending on the brand, the tints can be different as the tints can be of different colors, but the tinted glass helps with minimizing the effects of blue light on the eyes.

To keep eyes protected it’s wise to resort to computer glasses even though one might not need glasses for daily chores. Using computer glasses shields eyes from eye stress, fatigue, straining and other eye problems. So it’s wise to start early and use glasses to reduce eye stress, making it wise to resort to computer glasses irrespective of age or usage. It’s always better safe than sorry, so the best option is to opt for computer glasses from the start and reduce the effects of computer on eyes.

The various problems faced by computer users is called as CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome .

What is Computer Vision Syndrome:

Working on computer screens demands that we keep coordinating between the keyboard and the screen in a quick and repetitive motion. This repetitive effort makes our eyes work harder to regain focus every time we shift from keyboard to the screen.. This repetitive motion of adjusting focus makes our eyes develop strain and fatigue. This becomes tougher with the advancement of age since after 40’s, eyes lose the flexibility to focus at objects as easily as before.

• The problems arising from computer usage is generally labeled as CVS or ‘Computer Vision Syndrome’, and even children working on digital screens for long hours are affected by CVS.
• The eye strain arises from constantly shifting focus from the keyboard onto the screen and the text/image. This repetitive action makes eyes tired easily and more susceptible to get eye problems later on in an advanced age, much earlier you naturally would have developed eye problems.

• Backlit Screens emit high amounts of blue light that makes eyes tired easily. Everyday exposure to this blue light can damage eyesight over time and stress eyes. On digital screens, eyes have to work harder to keep the object in focus and adjust to its contrast and brightness. This creates eye fatigue and strain which makes working on computers tougher for older adults.

So, to avoid these problems the best solution is to use Computer Glasses that offer Anti Reflection benefits which reduce the glares and reflections from the backlit screens. Also specially tinted lenses make it easier to look at blue light emitting screens for longer since they cut out the blue lights. For more information and help in buying Computer Glasses, call GKB Optical customer care experts at 1800 419 1990.

Astigmatism and Toric Lenses

Let’s see what Astigmatism is how you can see betetr if you have Astigmatism with Toric Lenses .

The Symptoms of Astigmatism:

Instead of having difficulty or blurriness in near or distance vision, the symptoms of Astigmatism include a certain amount of blurred or distorted vision at all distances.  People affected with astigmatism might have to squint to see better or eye strain after prolonged visual tasks. Also headaches and eye straining are common problems due to astigmatism.

Astigmatism Cause :

Human cornea should be symmetrical but when one of it’s meridian is more curved than the other, astigmatism can occur. Also the lens inside the cornea can cause astigmatism.  Here are the different types of astigmatism and the causes.

Myopic Astigmatism :

When one or both the principal meridians of the eye are nearsighted and the two meridians have different degrees of myopia .

Hyperopic Astigmatism:

One or both the principal meridians of the eye are farsighted and the two meridians have different degrees of hyperopia.

Mixed Astigmatism :

One of the principal meridians is farsighted and the other is nearsighted .

How Can one Use Toric Lenses To Treat  Astigmatism:

Astigmatism is not a disease, and it can be treated with Visual correctors like Glasses and Contact lenses. For permanent visual corrections LASIK can also be used as well as surgery .  Contact lenses are a good choice for vision care for Astigmatism as it’s easy to use, and gives natural vision without altering your looks. Here’s how Toric lenses from Astigmatism work.
The shape of a Toric contact lens creates different refractive, or focusing, powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations on it’s surface. The refractive power is increased or decreased as the lens moves.

Through the different refractive powers along the horizontal and vertical orientations, Toric lenses can help with astigmatism as it offers different amounts of refractive correction at different orientations.

There are many Toric Lenses available from various brands. You can buy Toric Contact lenses for Astigmatism from GKB Opticals and experience the comfort and easy vision correction.

 ~Powered by GKB Opticals

But with so many variants available in the market, a prospective buyer might feel baffled at the choice. Many people are scared to put contacts in with many misconceptions that are formed due to less or no information about how a contact lens works. Here are some useful short facts to help a prospective buyer feel more confident while purchasing a new contacts or even the first contacts.

There are many types of Contact Lenses and they differ not only in the composition they are made of, but also in the tenure of their use, the comfort level and even appearance. Contacts are basically thin disk like shapes made out of silicone or special plastic. These disks are worn over the lens of our eyes and they float over the surface. These floating lenses move with our eyes and provide vision correction or add to the aesthetic appeal. They are also handy since there’s no added weight over your nose or temples/ears like when you’re wearing spectacles. These are unbreakable, scratch less vision corrector that do not fog up or break on impact. They are really great choice for daily spectacle wearers and with a bit of patience can become your daily vision corrector. Here are the different types of Contact Lenses Available:

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses : Made of plastic, these lenses permit oxygen to reach the eyes and are great for extended use. These come in yearly versions and are relatively easy to take care of. These lenses are worn over the centre of the eyes and are less flexible than soft contact lenses. These offer excellent vision and are great for most types of vision correction. But disadvantages include greater adaptation period than soft contacts , the chances of debris getting stuck under the lens and in between the eye and the lens. Also these can slip off from the centre of the lens easier than the other types of lenses.

Daily Wear Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses are made of soft flexible materials like plastic or silicone hydrogel that allows oxygen to pass through to the eyes. These contacts are relatively expensive and have to be disposed daily so there is no need for daily care. These lenses offer great comfort but can get damaged easily. The vision correction is not as great as RGP lenses and are available in tints, bifocals and are great for active people.

Monthly Wear Contact Lenses: These are mostly made of plastic or soft silicone hydrogel that permits oxygen to reach the lens surface. With a minor adaptation period and the ability to wear them for 30 days, monthly lenses are one of the most popular lens variants. These are available in a wide range of prescription strengths and can be worn easily without a problem. Daily cleaning is necessary to keep the lens debris free and virus free.

Colored Contact Lenses: Colored contact lenses are soft contact lenses that alter the color of the iris and also may offer vision correction. These are mainly worn for aesthetic purposes and is usually available in Yearly, Monthly or daily versions.

For a first time contact lens wearer it’s essential to get their eyes checked properly and then decide upon the type of contact lenses they want to opt for. A medical practitioner can be the best person to ask all your questions regarding contact lens. There are also Single vision, bifocal, multi focal, toric and cosmetic lenses available for the wearers. If you’re a spectacle wearer and need vision correction all day, a yearly lens can be a great option. For those who want to keep their contacts debris and virus free and lessen your chances of eye problem you can choose monthly or best option would be to choose daily disposable lenses.

 Disadvantages Of Wearing Contact Lenses :

The main disadvantages of wearing contact lenses on a daily basis is the increased chances of damaging the natural eye surface. Lenses can sometimes get contaminated by viruses and debris and can cause eye problems. Also dry eyes, itching, redness and watery eyes can be associated with the over-wearing of contact lenses. To enjoy the best vision, it’s necessary to take care of your lenses on a daily basis if you’re using any lenses except daily disposable lenses. Also sleeping with contact lenses on is also discouraged (Not if it was advised by a medical practitioner).

If optimal vision correction is your requirement, then choose RGP lenses that can offer the best vision correction, since daily and monthly lenses are not as efficient in vision correction.

~Powered By GKBOpticals

Eyeglasses : The Benefits and The Drawbacks

We all know how eyeglasses were termed – ‘Boring’ and ‘Ugly’ during the 90’s and everyone felt self conscious wearing eyeglasses. The times have changed and now eyeglasses have made their mark as a stylish accessory as well. due to this reason, more and more designs are being made available . But eyeglasses are more than just to enhance your looks. They have a multitude of benefits they offer .

The Advantages :

• Vision Correction: Vision Correction, is one of the topmost reasons of wearing spectacles or eyeglasses. Like most vision correctors, spectacles perform well to correct most types of vision problems like presbyopia, myopia , astigmatism and more. Usually farsightedness, nearsightedness etc are corrected. Many different types of spectacle lenses are available to tackle these vision problems.
• Different looks Using Different Frames: You don’t need to stick to a single look these days, with so many different types of frames and designs, you can choose to look different each day . Choose from rimless frames that have no visible lines surrounding the lens, rimmed ones that have a full rim surrounding the lens, the semi rimmed ones have half rimmed design, usually surrounding the lens from the top and holding it in place.
• Less Care , Easy To Carry : We all have enough on our hands, and could really need an easy to use and maintain vision corrector. If you’ve used contacts once or have seen anyone handling contacts, it requires care and more dedication towards cleaning the lenses pre and post wearing. Whereas for glasses very less care is needed.

The Disadvantages:

• Bulky and Strenuous: Wearing a spectacle all the time can be stressful and feel bulky. It’s even more intense for people who have higher prescriptions. The spectacles sit on teh temples and bridge of the nose and create a bulky feeling. Also they are an added weight to carry around whole day
• Limitations: Physical glasses or eyeglasses are limited vision correctors, they cannot fully cover your eyes and for people with both myopia and hyperopia, people who need bifocals . People who have astigmatism are also limited to certain amounts of vision correction .
• Creates Problems During Activities: Active people, who indulge in high intensity activities feel eyeglasses as a hinderance. With eyeglasses, one cannot see properly without feeling limitations or experiencing self consciousness.

Contact Lenses : Benefits and Drawbacks

Contacts were till the last few years considered as a luxury item . Most people still believe contact lenses are too pricey or too dangerous. But contacts, when handled in the right way can be safe and great for those who require constant vision correction , especially active persons. Though they are a bit delicate and need care, contacts have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The Advantages:

• Limitations free Vision: Contacts mean no disturbances in vision, like frames, limitations of lenses or other limitations. No need to feel limited while wearing specs during a high intensity activity.
• Moves with your eye: Unlike specs where your vision was perfect within your lens only, in case of Contacts, the lenses move with you, so you can see every part of the picture and miss nothing.
• No Bulkiness or Added Weight : Contacts are feather light and are worn over your eyes. This ensures you feel no bulkiness on your nose bridge and are free from any unwanted stress around your temples and nose.
• Perfect For Sports Activities : Whether you’re going hiking or have a dancing session, your contacts will keep your vision clear. This is one of the reasons for people to shift to contact lenses.

Drawbacks of Contact Lenses:

• Needs Care: A pair of contacts needs more care than a pair of spectacles. The contacts need to be cleaned, disinfected and stored in the mentioned way to avoid damaging it.
• Can Cause Eye Problems: If proper hygiene and cleaning is not followed while wearing contacts serious eye damages and eye infections can occur.
• Does Have Slight Chances of Falling off: Sometimes even the best contact lenses can dislodge from your eyes and fall off.
• May Not Be Suitable For All : Most people get used to contacts after a short period of time. But there are many who have overly sensitive eyes, dry eyes or feel irritation while wearing lenses. For most cases there are ways to wear contacts but there are certain people who cannot wear contacts due to eye issues.
• Can Damage Eyes with prolonged Use: It’s not good to wear contacts all day , every day of the week for continuous periods. This can lead to damage of the eye and may result in temporary irritations, redness and loss of vision.

So , lastly we would say that whether you choose specs or Contacts, always follow the instructions of your eyecare professional to avoid any eye problems and maintain your eye health.