Hakim Optical Blog

A Look at Which Types of Frames Are Best for Your Face Shape

Now more than ever, eyewear has become a fashion statement. Before you consider your next pair of designer glasses, however, it’s a good idea to know which types of frames will look best on your face. Here are a few tips:

• Consider the Size of Your Face

You should generally select eyewear frames that are proportionate to the size of your face. Additionally, no matter what style of frame you choose, make sure that they are centered with your eyes.

• Know the Shape of Your Face

Round faces look best with rectangular frames, while a square face shape will do better with rounded frames. Ask the associates at your eyewear center for help if you are having trouble determining the shape of your face and which frames would complement it best.

• Think About Rims

As with frames, different types of rims will look better on various face shapes. The heart-shaped face will match well with rimless glasses. An oblong face may benefit from some decorative accents along the temples of the rims or frames.

• Use the Power of Colour  

Light colours can soften angular faces, while bold colours create depth for rounder faces. Even if you are looking for trendy designer glasses, try to stay within the colour palate that is best suited to your face shape. Also, consider if your glasses are meant for everyday or occasional wear. If you are selecting everyday glasses, make sure your frames will go with a variety of outfits.

At Hakim Optical, we can help you decide which eyewear frames are best suited for your needs. We carry designer glasses, so you can always keep up with the latest fashion trends. Call us today at (416) 924-8866 or visit our website to learn more about our prescription glasses. 

What You Need to Know About Cataracts

In Canada, one of the leading causes of vision loss is cataracts. Behind your iris—the coloured portion of your eye—is the lens. A normal lens is clear and works by focusing the light that comes through the eyes in order to produce an image on the retina. A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, distorting and scattering the incoming light. This makes it impossible for the eye to produce a clear image.

Depending on the severity and development of the cataracts, it may be possible to correct vision with prescription glasses for a short period of time. However, if vision loss has become a concern, most doctors will recommend surgery to remove the cataract and restore vision.

Causes

The most common cause of cataracts is changes in the tissues of the eye from normal aging, although certain injury or trauma to the eye can also lead to cataracts in younger people. Occasionally, a child is born with cataracts, either as a genetic condition or as a result of an infection in the mother during pregnancy. These are called congenital cataracts and are typically corrected surgically during infancy.

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors can make you more susceptible to developing cataracts. Some include liberal use of alcohol and/or smoking, advanced age, health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and family history. Other risk factors are previous eye surgeries or injuries, excessive sunlight exposure, being overweight, and certain prescription medications.

Treatment

The only permanent solution to treating cataracts is surgery. However, in the early stages of cataract development, prescription glasses are usually sufficient. Some people may never need cataract surgery, while others require surgery soon after diagnosis. Your eye doctor can help you decide which options are best for you.

At Hakim Optical, we carry the prescription lenses and eyewear you need to see the world more clearly. Give us a call today at (416) 924-8866 to learn about our designer glasses, to buy contact lenses, or to see which frames are best for you.

4 Signs You Could Benefit from Visiting the Eye Doctor

Whether you currently wear prescription lenses or you have never had your vision assessed, you can still benefit from regular visits to the eye doctor. Sometimes, the need for scheduling an appointment becomes clearer as your vision becomes less clear. Keep an eye out for these signs that a trip to the optometrist should be in your near future.

1. You Have Difficulty Reading Road Signs: If there is ever a time you need your vision to be functioning at prime efficiency, it’s when you’re driving. If you’re having trouble making out the words on road signs or judging distances between cars, you may need prescription glasses.
2. You Frequently Squint: Squinting against the sun or other bright light is one thing. Squinting constantly in order to make out what you’re trying to see is another. A simple eyewear prescription may be all you need to see clearly again.
3. You Read with Paper Close to Your Face: If you find your nose touching the paper as you read, it’s time for prescription glasses. Similarly, if you have to hold books or pages at a distance in order to read them, it’s time for a trip to your eye doctor.
4. You Have Frequent Headaches: If your vision is not where it should be, the constant strain on your eyes can lead to frequent headaches. Frequent headaches can also be a sign of a more serious optical problem, so it’s always a good idea to see a doctor.

If you’re showing signs that you need to see an eye doctor, we at Hakim Optical can help arrange your appointment. Once you obtain your prescription, come see us for contact lenses, designer glasses, and the latest in prescription eyewear. Call (416) 924-8866 today for more information.

Have Pairs of Your Old Glasses Lying Around? Donate Them!

Your eyewear prescription will change over the course of your lifetime. When it does, you may find yourself with a collection of prescription glasses that you can no longer benefit from; however, you may not want to throw away either. If that is the case, you may be interested in a program that uses old eyeglasses to give the gift of clear sight to less fortunate individuals around the world.

Where to Donate

Hakim Optical, along with Lions Club International, make up a partnership dedicated to helping people in developing countries see better. When you donate your old eyewear, the glasses will be sent to the countries in need. Once there, an eye doctor will examine the prescription lenses to determine the strength and then match up the prescription and frame with a person in need.

Why You Should Donate

People in developing countries typically don’t have access to healthcare like we do here in Canada. Even if they could see a doctor, most cannot afford to purchase prescription eyewear. Donating your old glasses not only prevents the glasses from going to waste but also helps a person restore his or her vision - and in some cases his or her livelihood.

How to Donate

Donating your used eyewear is easy. The next time you are in the area, simply stop by Hakim Optical and drop off your glasses. Just mention that you’d like to donate the glasses, and we’ll take it from there. You don’t have to fill out any forms or answer a laundry list of questions. Doing something good has never been so simple or easy!

If you are interested in donating your old eyewear or if you are in need of new prescription glasses, contact us at Hakim Optical. We carry designer glasses and the latest in eyewear technology. Give us a call at (416) 924-8866 if you have further questions about our donation program or to learn more about our services today!

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded, causing blurred vision. As shown in this video, one of the more dangerous aspects of having cataracts is compromised vision while driving, potentially leading to an accident.

Cataracts typically progress over time. In the beginning, prescription glasses may be sufficient but cataract surgery may be necessary if vision loss becomes more severe.

If you are in need of prescription glasses to help you see through your cataracts, contact us at Hakim Optical. We carry the latest in eyewear, including contact lenses and designer glasses. Call (416) 924-8866 for more information today.