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Skin Deep
Fit-over Eyewear: Flash versus Function
Kieran Hardy, Live Eyewear Inc.
December 2010 | WP-011212




The evaluation process of fit-over eyewear is unlike that for fashion or sport
sunglasses. This document identifies the most common misconceptions consumers
have regarding the fit-over category. Eyecare professionals that have a general
understanding of fit-over eyewear are able to help their patients make decisions that
are dictated by sound reason instead of superficial appeal. Consumers who are
educated as to the differences between conventional and fit-over sunglasses can
often make better purchasing decisions. This document can serve both parties.
Fit-over Eyewear: Flash versus Function


 The “fit-over” sunglass. It’s a curious combination of
 the obvious and the obscure. A straightforward
 concept that’s easily grasped. One that needs little or
 no explanation. As prevalent today as they were in the
 nineteenth century, fit-overs continue to be a practical
 sunwear solution for those that wear glasses.


 There’s more fit-over sunglasses purchased annually
 than photochromic lenses and prescription sunglasses
 combined. Despite this, there’s not really that much
 information available about the overall category. What
 little there is happens to be published by the
 companies that make fit-over sunglasses. That type of
 information is brand specific. The main purpose of it is
 to assure the reader that that particular brand is the
 best. It’s the right choice. It’s the finest product of its
 sort.


 That’s marketing. Hype. Propaganda. Puffery. If you
 don’t really know much about the general fit-over
 category it’s going to be a challenge discerning fact
 from fiction. It’s difficult to isolate what’s absolutely
 essential. What’s preferred. What’s trifling.


 In 1613, poet Thomas Overbury wrote “All the carnal
 beauty of my wife, is but skin deep.” What his wife
 thought about this isn’t recorded. Overbury’s intent
 was to persuade a friend, who was infatuated with a
 “lady of ill-repute”, to look past her physical beauty and
 instead examine her character before rushing into
 marriage.


 This paper has a similar objective. Unlike conventional
 sunglasses, fit-over sunwear isn’t purchased as a
 fashion accessory. The principal buying motivation for
 a fit-over isn’t style or panache. It’s function and
 intrinsic worth.


 A good fit-over has character. And character is
 something that can’t be seen on the outside. You have
                                                                       Vistana (circ. 2006)
 to look a little deeper.
                                                                     World’s first wrap fit-over




2.      Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
Admission


 It should be recognized that although I believe I’m
 giving you an unbiased examination of the fit-over
 class of eyewear, I’m not an impartial third party.


 Having been involved with the fit-over industry since
 the 1990’s, I’ve been fortunate enough to have
 participated in the product’s progression from a ten
 dollar corner drug store item to a professional grade
 device customarily dispensed by highly trained
 eyecare professionals.


 I consider Cocoons (my company’s product) to be the
                      ®




 finest fit-over sunglass in the world. That’s my opinion
 and it’s subjective. What isn’t debatable is that Live
 Eyewear has been responsible for the majority of
 innovations in the fit-over arena. We were the first to
 produce professional grade fit-overs, we pioneered full
 wrap and side shield-less designs and we continue to
 obsolete our own market leading product line with new
 designs infused with more innovations.


 Throughout this paper I’ll use Cocoons fit-over
 sunglasses as an example or reference point. It could
 be said that’s not objective. The fact is there are facets
 of fit-over sunglass design that I know to be important.
 There’s are also features of some fit-overs that are
 completely contrived. This papers purpose is to
 educate you on what to look for when evaluating a fit-
 over sunglass. And how to identify aspects that are
 nothing more than “creative salesmanship”. Cocoons
 are the product I feel most comfortable using as an
 example as I know what they can do and how it’s
 done. And I know what they don’t do and why.


 It would be anomalous of me if I didn't believe
 Cocoons are the quintessential product to use as a
 case in point. However, I’ll make every effort not do so
 as much as possible. I won’t identify or be detrimental
                                                                    Mike Iaconelli – Cocoons Pro Staff
 to any other specific brand.                                         2001 Bass Master Champion




3.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Expedition


 Recently, I needed to find some material related to fit-over sunglasses from the mid ‘90’s. I was searching for
 articles, white papers, medical journals or advertisements that were specifically about fit-over sunglasses. I
 wasn’t expecting to find much. Fit-overs may be the center of my universe but for most people they’re not. But I
 was pleasantly surprised. Fit-overs were written about quite prolifically throughout the 1990’s. I found countless
 articles, reviews and advertisements in newspapers, magazines and every other type of media imaginable.


 As I went about gathering the various specimens, I started to come upon materials from the 1980’s. Scientists
 were using fit-overs in low vision research. Retailers were advertising them. People who had lost a pair had
 placed notices in newspaper ‘lost and found’ sections of their local newspaper. I even found them mentioned in
 fictional novels. As I continued to search I found instances from the 1970’s. Then the 60’s. The 50’s. I
 eventually found myself reviewing materials from the 1800’s. Not only did the prevalence of fit-over sunglasses
 remain constant, the further I went back the more the frequency increased. I assume that there was a time
 when a fit-over was one of the few, if not the only solution available to the bespectacled.


 I found it intriguing to observe the continual evolution, the arrival of new technologies and the ever increasing
 price of a fit-over. One of the things that most struck me was the gradual drifting away from a focus on the
 function towards an emphasis on fashion. Nowadays fit-over manufacturers know the best way to increase
 their market share is to tout their styling, elegance and colors.



 And they’re right. Fit-overs have been around for so long
 that most people think a fit-over is a fit-over. They all do
 the same thing. So why not buy the one that looks the
 best. The most stylish. The coolest coloring.


 By diverting attention towards fashion, features and
 performance become secondary. There’s virtually no cost
 to painting glasses. Updating technology and completely
 revising designs to improve performance is expensive.


 Eyecare professional are charged with providing
 guidance. Patients are expecting the best in care. They
 want professional product expertise and opinion. If they
 didn’t, they’d be shopping at the closest mass merchant or
 drug store.


 I hope that this paper helps both the buyer and the seller.



                                                                                  Advertisement for fitovers
                                                                                Piqua Daily Call – Jun. 28, 1935




4.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Frame Design


 Evaluating a fit-over begins with the frame.                       There’s two elements of a fit-over chassis that
 Think of it as a chassis that everything is built                  are essential. The frame material must be
 upon. If there’s a deficiency, it doesn’t matter                   malleable. And there must be an undercarriage.
 what’s added to it. It’s always going to perform
 poorly. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way in
 my teenage years.                                                  Malleable means that you can twist and bend
                                                                    the frame. It should be supple yet strong enough
                                                                    to return to it’s original form. It ought to feel soft.
 I was buying my first used car. I didn’t have
 much money so my options were limited. I’d
 narrowed it down to two candidates. One                            When a fit-over is worn it makes contact with the
 possibility was a Mini. I’m from New Zealand                       eyeglasses in various places. This is called the
 where Mini’s were popular cars. They were                          ‘ride’. How a fit-over rides is primarily dictated
 economical and rarely had mechanical                               by the fit. If it’s the wrong size or shape, the ride
 problems. If they did, repairs were inexpensive.                   is going to be unpleasant. But assuming the
 Mini’s were practical.                                             sunglass fits correctly, the second variable is the
                                                                    durometer of the material.

 The other was an old English car. The Vauxhall
 Victor. It was big and looked fast. Victors are                    A durometer test generates a numerical
 normally more expensive than Mini’s but this                       expression which indicates the hardness of a
 one was around the same price. The seller                          material. The lower the durometer, the softer it
 admitted that the engine needed a ‘little work’                    is.
 and he showed me the trick to turning the heater
 on. The interior was trashed but it still was a
 Victor. Because of the way it looked, I bought it.                 TR-90, which is used for most plastic eyewear,
                                                                    has a higher durometer than Nylon, which is
                                                                    what many high quality fit-overs are made of. In
 The classic muscle car appearance didn’t seem                      the eyewear industry, TR-90 is often referred to
 as important to me when the radiator started                       as ‘Grilamid’. Since Nylon is softer than TR-90 it
 leaking. By the time I’d saved enough to replace                   has a tendency to better absorb any impact
 a defective water pump it blew the head gasket.                    should the fit-over move or even bounce. Softer
 Even when it was operative I wasn’t driving it as                  material acts much like a microscopic shock
 much as I’d like as it gulped gas faster than I                    absorber. It also mutes audible contact,
 could afford to fill it.                                           eliminating the clattering one may experience
                                                                    with a harder, plastic type frame.

 After the starter stopped working I gave up and
 left it moored outside of a friends house.
 Eventually it was towed away.


 I might not have made that mistake if I new
 anything about cars. The same is true for a fit-
 over. All that glitters is not gold.




6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Frame Design (cont.)


 If a fit-over frame is made of TR-90 it has less                    The second component is the undercarriage. If
 flexibility. It’s stiffer. If it’s stepped on for                   you turn a pair of fit-over sunglasses upside
 instance, there’s a good chance it’ll crack. When                   down, you’ll see that the frame either has a
 a malleable fit-over is stepped on, driven over or                  return underneath each lens or it doesn’t. In
 sat on there’s usually no damage. And because                       other words the eyeglasses are fully enclosed
 there’s very little give to TR-90, the slightest                    inside the fit-over as opposed to the bottom of
 movement of the fit-over can begin to rub and                       the prescription glasses being left exposed.
 wear on areas of the prescription frame. The
 prescription glasses are subjected to possible                      The presence of an undercarriage is possibly
 paint loss, scratches and abrasions from the                        the most significant element to look for when
 repeated rubbing in the exact same place. We                        assessing a fit-over. Without one, performance
 have a video that demonstrates the resilience of                    levels are decimated. Actually, decimated is
 a nylon frame. We drive a car over a pair of                        probably too strong a word. Perhaps
 Cocoons. Twice. Then we pop the lenses back                         ‘considerably reduced’ is more fitting.
 in that had been forced out of the lens cavity
 when it was squashed. Good as new. Not a
 scratch. The Nylon material has sufficient                          Light, often in the form of glare, can be reflected
 memory to return to it’s original form.                             off a myriad of surfaces such as snow, sand or
                                                                     pavement. Up to 70% of visible light can be
                                                                     reflected light.
 Another side effect from TR-90 is clattering. If
 someone’s wearing a fit-over that makes a
 sound as it rides a pair of eyeglasses, the                         A fit-over with an undercarriage entirely
 incessancy of it can become deafening. We                           encapsulate the eyes. Practically all light that
 actually enhance the suppleness of Cocoons by                       enters the field of vision is filtered. It’s travelled
 encasing them in a layer of Soft Touch . It’s a  ®                  through the lens system by way of a primary
 velvet-like skin that’s only 1/1000th of an inch                    lens or a side shield. All other light is blocked
 thick but behaves much like a microscopic                           from entering. A calm environment is created.
 mattress.                                                           The eyes stop continually adjusting to
                                                                     fluctuating light conditions. Eye strain and
                                                                     fatigue are reduced. The eyes relax. It’s actually
 However, there’s a major disadvantage to using                      therapeutic.
 Soft-Touch encased Nylon. It’s the painting of
 the material. Grilamid is translucent. It has
 glasslike properties. Creative tinting or painting                  If there’s no undercarriage, reflected light will
 can produce eye-catching artwork. TR-90                             enter from below. The untreated light mixes in
 frames can be back-sprayed and even have                            with the virtuous and instantaneously dilutes the
 pigment injected. Because of this, it’s one of the                  ‘cocooning’ effect. Any sense of serenity is
 most prevalent materials used by eyewear                            diminished due to it’s erratic intensity and
 manufacturers.                                                      behavior. Fortunately for some of our
                                                                     competitors this shortcoming isn’t noticed by the
                                                                     customer. It’s impossible for them to know what
 I wish I could do that with Cocoons.                                could have been.
 Unfortunately, the properties of Nylon differ from
 those of Grilamid. But remember, the stimulus
 for buying a fit-over is function. It’s not fashion.                To prove to yourself the importance of an
 Thanks to my Vauxhall Victor experience I’ve                        undercarriage, try a pair with and a pair without
 learned to never sacrifice one for the other.                       an undercarriage just for an hour. You’ll see
                                                                     what I mean.



6.      Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
Adjustability


 Imagine eating your favorite meal. Prepared and                     Just like your eyeglasses, a fit-over has but one
 presented exactly the way you like it. Now                          correct position. Once properly put over your
 imagine that you had to eat that exact same                         glasses it should stay in that position until it’s
 meal every day. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. No                        taken off. Irrespective of the shape of your
 variety of any kind. Eat it or you don’t eat.                       prescription eyewear, you’re eyeglasses will
                                                                     come into contact with the fit-over temples. It’s
                                                                     inescapable. Because neither frame should
 However much you love your old favorite,                            move, those points of contact won’t change.
 there’ll come a point when you’ll start skipping
 mealtimes. You can try mixing it up a bit by
 dyeing the food different colors or creating                        The most prevalent interaction will be above
 visually stunning culinary masterpieces, but                        your ears. That’s usually where the prescription
 nothing’s going to change the taste. You might                      and fit-over temples crisscross. Naturally, after
 eventually reach the point that you stop eating                     an extended period of time, the region can
 altogether.                                                         become irritated. Even my Cocoons will do the
                                                                     same thing. The problem was of no concern
                                                                     when you were wearing the glasses in short
 Wearing a fit-over is the same thing.                               bursts but now, after a solid hour, it’s become
                                                                     annoying. Thoroughly irritating.

 Assume you’ve recently bought a new fit-over.
 You chose it because it was the most attractive                     What do you do?
 to you. You love how it fits and you’re sincerely
 appreciative of the improvement to your quality
 of life. It’s stylish. You’re wearing it everywhere.                Most people raise them to sit on top of your
                                                                     head or they take them off completely.
                                                                     Regardless of what they do, the fit-over is no
 The majority of the time you’ll be wearing it in                    longer being used.
 bursts of less than 20 minutes. Going to the
 store. Walking the dog. Driving home from work.
 But there are instances when you’ll wear it for                     Conversely, it’s a quick fix if the fit-over has
 longer periods. At the beach or a long drive for                    adjustable temples. A slight change to the form
 example. These lengthier sessions are referred                      of the fit-over temple and voila! Points of contact
 to as periods of ‘extended wear’.                                   changed. Irritation eliminated.


 During extended wear, any drawbacks of                              Your fit-over is still in the correct position and
 wearing a fit-over are magnified. They’ll still look                remains comfortable and secure. Nothing has
 attractive but the significance of the style and                    changed except a slight variance to the fit-over
 the coloring has worn off a bit.                                    temple’s landing point.


 You’re starting to focus more on the actual                         What’s the point of a fit-over that you can’t
 reason you bought them.                                             stand to wear during times that you probably
                                                                     need them more than ever?




6.      Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Lens System


 Unlike conventional glasses, fit-overs have side                   Stamping is an alternative way of making a side
 lenses. They’re necessary because a properly                       lens. This process is much simpler. It involves
 designed chassis will hinder peripheral vision.                    the use of a press that stamps out thousands of
                                                                    side lenses from reels of cellulose acetate.
                                                                    Picture a reel of movie film, but much thicker.
 In 2001 I designed a fit-over that didn’t have                     That’s kind of what cellulose acetate is like.
 side lenses. The glasses looked more or less
 like regular sunglasses. The fashion conscious
 often chose them instead of Cocoons. After                         This method is quick, easy and inexpensive. I
 wearing them for a while they weren’t so                           call it the six cent method as that’s about what it
 enamored. Their satisfaction levels dropped to                     costs to make a set of this type of side lens. To
 an unacceptable level. And they were                               be fair, the costs of raw materials and labor
 dangerous.                                                         have increased since the last time I brushed up
                                                                    on stamping. I’ll start calling it the eight cent
                                                                    method.
 Any reduction in peripheral vision isn’t safe.
 Changing lanes on a freeway is a good example
 of when your peripheral needs to be unimpeded.                     The advantage of molding a side lens is that we
                                                                    control the curvature and prevent the lens from
                                                                    flexing. This means there’s no distortion. If a
 There’s two types of side lenses. Injected and                     lens is flexible and is held in place by it’s own
 stamped. One is an expensive process and one                       resistance against the lens bevel, there will
 costs six cents per pair.                                          usually be some distortion.


 Cocoons side lenses are injection molded. This                     I don’t think I need to explain the hazard of
 manufacturing method requires the building of a                    having distorted peripheral vision.
 special mold. Pure, boiling hot liquid
 polycarbonate is injected into the mold at
 extraordinary pressure. The injection force and
 timing are calculated to insure that every cavity
 in the mold is filled precisely with the right
 amount. As it cools to a solid form,
 polycarbonate shrinks. That’s another variable
 to the manufacturing equation.


 Once the polycarbonate as cooled, the side
 lenses are removed from the mold and sent to
 tumbling. Tumbling is a process that removes
 any burs and polishes up the lenses.


 The result is a side lens that follows the contour
 of the frame, but varies in thicknesses to deliver
 crystal clear vision. No distortion.


                                                                                      Live Eyes (circ. 2001)
                                                                               World’s first non side shield fit-over


6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Lens System (cont.)


 There’s a few more reasons we inject our side                       We don’t polarize side shields because there is
 shields. Acetate can be an unstable lens                            no benefit to it. It would serve no purpose.
 material. After being made, the reels of acetate                    Touting a polarized side shield as a feature
 are supposed to be left to cure. This allows all                    would be, in my opinion, a gimmick.
 the moisture that maybe trapped in the lens to
 dissipate. Then the lens becomes stable. It
 stops shrinking.                                                    Here’s why. Polarized lenses greatly reduce
                                                                     glare. Glare occurs when you look at an object
                                                                     that reflects light, such as water for example, at
 The problem we find is that there’s such a                          a particular angle that happens to be equal to
 demand for the material it’s often rushed out to                    the angle that the light is being reflected.
 customers before it’s fully cured. There’s the                      Because the reflective surface of the object is
 possibility that it’s still subject to shrinkage.                   gathering scattered light and then redirecting it
                                                                     at a specific angle and direction, the light is
                                                                     more intense, because there’s more of it. Due to
 When the side lenses are stamped out of the                         the intensity, our eyes can’t handle it so we just
 material and then inserted into the side lens                       see glare. Glare can be mild or it can be
 cavity they may still be shrinking. Although the                    completely blinding. It all has to do with the
 shrinkage factor is almost infinitesimal, it’s                      angle and direction the light is being directed. If
 sometimes enough to loosen what should be a                         you look directly into the path of it, at the right
 tight fit. If it loosens enough, it will rattle when                angle, you’ll be hit by the glare.
 the frame is shaken as it moves around in the
 cavity. If it shrinks a lot, the lens falls out.
                                                                     If glare is blinding you from what would normally
                                                                     be the peripheral it means you must have eyes
 One of the first things I do when I pick up a fit-                  on the side of your head. Like a pigeon. Or a
 over made by someone else is flex the frame to                      goldfish.
 determine the frame material. The second thing
 I do is shake it. It’s just a habit. But a good one.
                                                                     Since most of us don’t have eyes positioned in
                                                                     front of our ears, we can’t look directly at the
 Try popping out an injection molded side lens.                      intense beam light through the side shield.
 It’s almost impossible with a well made fit-over.                   However, if you turn your head towards the
 A stamped lens will spring out like it’s been shot                  source of the glare and do look directly at it, the
 out of a cannon                                                     polarized front lenses kick in and take care of it.


 Last thing about side lenses. Some stamped                          The real reason that most stamped side lenses
 side lenses are polarized but there’s no such                       are polarized is because they’re stamped out of
 thing as a polarized injection molded side lens.                    the same material the front lenses are. Saves
 Not only would such a mechanism be almost                           the manufacturer money.
 impossible to manufacture, it would cost a
 fortune. So much so that it would drive the retail
 price of a fit-over through the roof.                               Touting polarized side lenses as a feature that
                                                                     benefits the wearer and as an advantage over a
                                                                     non-polarized side shield fit-over, is in my
 But that’s not the reason we don’t polarize side                    opinion, peddling snake oil.
 lenses.




6.      Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Lens System (cont.)


 The second component of a fit-over lens system
 are the primary lenses. Also known as the ‘front’
 lenses. These are the lenses you look directly
 out of. There is so much I could tell you about
 lenses that it would take a week. So I’ll just
 summarize what’s critical.


 Make sure the lens in the fit-over is 100%
 UVA&B. This is often referred to as “UV400”.
 That means it blocks out UV rays up to 400
 nanometers. That’s all the harmful UV. There
 are a lot of brands that don’t block 100%.
 They’re using a lens tint that’s less expensive
 that only blocks to 380 nanometers. “UV380”.


 You need the lenses to be scratch resistant. Fit-
 over sunglasses are treated so poorly that if the
 lenses aren't somewhat resistant to scratches
 they will gradually haze over. Hazing is a
 process where tiny little scratches, almost
 undetectable, start covering the surface of the
 lenses. As the scratches increase, the clarity of
 the lens is hazed. It’s not as clear as it was.

                                                                         Live Eyewear Cocoons
 Polarization. Always buy polarized fit-overs. If                   Tortoise frame with Copper tint
 they’re not polarized, you’re just wearing tinted
 lenses that reduce light transmission. Glare will
 still be present. It will still make you squint.
 Polarization prevents this.


 Lastly, pick a lens tint that best suits you. Don’t
 base your decision purely on what the
 manufacturer tells you. Many manufacturers,
 Live Eyewear included, state that a specific tint
 is best for driving. Another is best for fishing.
 That may be the case. But until you try it
 yourself, you won’t know if you like it or not. On
 average, 65% of people wear a gray lens. That’s
 because gray lenses deliver natural color
 definition. Other tints may alter colors from what
 they actually are but increase contrast for
 example. It’s all comes down to personal
 preference.




6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
The Warranty


 In general, the eyewear/eyecare business is                        It’s that we can stand behind Cocoons with a
 intense. Just about every designer and fashion                     lifetime warranty. The materials we use, albeit
 brand you can think of also has a line of                          costly, results in a product so resilient that it’s
 prescription frames and sunglasses. There’s                        almost unbreakable. They’re well made enough
 literally thousands of brands.                                     that we know the chance of a pair failing is
                                                                    remote. The hands on manufacturing process
                                                                    allows us to catch any slight defect before the
 Some of the eyewear and eyecare companies                          glasses ever make it out of the door.
 are multi-national, billion dollar corporations.
 They manufacture millions and millions of pairs
 every year.                                                        And    that’s   important    because     fit-over
                                                                    sunglasses are treated horrifically by their
                                                                    owners. They’re thrown in purses, sat on, driven
 My company Live Eyewear, isn’t a global                            over (more often than you might think) and even
 eyewear conglomerate. We’re referred to as a                       chewed by dogs. They slide facedown up and
 ‘boutique’ manufacturer. We specialize in a                        down dashboards. They’re routinely left in cars
 particular niche. We take our time designing and                   to bake in 100 direct sunlight. Not to mention
                                                                                    °
 building Cocoons. There’s actually quite a few                     the people who like to keep their car keys in the
 components and there’s a lot of labor involved in                  same case as their Cocoons.
 putting a pair together.

                                                                    So our warranty reiterates the durability and
 The overwhelming majority of molded glasses                        overall quality of the glasses. But not all
 use two molds. One to make the front frame and                     warranties are the same.
 one to make the temples. On the other hand, it
 takes seven molds to make a pair of Cocoons.
 And we paint and assemble every pair by hand.                      Those big multi-nationals and even smaller
 Our authenticity emblems are even inserted by                      competitors of ours wouldn’t dare to dream
 hand as are the front and side lenses. It’s an                     about offering such an assurance. No other fit-
 expensive process. It’s time consuming.                            over brand I know of warrantees the lenses to
                                                                    be free from scratches for one year. In fact,
                                                                    almost all make it expressly clear that the lenses
 But we choose to do it this way. There are                         are not covered by a warranty.
 alternative ways and shortcuts to doing the
 things but we tend to take the long road. The
 reason is quality. Nothing else. If there’s a less                 But at least make sure you buy a fit-over that
 expensive way of doing something that delivers                     warrantees the chassis. At least a one year
 the same quality, we’d do it. Unfortunately for                    guarantee as if a fit-over is made poorly, it
 us, to maintain the level of quality we’re known                   usually breaks at the lower lens groove. I could
 for takes a lot of human involvement. A great                      go into a lengthy explanation as to why that is
 deal of quality control. An enormous amount of                     the most prevalent type of defect, but it’s not
 scrap. And that’s not even including the                           really of any benefit.
 accessories and packaging associated with a
 finished pair of Cocoons.
                                                                    So make sure you buy a pair that have some
                                                                    sort of warranty because it’s a direct reflection of
 So what’s the advantage of all that expense?                       the manufacturers confidence in their product.




6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
Pricing


 Here’s a fact that may shock you. The cost of                          If you’re spending $5 don’t expect all the bells
 making a pair of Cocoons, which retail at about                        and whistles. Don’t assume the glasses are
 $50 is on average, four times as expensive as a                        made of the same material as a $50 pair.
 designer pair of plastic eyeglasses that may                           Understand that they’re going to be inferior. The
 retail for as much as $300.                                            lenses probably aren’t polarized for example.
                                                                        Still, all things considered, they might be a good
                                                                        deal for $5.
 You can find fit-over sunglasses in many
 different market segments. There are $5 models
 offered on the boardwalks, $10 models in                               If you’re considering a $50+ pair you should
 souvenir shops. There’s $20 models available in                        make sure the glasses meet your expectations.
 discount department and drug stores.                                   There should be extra features, higher quality
                                                                        components and a warranty. You should be
                                                                        getting more bang for your buck. The
 In the eyewear market you’ll find models offered                       fundamentals, such as the undercarriage and
 at prices from $35 to $60. So the price you                            adjustable temples should be a prerequisite.
 should expect to pay is directly associated with
 the market you intend to buy in. The quality and
 features generally increase as the price does.                         On average, people lose their sunglasses about
                                                                        every 2½ years. So if you are shelling out big
                                                                        money, that’s another factor you should
 But with a fit-over sunglass your decision                             consider. It’s likely that you’re going to lose
 shouldn’t be based solely on price. Your choice                        them at some point.
 needs to be heavily dependent upon value.
 What you’re getting back for your money.




                                                      Cocoons (circ. 2008)
                                                         MSRP $54.95




6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
In Closing


 Unfortunately, the amount of counterfeiting of
 popular    fit-over   sunglasses      has risen
 dramatically over the past fifteen years.


 For example, we have registered patents on all
 of our Cocoons models, but we come across
 direct copies all the time. We do what we can to
 enforce our intellectual property rights, but it’s
 like herding cats. We’ll never be able to catch
 them all.


 The best way to avoid getting duped is to buy
 your fit-over from a vendor recommended by the
 manufacturer. On our websites, we list online
 dealers you can buy Cocoons from and we have
 a dealer locator that shows all the accredited                      Cocoons (circ. 2011)
 brick and mortar dealers in any specific region.                   Model: Mini-Slim (Small)


 If you’re still not sure, you can buy directly from
 a manufacturer. We don’t support that type of
 strategy as it hurts sales that our authorized
 dealers could of made. Although you can order
 and purchase Cocoons on our website, the
 order is actually shipped by an authorized
 dealer in your area. We simply process the
 transaction on their behalf.


 If you ever have a question about fit-over
 products we’re only too happy to help. We’re
 familiar with every brand and model of fit-over
 sunglass, not just our own. We can help you find
 retailers in over 30 countries or point you in the
 right direction regarding the repairs or
 replacements of any brand.


 All of our contact details are on our website:
 www.cocoonseyewear.com


                          ###




6.     Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass

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Fit over eyewear - flash vs. function

  • 1. Skin Deep Fit-over Eyewear: Flash versus Function Kieran Hardy, Live Eyewear Inc. December 2010 | WP-011212 The evaluation process of fit-over eyewear is unlike that for fashion or sport sunglasses. This document identifies the most common misconceptions consumers have regarding the fit-over category. Eyecare professionals that have a general understanding of fit-over eyewear are able to help their patients make decisions that are dictated by sound reason instead of superficial appeal. Consumers who are educated as to the differences between conventional and fit-over sunglasses can often make better purchasing decisions. This document can serve both parties.
  • 2. Fit-over Eyewear: Flash versus Function The “fit-over” sunglass. It’s a curious combination of the obvious and the obscure. A straightforward concept that’s easily grasped. One that needs little or no explanation. As prevalent today as they were in the nineteenth century, fit-overs continue to be a practical sunwear solution for those that wear glasses. There’s more fit-over sunglasses purchased annually than photochromic lenses and prescription sunglasses combined. Despite this, there’s not really that much information available about the overall category. What little there is happens to be published by the companies that make fit-over sunglasses. That type of information is brand specific. The main purpose of it is to assure the reader that that particular brand is the best. It’s the right choice. It’s the finest product of its sort. That’s marketing. Hype. Propaganda. Puffery. If you don’t really know much about the general fit-over category it’s going to be a challenge discerning fact from fiction. It’s difficult to isolate what’s absolutely essential. What’s preferred. What’s trifling. In 1613, poet Thomas Overbury wrote “All the carnal beauty of my wife, is but skin deep.” What his wife thought about this isn’t recorded. Overbury’s intent was to persuade a friend, who was infatuated with a “lady of ill-repute”, to look past her physical beauty and instead examine her character before rushing into marriage. This paper has a similar objective. Unlike conventional sunglasses, fit-over sunwear isn’t purchased as a fashion accessory. The principal buying motivation for a fit-over isn’t style or panache. It’s function and intrinsic worth. A good fit-over has character. And character is something that can’t be seen on the outside. You have Vistana (circ. 2006) to look a little deeper. World’s first wrap fit-over 2. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 3. Admission It should be recognized that although I believe I’m giving you an unbiased examination of the fit-over class of eyewear, I’m not an impartial third party. Having been involved with the fit-over industry since the 1990’s, I’ve been fortunate enough to have participated in the product’s progression from a ten dollar corner drug store item to a professional grade device customarily dispensed by highly trained eyecare professionals. I consider Cocoons (my company’s product) to be the ® finest fit-over sunglass in the world. That’s my opinion and it’s subjective. What isn’t debatable is that Live Eyewear has been responsible for the majority of innovations in the fit-over arena. We were the first to produce professional grade fit-overs, we pioneered full wrap and side shield-less designs and we continue to obsolete our own market leading product line with new designs infused with more innovations. Throughout this paper I’ll use Cocoons fit-over sunglasses as an example or reference point. It could be said that’s not objective. The fact is there are facets of fit-over sunglass design that I know to be important. There’s are also features of some fit-overs that are completely contrived. This papers purpose is to educate you on what to look for when evaluating a fit- over sunglass. And how to identify aspects that are nothing more than “creative salesmanship”. Cocoons are the product I feel most comfortable using as an example as I know what they can do and how it’s done. And I know what they don’t do and why. It would be anomalous of me if I didn't believe Cocoons are the quintessential product to use as a case in point. However, I’ll make every effort not do so as much as possible. I won’t identify or be detrimental Mike Iaconelli – Cocoons Pro Staff to any other specific brand. 2001 Bass Master Champion 3. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 4. The Expedition Recently, I needed to find some material related to fit-over sunglasses from the mid ‘90’s. I was searching for articles, white papers, medical journals or advertisements that were specifically about fit-over sunglasses. I wasn’t expecting to find much. Fit-overs may be the center of my universe but for most people they’re not. But I was pleasantly surprised. Fit-overs were written about quite prolifically throughout the 1990’s. I found countless articles, reviews and advertisements in newspapers, magazines and every other type of media imaginable. As I went about gathering the various specimens, I started to come upon materials from the 1980’s. Scientists were using fit-overs in low vision research. Retailers were advertising them. People who had lost a pair had placed notices in newspaper ‘lost and found’ sections of their local newspaper. I even found them mentioned in fictional novels. As I continued to search I found instances from the 1970’s. Then the 60’s. The 50’s. I eventually found myself reviewing materials from the 1800’s. Not only did the prevalence of fit-over sunglasses remain constant, the further I went back the more the frequency increased. I assume that there was a time when a fit-over was one of the few, if not the only solution available to the bespectacled. I found it intriguing to observe the continual evolution, the arrival of new technologies and the ever increasing price of a fit-over. One of the things that most struck me was the gradual drifting away from a focus on the function towards an emphasis on fashion. Nowadays fit-over manufacturers know the best way to increase their market share is to tout their styling, elegance and colors. And they’re right. Fit-overs have been around for so long that most people think a fit-over is a fit-over. They all do the same thing. So why not buy the one that looks the best. The most stylish. The coolest coloring. By diverting attention towards fashion, features and performance become secondary. There’s virtually no cost to painting glasses. Updating technology and completely revising designs to improve performance is expensive. Eyecare professional are charged with providing guidance. Patients are expecting the best in care. They want professional product expertise and opinion. If they didn’t, they’d be shopping at the closest mass merchant or drug store. I hope that this paper helps both the buyer and the seller. Advertisement for fitovers Piqua Daily Call – Jun. 28, 1935 4. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 5. The Frame Design Evaluating a fit-over begins with the frame. There’s two elements of a fit-over chassis that Think of it as a chassis that everything is built are essential. The frame material must be upon. If there’s a deficiency, it doesn’t matter malleable. And there must be an undercarriage. what’s added to it. It’s always going to perform poorly. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way in my teenage years. Malleable means that you can twist and bend the frame. It should be supple yet strong enough to return to it’s original form. It ought to feel soft. I was buying my first used car. I didn’t have much money so my options were limited. I’d narrowed it down to two candidates. One When a fit-over is worn it makes contact with the possibility was a Mini. I’m from New Zealand eyeglasses in various places. This is called the where Mini’s were popular cars. They were ‘ride’. How a fit-over rides is primarily dictated economical and rarely had mechanical by the fit. If it’s the wrong size or shape, the ride problems. If they did, repairs were inexpensive. is going to be unpleasant. But assuming the Mini’s were practical. sunglass fits correctly, the second variable is the durometer of the material. The other was an old English car. The Vauxhall Victor. It was big and looked fast. Victors are A durometer test generates a numerical normally more expensive than Mini’s but this expression which indicates the hardness of a one was around the same price. The seller material. The lower the durometer, the softer it admitted that the engine needed a ‘little work’ is. and he showed me the trick to turning the heater on. The interior was trashed but it still was a Victor. Because of the way it looked, I bought it. TR-90, which is used for most plastic eyewear, has a higher durometer than Nylon, which is what many high quality fit-overs are made of. In The classic muscle car appearance didn’t seem the eyewear industry, TR-90 is often referred to as important to me when the radiator started as ‘Grilamid’. Since Nylon is softer than TR-90 it leaking. By the time I’d saved enough to replace has a tendency to better absorb any impact a defective water pump it blew the head gasket. should the fit-over move or even bounce. Softer Even when it was operative I wasn’t driving it as material acts much like a microscopic shock much as I’d like as it gulped gas faster than I absorber. It also mutes audible contact, could afford to fill it. eliminating the clattering one may experience with a harder, plastic type frame. After the starter stopped working I gave up and left it moored outside of a friends house. Eventually it was towed away. I might not have made that mistake if I new anything about cars. The same is true for a fit- over. All that glitters is not gold. 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 6. The Frame Design (cont.) If a fit-over frame is made of TR-90 it has less The second component is the undercarriage. If flexibility. It’s stiffer. If it’s stepped on for you turn a pair of fit-over sunglasses upside instance, there’s a good chance it’ll crack. When down, you’ll see that the frame either has a a malleable fit-over is stepped on, driven over or return underneath each lens or it doesn’t. In sat on there’s usually no damage. And because other words the eyeglasses are fully enclosed there’s very little give to TR-90, the slightest inside the fit-over as opposed to the bottom of movement of the fit-over can begin to rub and the prescription glasses being left exposed. wear on areas of the prescription frame. The prescription glasses are subjected to possible The presence of an undercarriage is possibly paint loss, scratches and abrasions from the the most significant element to look for when repeated rubbing in the exact same place. We assessing a fit-over. Without one, performance have a video that demonstrates the resilience of levels are decimated. Actually, decimated is a nylon frame. We drive a car over a pair of probably too strong a word. Perhaps Cocoons. Twice. Then we pop the lenses back ‘considerably reduced’ is more fitting. in that had been forced out of the lens cavity when it was squashed. Good as new. Not a scratch. The Nylon material has sufficient Light, often in the form of glare, can be reflected memory to return to it’s original form. off a myriad of surfaces such as snow, sand or pavement. Up to 70% of visible light can be reflected light. Another side effect from TR-90 is clattering. If someone’s wearing a fit-over that makes a sound as it rides a pair of eyeglasses, the A fit-over with an undercarriage entirely incessancy of it can become deafening. We encapsulate the eyes. Practically all light that actually enhance the suppleness of Cocoons by enters the field of vision is filtered. It’s travelled encasing them in a layer of Soft Touch . It’s a ® through the lens system by way of a primary velvet-like skin that’s only 1/1000th of an inch lens or a side shield. All other light is blocked thick but behaves much like a microscopic from entering. A calm environment is created. mattress. The eyes stop continually adjusting to fluctuating light conditions. Eye strain and fatigue are reduced. The eyes relax. It’s actually However, there’s a major disadvantage to using therapeutic. Soft-Touch encased Nylon. It’s the painting of the material. Grilamid is translucent. It has glasslike properties. Creative tinting or painting If there’s no undercarriage, reflected light will can produce eye-catching artwork. TR-90 enter from below. The untreated light mixes in frames can be back-sprayed and even have with the virtuous and instantaneously dilutes the pigment injected. Because of this, it’s one of the ‘cocooning’ effect. Any sense of serenity is most prevalent materials used by eyewear diminished due to it’s erratic intensity and manufacturers. behavior. Fortunately for some of our competitors this shortcoming isn’t noticed by the customer. It’s impossible for them to know what I wish I could do that with Cocoons. could have been. Unfortunately, the properties of Nylon differ from those of Grilamid. But remember, the stimulus for buying a fit-over is function. It’s not fashion. To prove to yourself the importance of an Thanks to my Vauxhall Victor experience I’ve undercarriage, try a pair with and a pair without learned to never sacrifice one for the other. an undercarriage just for an hour. You’ll see what I mean. 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 7. Adjustability Imagine eating your favorite meal. Prepared and Just like your eyeglasses, a fit-over has but one presented exactly the way you like it. Now correct position. Once properly put over your imagine that you had to eat that exact same glasses it should stay in that position until it’s meal every day. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. No taken off. Irrespective of the shape of your variety of any kind. Eat it or you don’t eat. prescription eyewear, you’re eyeglasses will come into contact with the fit-over temples. It’s inescapable. Because neither frame should However much you love your old favorite, move, those points of contact won’t change. there’ll come a point when you’ll start skipping mealtimes. You can try mixing it up a bit by dyeing the food different colors or creating The most prevalent interaction will be above visually stunning culinary masterpieces, but your ears. That’s usually where the prescription nothing’s going to change the taste. You might and fit-over temples crisscross. Naturally, after eventually reach the point that you stop eating an extended period of time, the region can altogether. become irritated. Even my Cocoons will do the same thing. The problem was of no concern when you were wearing the glasses in short Wearing a fit-over is the same thing. bursts but now, after a solid hour, it’s become annoying. Thoroughly irritating. Assume you’ve recently bought a new fit-over. You chose it because it was the most attractive What do you do? to you. You love how it fits and you’re sincerely appreciative of the improvement to your quality of life. It’s stylish. You’re wearing it everywhere. Most people raise them to sit on top of your head or they take them off completely. Regardless of what they do, the fit-over is no The majority of the time you’ll be wearing it in longer being used. bursts of less than 20 minutes. Going to the store. Walking the dog. Driving home from work. But there are instances when you’ll wear it for Conversely, it’s a quick fix if the fit-over has longer periods. At the beach or a long drive for adjustable temples. A slight change to the form example. These lengthier sessions are referred of the fit-over temple and voila! Points of contact to as periods of ‘extended wear’. changed. Irritation eliminated. During extended wear, any drawbacks of Your fit-over is still in the correct position and wearing a fit-over are magnified. They’ll still look remains comfortable and secure. Nothing has attractive but the significance of the style and changed except a slight variance to the fit-over the coloring has worn off a bit. temple’s landing point. You’re starting to focus more on the actual What’s the point of a fit-over that you can’t reason you bought them. stand to wear during times that you probably need them more than ever? 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 8. The Lens System Unlike conventional glasses, fit-overs have side Stamping is an alternative way of making a side lenses. They’re necessary because a properly lens. This process is much simpler. It involves designed chassis will hinder peripheral vision. the use of a press that stamps out thousands of side lenses from reels of cellulose acetate. Picture a reel of movie film, but much thicker. In 2001 I designed a fit-over that didn’t have That’s kind of what cellulose acetate is like. side lenses. The glasses looked more or less like regular sunglasses. The fashion conscious often chose them instead of Cocoons. After This method is quick, easy and inexpensive. I wearing them for a while they weren’t so call it the six cent method as that’s about what it enamored. Their satisfaction levels dropped to costs to make a set of this type of side lens. To an unacceptable level. And they were be fair, the costs of raw materials and labor dangerous. have increased since the last time I brushed up on stamping. I’ll start calling it the eight cent method. Any reduction in peripheral vision isn’t safe. Changing lanes on a freeway is a good example of when your peripheral needs to be unimpeded. The advantage of molding a side lens is that we control the curvature and prevent the lens from flexing. This means there’s no distortion. If a There’s two types of side lenses. Injected and lens is flexible and is held in place by it’s own stamped. One is an expensive process and one resistance against the lens bevel, there will costs six cents per pair. usually be some distortion. Cocoons side lenses are injection molded. This I don’t think I need to explain the hazard of manufacturing method requires the building of a having distorted peripheral vision. special mold. Pure, boiling hot liquid polycarbonate is injected into the mold at extraordinary pressure. The injection force and timing are calculated to insure that every cavity in the mold is filled precisely with the right amount. As it cools to a solid form, polycarbonate shrinks. That’s another variable to the manufacturing equation. Once the polycarbonate as cooled, the side lenses are removed from the mold and sent to tumbling. Tumbling is a process that removes any burs and polishes up the lenses. The result is a side lens that follows the contour of the frame, but varies in thicknesses to deliver crystal clear vision. No distortion. Live Eyes (circ. 2001) World’s first non side shield fit-over 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 9. The Lens System (cont.) There’s a few more reasons we inject our side We don’t polarize side shields because there is shields. Acetate can be an unstable lens no benefit to it. It would serve no purpose. material. After being made, the reels of acetate Touting a polarized side shield as a feature are supposed to be left to cure. This allows all would be, in my opinion, a gimmick. the moisture that maybe trapped in the lens to dissipate. Then the lens becomes stable. It stops shrinking. Here’s why. Polarized lenses greatly reduce glare. Glare occurs when you look at an object that reflects light, such as water for example, at The problem we find is that there’s such a a particular angle that happens to be equal to demand for the material it’s often rushed out to the angle that the light is being reflected. customers before it’s fully cured. There’s the Because the reflective surface of the object is possibility that it’s still subject to shrinkage. gathering scattered light and then redirecting it at a specific angle and direction, the light is more intense, because there’s more of it. Due to When the side lenses are stamped out of the the intensity, our eyes can’t handle it so we just material and then inserted into the side lens see glare. Glare can be mild or it can be cavity they may still be shrinking. Although the completely blinding. It all has to do with the shrinkage factor is almost infinitesimal, it’s angle and direction the light is being directed. If sometimes enough to loosen what should be a you look directly into the path of it, at the right tight fit. If it loosens enough, it will rattle when angle, you’ll be hit by the glare. the frame is shaken as it moves around in the cavity. If it shrinks a lot, the lens falls out. If glare is blinding you from what would normally be the peripheral it means you must have eyes One of the first things I do when I pick up a fit- on the side of your head. Like a pigeon. Or a over made by someone else is flex the frame to goldfish. determine the frame material. The second thing I do is shake it. It’s just a habit. But a good one. Since most of us don’t have eyes positioned in front of our ears, we can’t look directly at the Try popping out an injection molded side lens. intense beam light through the side shield. It’s almost impossible with a well made fit-over. However, if you turn your head towards the A stamped lens will spring out like it’s been shot source of the glare and do look directly at it, the out of a cannon polarized front lenses kick in and take care of it. Last thing about side lenses. Some stamped The real reason that most stamped side lenses side lenses are polarized but there’s no such are polarized is because they’re stamped out of thing as a polarized injection molded side lens. the same material the front lenses are. Saves Not only would such a mechanism be almost the manufacturer money. impossible to manufacture, it would cost a fortune. So much so that it would drive the retail price of a fit-over through the roof. Touting polarized side lenses as a feature that benefits the wearer and as an advantage over a non-polarized side shield fit-over, is in my But that’s not the reason we don’t polarize side opinion, peddling snake oil. lenses. 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 10. The Lens System (cont.) The second component of a fit-over lens system are the primary lenses. Also known as the ‘front’ lenses. These are the lenses you look directly out of. There is so much I could tell you about lenses that it would take a week. So I’ll just summarize what’s critical. Make sure the lens in the fit-over is 100% UVA&B. This is often referred to as “UV400”. That means it blocks out UV rays up to 400 nanometers. That’s all the harmful UV. There are a lot of brands that don’t block 100%. They’re using a lens tint that’s less expensive that only blocks to 380 nanometers. “UV380”. You need the lenses to be scratch resistant. Fit- over sunglasses are treated so poorly that if the lenses aren't somewhat resistant to scratches they will gradually haze over. Hazing is a process where tiny little scratches, almost undetectable, start covering the surface of the lenses. As the scratches increase, the clarity of the lens is hazed. It’s not as clear as it was. Live Eyewear Cocoons Polarization. Always buy polarized fit-overs. If Tortoise frame with Copper tint they’re not polarized, you’re just wearing tinted lenses that reduce light transmission. Glare will still be present. It will still make you squint. Polarization prevents this. Lastly, pick a lens tint that best suits you. Don’t base your decision purely on what the manufacturer tells you. Many manufacturers, Live Eyewear included, state that a specific tint is best for driving. Another is best for fishing. That may be the case. But until you try it yourself, you won’t know if you like it or not. On average, 65% of people wear a gray lens. That’s because gray lenses deliver natural color definition. Other tints may alter colors from what they actually are but increase contrast for example. It’s all comes down to personal preference. 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 11. The Warranty In general, the eyewear/eyecare business is It’s that we can stand behind Cocoons with a intense. Just about every designer and fashion lifetime warranty. The materials we use, albeit brand you can think of also has a line of costly, results in a product so resilient that it’s prescription frames and sunglasses. There’s almost unbreakable. They’re well made enough literally thousands of brands. that we know the chance of a pair failing is remote. The hands on manufacturing process allows us to catch any slight defect before the Some of the eyewear and eyecare companies glasses ever make it out of the door. are multi-national, billion dollar corporations. They manufacture millions and millions of pairs every year. And that’s important because fit-over sunglasses are treated horrifically by their owners. They’re thrown in purses, sat on, driven My company Live Eyewear, isn’t a global over (more often than you might think) and even eyewear conglomerate. We’re referred to as a chewed by dogs. They slide facedown up and ‘boutique’ manufacturer. We specialize in a down dashboards. They’re routinely left in cars particular niche. We take our time designing and to bake in 100 direct sunlight. Not to mention ° building Cocoons. There’s actually quite a few the people who like to keep their car keys in the components and there’s a lot of labor involved in same case as their Cocoons. putting a pair together. So our warranty reiterates the durability and The overwhelming majority of molded glasses overall quality of the glasses. But not all use two molds. One to make the front frame and warranties are the same. one to make the temples. On the other hand, it takes seven molds to make a pair of Cocoons. And we paint and assemble every pair by hand. Those big multi-nationals and even smaller Our authenticity emblems are even inserted by competitors of ours wouldn’t dare to dream hand as are the front and side lenses. It’s an about offering such an assurance. No other fit- expensive process. It’s time consuming. over brand I know of warrantees the lenses to be free from scratches for one year. In fact, almost all make it expressly clear that the lenses But we choose to do it this way. There are are not covered by a warranty. alternative ways and shortcuts to doing the things but we tend to take the long road. The reason is quality. Nothing else. If there’s a less But at least make sure you buy a fit-over that expensive way of doing something that delivers warrantees the chassis. At least a one year the same quality, we’d do it. Unfortunately for guarantee as if a fit-over is made poorly, it us, to maintain the level of quality we’re known usually breaks at the lower lens groove. I could for takes a lot of human involvement. A great go into a lengthy explanation as to why that is deal of quality control. An enormous amount of the most prevalent type of defect, but it’s not scrap. And that’s not even including the really of any benefit. accessories and packaging associated with a finished pair of Cocoons. So make sure you buy a pair that have some sort of warranty because it’s a direct reflection of So what’s the advantage of all that expense? the manufacturers confidence in their product. 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 12. Pricing Here’s a fact that may shock you. The cost of If you’re spending $5 don’t expect all the bells making a pair of Cocoons, which retail at about and whistles. Don’t assume the glasses are $50 is on average, four times as expensive as a made of the same material as a $50 pair. designer pair of plastic eyeglasses that may Understand that they’re going to be inferior. The retail for as much as $300. lenses probably aren’t polarized for example. Still, all things considered, they might be a good deal for $5. You can find fit-over sunglasses in many different market segments. There are $5 models offered on the boardwalks, $10 models in If you’re considering a $50+ pair you should souvenir shops. There’s $20 models available in make sure the glasses meet your expectations. discount department and drug stores. There should be extra features, higher quality components and a warranty. You should be getting more bang for your buck. The In the eyewear market you’ll find models offered fundamentals, such as the undercarriage and at prices from $35 to $60. So the price you adjustable temples should be a prerequisite. should expect to pay is directly associated with the market you intend to buy in. The quality and features generally increase as the price does. On average, people lose their sunglasses about every 2½ years. So if you are shelling out big money, that’s another factor you should But with a fit-over sunglass your decision consider. It’s likely that you’re going to lose shouldn’t be based solely on price. Your choice them at some point. needs to be heavily dependent upon value. What you’re getting back for your money. Cocoons (circ. 2008) MSRP $54.95 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass
  • 13. In Closing Unfortunately, the amount of counterfeiting of popular fit-over sunglasses has risen dramatically over the past fifteen years. For example, we have registered patents on all of our Cocoons models, but we come across direct copies all the time. We do what we can to enforce our intellectual property rights, but it’s like herding cats. We’ll never be able to catch them all. The best way to avoid getting duped is to buy your fit-over from a vendor recommended by the manufacturer. On our websites, we list online dealers you can buy Cocoons from and we have a dealer locator that shows all the accredited Cocoons (circ. 2011) brick and mortar dealers in any specific region. Model: Mini-Slim (Small) If you’re still not sure, you can buy directly from a manufacturer. We don’t support that type of strategy as it hurts sales that our authorized dealers could of made. Although you can order and purchase Cocoons on our website, the order is actually shipped by an authorized dealer in your area. We simply process the transaction on their behalf. If you ever have a question about fit-over products we’re only too happy to help. We’re familiar with every brand and model of fit-over sunglass, not just our own. We can help you find retailers in over 30 countries or point you in the right direction regarding the repairs or replacements of any brand. All of our contact details are on our website: www.cocoonseyewear.com ### 6. Skin Deep: Best Practices for Choosing a fit-over Sunglass