Ask me about Eyewear!

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Arethusa

Die.

CC, is there any way to get an 8-base frame with my prescription (-3, -2.5) without getting distorted and fishbowl-ey at the edges? My one experience with this so far was pretty negative, but I'm not sure how much of that was due to bad lenses and sizing vs just being the nature of an 8-base lens.

All 8 base lenses will be uncomfortable. It is a matter of whether you can cope with it or not. Some adapt quickly, others feel like throwing up and never get used to it. It is really depends on what kind of frame and size. Sometimes you can go with a flatter based lens depending on how you cut the lenses. Not many opticians and optometrists will know how to do this because most dont cut their own lenses. You will have to find either an old timer who cuts his/her own lenses or a store who does their own surfacing (making their own lenses). Other than that, people will rarely know how to cut lenses well. Try picking a frame with less curvature for more comfort.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Flame

Which brands/designers make a stylish and good-quality thin metal frame?

There are tons. Are you looking for colorful? titanium? stainless? intricate designs? conservative? funky? trendy? Be more specific...do you have any in mind?

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Alfa

Hi City,

Fantastic thread! I am a spectacle nut and think varying glasses can have a huge impact on a wardrobe. I have two questions:

1) I am asian and have a nearly non-existent nose bridge. This didn't stop me from buying a pair of acetate Mikli's and a Prada pair a few years back. I love both of them, but I find the fit on the bridge very loose and subsequently don't wear them very often (I have a pair of Porsche Design which I bought here in asia which I really love and fit fantastically). I have heard it is possible on acetate frames to have an optical store heat up a pin and insert a nose bridge just like on metal framed glasses. Have you seen this done before and is it advisable?

2) I would like to find aviator eyeglasses. I have been searching, but they are nearly non-existent in the market here (I am in Singapore). Is it possible to buy aviator sunglasses and convert them to clear or transition lenses? What considerations do I need to make when buying for this conversion? Do the lenses need to be flatter? I have a pretty low prescription (+1.5, +2) so I don't need coke bottle lenses, but I assume there are some limitations on what optical glass curvatures are preferably.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Great questions!

Let me answer in sections...

1. There are certain things that you can do. Having "pad implants" can be added, but keep in mind that they have to shave down the bridge that is on it now. ALSO, they will sit lifted off, which will change the look of the frames. Try holding them about 1cm or so from where they sit now to see what it will look like. Also, you can get silicone stickers to put on the bridge. But I was advised that in humid weather they actually start to fall off. I initially thought that they were somewhat permanent but it is not a permanent solution.

2. If you are looking for aviators you have several choices. You can buy something online and have them shipped to you. You can buy sunglasses and have them converted (but with it's flaws). Or buy a pair of good quality vintages. The problem with buying sunglasses and converting them is that they are usually too curved. And inexpensive cheap ones sometimes dont even have screws to hold in the lenses. Someone with some experience can get prescription lenses in but it is difficult. I dont generally suggest to buy them and then take them to an optical. What I WOULD suggest is to buy them AT the optical and ask them to fill your prescription. If it is possible, they will do it, if it isnt, they will tell you. Some people buy cheap ones and RX lenses dont go in. I have even seen people buy "great" sunglasses at the duty-free which they were told would hold an RX (how would those people know?) but when I took a look at them, I had to tell them that they wasted their money. Your prescription shouldn't be a problem in any frame. They should be relatively thin and simple to make.

Let me know if you have any more questions

 

[Baduy]

Originally Posted by jwied82

Hello. Do you have any experience with John Varvatos sunglasses? I recently saw several pairs at an outlet store for a really good price. They were made in Japan and looked to be pretty nice but i was wondering your opinion on his eyewear.

Pardon me for the intrusion, but I would like to chime in on my experience.

I own a pair myself (V115 in gunmetal to be exact), and I can tell you that JV is the most comfortable pair I own right now. Recently I was out in the sun for more than 12 hours. The back of my ears were uncomfortable after wearing a gold Mosley Tribes Pilot for 4 hours. Changed my shades to JV, and I was good for the next 8 hours.

In addition to comfort, the tint used on the V115 is just perfect for me. No squinting, colors are good, and it feels like I'm not wearing any sunglasses at all. Also good for driving use, even though the lens are not polarized. I wear contact lenses and my eyes are photosensitive, so I use sunglasses a lot even on overcast days.

John Varvatos sunglasses are manufactured by Base Curve Eyewear, a luxury division of REM Eyewear. Google Base Curve Eyewear for more details.

 

[Flame]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

There are tons. Are you looking for colorful? titanium? stainless? intricate designs? conservative? funky? trendy? Be more specific...do you have any in mind?
Hmm something work friendly perhaps? Maybe a simple frame in matte finish in sliver or gold would be ok.

I'm sorta liking Mykita wrap-around metal frames. Does your store carry any brands that you will be able to recommend?

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by Flame

Hmm something work friendly perhaps? Maybe a simple frame in matte finish in sliver or gold would be ok.

I'm sorta liking Mykita wrap-around metal frames. Does your store carry any brands that you will be able to recommend?

I just saw the Giorgio Armani collection today and they have a few pieces of flat thin metal in matte black. I saw it in my blog and I will say it again, FLAT BLACK IS IN! Everyone is slowly starting to make them. Also, if you want wrap, Lacoste has a pair. They have a very smal line but 1 good wrapped pair.

If you are looking for higher end eyewear, look into Mykita, Kilsgaard (Aluminum line), and even Iyoko Ineyake (good quality and a few matte pieces). I would say that these brands would be a good match in terms of quality and matte colors.

 

[stylesmurf]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

A. Disco frames are quite tricky to find. Either you have to find a store which has them (which is luck of the draw) or have someone order it from the distributor in your country. For instance, if you are from the US, you will have to go to a licensed dealer and ask them to order it in for you. They will call the distributor and see if any are left. If the distributor doesn't have any left, basically, youre on your own to find it online or something.

B. To be honest, I deal much with Poly for reasons that I have mentioned in my blog. I would much rather wear high index lenses. From what I hear, the poly lenses that come out these days are much better than before but I am still skeptical. Sorry I cant be of much help regarding this.

Maybe someone else has had more experience with these lenses.... anyone?

A prominent eye doctor I know tells me that the clarity of the Zeiss lens are very superior.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by stylesmurf

A prominent eye doctor I know tells me that the clarity of the Zeiss lens are very superior.

In theory yes and to some, yes, they will see the difference. But it is like this...say I have been driving a civic for the last 10yrs and then I get into a sports car, whether it is a Porsche, Lambo, M3, S2000 or anything, it is MUCH better than what I am used to. Does it really matter if I am in a 50k sports car or 200k sports car? Probably not, because I cant tell the difference. Same thing with the lenses, sure some will notice that they are significantly better, but for the average person lenses are lenses.

In theory and in practice, yes they are much better lenses and if you have the money to spend on them, go for it. But if you are pressed on money like most, you can hold off on the lenses knowing that you are not missing out on too much.

Again, I give my opinions based on my experience. I am by no means an expert or specialist. I am not trying to sell a lifestyle, I give my opinion as an average guy with an average income...

 

[danielvh]

Hey,

Looking for a recommendation on some new sunglasses. I have a fairly round and wide face and need the lenses to be as flat as possible (need to put in prescription lenses), but a slight curve is probably alright.

I'm after something classic and would tend more to squarer shapes.

I tried on the Ray Ban Wayfarers and think they suit me. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

[kleny]

hello,

can you please help my find a cheap alternative to this http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp...tdoctd/lb.html

i do not know the reputation of this GA sunglasses but i tried this model on 702s at Bloomingdales and damn do they look good on my face....i dont want to pay retail because of the high likelihood of me losing the damn thing..

thanks!

 

[Alfa]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

Great questions!

Let me answer in sections...

1. There are certain things that you can do. Having "pad implants" can be added, but keep in mind that they have to shave down the bridge that is on it now. ALSO, they will sit lifted off, which will change the look of the frames. Try holding them about 1cm or so from where they sit now to see what it will look like. Also, you can get silicone stickers to put on the bridge. But I was advised that in humid weather they actually start to fall off. I initially thought that they were somewhat permanent but it is not a permanent solution.

2. If you are looking for aviators you have several choices. You can buy something online and have them shipped to you. You can buy sunglasses and have them converted (but with it's flaws). Or buy a pair of good quality vintages. The problem with buying sunglasses and converting them is that they are usually too curved. And inexpensive cheap ones sometimes dont even have screws to hold in the lenses. Someone with some experience can get prescription lenses in but it is difficult. I dont generally suggest to buy them and then take them to an optical. What I WOULD suggest is to buy them AT the optical and ask them to fill your prescription. If it is possible, they will do it, if it isnt, they will tell you. Some people buy cheap ones and RX lenses dont go in. I have even seen people buy "great" sunglasses at the duty-free which they were told would hold an RX (how would those people know?) but when I took a look at them, I had to tell them that they wasted their money. Your prescription shouldn't be a problem in any frame. They should be relatively thin and simple to make.

Let me know if you have any more questions

Thanks for your thoughtful answers! Are "pad implants" a relatively common and widely available service if I were to choose to go that route?

Can you recommend vintage brands to look for. Carrera? Because I have a tough bridge to fit, I would be hesistant to eBay anything.

Finally, any opinion of Porsche Design Eyeglasses? I already own a pair, but I have no idea if they are part of a conglomerate optical company or work on their own. I am quite happy with my pair and they are in the ever popular "matte black".

Thanks again!

 

[stylesmurf]

Originally Posted by CityConnection

In theory yes and to some, yes, they will see the difference. But it is like this...say I have been driving a civic for the last 10yrs and then I get into a sports car, whether it is a Porsche, Lambo, M3, S2000 or anything, it is MUCH better than what I am used to. Does it really matter if I am in a 50k sports car or 200k sports car? Probably not, because I cant tell the difference. Same thing with the lenses, sure some will notice that they are significantly better, but for the average person lenses are lenses.

In theory and in practice, yes they are much better lenses and if you have the money to spend on them, go for it. But if you are pressed on money like most, you can hold off on the lenses knowing that you are not missing out on too much.

Again, I give my opinions based on my experience. I am by no means an expert or specialist. I am not trying to sell a lifestyle, I give my opinion as an average guy with an average income...

The weird thing is, my eyeglass store does not charge extra for the zeiss lens. Probably because he already uses some other expensive high index lens already and there's no price difference. Haven't bought a pair yet.

I totally agree with you on your observation for most people. However, I also think that my glasses have never been that great to begin with either, so I'm always looking for improvements

Great thread.. now I have to finish reading all the other pages and see if I can get some ideas for a new pair of glasses.

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by kleny

hello,

can you please help my find a cheap alternative to this http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp...tdoctd/lb.html

i do not know the reputation of this GA sunglasses but i tried this model on 702s at Bloomingdales and damn do they look good on my face....i dont want to pay retail because of the high likelihood of me losing the damn thing..

thanks!

First thing that comes to mind that is a cheaper alternative is DSL 55, a line from Diesel. They have one that looks almost exactly like that but the front is a silver and the side of the front is black. I cant recall the color of the temples, but I think it is silver too. Try to find them and if you cant, let me know and I will try again...

 

[danielvh]

Oh, and second question I have is what are some of the good English brands? Is there anything actually made in England or is it all offshore produced?

 

[CityConnection]

Originally Posted by danielvh

Hey,

Looking for a recommendation on some new sunglasses. I have a fairly round and wide face and need the lenses to be as flat as possible (need to put in prescription lenses), but a slight curve is probably alright.

I'm after something classic and would tend more to squarer shapes.

I tried on the Ray Ban Wayfarers and think they suit me. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Daniel

If you are looking for Wayfarer alternatives, try Prada (they have it in matte colors), and almost all brands have something similar to it. The only one that I can think of off the top of my head is the Prada Sport. But for sure, almost all larger Luxottica brands have a similar style to the Wayfarers, they are banking on their own brands...