We see the world with our eyes. They help us sense the dangers in our surroundings and keep us safe. This is why it’s important for us all to take the best care of our eyes.
Investing in the right type of eyeglasses is a crucial part of your corrective vision solutions. You will get clear vision, sun protection and reduce blue light exposure during screen time. Moreover, glasses also add to your appearance.
To choose the right pair of glasses, make sure it reflects your personal style and fit perfectly on your face. But it’s common to overlook a few important things when buying glasses for the first time.
Thus, I’ve compiled a list of factors you should consider when picking men’s or women’s glasses either for better vision or fashion.
Have the right prescription
Unless the aim of buying glasses is to protect your vision or improve your personality, you need to have the right and your latest prescription in hand.
If the optical lenses have the wrong prescription, your glasses will cause headaches and won’t correct your vision as well as they should.
So, it’s important to get an eye test first before you get a new frame. You can either get it for free from the NHS if you fill the criteria or look for independent opticians in your area who provide free eye tests. Some of the eyewear companies selling glasses online in the UK also offer free eye exams so you can get in touch with them as well.
Choose the right frame style
The frame style you choose has a big impact on your features and face shape. Eyeglasses frames are available in three styles: full-rimmed, half-rimmed and rimless.
Full-rim glasses are suitable to make a strong fashion statement. These glasses have lenses covered by frames from all sides. But, if you want something simple and minimal, then you should go for rimless glasses that have no frame front at all.
Eyeglasses are also available in a number of frame shapes from round to angular. Different frame shapes flatter different face shapes. For example, round faces look best with square or cat-eye glasses. If you’re going for the trends, then round and aviator glasses are the best options to choose from.
If you want your glasses to be lightweight, then you need metal or titanium frames. They’ll almost feel weightless on your face.
Choose the right fit
Check the fit of the frame before you buy it. As the correct lenses help you see clearly, the right frame fit determines the comfort level of your glasses.
As you’re going to wear your glasses throughout the day, it’s best to ensure they don’t pinch your nose or feel too tight against your temporal bones.
The style of the frame is important but you should never trade comfort for style.
Flexible frame materials such as acetate and titanium are the best in this matter. The malleable nature of titanium helps it to take the shape of your face and fit the contours perfectly.
Right lenses
Different types of lenses include single vision, bifocals and zero power lenses. While the choice is solely dependent on your prescription, you can customize your lenses as per your vision needs.
The next up is to choose the right lens material – glass, polycarbonate and high-index. High prescriptions generally need thick lenses that kill the look of your glasses. Thus, if you have a high eyeglass prescription, consider getting high-index lenses that are thin and focus light just as well as thick lenses.
Finally, you have to decide the lens add-ons or coatings you need for your glasses. The choice depends on your lifestyle and the lighting conditions you’re exposed to. For example, if you spend most of your time staring at display screens, you should have a blue light filter on the lenses.
Consider your budget
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the pricey tags when you shop for glasses from popular brands. While the quality of these glasses is good, the cost doubles up due to the brand name.
So, you have to be a smart shopper. Online eyewear stores have a collection of high-quality glasses available in an affordable price range. Shop online and save your money. And if you can, buy more than a single pair so you can change your glasses with different outfits.