TAG HEUER Night Vision eyeglasses for safer driving

Driving at night is far more dangerous than driving in daylight according to the statistics. Though only 10% of road miles are driven in the dark, 48% of road fatalities occur at night. That’s primarily because at night our pupils dilate, and we become short-sighted, though glare, halos, and reduced peripheral vision all contribute to ocular tiredness. TAG Heuer has released a set of ophthalmic Night Vision glasses specifically designed to correct dark-induced myopia, reduce glare, contrast the dark blue surroundings without changing colour perception and ultimately offer safer driving after dark.

The US$400 night driving glasses were originally developed specifically for the Peugeot race team’s Le Mans 24 hour racing efforts, through TAG Heuer’s long involvement with motor racing, but they have now surfaced as a mainstream product with a very compelling feature set, particularly when you consider how much a set of these innovative glasses might reduce the probability of an accident.

The Night Vision frames are made of titanium and over-moulded with an anti-slip elastomer, so they’re light, flexible around the temple area and the height of driving chic. As they are specifically designed to be worn under a helmet, they make a lot of sense for motorcycle riding too.

The frames are available in both Wide and Panorama, and the pale yellow lenses offer constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing color perception.

The special ophthalmic lenses are shatter-resistant, provide complete UV-A and UV-B protection, and offer an anti-reflective treatment, which reduces glare and offers more accurate sight from dusk to dawn.

Controlling any vehicle on the road is a sight response game where mistakes can cost you your life, so we’re giving these a huge “thumbs up.”

Wearing glasses has never been more stylish

Occasionally customers return glasses because their husbands or wives hate them, said Meltzer, owner of Spectacles in Great Neck, N.J. He’ll usually take them back, suggesting the client return with spouse in tow. If they get the choice down to two, Meltzer advises they go with the spouse’s pick — since that’s who has to look at them the most.

Buying glasses can be prickly business for the nearly 171 million American adults who, according to the Vision Council of America, wear some form of corrective lenses — eyeglasses, contacts or reading glasses. The good news: There are more choices than ever before. Eyewear, in fact, has become the hot, new accessory.

We’re in something of an ophthalmological moment, with more and more brands launching eyewear lines (including Cole-Haan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany and Pucci), and designers (like Valvo and Michael Kors) dressing models in frames in recent runway shows.

Stars, too — Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Garner, Johnny Depp, even “Speed Racer’s” Emile Hirsch — are popping up bespectacled in the pages of magazines and gossip columns. “Saturday Night Live” alum Tina Fey became a smart-girl sex symbol with her specs. And “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson is so identified with his angular frames he launched his own line this spring.

“My eyewear is a part of my look and personality,” said Jackson. “Eyeglasses aren’t only for seeing, but for looking good. The days of being called ‘four eyes’ are out.”

“I attribute it to the political atmosphere today,” said Robert Marc, a designer of sleek, upscale frames. “With the upcoming elections and debates about the economy, the environment and the war, everyone wants to look cerebral and `in the know.’’”

Glasses can also express one’s style and creativity. “Eyewear is the new scarf, the new tie,” notes trend consultant Tom Julian, of the Tom Julian Group in Manhattan. “Think left brain/right brain — if a purse or watch used to do a power thing, glasses do the creative thing.”

Technology, too, he adds, “has helped spur interest in frames.” Advances in laminates allow for saturated, bold colors; lasers cut out or etch intricate designs on temples; and jewels and crystals offer bling.