Many people ask us how they can know if they need glasses. If you are noticing blurred vision at any distance, watery eyes, one or both eyes turned to either side (squint), double vision, frequent headaches, or difficulty seeing clearly at night, It is recommended that you visit an Optometrist who will examine your eyes and tests your vision. If you need corrective lenses, they will prescribe you a pair and will inform you about the type of material for glasses required and any other specific add-ons.
Frame selection
Now that you have a prescription for your vision, you can buy eyeglass frames that best suit you. If you are ordering online there are a few things you must know about frames and glasses material and the different types of coatings available.
It’s important to know your frame size measurements, they will give you an idea that if you need a smaller size frame or a bigger one.
Pupillary distance is one of the most important things. It is the distance between the pupils of both eyes. You can calculate it at home using simple methods.
How to choose your glasses lens material
Choosing the best preference for your vision is not an easy task. An Optometrist will consider your daily routine and most common activities to determine which of the different options available today suits your needs best. Clear vision, safety, and comfort are the main factors that will guide an Optometrist to advise the best option for your glasses.
Lens selection:
There is a variety of lens materials and different coatings available today. Some people may just fine with basic prescription glasses lenses, while some may want to consider thinner and pricier or high-index types, which may be more appropriate for stronger prescriptions.
- Glass lenses: They are heavier as compared to the plastic lens materials available and they can break easily.
- Plastic lenses: They were developed in 1940. They are lightweight and durable. Have many other advantages as compared to glass.
- Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate lenses are a type of thinner, impact resistant, and budget-friendly lenses.
- Hi index lenses: nowadays different types of high-index lenses are available. Due to having a high index, they are thinner and lighter.
- Transition lenses: They are light-sensitive lenses that darken when exposed to light.
- Prisms: Prisms are corrective lenses that will aid in the correction of squint anomalies.
- Blue light glasses: Blue light blocking glasses help protect your eyes from the harmful rays emitted by computer screens, tablets and phones
Lens coatings
Once you have selected your frame and lens material, there is a wide variety of lens coatings to consider, each coating has its unique properties from light reduction to scratch resistance.
You can pick from different coatings depending on your basic requirements and lifestyle to improve your comfort and safety or for cosmetic needs.
- Anti-reflective coating: It will reduce the reflection of light from the lens
- Tinted glasses: They are meant to reduce the intensity of light, they have pigmented dye in them.
- Transitions lenses: A high end brand of photochromic lens coating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are having trouble seeing you should contact your local optometrist for a visit, it is the only way to know you need glasses and what lens option are best for you.