
by Dr. Nadine Shelton
New in the world of glasses
Most of us that wear glasses are familiar with the options involved when buying glasses. New technologies and innovations are emerging and making waves in the optical world. Here are a few things to consider when shopping that are new in the world of glasses.

Different shades of the Transitions tint shown in glasses
Transitions Lenses
Lenses that react to UV and turn dark when a person goes outside are fairly common and quite practical. The new Transitions generation 8 lenses turn back to clear faster than before, only taking about 3-4 minutes versus the more than 5 minutes. New colours are also available besides the usual brown and grey. Green/grey, sapphire, amethyst, emerald and amber allow the customer to add some fun to their look. Adding a mirror finish to the front of the lenses to create an eye-catching look is now also available. The colour change is able to adapt to the environment, which means that on a cloudy day the tint will be light and on a sunny day the tint will be darker. Sitting beside a window will produce a light colour tint, which will reduce the glare that you would experience without any tint.

Transitions colour options as seen from bright to dimmer light environments
3D printing
New in the world of glasses are the materials and technologies being used to make glasses. The new technology of 3D printing allows companies to make glasses without producing any waste and on a faster made to order basis. Monoqool uses nylon powder that turns into a solid when activated by UV light. The left over powder is simply put back into the machine for the next batch of glasses. Monoqool is one of the first companies to use 3D printing to create unique cut outs and shapes in their frames. The frames are also extremely light, weighing 4-6 grams depending on the model, which makes them very comfortable to wear. Environmentally friendly dyes are used to colour the nylon frames and offer many vibrant and soft colour options besides the classic black.

Jazzmann by Monoqool in colour lake blue
Recycling materials to make frames
Frame companies are finding new ways of using old materials when making frames. New in the world of glasses is a company based in Hungary called Vinylize which recycles old records to make their glasses. The frame shape is cut out of the record and plastic material is glues behind to reinforce the vinyl. The result is a black frame with record grooves on the front. Clear and coloured vinyl is now an option in some of their newest models, which gives their classic black a new twist. Vinylize also gives the shopper the option to use a record of their choice to make their frame. Limited edition frames using specific records are also available, such as their AC DC collection, made by using only the Back in Black record.

Cat-eye shaped Araya frame by Vinylize
Eye Relaxation lenses
Computers are being used by most professionals and students on a regular basis and for longer hours. Eye strain from screens is a common issue and concern hears by opticians and optometrists. New in the world of glasses are eye relaxation lenses which are available from most manufacturers. A slight gradient of magnification is added to the lens to enlarge what a person sees when looking at on a screen or reading. Different magnification options are available depending on someones age, visual demand and prescription. Unlike a a traditional progressive lens, eye relaxation lenses can only include up to 4 power steps or up to a +1.00 Add.
Computer lenses
Eye fatigue can linked to blue light that comes from screens. Adding a blue light filter will decrease about 30-40% of the blue light entering the eyes. Blue light is linked to possible lens damage that may cause early cataracts. Using screens in the evenings increase alertness and cognitive function by disrupting the Melatonin secretion cycle that is suppose to make us tired. The result of prolonged exposure to blue light is relatively unknown, but adding a blue light filter is a preventative way to protect your eyes from potential harm.

Blue light glasses can have a blue glare tint or a yellow tint depending on the manufacturer.
Eye Care at nv During COVID-19
Here at nv eye care & eye wear we are open for all your routine and emergent eye care. We limit the people in our office during COVID. Call ahead or email, to ensure we are not busy helping someone else. Please have a seat outside on our patio until we are done helping our present patient, if you arrive at our office and the door is closed. We take the time to properly disinfect all surfaces that were touched by a previous patient before welcoming you in.
Please call the Misericordia Urgent Eye Care Clinic at 204-774-6581, if you have eye issues and are feeling sick, have traveled outside the province or country in the last 14 days, have been with a person who has or for afterhours eye care. You must call us to reschedule any appointments you have made with us, if you are feeling sick.

nv is open for regular eye care at 698 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, Canada
Eye Care Advice
We are here for your eye care needs during these difficult times. Do not hesitate to call or email us at nv eye care & eye wear, if you have any questions. For more answers to your vision health questions, please contact me, Dr. Nadine Shelton at nv eye care eye wear, 204-504-6863 or http://nvmyeyes.com/our-team/.

Dr. Nadine Shelton, optometrist and owner of nv
The Owner
Dr. Nadine Shelton B.Sc, O.D. studied at University of Winnipeg, Canada and Indiana University, USA. She has worked abroad in Guanajuato, Mexico assisting outreach patient eye care with VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity). Her university days focused on early child eye care and low vision. Dr. Shelton has been practicing optometry for thirteen years in Winnipeg and has celebrated three years in her own practice with her partner Victor Lopes in the heart of the Corydon Village called nv. nv is a full service optical where eye exams are available and a great selection of unique to the city eye wear can be found. Learn more at nvmyeyes.com, call us at (204) 504-6863 or come see us at 100-698 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, Canada.