Many people have an annual eye test, to check that their eyes are in good health, including behind the eye. For some, any results may not vary that much, if at all, meaning they can continue with the same frames as before. Yet, for others, the health of the eye may have diminished, especially if the individual also has other health conditions, which will mean new lenses and, most likely, new frames as well. Before parting with your money and buying a new pair, it can be a good idea to do a little research in regard to what you need from the glasses, in terms of both prescription and your own style.
Needs
Although you might have styles in mind, firstly you need to make sure that you have covered the basics for your new eyewear. In terms of glasses, this can involve double checking that you have entered the correct prescription information where asked, and that you have measured your pupillary distance (PD) correctly, as this can affect the way your lens is made, how it functions, and how comfortable they are for your eyes. Taking several measurements, to be sure that you are correct, can be far better than just assuming your first test was accurate. When buying sunglasses, prescription or otherwise, you also want to consider if they will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and reduce the light to a point where visibility is still clear.
Frame Styles
While people used to be limited in the types of frames they could choose, these now come in a number of shapes and colors, as well as materials. Make note of how long you plan to wear these frames for, as well as your face shape, and even the outfits you wear most regularly, as this can greatly affect your decision. You may also want to consider which materials you are likely to find most comfortable, as some people prefer plastic to metal, and vice versa. For those who prefer minimalist frames, there is also the option of rimless glasses. One of the benefits of these is that they are a timeless style, and tend to stay in fashion, however, they may be more prone to damage than their fully-rimmed counterparts. Your job, hobbies, and even general clumsiness could also be taken into account to help you make your decision.
Coatings
Another factor that might be used when upgrading your glasses is whether you would like any coatings added to the lenses. While these may come at an additional cost, they can have their uses. Something as simple as an anti-glare coating on the lenses can greatly improve your visibility when driving in the sun, or when light reflects off of a wet road. Researching into the coatings available to you, and considering your needs and budget, can be a good way of figuring out if this option is feasible.
Buying new glasses can be as exciting as shopping for other fashion items, while knowing that you are doing your eye health a great service. By looking into the best styles and designs to suit your likes and needs, you can make informed choices with your next set of eyewear.
