What are transition lenses?

Transition lenses, a lens with photochromic properties, automatically darken when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

How do they work?

A photochromic lens achieves its properties through embedding microcrystalline silver halides (silver chloride), or molecules in a glass substrate, which produces a reversible darkening affect when exposed to UV radiation.  (Thank you, Wikipedia)

In simpler terms, the lenses will darken gradually when exposed to sunlight, becoming gradually darker depending on how bright it is outside. This allows the correct amount of light into the eye to see well, while greatly reducing glare.

What happens if I walk into a bright room indoors?

The darkening effect only takes place when exposed to UV light, which is produced exclusively by the sun. Artificial light does not produce this type of radiation.

What if I am driving?

Windows block most of the UV light, so while you are driving your lenses will not darken much, if at all.

What are the benefits of transition lenses?

If you don’t want to have the worry or hassle of multiple prescription glasses for indoors and outdoors, transition lenses are a good option for you. Unlike sunglasses, transition lenses darken only to the degree required to allow enough light to reach your eye to see well, which is ideal for reducing glare on cloudy days.

Do transition lenses protect your eyes as well as sunglasses?

Yes. Transition lenses block out 100% of the harmful UV rays that over time, can damage your eyesight. Some may argue that they provide even more protection, as you are more likely to be wearing them on bright days when you may not bother with sunglasses.

Transition lenses are made from a variety of materials such as plastic and polycarbonate and available for all prescription types. Visit Eyeglasses123 for details and pricing options from only $99.

Prolonged exposure or even short term, frequent exposure of our eyes to UV rays from the sun can contribute to many chronic eye diseases, many of which are painful and sometimes irreversible.

Cataracts is a very common form of eye degeneration. This occurs when the natural lens on our eye used to focus light becomes clouded thus reducing vision and is a direct result of repeated UV exposure.

For those who work or spend a lot of time outdoors you are at a higher risk to develop pteryguim. This is a growth that usually begins in the corner of the eye and can grow large enough to block out vision completely.

Spending long days at the beach, skiing or on the water? Without proper protection you are at risk of photokeratitis, essentially a sunburnt cornea. Ouch! This can occur in as little as one day in bright sunlight, is very painful and can result in temporary vision loss.

Luckily, preserving your good eye health is easy. Choose authentic sunglasses that provide 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind, not all sunglasses are created equal and many “vanity” sunglasses from your mall kiosk or accessory store do not provide adequate, if any, protections from these harmful rays. Be sure to purchase from a reputable retailer and read all the fine print on the item’s packaging.

Kids have perfectly clear corneas and lenses, which let in even more light than adult eyes. Additionally, some studies show that many people will have spent 50% of their outdoor time by the age of 18 – the prime environment for UV rays to damage eyesight. While many parents think a hat is adequate sun protection it does nothing to protect the reflected UV rays from water, snow, pavement and other surfaces that your child comes into contact with everyday. Most manufacturers replicate their most popular designs in kids sizes, so you can find a stylish pair of glasses that are well made, and your child will actually want to wear them.

When the temperatures soar stay cool and polished with the help of these easy summer accessories.

1. E – Book Reader

The new generation of E-book readers combine a flawless combination of functionality and convenience. As light as a paperback, the screen will reads just like print on paper with no glare, even in sunlight. Shop the latest titles wirelessly for a fraction of the cost of hard-copy editions and you’re on your way! Check out the latest Kobo from Chapters Indigo from $129.

2. Wedge Sandals

Fun, flirty and oh-so-practical, wedge sandals are the hottest footwear trend for 2011. Perfect for any occasion, dress them up for a night on the town or pair with shorts for a stroll along the boardwalk. We love the summer fun hue of this wedge from Aldo.com $100.

3. Reusable Tote

Eco-fashion has never been so hot. This limited edition printed tote from recycled materials will make you look as good as you will feel knowing that you are doing your bit for the environment. See more limited edition prints at reuseit.com, from $8.

4. Maxi-dress

Super-chic meets ultimate comfort! Perfect as sunny day cover-up pool-side or casual al-fresco dinners on hot evening, this little number will make you look hot while staying cool. H&M $29.95

5. Full Spectrum Sunglasses

Yes, we know that sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory. Not only do they look awesome, the protect your eyes from harsh UVA/UVB rays than can result in irreversible damage to your vision. Try these hot shades from Marc Jacobs on Eyeglasses123.com for the sweet price of $71.

6. Lightweight Sunscreen

Gone of the days of sticky, slimy, smelly sun protection that your mother lathered on relentlessly. Choose a lightweight sunscreen that will absorb easily, not clog pores or leave you shiny faced. We like Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer SPF55, $18 at drugstores.

It seems like replica sunglasses are everywhere these days. From online auction sites to the kiosk in your local mall, these designer rip-offs not only hurt the designers who thrive on creating the newest styles to bring to the masses, but can also spell bad news for your wallet and even your health.

Safety

Yes, sunglasses are most often described as an accessory, however let’s not forget why they were invented – to protect you eyes from the elements; sun, wind, pollution and debris.

Replica sunglasses are made with low quality materials, most of which offer none of the protection benefits that an authentic pair of sunglasses offer. Not only do they not protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but can also magnify them, which not only effects your eye-health but general safety as they decrease general visibility.

Shoddy Materials and Workmanship

Not sure if that the “too-good-to-be-true” deal on those designer sunglasses you’ve been coveting is for real? Hold the glasses in your hand. Do they feel like light as a feather, or thick and sturdy? Fake sunglasses are made with low grade, lightweight plastic including the lenses which are more prone to shattering.

Check the hinges. Replica sunglasses will fold with no resistance that often rattle and usually only have one or two hinges, where authentic glasses will have several which will ensure they will not fall apart in a matter of weeks and fold with a little resistance.

Check the Label

Designers dedicate many hours into the design and creation of their well made glasses and don’t skimp on their signature. Check out for typos (Oakly, Guci etc), off-set type, cheap or poorly set rhinestones and not-quite-right logos.

Point Of Origin

Where were your sunglasses made? Steer clear of styles from Taiwan, China or India. It is possible with a few styles, but for the most part designer sunglasses are produced in Italy.

Packaging

If your brand new sunglasses come to you in a plastic bag or basic slip cover, you’re not getting the real deal. Authentic designer glasses always come with tags intact, in sturdy, branded cases designed to be beautiful and protect your eyewear when not in use. Check the quality of the packaging, logo design to spot cheap imitations.

Model Numbers

Designers give every pair or sunglasses they make a model number which should include the brand name, point of origin, model number, color code and arm length, all located on the inside of the sunglass arm. If these stats are missing, put them down and walk away – quickly.

Pricing

While you can often get great deals on authentic eyewear from reputable retailers (such as www.eyeglasses123.com!), designers are not going to give them away for nothing. Find those Gucci glasses that you have been coventing for as long as you can remember for only $25? Probably too good to be true. While buying a fake pair for cosmetic purposes might seem like a good solution, you can expect them to fall apart well before they go out of style. Authentic sunglasses are always well made, and paying a higher price ensures that they will stand the test of time and save you tons of money in the long run.

Soon to be Princess, Kate Middleton, is no stranger to high fashion. From sweet and conservative to stylish and sexy this future royal is considered a fashion icon in the making.

So it is not a surprise that Kate is often spotted sporting some of the trendiest eyewear to protect her peepers from  sun, snow and the paparazzi, of course.

Check out some of Kate Middleton’s recent eyewear style choices, and get the look for yourself.

Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 022/P/S Black/Gray Polarized (807P/RA) 57mm

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Kate Spade Bri/S Tortoise Kiwi/Brown Gradient (0DV2/Y6) 54mm

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Gucci GG2890/S Shiny Brown Havana/Brown Gradient (0UWW/QX) 99mm

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Giorgio Armani 706/S Shiny Black/Gray Shaded (0D28/JJ) 59mm

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Carrera 925/S Tortoise/Brown Polarized (086P/RB) 58mm

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D G DD 8067 501/87 Black/Gray 56mm

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Originally crafted in 1937 by Ray Ban, the Aviator sunglass style has tested the style test of time to become the most popular design in the fashion industry - ever.

Although they were designed for pilots who required extra protection from the sun and glare while flying, Aviators also look awesome and really began to surge in popularity among the general public in the 1970s after gracing the faces of celebrities  and on the TV pop culture phenomenon Happy Days.

The aviator style really hit the big time in 1986, when Tom Cruise wore them in the smash-hit movie Top Gun, verifying the coolness factor of these oversized shades.

Ever since, this style has been a fashion staple year after year and are constantly being updated by all the biggest fashion houses.

Check out these snapshots of a few famous faces bearing this classic style this weekend, and rest assured that this design isn’t going away any time soon.

Minka Kelly

Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 004/S Endura Gold/Brown Gradient (0J5G/02) 62mm

Jay-Z

Carrera Active/S Matte Black/Green Polarized (91TP/RC) 58mm

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Emporio Armani 9638/S Gold/Brown Gradient (0J5G/CC) 59mm

Gerard Butler

Ray Ban Junior RJ 9506S 201/71 Matte Black/Greygreen 50mm

D G DD 6065 407/73 Gold/Brown 63mm

Fergie

Michael Buble

Ray Ban Junior RJ 9506S 201/71 Matte Black/Greygreen 50mm

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Now it’s your turn to get this classic look - FREE!

Visit us on Facebook and “Like” your favorite look from above for your chance win this pair of classic aviators from Carrera:

Carrera 2/S Light Gold/Brown (081D/EC) 62mm

Good Luck and Happy Shopping ~ The Eyeglasses123 Team

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Marc Jacobs, one of the most recognizable and influential brands in the world of fashion providing ultra-wearable, high quality, stylish frames and sunglasses that are coveted by celebrities and the public alike.

Check out some of our favorite leading ladies sporting the international brand:

Angelina Jolie in Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 163/S Black Havana/Dark Gray Gradient (0AI6/9C) 59mm

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Jessica Simpson in Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs MJ 107/S Gold/Demi Blonde/Brown Gradient (0SEO/QX) 64MM

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All Grown Up: Dakota Fanning in Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ 013/S Black/Gray Gradient (0807/LF) 61mm

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Demi Lavato in Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs MJ 306/S Palladium/Gray Gradient Aqua (0010/5M) 61mm

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Now it’s your turn to get a super-star look! Pick up your pair of super comfortable and stylish frames or sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs and save an additional 20% from EyeGlasses123!

Simply enter promotion code MBMJ20 at checkout. Happy Shopping!

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Stars showed up on Sunday, April 3th 2011, to share support for the LA Lakers, who were playing Denver Nuggets. Lakers lost with the Nuggets taking it 95-90.

Of course  they were sporting some cool sunglasses to keep out the sun and paparazzi!

Also, FYI- we’re featuring Carrera 20% OFF until April 5th 2011 at midnight!

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1.Burberry BE 4065 3169/87 Black/Gray 55mm

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Adam Levine and girlfriend Anne V.

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2.Carrera Turbo/S Palladium Gold/Gray Mirror Gradient Silver (0TNG/IC) 62mm

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Jessica Szohr

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3.Burberry BE 2067 3177 Black Classic Trench 54mm

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Ellen Pompeo and hubby Chris Ivery

4.Prada PR 08LS 1AB/3M1 Gloss Black/Gray Gradient 57mm & Carrera Control/S Black/Gray Polarized (D28P/RA) 58mm

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Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer

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5.Carrera Stabilizer/S Matte Black/Green Polarized (91TP/RC) 58mm

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Will Ferrell

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Happy Shopping!

Who doesn’t adore Marc Jacobs? His New York Fashion Week shows are the most sought after front row seats- and along with all the celebrity friends and fashion accolades, he is just a designer who loves creating beautiful wearable clothing!

So, we’ve decided to add a bit of fashion designer ‘props’ on our Eyeglasses123 eyewear style blog.

Here’s to the featured label of the week: Marc by Marc Jacobs! Here are some amazing styles that are ready to be worn for Spring/Summer 2011! Enjoy:)

Many of Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses have this feminine rose hue to the lenses. It creates a warm look and flatters any hair color! Plus it makes the world look a bit more rosy!

Happy shopping!!

___________Eyeglasses123 Updates_________________

Eyeglasses123 Team will be launching the Eyewear Addict of the Week on March 30 2011. The winner will receive a pair of designer sunglasses! Every week we will have a Poll (we have one up now) and all you have to do is vote on the Poll and post your vote on our wall to win!

The fan with who gets picked from all the voters will be crowned Eyewear Addict of the Week with their sunglasses prize! ( You may have to send us a pic of your sunglasses etc for the Eyewear Addict of the Week profile!)

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get all the updates! (Plus we are on Flickr sharing our top eyewear pics and styles!)

The Eyeglasses123 Team:)

What’s been going on in Celebrity Style now that Spring has sprung??

Well…. check it out below!

Brad & Angelina

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Sienna & Tom

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Katy Perry

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Heidi Klum

Happy Shopping:)

Make sure you are hanging with us on Facebook and Twitter for our AWESOME giveaways.