How to Choose Your Next Set of Glasses
From frame selection to lens options, from convenience to quality, there are many factors to consider when preparing to purchase your next pair of eyeglasses. There seems to be an endless number of decisions, and the introduction to mass online retail optical shops only increase your options. If you have any doubts about buying your next pair of glasses, keep reading.
Where Should I Buy My Glasses?
Online optical retailers may be a convenient option, and the price can be appealing. However, buying your glasses online comes with several significant drawbacks. The ability to try frames on and see how they fit your face plays a huge role in selecting the right lenses, and this is not an option with most online retailers. Additionally, there are limited adjustments that can be made after the lenses are cut and processes with online optical retailers; taking accurate measurements is vital in order to achieve the clearest vision through your lenses. If you have a high prescription, or plan on ordering complex lens designs such as progressive no-line bifocals, we recommend buying your glasses in a true optical, where a trained optician can guide you and verify all measurements before the glasses are made.
How to Choose a Frame
Choosing a glasses frame is one of the most exciting, but overwhelming, parts of buying new spectacles. You want your frame to be stylish and match your personality, but it is equally important that they properly fit your face, and are accommodating to the lenses needed for your prescription. For example, if you are planning on getting progressive lenses, you need the lenses and frames to be an adequate size in order to have space to comfortably fit your bifocal powers. If you have a strong nearsighted prescription, you may want to choose frames with plastic rims to counteract the thickness of your lenses. We recommend initially choosing a selection of frames that you like, then working with an optician to determine which of your preferences is best suited for your face shape, eye size, and prescription.
What Lenses Are Right for You?
Many different lens options are available to ensure that your glasses perfectly meet your needs, but that also means choosing lenses is an intimidating process. Again, your optician is available to guide you through the decision. One of the most popular and highly-recommended lens options is an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective lenses reduce reflections from the front and back surfaces of your glasses lenses, which helps eliminate discomfort associated with glaring lights. These lenses are particularly important for improving comfort with the use of digital screens and nighttime driving. Beyond reducing eye strain, these anti-reflective lenses can improve the cosmetic appearance of lenses, both in person and in photographs. Another popular option is blue-blocking lenses, which reduce your eyes’ exposure to potentially harmful, high energy short wavelengths. Photochromatic lenses are an option for those who want glasses that transition to sunglasses when exposed to UV light. And high-index plastics are a popular lens material for strong glasses prescriptions, and help decrease the weight of potentially heavy, thick lenses.