Choosing Your New Glasses

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Introduction
With so many choices out there, knowing what to ask for when you see our optometrist and opticians may seem confusing. For instance, many people think all they can expect from their glasses is vision correction. But you can, and should, have more! That is why this guide was created.

Questions to ponder about lenses

Have a strong prescription?
The good news is that thick lenses can be made into thinner, flatter ones. Our opticians refer to these thinner materials by the names high index, polycarbonate, and trivex. Each is a little different, and our opticians will help you determine which is best for you. 

Active in sports?
You will surely want something that is strong and durable. Polycarbonate and trivex are impact resistant lenses that are required for any activities in which there is a higher risk that something will fly towards your eyes.

Have trouble seeing up close?
Reading glasses will probably help. Some inexpensive drugstore versions can have significant distortion, so it is best to order eyeglasses made for your prescription. You might also want lenses that let you see both far and near without squinting or switching glasses. Nowadays most have invisible lines, called progressives.

Sit in front of a computer?
Lenses created just for this activity relieve both eyestrain and tiredness; comforting if you sit in front of a monitor several hours a day. A special non-glare treatment can also be added to the lenses to help reduce eyestrain and eye fatigue. 

Bothered by reflection on your lenses?
Light bouncing off flourescent bulbs, computer screens, and digital devices can cause eye fatigue. And if you drive at night, the 
glare of oncoming headlights is distracting. An anti-glare treatment works wonders in these situations. It provides the clearest, sharpest vision. There is also a special blue-blocking ant-glare treatment that can be added for those that use digital devices more than a few hours a day. This helps protect the eyes from damage that high energy, blue light can cause. 

Concerned about protecting your eyes from the sun?
Most people know the damaging effects UV rays have on their skin. Those rays are just as damaging to our eyes. Thankfully, many lenses have built-in UV protection, and it is available as a coating for those that do not.

Want comfort, flexibility, and protection all rolled into one?
Consider photochromic lenses. They darken when you are outside, exposed to UV rays, and get clear once again when you are back inside.

Do a lot of driving or spend time near the water or snow?
An extra pair of sunglasses with polarizaed lenses is indispensable.

Taking medications?
Some drugs make your eyes sensitive to light. Talk to our optometrist. There may be lenses that can help.

Frames
Many people do not realize that certain lenses work best with certain types of frames. Be sure to ask our opticians to help choose a frame that will work well with your prescription. Now you are ready to think about fashion. Your frames should match your face. And your personality. Are you trendy? Conservative? Somewhere in between?

To flatter your face:

• Contrast the shape of the frame with the shape of your face. Rectangular works well for round faces, and round for square faces.

• Your frame size should be in scale with your face size.

• Color should complement your skin tone and hair color. Cool complexions have blue or pink undertones, warm complexions have a yellow cast. Good colors for warm skin tones include camel, khaki, gold, peach and orange. Best bets for cool skin tones are black, magenta, pink and blue.

Also pay attention to frame materials. Whether you want frames that are lightweight, flexible, strong or hypoallergenic, ask our opticians for help finding frames that are right for you.

Multiple pairs?
The truth is, one pair of glasses cannot do it all. Even if your primary pair of glasses has photochromic lenses that change from light to dark in the sun, it is helpful to have sunglasses for the car. This is because when you drive into the sun, windshield block the UV rays that darken photochromic lenses. Simply put, in this situation sunglasses are your best choice.

 

Others like to have a separate pair of computer glasses. Your eyes are important! Make sure that they are as comfortable as can be! 

Occupational safety glasses and specialized sports glasses can also all be invaluable. Again, it all depends on the activities you are involved in.