Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Explores the summer’s Hottest Sunglasses

Sunglasses without a doubt are a summer essential. They not only protect our eyes, but also let us show off a bit of style. This summer has introduced not only new eye-catching trends, but has also made some changes on more classic styles. We at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley have compiled a list of some hot summer sunglass trends to keep you looking cool during this hot season!

Cat Eye: One of the biggest trends this summer is a great pair of retro-inspired Cat Eye sunglasses. Cat Eye glasses have been a favorite for years among Hollywood stars since the days of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Today, they’re a style that has been transformed from the runways to the streets. These frames are flattering on a wide variety of face shapes, which always makes them a favorite. Pair them with a casual yet, girly outfit, or for a classier look – match red cat eye sunglasses with clean and modern colors.

Round: Think John Lennon meets 90’s throwback. For a little more chic and up-to-date feel, stick with plastic frames. Round sunglasses go perfect with just about any summer outfit. Add some colored or embellished frames to a basic outfit, or match a more subtle pair with bold colors or prints.

Oversized: Channel your inner chic with a pair of oversized shades. These Jackie-O inspired frames play off a mysterious Hollywood image. These are perfect to wear on any occasion this summer, and as an added bonus, they cover a wide area of your face while protecting a greater area from UV rays.

Colorful or Embellished: Sport some bright or embellished frames and be the center of attention! Freshen up any look with classic glasses that play with a pop of color or faded design. Be sure to choose a style that goes well with your face shape. Coordinate frames with jewelry, or clash to make a statement.

So whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or just heading outdoors this summer Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley has the perfect pair to keep you looking “cool” and stylish. Head over to our store in the Constitution Square Building on Shattuck Avenue and inspire your inner fashionista (or fashionister) today!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley – Google Glass…will it last?

Several months ago, the Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley blog discussed meeting the challenge of maintaining healthy vision in this demanding digital world. (To reread this post, click here.) One of the advancements mentioned was an invention called Google Glass. This was to be the next big thing: contests were being held, and some lucky winners were going to get to try it.

The apparatus is worn around the forehead (like a visor), and you can:

•          Take pictures and record video (hands free).
•          Share what you are seeing (as it is happening) with family and friends.
•          Utilize a built-in GPS system.
•          Search for information as you would online.
•          All of this (and more) is accomplished without the aid of a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Google Glass is a device that rivals any science fiction or spy thriller. James Bond, are you reading this? Do you feel envious? You may not have to.

Recently, ABC News reporter Joanna Stern summarized her experience of experimenting with Google Glass, and it may not be all it’s cracked up to be. One thing to bear in mind is that connectivity can be an issue; you must own a phone that supports Bluetooth data tethering. Also, this only works for relatively short spurts of time, before you need to plug in the battery for recharging. Much of the time, according to Ms. Stern, her set is not used as much as she anticipated.

There is also some controversy surrounding privacy issues with Google Glass, and this is discussed at length by James Rivington at TechRadar.av. Going to the movies, concerts, sporting events, and any other performance venue will make permission to wear this device tricky. Consider then, if the (very high) price tag is worth it, if you are prohibited from using it in certain settings. (As was the case with Ms. Stern, you are limited by where you are and what circumstances you are in.)

By now, you may have figured out that the staff of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley leans toward traditional eyewear. Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses still work for us as the way to helping others see better and make the most of their vision. If you are still tempted toward going for the Google Glass – all the best. If you are waiting for an improved version, consider first improving what you already have, and keep that regularly scheduled eye exam in connection with an up-to-date prescription for eyeglasses, contact lenses (or both).

Thanks for reading. Be safe…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Healthy Eyes for Healthy Travels!

Fourth of July is over and that means summer is in full swing! This also means a summer trip may be around the corner, right?! While you’re busy planning a fun-filled vacation, Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley would like to provide you with some tips to help keep your eyes healthy during your travels.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, sightseeing in a foreign country or roughing it camping, protecting your eyes is important. According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of many eye diseases. When traveling (and even when you’re not), make sure to wear sunglasses. Your sunglasses should block 97%-100% UVA and UVB rays. Don’t let the clouds fool you; it is just as important to wear sunglasses on those days as it is on the sunny ones. Need a new pair of sunglasses? Stop by Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley and shop the vast array of designer brands today! A great big floppy sun hat or baseball cap will also provide some extra protection against harmful rays.

When traveling, be mindful of low-humidity in airplanes and hotels that can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Moisturizing eye drops are great to keep on hand. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to pack an extra pair, since they can easily be torn during all the fun and exciting activities. It’s also a smart idea to bring along a pair of eyeglasses (just in case). If you are planning on driving long hours, you may want to head over to Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley for an eye exam, which will ensure perfect vision on the road! So while you’re packing for summer vacation, don’t forget those sunglasses, contact lenses, and eyeglasses to give you peace of mind that your vacation will be full of fun and relaxation!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley: Catchword is Cataract

June is almost over, and whether you are off from school, going on vacation, or working during these warm months, the staff of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley truly hopes that summer is treating you well. (It goes without saying, but we also hope that you are treating your eyes well.) Are your sunglasses and eyeglasses clean and up-to-date (prescription-wise)? Do you have enough saline solution for your contact lenses? We hope so.

As we are in the eye care business, we must honestly and responsibly address a serious issue – particularly before June finishes up after Sunday. You see, this month has been officially named by Prevent Blindness America as Cataract Awareness Month. You have probably heard the word “cataract,” but do you know what it means? Generally, a cataract is a clouding of the lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Having been around since Ancient Rome (yes, that long ago) cataract is the most common cause of blindness.

For our readers over the age of 40, that is when the risk of getting cataract begins, and there are over 24 million Americans who suffer from the condition. Genetics can also play into one’s chances of getting cataract. Has anyone in your family had cataract? If so, be on guard. Lifestyle is also a factor; do you smoke? If so – quit (or try to cut down). Radiation and exposure to ultraviolet light is also a cause of cataract, so wear your sunglasses when necessary.

Symptoms of cataract include: blurred or double vision, having trouble adjusting to lighting in a room (it will seem either too bright or too dark), or actually noticing a milky, yellowish spot in the pupil of your eye when you look in a mirror.

Another symptom of cataract is the need to change eyeglass prescriptions – often. But one can only notice this if they make regular appointments with an optometrist…

It goes without saying: keep tabs on your eyes. Schedule a check-up for your vision. We know…we've said it before…but it bears repeating (and repeating). Scheduling (and keeping) those yearly appointments are not a cure for anything, but any possible vision problems can be pinpointed and addressed – sooner than later.

Remember, as the saying goes “knowledge is power.” We hope some of the knowledge in this blog gives you the power (and wisdom) to take care of your eyes.

Thanks for reading. Be safe…and keep your sites on healthy vision.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley helps you keep an EYE on your Health

When most people decide to lose weight and eat healthier, they don’t consider the impact that these changes have on the health of their eyes. Research has shown, however, that maintaining a healthy weight is essential to long-term eye health. According to Dr. Rachel J. Bishop of the National Eye Institute, being overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision-threatening complications such as diabetic eye disease.

As we begin to get in shape for swimsuit season, Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley wishes to remind you that when you keep up with a healthy lifestyle, you are not only modifying your physical appearance, but doing what is essential for optimal long-term eyesight.

Summer is the perfect time to begin incorporating healthy snacks into your daily diet, as fruits and vegetables become more readily available. While carrots are known as the best food for your eyes, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale actually promote healthy eyes, too! Eating out in Berkeley at a seafood restaurant, like Skates on the Bay?  Try their smoked salmon or wild halibut, which has been found to benefit our eyes from the omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to exercising and eating healthy foods, the optometrists at Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley recommend:

1. Always wear your sunglasses – even when it is overcast, the ultraviolet rays of the sun are still harmful.
2. Scheduling your annual eye exam. Because many eye problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss.

Most vision problems are preventable; if you begin making these adjustments into your daily routine, it’s likely that you will enjoy great vision throughout your lifetime.

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley celebrates Father’s Day

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley celebrates Father’s Day

With only a few days left before Father’s Day, the time to search for that perfect Father’s Day gift is quickly dwindling. Don’t have the ‘vision’ of a perfect present yet? No need to look farther than Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley, because we have some suggestions for you!

Ideas for Dad’s perfect gift:

1.       Sunglasses

Why not buy Dad a new pair of sunglasses? He probably won’t splurge on a new pair of designer shades himself, and after all, it is a day to show appreciation for all he does. Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley has a great selection of sunglasses to fit every style.

2.       What are his interests?

Is your Dad a foodie? A tech nerd? Or sports guy?

Go ahead and buy him that new cookbook, gadget or sporting event tickets he’s been pining for. But before he delves into his new toys or takes on a game, stop by Site for Sore Eyes for an eye exam so he can enjoy himself to the fullest.

3.       Could Dad use anything for work?

A go-to gift for any Dad is always a new tie or dress socks. Maybe he needs a new briefcase or a new pair of eyeglasses. Stop by Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley and pick out a pair, or buy him a gift card and let him choose!

4.       Feeling creative? Try making a homemade gift.

Giving a homemade gift shows you put in time and effort. With the help of the Internet and sites like Pinterest, it is now easier than ever to come up with homemade gift ideas. You may want to consider making a frame or shadowbox with photos and other things that remind you of Dad.

5.       Make Dad a home cooked meal or his favorite dessert.

They always say food is the key to a man’s heart. Bring out your inner chef and make a home cooked meal for Dad (or even his favorite dessert).

No matter what you get your Dad this Father’s Day, remember this is a time for celebrating all of the great things our fathers do for us every single day! Enjoy the weekend, and be sure to protect your eyes while out celebrating!

Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley Jumpstarts June

So active is the Berkeley community, that we are extending last week’s coverage of events to this week.

If weather permits, take a stroll over to the Live Oak Park Fair (1301 Shattuck Ave.) tomorrow or Sunday between 10:00am to 6:00pm. This annual fair has been going on for 43 years, and, like we promised, has something for everyone. Browse for pleasure, or buy with purpose, as affordable arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and more will be on display. You want entertainment? You got it. Listen to live music and marvel at magic shows, among other diversions. And what would a fair be without food. Delight in some culinary curiosities at the Edible Tastings, courtesy of Edible East Bay, which benefits and recognizes People’s Grocery. So eat, and eat for a good cause. For further information about the Live Oak Park Fair, call (510) 227-7110. (If you choose to drive there, please remember to wear your sunglasses – if not for yourself, for others, and especially your buddies here at Site for Sore Eyes.

Culture vultures, people of Irish extraction (or both) may be interested in checking out ‘Bloomsday in Berkeley’ next Saturday, June 15^th at the Garden Gate Creativity Center, located at 2911 Claremont Ave. This event celebrates the Irish author, James Joyce, with staged readings and music. (James Joyce’s stuff may not be to all tastes, but he really did look like the classic writer and intellectual in those rimless eyeglasses! What do you think?) Want to give it a chance? Call (510) 472-2834 to reserve your space.

In two weeks (Saturday, June 22^nd), hang out at The 10^th Annual Berkeley World Music Festival. Considering that starting time is 12:00 noon and finishes at 9:00pm, and that there is no admission (i.e., free), this is one of the best deals in live entertainment you’ll find in the near future. Contemporary, classical, and multi-cultural music will be heard. This concert is taking place at 2454 Telegraph Ave. Give a call to (510) 859-8583 or visit www.berkeleyworldmusic.org to learn more. And remember, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them clean and ready. Seeing these musicians in action is just as enjoyable as hearing their music.

The city of Berkeley cannot get enough music. This extends even to youngsters. On Saturday, June 29^th, stop in at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse at 2020 Addison St. for the beginning of the week-long fiddlekids concert, where children will present their versatility on the violin. Like the World Music Festival, admission is free. Who knows? One of the fiddlekids of today could be the prodigy of tomorrow. Call (510) 644-2020.

What you have read here are only a few of what Berkeley has to offer. For more events, as well as for ones that take place during the week, visit SF Gate.

The members of Site for Sore Eyes Berkeley feel truly fortunate to be located where so much diversity in the arts, education, and culture are celebrated. There is so much to do and see, so remember – keep your vision strong.