Fact Vs Myth: Debunking Common Optical Misconceptions

July 13, 2021
Fact Vs Myth: Debunking Common Optical Misconceptions

Purchasing glasses isn’t always as clear as 20/20 vision. Myths and misconceptions can lead to confusion at the checkout. Let’s take a deeper look at some of these misunderstandings floating around and nail down the facts.

Myth: Transition Lenses Work in the Car

Summer has finally arrived! That means busy days and soaking up the sun. Whether you're mowing the lawn or making dinner, you may love the idea of a pair of eyeglasses that changes from light to dark when you need them to. Transition lenses are like an eyeglasses version of a color-changing chameleon, seamlessly adapting to your indoor and outdoor activities. Unfortunately, if you think Transition lenses will darken behind the wheel, you are mistaken. Let’s take a closer look at why this is the case.

Fact: Transition Lenses Do Not Fully Transition in the Car

It’s important to note that transitions are activated by the sun’s UV rays. However, the windows and windshield of our cars are UV protected. Because of this, standard transition lenses will remain nearly clear while in the car.

On the other hand, transition’s big brother, Transitions XTRActive lenses, have superior darkening capabilities and can moderately activate in the car. Moderately, but not fully, like a pair of sunglasses. So unless you’re driving a convertible year-round, you may want to consider a pair of polarized sunglasses for your next road trip. Why polarized?

Transitions do not offer the same benefits that polarized lenses offer. Transition lenses darken glare, but polarized lenses remove glare.

Where is this glare coming from? When light travels, it hits uneven objects and scatters, allowing us to perceive shapes, shadows and textures. But when light hits a smooth surface such as a road, windshield, or a smooth lake – lookout! That picturesque day at the beach you've been waiting for all winter is suddenly a painful glare, right in your eyes! Polarized lenses eliminate the glare. Whether you're on the boat, at the beach, or on the green, polarized lenses can make your world a lot clearer.

Transition lenses have great versatility, are convenient, and cost effective. But, they will not fully darken in the car. So for your next road trip, consider adding a pair of polarized sunglasses to your eyebobs collection. Here are a few of our polarized favorites.

Myth: You Can Improve Your Vision By Not Wearing Glasses

If you are in the 64% of people over 40 who wear glasses, you may have wondered if they are making your eyesight worse. Drum roll please!

Fact: Glasses Will Not Weaken the Eye Any More Than They Will Permanently Cure Visual Errors

In fact, wearing an old or incorrect prescription may cause eye strain, headaches, or even nausea. Now that’s a compelling reason to schedule an eye exam.

Some believe they can improve their vision through eye exercises, massage, or relaxation techniques. Does it sound too good to be true? The American Academy of Ophthalmology says natural vision correction is, unfortunately, just a dream. According to a 2013 report, the organization found these vision-correction techniques made no improvement to visual errors. For your best vision, eyeglasses and contacts are a must.
To paraphrase Cher, there is no way to ‘Turn Back Time’ when it comes to our eyes. Like the rest of our bodies, our eyes age. By our mid-40’s, the lens in the eye hardens and becomes less flexible. This is called presbyopia, or an inability to see near objects clearly.

But bifocals don’t have to make you feel old. eyebobs designs eyewear that will amplify your personality while simultaneously perfecting your vision. Win, win!

Myth: Scratch Coating Means Scratch-Proof

Hooray! Your new, shiny glasses have arrived! Unlike your last pair (that looked like a dirty napkin after a three-course meal), you told yourself you would let no harm come to them this time. But soon enough, they are at the bottom of a drawer, in your pocket with your keys, or on the floor. A few months go by, and now your lenses look worse than your cat’s scratching post. So what the heck? Weren’t these “scratch-proof”?

Fact: “Scratch-Proof Lenses” Do Not Actually Exist

The existence of UFOs and Bigfoot may be up for debate, but not “scratch-proof” lenses. You may want to believe that they exist, but they simply do not. On the bright side, that’s one less thing to argue about over family dinner. If diamonds can get scratched, so can your lenses.

But that’s not to say there’s no such thing as being “scratch resistant”! In fact, all eyebobs lenses come standard with a scratch coating, making them ten times harder than uncoated lenses. What is more, eyebobs prescription lenses are all coated with the added protection of Anti-glare. A scratch coating can minimize scratches by beefing-up the lenses with front and backside protection.

So while they may be built for battle, they can still sustain scratches. What can be done to keep them crystal clear and scratch-free?

Protect your investment with care and maintenance.
- Do not use paper products. Turns out, paper towels and toilet paper are made of paper ... who knew?! Paper, which comes from wood, can create scratches in lenses. Instead, use clean microfiber or cotton fabrics to clean the lenses. For on-the-go convenience, treat yourself to a Bob Care Kit, which comes with a cleaning cloth, spray, and screwdriver for easy on the road repairs.
Only use clean fabric and wipes.
- Dirt, dust, and dander love to hide in fabric. But when they cling to cotton or microfiber wipes used to clean your lenses, they can leave subtle scratches over time. So always use clean fabrics to clean your lenses. Throw them in the wash (but skip the fabric softener to avoid streaky lenses).
Good ‘ol soap and water: nothing cleans better!
- Your glasses live on your face – at the end of the day, they may have sweat, sawdust, and more clinging to them. So before you wipe and grind that in, give them a bath. Rinse them with warm water to remove grime, and then add a drop of mild dish soap to eliminate oil and grease.

Conclusion

Optical myths and misconceptions abound. But the good news is that our eyewear experts are here to clear the clutter and answer your eyewear concerns.

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