How-Tos

Inserting

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and a lint-free towel.
2. Remove the lens from its case and inspect it for tears or debris.
3. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Check it forms a smooth bowl shape — if the edges flare outward like a saucer, it's inside out.
4. Use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open.
5. Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of the hand holding the lens.
6. Look up slightly and gently place the lens on the white part of your eye.
7. Slowly release your eyelids and blink gently — the lens will center itself.

Removing

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Look up and pull down your lower eyelid.
3. Use your index finger to slide the lens down to the white of your eye.
4. Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove it.
5. If using reusable lenses, clean and store them in fresh solution immediately.

Pro tip: If the lens feels stuck, don't panic — add a few rewetting drops and blink several times. It will loosen up. The more you practice, the faster and easier it gets.

Your eyes are designed to protect themselves — that's why they blink when something comes close. Here's how to work with your natural reflexes instead of fighting them:

• Practice touch exposure — With clean hands, gently touch the white of your eye with a fingertip (no lens) to desensitize the reflex.
• Pre-blink — Blink rapidly 5–10 times before attempting insertion. This tires the reflex temporarily.
• Start with your non-dominant eye — It's often less reactive, giving you a confidence boost before tackling the other eye.
• Look away — Instead of staring at the lens approaching your eye, look up or to the side while placing the lens on the white of your eye.
• Hold your eyelids firmly — Use both hands if needed: one to hold the upper lid against the brow bone, the middle finger of your lens hand to hold the lower lid down.

Most people master the technique within a week. If you're still struggling, visit us at Fantastic Glasses — we'll walk you through it in person.

An inside-out lens won't damage your eye, but it will feel uncomfortable and won't correct your vision properly. Here's how to check:

• The bowl test — Place the lens on your fingertip and look at it from the side. A correct lens looks like a smooth bowl with edges curving inward. An inside-out lens has edges that flare outward like a saucer.
• The taco test — Gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and index finger. A correct lens folds neatly like a taco. An inside-out lens resists folding or the edges bend outward.
• Check the markings — Many lenses have small numbers or letters laser-etched on them. If you can read the marking clearly, it's the right way around. If it's backwards, flip the lens.
• The comfort test — If a lens feels scratchy or slides around after insertion, take it out, flip it, and try again.

The right frames complement your natural features. Here's a quick guide by face shape:

• Round face — Angular or rectangular frames add definition and make your face appear longer. Avoid round frames that emphasize the circular shape.
• Oval face — Lucky you — most frame shapes work well. Try wider frames that are proportional to the broadest part of your face.
• Square face — Round or oval frames soften strong jawlines and angular features. Look for thinner frames and curved edges.
• Heart face — Bottom-heavy frames (aviators, round styles) balance a wider forehead. Rimless or light-coloured frames work beautifully.
• Diamond face — Cat-eye or oval frames highlight cheekbones. Frames with detailing on the brow line draw attention upward.

Still not sure? That's what we're here for. Our opticians at Fantastic Glasses specialize in finding frames that fit your face, your style, and your prescription perfectly.

1. Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water to remove dust and debris.
2. Apply a small drop of dish soap (lotion-free) to each lens.
3. Gently rub both sides of the lenses and the frame with your fingers.
4. Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
5. Shake off excess water and dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.

Avoid: Paper towels, tissues, and shirt fabric — they can scratch coatings. Never use window cleaner, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or acetone on coated lenses — these chemicals will eat through your coatings over time.

Bonus tip: Keep a microfiber cloth in your glasses case and another at your desk. Clean your glasses at least once a day for the clearest vision.

Foggy lenses happen when warm breath hits cool glass. Here's how to prevent it:

• Pinch the nose wire — Mold your mask's nose wire tightly to seal the top edge and redirect airflow downward.
• Position your mask under your glasses — Rest the bottom of your frames on top of the mask to create a seal and push warm air away from the lenses.
• Soapy water trick — Wash your lenses with soapy water and let them air dry (don't rinse). The thin soap film acts as a temporary anti-fog barrier.
• Anti-fog products — Commercial anti-fog sprays and cloths work well and last longer than the soap method.
• Tighten the mask fit — Use adhesive tape or a mask fitter at the bridge of the nose for a tighter seal.

Ask us about anti-fog coatings on your next pair — they can be applied to new lenses at Fantastic Glasses.

Progressive lenses give you seamless distance, intermediate, and near vision in one lens — no visible lines. But they do take some getting used to. Here's how to make the transition smooth:

• Wear them full-time from day one — The more consistently you wear your progressives, the faster your brain adapts. Don't switch back and forth with your old glasses.
• Move your head, not just your eyes — Point your nose at what you want to see. The sweet spot for each distance is in a specific zone of the lens.
• Look through the top for distance, straight ahead for computer/intermediate, and the bottom for reading and close-up tasks.
• Take the stairs carefully — Look through the top (distance zone) when going down stairs, not through the reading zone at the bottom, which can make steps look distorted.
• Give it time — Most people fully adapt within 1–2 weeks. Some peripheral softness is normal and your brain learns to ignore it.

If something still feels off after two weeks, come see us — we can fine-tune the fit and lens positioning to make sure everything is dialed in.

Your glasses are the first thing people notice on your face — they're an accessory, a statement piece, and a daily part of your look. Here's how to style them:

• Match the mood — Bold frames for bold outfits, minimal frames for understated looks. A heavy acetate frame pairs well with a structured blazer; thin metal frames complement a casual T-shirt.
• Coordinate colours — Tortoiseshell works with warm tones (earth tones, reds, oranges). Black frames go with everything. Clear or crystal frames pair beautifully with pastels and neutrals.
• Consider the pattern — If your outfit is busy (florals, plaid), go for simple, solid-coloured frames. If your outfit is plain, your glasses can be the statement piece.
• Material matters — Metal frames feel dressier. Thick acetate feels casual-cool. Wood frames are earthy and unique. Titanium is sleek and modern.
• Own multiple pairs — Just like shoes, having different frames for different occasions lets you express your full range of style. Our 3-for-1 deal makes this easy.

Getting kids to wear their glasses consistently can be a challenge. Here are some strategies that work:

• Frame it as a superpower — "These help you see better than everyone else!" Kids respond to feeling special, not to being told they need help.
• Let them choose — Bring your child to the store and let them pick their own frames. Kids who choose their glasses are far more likely to wear them proudly.
• Start with a routine — Glasses go on right after breakfast, just like getting dressed. Making it part of the daily routine removes the debate.
• Positive reinforcement — Use a sticker chart or small rewards for wearing glasses all day. Celebrate the wins.
• Be a role model — If you wear glasses, put yours on at the same time. If you don't, talk about how cool glasses are.
• Proper fit matters — If glasses are sliding, pinching, or uncomfortable, no child will keep them on. Bring them in for free adjustments anytime.

• Always use a hard case when not wearing them — this is the single best thing you can do.
• Place glasses with lenses facing up to prevent scratches.
• Keep them away from heat sources (car dashboards, radiators, dryers) — heat warps frames and damages coatings.
• Clean before storing to prevent residue buildup that becomes harder to remove over time.
• Don't hang glasses from your shirt collar or rest them on top of your head — both stretch the temples and misalign the fit.

Don't just throw them in a drawer — here are some ideas:

• Donate them — Organizations like the Lions Club collect used glasses and distribute them to people in need around the world. Drop them off at Fantastic Glasses and we'll make sure they get to the right place.
• Keep them as a backup — Even with an older prescription, having a spare pair in the car or at your desk is handy in emergencies.
• Use them for specific tasks — An old pair with a still-useful prescription can become dedicated computer glasses, workshop glasses, or gardening glasses.
• Give them to us for recycling — We can recycle frames and lenses responsibly. Just bring them to our store in Okotoks.

Most of us spend 8+ hours a day looking at screens. Here's how to reduce the strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule — Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This relaxes the focusing muscles in your eyes.
• Consider blue light glasses — They filter harmful blue light from screens and can reduce eye fatigue, headaches, and improve sleep quality.
• Adjust your screen — Position your monitor at arm's length, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Reduce brightness to match your surroundings.
• Blink consciously — We blink 60% less when staring at screens. Set reminders to blink fully and frequently.
• Take real breaks — Step away from all screens for 10–15 minutes every couple of hours. Your eyes (and your brain) will thank you.
• Stay hydrated — Dehydration worsens dry eye symptoms. Keep water at your desk.
• Get regular eye tests — Changes in your prescription can cause unnecessary strain. An up-to-date prescription makes screen time more comfortable.

Home tests can give you a general idea of your vision, but they're no substitute for a professional eye test with the Essilor R800. That said, here are some simple checks:

• Snellen chart — Print one and tape it to a wall. Stand 20 feet (6 metres) away and test each eye separately. If you can't read the 20/20 line clearly, your prescription may need updating.
• Amsler grid — A grid of straight lines used to detect macular issues. Cover one eye and focus on the centre dot. If any lines appear wavy, bent, or missing, see an eye care professional promptly.
• Near vision — Hold a book or phone at normal reading distance. If you need to move it further away to read comfortably, you may need reading correction.
• Colour vision — Online Ishihara plate tests can screen for colour vision deficiency, though a proper in-office test is more reliable.
• Track changes — If you notice gradual blurring, difficulty with night driving, increased squinting, or frequent headaches, it's time for a professional exam.

Our Essilor R800 eye test captures over 1,000 data points and delivers a prescription accurate to 0.01 diopters — far beyond what any home test can measure. And it's free with any eyewear purchase.

Blinking spreads a fresh layer of tears across your eyes, keeping them moist, clean, and comfortable. But when we're focused on screens, driving, or reading, our blink rate drops dramatically. Here's how to blink better:

• Set reminders — Use your phone or a desktop app to remind you to blink fully every 20 minutes.
• Practice complete blinks — A full blink means your upper and lower lids touch completely. Many of us only half-blink, which doesn't distribute tears evenly.
• Pair it with breaks — When you take a screen break, close your eyes for 10–15 seconds. This gives your tear film a chance to fully replenish.
• Stay hydrated — Your tears are mostly water. If you're dehydrated, your tear film is thinner and less effective.
• Consider artificial tears — If your eyes feel dry despite good blinking habits, preservative-free artificial tears can supplement your natural tear film.

Simple eye exercises can relieve tension and improve comfort during long work days:

• Eye circles — Slowly roll your eyes in a full circle, 5 times clockwise and 5 times counter-clockwise. Keep your head still.
• Focus shifting — Hold your thumb 10 inches from your face. Focus on it for 5 seconds, then shift focus to something 20 feet away for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Slow blinks — Close your eyes slowly, hold for 2 seconds, then open slowly. Repeat 5 times. Combine with deep breathing.
• Palming — Rub your palms together to warm them, then cup them gently over your closed eyes (don't press on the eyeballs). Hold for 30 seconds. The warmth and darkness relax the eye muscles.
• Side-to-side — Without moving your head, look as far left as you can, hold for 3 seconds, then as far right. Repeat 5 times.
• Eye massage — Using your fingertips, gently massage in small circles around the orbital bone (the bony ridge around your eye socket). This relieves tension in the muscles around your eyes.

Do these once or twice a day — they take less than 5 minutes and make a noticeable difference in comfort.