Brett - Vision ExpertThere’s something a bit intimidating about your eyes starting to fail you as you. Things begin to seem blurry, you find it more difficult to focus on objects, your head might hurt from straining your eyes. Once those symptoms start, it means it’s time to get glasses. If you’re wondering, it’s not uncommon; over 65% of adult Americans need glasses. The whole process can seem a bit daunting at first, but we’re here to show you the ropes, and tell you the 10 most important things you need to know before getting your first pair.
1. Your Prescription
The first thing to do is go to an eye care professional who will examine you and give you a prescription for the eye correction you need. There are two types of vision correction prescriptions:
1. Single-vision lenses that cater to nearsightedness (trouble seeing objects at a distance) or far-sightedness (trouble seeing objects up close)
2. Progressive lenses (a.k.a multifocals) are for people who need both corrections in one pair.
2. Buy Your First Pair, But Where?
Once you’ve gotten your prescription, you can choose where to buy your new glasses. from: A regular glasses store, or online. There are several advantages to buying eyewear online through trusted a retailer such as GlassesUSA.com over a traditional glasses store. Some of those advantages are:
1. Price – Buying your glasses online is much more affordable, especially with prescription glasses, you can save up-to 70% off retail prices.
2. Selection – Online retailers have thousands of styles for you to choose from, while a brick-and-mortar glasses store has limited space to display their frames.
3. Convenience – Buying glasses at the store means driving back and forth, having to deal with crowds, opening/closing times and sometimes less than pleasant sale reps. When shopping for glasses online, you can do it all while sitting in pajamas on your couch. Furthermore, online retailers have customer service available 24/7.
4. No Risk – GlassesUSA.com offers free shipping & returns and a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the glasses you got within 14 days of receiving them.
3. Find the Best Fit for Your Face Shape
Besides helping you see better, can and should highlight your style and facial features. If you’re looking for some tips on how to match a frame to your look, these videos (one for men, one for women) will set you on the right path towards finding a style that’s right for you.
4. Match the Frame to the Purpose
Looks are important, but not the only thing you should care about. What about functionality? Make sure to pick a frame and lenses that match your lifestyle.
For example, if your work involves sitting in front of a computer screen, then you should add digital protection coating to your lenses to reduce eye strain.
Maybe you spend a lot of time outdoors, which means you need UV protection. In that case, consider getting prescription sunglasses or eyeglasses with adaptive lenses that darken in the sun and clear up indoors.
And if you plan on wearing your glasses during athletic activities, especially those involving contact, you’ll need special sports glasses, which are more durable and flexible.
5. Give Your Eyes a Break
We spend an average of 9 to 10 hours a day in front of computers and other digital screens, which takes a great toll on our eyes. Taking breaks and focusing on something far can help reduce eye fatigue. Also, don’t forget to sleep well.
6. Eyeglasses VS Contact Lenses
85% of the people who need vision correction wear eyeglasses and 15% use contact lenses. There are pros and cons to both. It usually comes down to what’s more comfortable for you.
Eyeglasses are low maintenance. They are easy to wear, visible on your face and there is no hassle with touching your eyes. There are thousands of styles to choose from and they cost a lot less than contact lenses. In comparison to glasses, contacts are considered high-maintenance – they aren’t easy to apply on your eyes, and multi-use contact lenses require daily care. They are also more expensive long term. However, contact lenses are the go-to option if you prefer to keep a glasses-less look.
7. Take Care of Your Glasses
A little care and attention go a long way to make your glasses last. Here are some tips worth following:
1. When you’re not wearing them, put them in their protective case
2. Don’t leave them on the car’s dashboard – it might damage their coatings or even melt plastic frames
3. Resist the reflex of leaving them on your head – it can scratch the lens and bend the frame
4. Clean your glasses regularly to remove dirt, smudges and debris. Run them under some lukewarm water, use the cloth you got with the glasses to clean them and dry them off using a lint-free towel. Don’t use paper towels, tissues or your shirt – you’ll just end up scratching the lenses
8. Eyeglasses Are a Fun Accessory
These days, eyeglasses aren’t just a medical necessity and they don’t cost like one. Glasses are a fashion accessory like jewels and shoes. You can match them to go with different looks, outfits, fit your moods, or make a statement. Have fun with it and let your personality shine through the glass.
Brett - Vision Expert
