Whether you are born with poor vision or you develop it over time, glasses have been the solution forever. Eyeglasses or contact lenses allow people to see clearly. Glasses are more than just a convenience, they are truly a requirement. Glasses ensure that people can drive safely and see the world around them properly.
Glasses have gone from being a fashion faux pas to a real statement of style. Great combination of lenses and frames can really shape a face nicely. That being said, there’s still much to consider when picking glasses. Do you want to go with simple or designer frames? Are prescription sunglasses something you’re interested in? What about contact lenses? There’s plenty to consider for your eye health.
Glasses vs. Contacts
Arguably the biggest decision for a person with vision problems is simply do they want to wear primarily eyeglasses or contact lenses. Primarily is the important word there, as it’s often a good choice for people to have both available to them in different situations.
People like glasses because they are sturdy. They are more difficult to lose in most situations and they don’t stop working after a set amount of time. Glasses don’t irritate the eye as much if they are worn for long periods of time. In addition, there’s not a whole lot of maintenance or cleaning that needs to be done. Eyeglasses cost more up front, but are definitely less expensive in the longer run than wearing contacts are. Plus, you don’t have to touch your eye directly, which many people find uncomfortable.
Contacts offer up flexibility. You can purchase contacts that last for a couple of days before being replaced by the next pair. This means that losing a set of contacts is certainly no big deal. Contacts also can offer up a full field of vision without the potential for frames to get in the way. They also fit tightly, making them better for activities and sports. Finally, many people just like the way they look without eyeglasses.
Specialty Lenses
There are a number of different types of lenses that can be chosen for eyeglasses. Prescription sunglasses are a form of specialty lens designed just for your eye. Transition lenses are a popular lens which will darker in brighter conditions and lighten once you are inside. People who struggle to see at different distances may require bifocals so that they can take advantage of multiple prescriptions within the same lens.
Furthermore, lenses can be made of different materials. Most glasses are now synthetic and made of plastic or polycarbonate materials. However, you can still get the traditional glass lenses as well.
Choosing Great Frames
The first thing you need to consider with your frames is your facial shape. Different faces work well with different glasses. For example, oval faces don’t go well with extra large frames. Square faces go poorly with angular lenses. Take some time to figure out your facial shape and what kind of frame looks good.
The second thing has to be comfort. Quite simply, you want to make sure that any pair of glasses you choose fits perfectly. They are going to be on the face a lot. If there is excess stress on the nosepiece or ears, then the frames really aren’t going to work.
Finally, you need to choose frames that match your lifestyle and personality. Are you an extrovert that loves to show off? Then your frames can be flashier and a very bold color. People who are shyer may choose thinner frames that are more subdued. Athletic minded folks can choose frames that will flex and bend, so that they don’t break during play. Really, there’s a set of eyeglasses out there for anyone.
