Although about half of all Americans use prescription eyeglasses, most of them become intimidated when the time comes to shop for a new pair. Yes, they may only need to buy their eyewear once in every few years, but there are so many changes in technology and styles as well as brands and pricing that one can easily be overwhelmed by all those changes. Read on if you want to learn how to buy your eyewear in an easy and effective manner. Lens types The first thing you need to do is find out more about lens types. There are several options available to you including single vision lenses, multifocal lenses, and progressive lenses. The last-named were only introduced in the late fifties and they are different because they do not have any lines on the bifocals and trifocals. The nice thing about using progressives is they allow you to solve your near and farsightedness problems without needing to use lenses with dividing lines in them. Lens materials After choosing your lens type, you need to consider another important aspect of buying eyeglasses. This is the lens material. From the very early times when emeralds and crystals were used, today, there are many more lens material options to choose from including glass, plastic, and polycarbonate as well as high-index. Each offers its own set of plus and minus points though you may want to choose the polycarbonate lens material because it is very light and thin and will also not scratch easily. Alternatively, you can also think about using photochromic lenses which darken in bright light and lighten in dark light conditions. Polarized lenses are also an option and are useful because they cut glare. Lens coatings After choosing your lens type and the lens material, the next step in the buying eyeglasses process is picking the right lens coatings. There are again many options available though you should only choose the ones that are absolutely necessary because otherwise, you may end up paying more than you wanted to. Scratch-resistant coating and anti-reflective coating are useful and should be considered if you can afford them. The ultraviolet coating is also useful as it protects your eyes from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Frame options Now it is time to consider your frame options. Choosing the right frame can be exciting, especially if you want to look attractive and unique. When choosing your frames there are several things to consider including size, shape, material, and hinges. In addition, you should also consider things like nosepieces and nose pads as these can ensure a better and more comfortable fit of your frames. If you need them, then when buying eyeglasses, you should also think about buying specialty eyeglasses. There are several options available including computer eyewear, reading eyewear, and sports eyewear. Some people, especially those who like to hunt, may be interested in buying hunting eyewear. Once you have chosen your lenses and frames, it is time for you to check things like warranties and guarantees. If everything checks outright, then you can go ahead and buy your corrective vision eyewear. |