F.A.Q. —Frequently Asked Questions

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 Rx  - This symbol denotes that these frames are all available in prescription.

There are many options for your prescription - Prescription Eyewear Options.

• I imagine that the prescription lenses cost quite a bit more than non-prescription. Do you have a list of prices available? Answer
• I purchased frame with the hope that my local optical shop could make me prescription lenses-however they cannot work with these wrapped frames. Is it possible for me to order prescription lenses from you? Yes, Download our PDF order form
• Do you carry fitover style sunglasses for my prescription eyewear--polarized? Answer
• What is a Pupillary Distance or (PD)? Answer
• Do you accept insurance? While we don't work directly with any insurance companies or vision care plans, many of them allow you to submit your receipt for reimbursement.  Please check with your plan administrator for instructions on how to do this.
• My prescription shows to different PD measurements. A PD FAR and PD NEAR. What do I use for your online form?
Answer: We would need the far measurement. A near measurement is for bifocals which is usually 3mm less than the far measurement.

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• Is it possible to purchase your eyeglasses without the use of a credit card eg. bankers draft, money order etc.? No, We do accept PayPal for international orders. Your address must be confirmed with PayPal before we will ship out your order. If you do not have a payPal account you can get one at www.paypal.com
• Using your credit card on the internet has never been safer than it is today. Your purchase is secured by Verisign with 128 bit encryption.

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• Do you ship to APO addresses? Yes! We ship orders daily to APO addresses.
• Is it possible for my order to be shipped overseas? Answer

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• Why should I wear sunglasses? Answer
• How do I choose a good pair of sunglasses? Answer
• When should I wear sunglasses? Answer
• Who should wear sunglasses? Answer

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Over RX Sunglasses–

Live Eyewear captures the spirit of the individual. Our unique collections of specialty sunglasses fuse progressive optical technology with a level of comfort and quality synonymous with the Live brand. All Live sunglasses are designed to be worn over prescription eyewear or offer excellent performance as standard sunglasses. The patented designs deliver 360° of protection from the elements, wrapping the eyes in a cocoon of filtered light. Live lenses are polarized, reducing heavyglare and allowing your eyes to remain relaxed and focused on the task at hand.

Live sunglasses are made of the finest materials in the world, featuring expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, a statement reiterated by the Live Eyewear lifetime warranty.

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New photochromatic lenses are so smart they go from clear indoors to as dark as a light sunglasses outdoors. Their advanced technology adjusts to changing light, so you see clearly and more comfortably in virtually any light condition. Indoors, photochromatic Lenses are as clear as your regular eyeglasses. Outdoors, they quickly darken, getting as dark as sunglasses a Sunglasses "2" if UV is present. They work so well, in a recent clinical study, four out of five eyeglass wearers preferred photochromatic to their regular lenses. And photochromatic provide 100% UV protection. Ask your eyecare professional about making photochromatic Lenses your every day lenses. And find out just how smart a lens can be.

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The distance between the center of your pupils is known as the pupillary distance, this is measured in millimeters. Before your prescription lenses are cut into the shape of your frame, the pupillary distance needs to be measured. This measurement is then used so that the optical center of each lens can be lined up with your pupils in order to give optimal visual clarity. In general, PD measurements fall in the range of 48mm to 73mm. The most common measurements are between 58mm and 68mm.

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Why should I wear sunglasses?

Rays of light are divided into different groups of wavelengths. The wavelengths of concern are the ultraviolet rays. There are three types of ultraviolet rays - ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC).

Naturally occurring UVC is generally not a problem because it is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not reach the earth's surface. Arc welders can produce UVC artificially and sterilizing lamps and people working with such equipment should protect themselves.

Naturally occurring ultraviolet (A and B) rays are able to cause eye damage. Long term exposure to UVA and UVB is associated with the development of degenerative changes on the surface of the eye such as pingueculae1 and pterygia2. They also cause degeneration of the surface of the cornea. Cancer, on the eye surface, as well as on the eyelid, is also strongly linked to UVA and UVB exposure. Studies have shown cumulative UVB exposure results in a significant increase in the incidence of cataract development.

Wearing good quality sunglasses can substantially protect the eye against both short term and long term exposure in bright sunlight and every day outdoor situations.

Sunglasses can help your eyes in two important ways. They enhance the normal light-filtering capabilities of your eyes and they protect against the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Good sunglasses will reduce glare, filter out 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, provide visual protection, be comfortable and not distort colors.

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Appropriate sunglasses can stop ultraviolet light reaching the eye. The lens material and the fit of the glasses are important factors in the selection of sunglasses. Sunglass lenses should decrease visible light to a comfortable level while allowing adequate vision. Sunglasses should eliminate ultraviolet radiation. The color or darkness of the lens gives no indication of its ultraviolet radiation (UVR) absorbing characteristics.

Sunscreens are generally labeled with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which indicates the protection provided by the sunscreen. The EPF or Eye Protection Factor rating of 1-10 is an equivalent indication for sunglass lenses. Sunglasses labeled with an EPF of 10 provide 100% UV protection. To choose the correct sunglasses, check the swing tag.

Another important factor when selecting sunglasses is to minimize light entry from around the frames, especially at the sides, and to ensure the frames fit closely to the face. For maximum protection the frames should therefore be a 'wrap around' style and fit closely to the brow line.

When your purchase sunglasses, look for a statement on the amount of UV radiation that is blocked from reaching the eye. The rule of thumb is the less UV rays that get through, the better. Experts recommend that to protect your eyes from harmful rays, sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays. Since as much as 50 percent of sunlight comes from overhead and gets by many glasses, a brimmed cap or hat should also be worn for maximum protection. Eyewear that wraps around the face also helps minimize the amount of harmful light entering the eyes

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Whenever the levels of solar UVR are high. Ultraviolet light exposure is greater during the summer months and during the middle hours of the day. UV levels are greatest at high altitudes and are increased by reflection from the surrounding surfaces.

Sand and water surfaces increase exposure significantly, as do snow and ice. It is important to remember high ultraviolet levels can exist even on overcast days when the visible light is decreased. People need to be concerned about their total ultraviolet exposure under the above circumstances.

Some people who have certain rare conditions may be at a greater risk of eye damage and should be appropriately protected with hats and sunglasses. These people should discuss the condition and the appropriate protection with their doctor. Sunglasses do not provide satisfactory protection from eye injury. Safety glasses are designed to provide protection for the eyes against low energy flying particles and objects. If the safety glasses provide UVR protection they would be appropriately labeled.

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Protecting children's eyes is desirable. Infants and toddlers should be protected by hats and where appropriate, hoods or sun umbrellas. Older children should wear hats and sunglasses when outside for significant periods of time, particularly between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm daylight saving time). No one is too old to start wearing sunglasses.

People with corrective lenses should add UVR protective coating or obtain prescription sunglasses.

Who is at risk for eye problems caused by UV light?

Everyone, even a child is at risk. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye problems. People who are at higher risk of developing problems from UV rays include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract surgery and individuals who have certain retinal disorders. Also, some people are more sensitive to UV rays, including those who take certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that increase the eye's sensitivity to light.

Do children need sunglasses?

When selecting sunglasses for children, keep these suggestions in mind: a. Check the sunglasses periodically to make sure they fit well and are not damaged. b. Select sunglasses that suit children's active lifestyles. The glasses should be impact resistant (made of polycarbonate), should not pop out of the frames, and the frames should be bendable, unbreakable and/or have snap-on temples. c. The lenses should be large enough to shield the eyes from most angles and to block light that leaks in around the frames. d. Choose a wide-brimmed hat for your child to maximize protection.

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