Cheerful. Classic. Bold. Our newest collection of reading glasses just launched, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and your vision into focus.

We’re proud to introduce the Disney x Foster Grant® readers collection, now available at Readers.com®!

These five new reader styles pay varying degrees of tribute to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Whether you prefer a subtle nod to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse or want to proudly share your love of the famous Disney duo, this collection has something for everyone!

All Disney x Foster Grant® styles have scratch-resistant fully magnified lenses, are available in powers +1.25 to +3.00, and include a coordinating drawstring microfiber pouch. From black and white Mickey Mouse sketches to Minnie Mouse’s stylish big red bow, these Disney readers will transport you back to a simpler time and place.

The Celebration

A round metal frame with Mickey Mouse head cutouts on each temple is a subtle way to show your love of Disney! Available in a wine or rose gold frame color option.

The Dreamer

A bolder frame option, The Dreamer’s cat eye frame proudly showcases either a red Minnie Mouse bow print on a navy blue frame or a black crystal frame with a Mickey Mouse print.

The Iconic

A timeless Mickey Mouse sketch print appears on the inner temples of this frame, and you have the choice of a crystal grey or black solid frame front. A classic retro square shape, this style is perfect for men and women.

The Imagination

Whether you choose the black or red frame option, this rectangular style features a red inner temple with a fun Minnie Mouse bow print.

The Wonder

This classic round frame is available in brown tortoise or a navy blue frame with a bow print on the red inner temples. The best part? Both styles feature metal rivets in the shape of the classic Mickey Mouse head for a touch of cheer!

The Animation Pouch

Available in two prints, this playful drawstring microfiber pouch can help keep any pair of readers dust- and damage-free when not in use!

Shop the Disney x Foster Grant® Collection ›

We get it, visiting the doctor, dentist, or any other health care provider isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, caring for your eyes, whether or not you see the need, is extremely important for your long-term vision.

Routine eye exams detect eye disease and conditions that may have nothing to do with refractive errors, like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Symptoms of these and other general health conditions may not show themselves in obvious ways, but they could be putting you at risk.

So, even if you don’t have problems seeing or reading fine print, routine exams can help you rule out underlying conditions that could be affecting your overall health.

These exams can also determine if you would in fact benefit from reading glasses now or in the future — even if it is at a lesser power.

I don’t have vision problems. Do I still need an eye exam?

Even if you’ve never worn eyeglasses or contact lenses, your eyes still deserve the care and consideration of routine comprehensive eye exams. For those who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors — like diabetes or genetic eye conditions — the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends regular eye exams, specifically after age 40.

At this particular age, early signs of disease and major changes in vision may start appearing, according to the Academy. Catching the signs and treating them as early as possible can help your vision.

Around 40, people also begin experiencing presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. This condition makes it difficult to focus on things up close and read the fine print in books, on labels, and on screens.

Typically, presbyopia can be corrected with a pair of reading glasses, which adds magnification to small objects. Our reading glasses have magnifying powers ranging from +1.00 to +7.00.

Curious if you would benefit from a pair of readers? Try out our power finder.

How often do I need an eye exam after age 40?

Generally speaking, adults between the ages of 40 and 54 who don’t experience vision problems or risk factors, like diabetes, should plan to see their eye doctor every two to four years. This recommendation again comes from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

If you are between 55 and 64 and still aren’t experiencing vision problems or risk factors, it’s recommended that you have an eye exam every one to three years. For the same circumstances after 65, the AAO recommends scheduling routine exams every year or two.

Of course, everyone’s vision health is different. Depending on your personal vision concerns and medical history, you may need to schedule exams more frequently — but your eye doctor can help you set up a game plan for your vision needs.

Why are comprehensive eye exams important?

Whether or not you wear reading glasses, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to make sure your vision is efficient and that your eyes are in good health.

Comprehensive eye exams tell you more than just how well you can see; they can also detect eye conditions and diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — all of which affect older adults.

Genetic eye disease is another thing to take into consideration. Some eye diseases and conditions don’t affect people until later in life, and sometimes people are unaware that they have them because they don’t always present themselves clearly. The sooner an error in vision is detected, the sooner it can be treated.

What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist or optometrist is checking the overall wellness of your vision. You will be asked to read an eye chart to determine if your vision (both near and far) needs correction. Your eye doctor may also:

• Test the alignment and movement of your eyes.
• Measure your depth perception.
• Check your peripheral vision.
• Check for signs of glaucoma with an “air puff” test.
• Evaluate your retinas and optic nerves for any sign of damage or disease.

How long does a comprehensive eye exam take? Comprehensive eye exams typically last between 45 and 90 minutes.

Reading glasses may not be part of your current vision plan, but if they are in your future, we’re here for you with many styles, colors, and lens powers to choose from. Until then, be sure to take care of your eyes and general health with routine comprehensive eye exams.

Are you due for a comprehensive eye exam? Find an eye doctor near you to make an appointment.

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If you already wear reading glasses, but it seems like they’ve become less powerful, it may be time to reevaluate your vision’s needs. So what exactly does pr bbbesbyopia look like, and are there specific changes in your vision that you should be looking for?

Take a look at what this age-related farsightedness looks like so you when it’s time to invest in the appropriate vision correction. Following are a few visual examples of how presbyopia can affect your vision:

Reading your mail is important, and not just for social updates and clipping coupons. Bills and other important statements and notices can be difficult to see if you don’t have proper vision correction.

If you have dietary restrictions, you know how important the information provided in a nutrition label can be. Reading cooking instructions and finding expiration dates are also common issues with food packages. Presbyopia can cause you to have trouble reading any of this smaller print.

Communication designed to be quick and efficient through a mobile device can often be slowed down by the effects of presbyopia. Smaller type in text messages and emails can appear blurry and hard to read, and enlarging the text in your mobile device’s settings can be tedious — not to mention a potential privacy risk.

A night out is a great way to treat yourself, but it can quickly become frustrating if your presbyopia affects your ability to read the fine print on a restaurant menu. It can also feel embarrassing to ask the person you’re with, or even the server, for help reading details and price points.

Low-light conditions are difficult for anyone to see clearly, but driving at night adds another risk factor — especially for those who experience presbyopia. The condition intensifies glare from oncoming headlights and street lamps, which can be a danger to you and other drivers.

Correct Your Presbyopia with a Pair of Reading Glasses

Presbyopia is common and it is easily manageable with the right pair of reading glasses, no matter what lens power you need. The great news is that there are many shapes and colors of readers to choose from—and many don’t look like reading glasses!

Reading glasses help to sharpen your vision for reading print up close — whether on a menu, in a book, or on a digital screen.

If you didn’t experience any problems with eyesight before presbyopia, finding the correct reading glasses power may be tricky. Not only that, recognizing when it’s time to get new reading glasses can present a whole new obstacle, but not anymore.

Here are six signs you need a new pair of reading glasses:

↓ Click to enlarge infographic ↓

Annual eye exams can also help you keep your reading glasses power up-to-date and your eye health in check. Need help finding an eye care professional? Find an eye doctor near you.

While the clear remedy for alleviating tired eyes is a good night’s rest, things like giving your eyes a break from screens and using an updated vision prescription can also offer relief. For all of you struggling to keep your eyes open, here are some tips to give your peepers some pep and rejuvenate your tired eyes.

1. Minimize Your Allergy Symptoms

Anyone who suffers from allergies knows they can turn your eyes into an itchy, watery mess. The reaction is caused by histamine, which is released when triggered by your individual allergen sensitivity. Histamine signals the dilation of blood vessels and sparks unforgiving itchiness in your nose and eyes that allergy sufferers know all too well.

The increased blood flow and itchiness caused by allergies result in swelling, which can leave your eyes looking puffy and fatigued. If you believe allergies are causing your eyes to look and feel tired, try taking an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine to reduce your eye allergy symptoms.

For those with severe symptoms, try avoiding potential triggers during allergy season, such as working in the yard and opening windows in your home.

2. Give Your Eyes A Break From Screens

While technological and digital advancements have offered many benefits, the prevalence of screen use has taken a toll on our eyes. Incorporating both short and long breaks into your screen time can help relieve the symptoms of digital eye strain, such as dry and tired eyes.

The 20-20-20 rule is great for mini-breaks. Every 20 minutes of screen time, look up and stare at something 20 feet away from you (preferably not another screen) for 20 seconds. This 20-second pause gives the tiny muscles in your eyes a well-deserved rest.

Longer intervals where you get up and step away from your screen should be incorporated as well. Use each break as an opportunity to close your eyes while you stretch your legs, neck, and back. This will give your eyes a little power nap before they get back to staring at the screen.

SEE RELATED: What are blue light reading glasses?

3. Alternate Warm And Cool Compresses

Who knew tired eyes and a sprained ankle could benefit from the same treatment? Alternating warm and cool compresses doesn’t just help the appearance of tired eyes, it’s relaxing and allows you to pamper yourself.

The heat from a warm compress relaxes strained and exhausted eye muscles, which makes tired eyes feel better. The chill of a cool compress increases blood flow to the eyes and reduces puffiness and swelling, which makes eyes appear more alert and awake.

While alternating warm and cool compresses is easy and effective for helping tired eyes, it’s only a temporary solution. You should try to pinpoint the underlying cause of your tired eyes and work toward a more permanent remedy.

4. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated

Dryness could be the culprit behind your drowsy-looking eyes. Dry eyes can happen on account of many things, including your diet, age, and the medications you take — all of which can make it difficult for your eyes to stay hydrated.

If you find that your eyes feel dry, the first thing you can try is to blink more, especially during screen time. Blinking is the eye’s natural way of keeping moist and clean, so blinking more frequently may help.

If blinking doesn’t do the trick, artificial tears can be a great source of relief and help your eyes look clearer and brighter. Not sure which eye drops will work best for you? Ask your eye doctor which brands they recommend and work from there.

Drinking plenty of water is a sure-fire way to hydrate your body and your eyes. Typically, when you’re dehydrated, the first place it’s shown is your eyes and your skin by reflecting a dull, exhausted appearance. Increasing your water intake not only improves your eyes, it improves your overall health.

5. Make Sure Your Prescription Is Up To Date

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, there’s a good chance that an outdated prescription is making your eyes look and feel tired. For most people, vision changes over time — a three-year-old prescription may not work for your current corrective needs and, in turn, is straining your eyes.

It’s recommended that unless you have an underlying condition that requires more attention, you have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. An eye care professional will be able to evaluate your tired eyes and find a solution, either with an updated vision prescription or other recommendations.

If you haven’t needed glasses before, it’s possible your vision has changed — your eyes feel tired now because they need corrective lenses to see properly. The only way to find out is by scheduling a visit with an eye doctor.

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR VISION Rx? Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you.

In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope — that together we can do extraordinary things.

In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope — that together we can do extraordinary things.

That’s why we’re supporting RestoringVision on #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled #GivingTuesday in the fall – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business, and philanthropic activation in support of communities and nonprofits around the world. It’s a day when everyone can come together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where you are.

On this #GivingTuesdayNow, organizations and people all around the world are giving hope. Together they are strengthening communities, supporting nonprofits, and giving back. At Readers.com, we are proudly supporting RestoringVision, the largest nonprofit provider of reading glasses to people in need around the world, as they continue to work on behalf of the most vulnerable – people who are navigating through these trying times without the ability to see clearly all due to lack of access to available, affordable glasses in their communities.

For people living in disadvantaged conditions, a pair of reading glasses can make an immediate and significant difference in their ability to take care of their health, as well as stay productive, keep their job, and be ready to reenter the workforce equipped with what they need when the immediate crisis is over.

RestoringVision’s goal for #GivingTuesdayNow is to raise $150,000 to provide readers to 150,000 people living in impoverished communities around the world, including the U.S. and Latin America. RestoringVision has already secured a matching gift of up to $150,000 to leverage during its #GivingTuesdayNow campaign. This gift will magnify the impact a single donor can make and allow for 2 individuals in need to receive reading glasses for every $1 donated.

Please consider joining us in making the extraordinary happen today. A single $5 donation will restore vision to 10 people in need. Provide readers to the most vulnerable through RestoringVision by visiting their dedicated donation page.

If you wear glasses, this can be tricky, since glasses are worn on your face and you typically handle them with your hands. But don’t worry; the information below will give you a polished understanding of how to keep your glasses and your eyes clean during this global pandemic.

How Do You Keep Bacteria From Getting in Your Eyes?

In order to keep bacteria from getting into and affecting your eyes, you must keep your hands clean by washing them frequently. Hands and fingers carry more bacteria than any other place on the body, which is why touching your face is such a threat. If you must touch your eyes for any reason, it’s critical that your hands are thoroughly washed first.

Bacterial and viral eye infections can also be prevented by keeping your distance from individuals who are showing signs of an eye infection. Maintaining a safe distance from friends and family who are ill can help lower the number of infectious germs that are spread.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) and other bacterial infections are the most common to affect your eyes. Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on what kind you have, such as bacterial or allergic. Prescription ointments, eye drops, and allergy medications are often prescribed and are typically very effective in clearing symptoms quickly.

It’s also possible to get a viral strain of conjunctivitis. While antiviral or steroid eye drops may be needed in severe cases, viral eye infections normally resolve on their own.

Preventing infection is almost always more effective than treating it, so washing your hands is of the utmost importance. Ensuring your hands and fingers are clean is the best way to keep from spreading germs.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands Before Handling Eyeglasses

Washing your hands every time you do something as routine as handling your glasses can seem tedious.

But think about how many times you touch your glasses throughout the day: to push your glasses up when they slide down your face, to take your glasses off to clean the lenses or to remove your reading glasses when not in use. Whether you are a glasses wearer or not, hand-washing is essential when practicing diligent personal hygiene.

There is no “incorrect” method to washing your hands, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend these steps for the most effective hand-washing:

1. Turn water on at a conservative pressure — enough to rinse your hands, but not enough to waste.
2. Apply soap to hands and rub them together, creating a lather. Don’t forget between your fingers, under your nails and the backs of your hands.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need help keeping time? Try singing the 20-second chorus from one of these well-known songs while washing your hands.
   – “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
   – “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees
   – “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
   – “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
   – “Happy Birthday” (twice)
4. Thoroughly rinse your hands with clean water.
5. Use a clean towel to dry your hands and turn off the tap using a towel or your elbow.

How Do I Clean and Disinfect My Glasses?

If your glasses become contaminated or dirty (which can happen from a variety of sources) having clean hands won’t be much help against an eye infection. Cleaning your glasses regularly is a great way to maintain best hygiene practices and preventing any bacteria from getting near your eyes.

Cleaning Your Glasses

Once your hands have been washed, take your glasses off and run them under a low-pressure stream of lukewarm water. This will remove any debris or dust that has collected on the lenses and frames.

Apply a small drop of dish soap to each lens. The soap should be free of any lotions to avoid leaving streaks. Gently massage the soap on both sides of the lenses and the entire frames, reaching all the nooks and crannies.

After sudsing your glasses for a minute or so, rinse them under the water. Examine the hinges and lip where the lenses meet the frames to make sure no soap residue is left. Remove excess water by gently shaking your glasses then dry them off with a clean, lint-free towel.

In this time of social distancing, self-isolation and, for some, quarantine, using the recommendations above will leave your eyes — and your overall health — in tip-top shape.

At the government’s request, people are spending a lot more time indoors, which inevitably means our eyes will be glued to phones, computers, and TVs. Over time, this fixation can affect our mental and physical health, not to mention the well-being of our eyes.

Practicing some “eye hacks” to relieve stress can keep your eyes more comfortable while you’re cooped up at home. Here are a few of our favorites!

Don’t Overwork Your Eyes

It’s tough out there for eyeballs right now. An increase in screen time plus a decrease in natural light equals extra strain on eyes, no matter your age.

Digital Eye Strain, also referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome, is caused by excess time spent in front of a screen. Although symptoms are only temporary, they can be uncomfortable, inconvenient and even painful.

Taking steps to prevent Digital Eye Strain before it hits could significantly lessen the dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches that are commonly associated with the condition.

The 20-20-20 rule is a tactic that is widely used to avoid Digital Eye Strain symptoms. Its popularity stems from its simplicity:

Every 20 minutes, look up from your screen and focus on an item approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Focusing on an item in the distance allows the muscles in the eye to relax after being subjected to prolonged screen time.

Kids can experience eye strain too, so establishing the 20-20-20 rule for them during video game play or tablet use can help prepare them for a lifetime of screen use.

In addition to 20-second breaks, taking longer periods of time away from screens is great for resting your mind and your eyes. If you’ve been in front of a screen for a while, step away to read a book or work on a jigsaw puzzle. You’d be amazed at how much of a difference five or 10 minutes can make.

Try Out Different Glasses

Computer glasses, also called blue light glasses, have become a popular method for filtering blue light*.

The glasses target and filter high-energy visible (HEV) light, which is projected by nearly all digital screens. Blue-light-filtering lenses have a slightly yellow tint that counters blue light and curtails the discomfort and potential damage it can cause your eyes.

Not only that, but filtering blue light at nighttime can help regulate or improve your sleep cycles since the brain often interprets screen light as sunlight.

Many phones and computers have a setting that warms the display, further helping you achieve a good night’s rest. Learn more about the benefits of computer glasses.

Shop Blue Light Glasses ›

Consider Your Eyes When Grocery Shopping

For many, the idea of stores being wiped out of common groceries can feel strange, inconvenient, and even scary. Being able to purchase all the items on your grocery list has now become a challenge, as supermarkets across the world are experiencing temporary shortages in everyday items.

But this doesn’t mean a healthy diet should be put on the back burner. What you eat contributes heavily to your eye health and many other aspects of your overall physical health.

So don’t fret when you see carrots are out of stock; there are other eye-friendly grocery items that will get the job done.

Carrots rich in vitamin A are the poster children for eye-healthy foods, and for good reason. But if carrots aren’t available, butternut squash, red bell peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and spinach are also chock-full of this vision-booster.

Zinc allows your body to absorb more vitamin A, making them the perfect pair. Zinc also kicks up your immune system’s efficiency, which comes in handy during a global pandemic. Look for meat, shellfish, beans, and nuts to increase your zinc intake.

It’s easy to turn to comfort food like potatoes and macaroni and cheese during times like these, and that’s OK. Just be sure to also incorporate some of these foods to give your eyes a little TLC:

• Antioxidant-rich foods: Artichokes, blueberries and dark chocolate with high cacao (or cocoa) content.
• Omega-3-rich foods: Focus on food with EPA and DHA, like salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna. Vegetarians can benefit from flax seeds or flaxseed oil, but these lack the EPA and DHA of fish.
• Vitamin E-rich foods: Spinach, nuts (especially almonds and hazelnuts) and whole-grain cereal.

Our Eyes’ Relation to COVID-19

It’s been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the coronavirus can be transmitted through the eyes. This explains why so many images show health care professionals wearing protective goggles or face shields along with their facemasks.

Although eye transmission is not the most common culprit for spreading the disease (respiratory droplet inhalation and close person-to-person contact are the top methods), the importance of keeping your hands away from your face cannot be understated. This is especially important in regard to your eyes, nose, and mouth.

So if you typically wear glasses, you may unknowingly be arming yourself with an added shield of defense!

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that a pair of glasses may guard your eyes from respiratory droplets. While eyeglasses and sunglasses don’t offer the same level of protection as a pair of goggles, the large surface area of the lens can block the virus from reaching your eyes.

With this in mind, it’s crucial for eyeglasses to be cleaned often. Those who wear glasses will frequently handle their frames, which increases the risk of transferring germs on your hands to the glasses that rest on your face.

The AAO also suggests that those who normally wear contact lenses should switch to glasses for the time being. Contact-wearers typically touch their eyes more often because of the increased irritation of contacts.

There’s evidence that conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can be a less common sign of COVID-19. Symptoms associated with conjunctivitis are redness, itchiness, discharge, irritation, and crustiness of the eyes. A study of COVID-19 patients in China reported that nine out of 1,099 patients (0.8%) had pink eye as a symptom.

Stay Healthy, Vigilant, And Positive

Understandably, being stuck at home by yourself can feel frustrating. However, social distancing and self-isolation are the best and most effective methods to limit the spread of illness.

Use this time of solitude to check in with yourself, assess your well-being, and practice good habits, especially dealing with your health. Being mindful of your eyes in today’s screen-heavy culture can contribute to vision comfort now and in the future.

Start practicing healthy habits now — it’s possible they’ll stick around even after the days of isolation are over.

Shop Blue Light Glasses ›

“The best way to do this is no different than cleaning our hands,” Essilor of America’s eye doctor spokesman, Dr. Ryan Parker, O.D., says.

So what are the specifics of eyewear sanitation? We’re glad you asked.

The Secret to Sanitizing Your Glasses: Keep it Simple!

When it comes to cleaning your glasses, Parker advises, “Using hot water and lotion-free soap will do the trick.”

Soaps with lotion or a heavier consistency can leave behind residue, so these are best to avoid.

“You would want to stay away from soaps that have those abrasive beads in them,” Parker says. “Simple soap and hot water will clean the lenses, remove bacteria and viruses, and be safe for all parts of the glasses.”

So, stick to the basics, and you will get the job done.

What Kind of Solution Can I Use to Clean My Glasses?

Although household disinfectants are great for removing smudges on most surfaces, Parker advises that when cleaning your glasses, it is best to “stay away from household glass cleaners, as they have chemicals in them that can damage certain lens coatings.”

Lens cleaners are available online, but you can also make your own eyeglasses cleaning solution.

“A diluted solution, 70% isopropyl alcohol, is useful,” Parker says. “It should not pose any issues to good-quality lenses, but one should be careful because it can remove some ink and dyes from the frame.”

Drying Your Glasses Also Requires Precaution

Protecting your glasses includes being mindful of what you use to dry them. “It is best to use a soft cloth when drying eyeglasses and to avoid paper products like paper towels and facial tissues,” Parker says.

Soft cloths are best to use to protect your glasses. You also can take pride in the fact that you will not be wasting paper when drying your specs, especially since products like paper towels can be especially hard to find during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wondering how to make sure your glasses stay clean throughout the day? It’s as easy as keeping a microfiber cloth in a clean, easily accessible place, such as a glasses case.

Most importantly, keep those hands clean. This will keep you and your glasses germ-free and safe from other contagions, essentially protecting you from the coronavirus as well.

SEE RELATED: How Did My Readers Get So Dirty?

How to Effectively Wash Your Hands

Diligent hand-washing can be a challenge (it’s easy to forget to spend 20 seconds at the sink after every trip outside, for instance), but it’s the easiest way to make sure you are staying protected from viruses and germs.

Cleaning your hands is especially important before you take off or put on your glasses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend taking the following steps for proper hand-washing:

1. Turn water on low — just enough to get your hands wet.
2. Apply soap and lather by rubbing your hands together.
3. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds — between your fingers, on the backs of your hands and under your fingernails. Try singing a 20-second chorus from one of your favorite songs to keep time.
4. Rinse your hands thoroughly with fresh water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel, then turn off the water using a towel or your elbow.

Once your hands are washed, clean your glasses. Parker’s tips will help ensure that your eyewear is free from germs and coronavirus.

Though we are living in a period of uncertainty, especially regarding our health, proper hygiene practices are the best way to protect ourselves and others from the spread of germs.

SPENDING MORE TIME IN FRONT OF A SCREEN LATELY? Check out our selection of computer reading glasses to help protect your eyes.

Being cooped up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic likely means you’re relying on virtual interactions to keep yourself entertained and sane. Between video conferences and increased social media posts due to self-isolation and social distancing, your online presence is probably higher than ever.

Just because we’ve been asked to live like hermits doesn’t mean we have to look like them. Putting a little effort into your appearance when homebound will speak volumes to current and prospective employers, as well as your family and friends. Here are a few ways to step up your game so you can look and feel your best while stuck at home:

Video Conferences: Look Sharp in Your PJ Bottoms

It’s commonly said that you should continue your normal work routine, even when you’re logging in from home. While that may work for some, many find that they work better in the comfort of their pajamas.

With that being said, if you have a videoconference scheduled and you’re planning to be on camera, you should dress how you would if you were in the office (at least from the waist up).

Even from home, you should present your best self to your co-workers, which involves more than just wearing a collared shirt or a nice blouse.

The sharpness of your look also depends on the lighting during your videoconference. You don’t want your screen debut to look like you’re working from a cave, and that can happen if you’re relying only on natural light.

A room filled with natural light can appear bright to the person in it, but look dark on a screen. It’s wise to get on the video call early to test your laptop camera and check the lighting in your space. Desk lamps are a great investment for providing an extra glow when you’re on camera.

Video Interviews: Wear Glasses and Appear Studious

The economy has been on a downward slope as an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and left many looking for a job. With limitations on in-person interaction, video interviews may be the only way to speak with an employer about a new role.

Just as you would put your best features forward in an in-person interview, the same should follow for a virtual interview. Research suggests wearing glasses makes you look smarter, so sporting some specs in an interview can add points to your intelligence rating.

Knowing what frames best fit your face shape can really help you look and feel your best. Find a pair that accentuates your favorite facial features, such as your eyes, your hair color or your freckles.

Once you’ve found frames that flatter your features and fit your personal style, complete the look with anti-reflective lenses. You don’t want the light from your laptop screen to cast a glare onto your lenses, replacing your eyes with two glowing rectangles. Anti-reflective (also called anti-glare) lenses will shield against natural and artificial light, helping you see better and look better.

LinkedIn Profiles: Create a Memorable Look

Whether or not you’re currently employed, it’s a good idea to use some of this downtime to update (or create!) your LinkedIn profile. Typically, using a selfie as your profile picture is not recommended, but given the circumstances (and new “portrait mode” technology), we think you can make an exception.

Your profile picture is your first impression to prospective employers, so you want to be memorable yet professional. Choosing a red accessory like a tie or eyeglass frames will give off a bold-but-tasteful vibe.

Is red a little too much for you? Perhaps blue frames are more appropriate for your taste and comfort zone. Don’t go too crazy with a hat or bright-colored blazer — you want to stand out for all the right reasons.

FaceTime with Friends, Family: Look Them in the Eye

Family and friends will love you even at your worst, so it’s tempting to hop on a FaceTime call without putting yourself together. The thing is that when you look good, you feel better, even if all you’ve done is brush your teeth or comb your hair. You deserve a “you” that’s been taken care of and so do your friends.

Looking to spark some conversation? Get some new specs! If you don’t need prescription lenses, consider fake ones — yeah, it’s a thing.

Once you’ve gotten yourself camera-ready and you’re FaceTiming with someone, make sure you’re looking them in the eye. This can be tricky at times because the person you’re talking to appears on your screen, but the camera lens hovers well over their heads.

In order to look at their eyes — like you would typically do in person — you’re not actually making eye contact. Remember to look into the camera every once in a while so they can get a glimpse of your eyes.

Use Blue Light Glasses

Between video conference calls, working on your LinkedIn profile, and FaceTiming your friends, your eyes have a lot of screen exposure. Blue light glasses help filter potentially harmful blue light produced by computers, smartphones, and other digital screens, as well as other artificial and natural sources, including the sun.