﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"><channel><docs>http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification</docs><title>Articles</title><atom:link href="http://www.empireoptical.com/Rss.aspx?ContentID=2465232" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><itunes:author>www.empireoptical.com</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Christian Hargrove</itunes:name></itunes:owner><link>http://www.empireoptical.com</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 03:03:03 GMT</pubDate><description>Articles</description><lastBuildDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:03:58 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>High Index Lenses</title><link>http://www.empireoptical.com/high-index-lenses</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:author>Christian Hargrove</itunes:author><dc:creator>Christian Hargrove</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[<p><a name="highindex"><img alt="" src="http://www.empireoptical.com/Websites/empireoptical/images/High_Index_2.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;        border-width: 4px;border-style: solid;" /></a></p>
<p>In simple terms, High Index lenses are lenses that bend light at a greater rate than conventional plastic.  If you have a strong eyeglass prescription, this has several benefits.</p>
<p>By choosing a high index material, your lenses will be thinner</p>
<p>By choosing a high index material your lenses will be lighter.</p>
<p>By choosing certain high index materials, your lenses can be stronger.</p>
<p>If you want a detailed explanation of what High Index lenses “do,” just come in to the store and we will be happy to explain the science behind the products.  However, you probably just want to know that we strongly believe in these products, and it will be money well spent.  When choosing high index materials, there are also different types. This list is not all-inclusive, but the main types are:</p>
<p>High Index 1.60.  Great for moderately strong prescriptions.  This material generally cuts about 30% of the thickness and weight off of your lenses.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.empireoptical.com/Websites/empireoptical/images/High_Index.png" style="float: right; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 4px;        border-width: 4px;border-style: solid;" /></p>
<p>High Index 1.67.  Incredibly thin lenses.  This will remove an additional 20% of thickness over 1.60.  This material has special additives that also perform very well for rimless frames.</p>
<p>High Index 1.74.  As of now, this is the thinnest lens material available.  It should be about 10% thinner than a comparable 1.67 lens.  Since it is relatively new, it is only available in a few lens designs.</p>
<p>Polycarbonate.  This material has been around for a while, and is a great performer for impact resistance and drill mounting.  It is lighter, thinner, and stronger than standard plastic.  Polycarbonate is an excellent choice for children’s eyewear because it can help protect them during their “active” lifestyles.</p>
<p>Trivex.  One of the newest, lightest, and clearest high index materials.  This is the absolute best lens for drill mount rimless frames.  We believe in it so much, that we offer a 2 year breakage guarantee.  If you can manage to crack these lenses in that time, we will replace them at no cost.</p>
<br />]]></description><guid>http://www.empireoptical.com/high-index-lenses</guid></item><item><title>Tag Heuer Eyeglasses</title><link>http://www.empireoptical.com/tag-heuer-eyeglasses</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:author>Christian Hargrove</itunes:author><dc:creator>Christian Hargrove</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[<p><a name="tagheuer"><img alt="" src="http://www.empireoptical.com/Websites/empireoptical/images/Tag_Heuer_1.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;        border-width: 4px;border-style: solid;" /></a></p>
<p>TAG Heuer’s innovative and avant-garde spirit is not only found in the originality of its creations, but also in the way in which it manufacturers and assembles them.  Luxury eyeglass production combines manual craftsmanship with the most advanced technology to guarantee quality, precise function, and enduring sophistication.</p>
<p>To view the TAG Heuer website and view their technologies, click the following link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tagheuer.com/int-en/eyeglasses#/int-en-en-eyeglasses">http://www.tagheuer.com/int-en/eyeglasses#/int-en-en-eyeglasses</a></p>
<p>To try the products on, or to order your unique pair today, please come visit the store and see for yourself.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tagheuer.com/int-en/eyeglasses#/int-en-en-eyeglasses"><img alt="" src="http://www.empireoptical.com/Websites/empireoptical/images/Tag_Heuer_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<br />]]></description><guid>http://www.empireoptical.com/tag-heuer-eyeglasses</guid></item><item><title>Exotic Materials</title><link>http://www.empireoptical.com/exotic-materials</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:author>Empire Optical</itunes:author><dc:creator>Empire Optical</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[<p>
</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tekaeyewear.com/home.html"><img alt="" src="http://www.empireoptical.com/Websites/empireoptical/images/Exotic%20Materials.png" /></a></div>
<h2>Teka Eyewear</h2>
<p>In keeping with current fashion trends, Teka Eyewear frames are creative and exude vitality. Teka Eyewear appeals to the classy, fashion savvy customer base by incorporating sleek sophistication into the temple and frame shape design. Teka Eyewear is fashioned for people who value comfort and quality just as much as chic classiness.</p>
<p>Our frames are affordably priced yet fashioned from top quality Buffalo horn, exotic wood, aluminum, and leather. Our designer has carefully selected the supple, sinuous look of leather in a wide selection of colors to develop a look of understated elegance. Buffalo horn frames are hand-crafted for connoisseurs and lovers of that special one-of-a-kind item. These natural frames are also renowned for their harmonious colors, characteristic, fibrous structures, and anti-allergenic properties. Exotic woods with varying grains and colors are imported from across the world and emphasize natural earth tones, letting Mother Nature style a design of her own. Innovative frames delicately adorned with jewels lend a feminine allure.</p>
<p>The timeless, classic grace of Teka Eyewear means they can be worn by anyone, anytime, at any place.</p>]]></description><guid>http://www.empireoptical.com/exotic-materials</guid></item><item><title>Macular Degeneration</title><link>http://www.empireoptical.com/macular-degeneration</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:author>Empire Optical</itunes:author><dc:creator>Empire Optical</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[<p><em>(Information provided by:  American Health Assistance Foundation)</em></p>
<p>Macular degeneration affects the retina. The retina is the paper-thin tissue lining the back of the eye. Light-sensitive cells in the retina are responsible for converting light into electrical impulses, which are then sent via the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation. In the very center of the retina is the macula. The macula contains the highest concentration of the light-sensitive cells, called cones, which are responsible for sharp, detailed, central vision that is used when driving and reading, for example. In macular degeneration, cells in the macular region begin to die, which results in blind spots and distorted vision.</p>
<p>There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. It is possible for a person to suffer from both forms, for it to affect one or both eyes, and for the disease to progress slowly or rapidly. Dry macular degeneration may advance and cause loss of vision without turning into the wet form of the disease. However, it is also possible for the early-stage dry form to change into the wet form of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60.</p>
<h2>Dry Macular Degeneration</h2>
<p>The dry form is the most common type of macular degeneration. This form, in which the photosensitive cells of the macula slowly break down, is diagnosed in 85-90 percent of cases. Yellow deposits called drusen (extracellular waste products from metabolism) form and accumulate under the retina between the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer and the Bruch's membrane, which supports the retina. Drusen are often found in the eyes of older people, but an increase in the size and number of these deposits is frequently the first sign of macular degeneration. Over time, drusen are associated with deterioration of the macula and the death of RPE and photoreceptor cells, resulting in a blurring or spotty loss of clear, straight-ahead vision. This process does not cause any pain. In the early stages of the disease, the patient may notice slightly blurry vision. However, as more and more of the cells die, central vision worsens. In its most severe form, dry age-related macular degeneration can cause profound vision loss, severely affecting a person’s quality of life. The dry form of macular degeneration has three stages:</p>
<ul>
    <li><strong>Early</strong> - patients have several small drusen or a few medium-sized drusen. There is no vision loss or symptoms at this stage.</li>
    <li><strong>Intermediate</strong> - patients have many medium-sized drusen or one or more large drusen. Some people may need more light for tasks such as reading. A blurry spot may appear in the center of the visual field.</li>
    <li><strong>Advanced</strong> - patients exhibit a large number of drusen deposits, and a breakdown of RPE, photoreceptor (light sensitive) cells, and supporting tissue in the retina. A large blurry spot occurs in the center of the visual field and can become larger and darker, eventually causing a complete loss of central vision.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Wet Macular Degeneration</h2>
<p>Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow behind the macula as RPE and photoreceptor cells die. The Bruch’s membrane begins to break down, usually near drusen deposits, and new blood vessels grow. This growth is called neovascularization. These vessels are very fragile and can leak fluid and blood, resulting in scarring of the macula and the potential for rapid, severe damage. Straight-ahead vision can become distorted or lost entirely in a short period of time, sometimes within days or weeks. Wet macular degeneration accounts for approximately 10 percent of the cases of age-related macular degeneration, but it results in 90 percent of the cases of legal blindness. All wet macular degeneration is considered advanced.</p>
<p>For the link to the original article including more resources, demonstrations, and additional information, click the following link: <a href="http://www.ahaf.org/macular/about/" target="_blank">AHAF Macular Degeneration</a>.</p>]]></description><guid>http://www.empireoptical.com/macular-degeneration</guid></item><item><title>Crizal Lenses</title><link>http://www.empireoptical.com/crizal-lenses</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT</pubDate><itunes:author>Empire Optical</itunes:author><dc:creator>Empire Optical</dc:creator><description><![CDATA[<p>Crizal No-Glare lenses are the market leader of No-Glare (Anti-Reflective) ophthalmic lenses.  Crizal lenses are worn and trusted by over 150 million people all over the world. Crizal lenses are unlike any other pair because you can:</p>
<ul>
    <li>See Better Crizal lenses mean safer, more comfortable nighttime driving by reducing glare from headlights, taillights and street lights</li>
    <li>Look Better Crizal lenses are clean, clear, and glare-free so they're virtually invisible to those around you. People see you instead of your glasses</li>
    <li>Feel Better Crizal lenses mean fewer headaches and less eye fatigue caused by reflections from computer screens and daytime lights</li>
</ul>
<p>Crizal No-Glare lenses provide you with clearer vision by reducing:</p>
<ul>
    <li>Glare</li>
    <li>Scratches</li>
    <li>Smudge</li>
    <li>Dust</li>
    <li>Water</li>
</ul>
<p>To view their website and see the full line of products, visit them here: <a href="http://www.crizalusa.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Crizal Website</a>.</p>]]></description><guid>http://www.empireoptical.com/crizal-lenses</guid></item></channel></rss>