GLASSES AND YOUR EYES

It doesn't matter if you need to them or wear them just for fun - they are a great fashion accessory. Quality is important though. And from an image aspect glasses are as important as your make-up and hairdo.

Glasses are very fashionable. Not just on the ski slopes or the beach but anywhere now that the Couturiers (notably Claude Montana, Karl Lagerfeld and Jean-Paul Gaultier) have sent their top fashion models down the catwalk with spectacles.

When selecting glasses ensure that the shape of the frame suits your face. It can improve facial features that are less than perfect.

Some make-up hints for wearers of glasses:

• If you are short-sighted, the lenses will make your eyes look smaller: use light colours and avoid strong kohl lines.

• If you are long-sighted, the lenses will enlarge your eyes, a magnifying glass effect: use dark colours and kohl outlines to make the eye look smaller.

Apply your eye shadow colours a little more strongly as the lenses will absorb some of the intensity. This applies particularly to people who wear tinted glasses.

Remember always use proper eye make-up remover, and be very gentle when you apply it and when you wipe it off.

If you find mascara difficult to wear but need to intensify the lashes - have the lashes tinted.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES

• Use sunglasses to block glare from sun, sand, sea and snow. Not only do they protect the eye itself, but stop you from squinting and causing lines.

• If your eyes are prickly or bloodshot bathe them in cold water, or in cold tea (very effective).

• Change focus - if you work constantly in front of a VDU, or do other close work, look up at regular intervals and focus on something long distance. Do ensure you “focus" on it.

• If you are working on VDUs ensure the lighting is correct, and non-glare. Take a break every hour.

• Get your eyes checked regularly, by an optometrist.

Very important, ensure you have a good balanced diet to provide you with the appropriate vitamins and minerals. Eat plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables. Vitamin A gives good vision in poor light (hence the saying that carrots help you see in the dark ... apricots do, too!).

Exercise is important too -

For the eyes: try tracing shapes. Imagine there is a pencil, extending from the tip of your nose. Use this to trace the outline of various objects around you at different distances. Practice often.

For your general health: take up a form of exercise which requires hand/eye co-ordination, eg tennis, badminton or squash.

Lastly, ensure your posture is correct. Relax your neck and shoulders to ensure comfort.
THE PEOPLE QUALIFIED TO HELP YOU

ophthalmogist optometrist dispensing optician

The three categories of optical care in New Zealand (and the world).

Ophthalmogist

The person who is trained, or qualified to perform surgery upon the eyes and to prescribe drugs. Also trained to examine the eyesight. Prime work medical; secondary work eyesight examination.

Optometrist

The person trained (at Auckland University, a 4-year course) for examination of the vision of the eyes and to recognize the abnormal eye in relation to health. Refers patients to Ophthalmogist. Prime concern supplying spectacles or contact lenses. They are not allowed to use drugs in the treatment of eye disorders.

Dispensing Optician

The person who makes up spectacles prescribed by either the Ophthalmogist or Optometrist. They are not allowed to examine eyesight.