Whether you are getting eye glasses for the first time, changing your look with new eyeglass frames or picking out a cool pair of sunglasses, there are certain things you should consider. Fashion, comfort and function should all be considered in selecting glasses.
TIP ONE: Get your Prescription is Right
When having an eye exam it is important to take your time and answer all the questions carefully. If the optometrist flips through the test too fast for your vision, ask him to slow down. If you have astigmatism, you may need extra time for your eyes to adjust to every single adjustment in order to tell if it is better or worse than the last. Optometrists are only human, and they do not know unless you tell them, that your vision cannot keep up with their testing.
TIP TWO: Getting the Right Tint
When choosing sun glasses or tinted eye-glass wear of any type, be sure that you can see through the tint sufficiently to drive, and that your vision is not occluded in indoor lighting as well. Make sure that neither outdoor glare nor the soft indoor light make it impossible to see properly with your glasses on.
TIP THREE: Glass or Plastic
There are benefits and liabilities to both glass and plastic. Plastic is lighter in weight, and this can be a huge factor for some people. Heavy glasses resting on the bridge of the nose can be miserable, especially if you have a sensitive nose, are prone to headaches, or have trouble with your sinuses. Thick prescription eye glasses in glass can prove to be miserable when wearing them for extended periods of time. On the other hand plastic scratches more easily and can be less durable.
TIP FOUR: Consider Lifestyle and Glasses Care
Whether you select glass or plastic, it is important to keep them in a case when not in use and not to wash them in any sort of harsh cleaner, such as window cleaner. If your glasses will be exposed to harsh chemical fumes in your workplace, choose glass lenses. They hold up better than plastic when exposed to caustic chemicals, oily residue, or extreme heat. Always wipe your glasses with a soft cloth, not a paper towel. It may be worthwhile to consider durability when selecting frames if you tend to be hard on glasses. Choose durable glass lenses and strong hard plastic eyeglass frames if your lifestyle or workplace is active or hazardous. Wire frames can also be very durable if not treated too roughly.
TIP FIVE: Consider the Shape and Weight of the Glasses
Select a Frame Style Matching Your Brow Line. When selecting a style of eye-glass wear, one of the most important facial features to consider is your eyebrows. The top line of your glasses frame should either match the angle of your eyebrows or at least compliment them. For many people the weight of the frames is a major deciding factor in selecting glasses. Lightweight frames are generally more comfortable, and they also have a few pluses in durability, if they are well designed. Wire frames especially can be strong and lightweight. Another consideration is the size of the lenses. Small lenses are very fashionable, but remember that the main purpose of your glasses is to correct your vision. If you need more field of vision than the small lenses afford, then choose frames with a larger lens area. If you need bifocals especially, you will need a larger lens area in order to have a decent field of vision for both prescriptions.
TIP SIX: Considering Bifocals
As we age our vision changes and often older adults need two prescriptions, one for distance vision and one for up close. One can either elect to get bifocals or two pairs of glasses. Which you choose depends a great deal on your lifestyle and, oddly enough the way you think. Some left-handed people have trouble dealing with bifocals. This is because to a greater or lesser extent, left-handed people tend to use their right brains more. Creative people also tend to be right-brained. It has been discovered that right-brained people are not comfortable with the limited field of vision afforded by bifocals. They find it very hard if not impossible to adjust. It can result in tunnel vision, frustration and even mild psychiatric symptoms, such as mild depression, confusion, excessive nervousness and stress.
TIP SEVEN: Comfort is a Must
If you are selecting eye glasses to wear while reading, while driving or to wear constantly, it is imperative that they be as comfortable as possible. Even uncomfortable sunglasses can cause headaches. Having to wear ill- fitting, or poorly designed eye-glass wear of any type can be very painful. If these are your first glasses it will be more difficult to tell whether your glasses will be comfortable or not. Be sure to take your time in trying them on.
TIP EIGHT: Getting a Good Fit
When trying on glasses frames, or sunglasses try looking down and shaking your head from side to side. Do the glasses try to slip down your nose? Do the ear pieces feel firmly attached without putting pressure on your temples? There is nothing more miserable than trying to wear glasses that fall off on the floor when you look down. It is important that your glasses fit your face properly.
TIP NINE: Ensuring Fashion Sense
Before going to select your glasses take time to notice people wearing glasses, to see which styles you like. Make a point of checking in recent magazines, and online websites to see what sort of eye glasses are popular. Styles in glasses frames change over the years, but most optometrists carry some styles which are somewhat out of fashion to please all their clients. Be sure to become informed of eyeglass fashion before choosing frames.
TIP TEN: Get a Second Opinion on Eye Glasses Frames
It is a good idea to bring a friend along to help you pick out eye-glass wear and frames. Choose someone you trust who has good fashion sense. This can be especially important at the optometrists if you are expected to choose frames after an eye exam. Often after an eye exam you will not be able to see well because of the eye drops. It can be very difficult to even read the price tags, much less choose your frames. You may need a ride home anyway, so why not bring along a fashion conscious friend to help you select your great new look.
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