3 Tips for Buying New Glasses

Your new pair of glasses should not only fit your face; they should also fit your lifestyle. Most important, however, is that your new glasses fit your vision needs.

 

The telltale signs that you may need glasses for the first time can often be subtle: small changes in light sensitivity, moving books or magazines progressively closer to your face to be able to read them, enlarging the text sizes on your electronic devices, or more trouble seeing far-off objects and road signs.

 

If you already wear glasses, it’s key to your eye health that you keep your prescription current via yearly or twice-yearly visits to your optometrist. It’s also important that you let your optometrist know about any changes in your vision or in the condition and appearance of your eyes.

 

So, with all the different options for prescription lenses and designer frames, what do you need to know about getting new glasses? This 3 tips should help.

 

 

1. Find a Thorough Doctor.

 

A critical step in buying a new pair of glasses is finding an optometrist who has plenty of time for you. Locally-owned, standalone optical centers tend to offer a much higher level of service to customers than the eyeglass sections in big-box retail stores, or in the national eyeglass chains you might find in a shopping mall. As opposed to being herded into a room and given the “business as usual” eye exam, an optometrist should have the time not only to offer you detailed information and advice, but also to listen carefully to your needs.

 

If errors are made during the eye examination portion of the glasses process, they can’t be corrected once those new glasses are on your face. Not only can wearing improper lenses cause unnecessary strain on your eyes, it can actually make your vision worse.

 

Your new glasses should be tailored to your lifestyle, and a comprehensive consultation is the only way to be sure that you’re getting the best care for your eyes. When seeking out an optometrist for your eye exam, be sure that you’re getting the highest level of service possible. These points are crucial for ensuring you get the best glasses for your lifestyle:

 

• Describe to your optometrist, in detail, any vision problems or changes in vision that lead you to getting new glasses.
• Do you have any medical conditions (or family history of medical conditions) that might affect your eyesight? If so, you should mention this to your optometrist.
• Have you ever worn glasses in the past? If so, what did you like or dislike about them? With this information, your optometrist can correct problems you experienced with a previous pair of glasses.
• For what purpose or activity will you be wearing these glasses? If you’ll be wearing glasses during any special activity or for your job, be sure and communicate this to your optometrist.

 

At this point, your optometrist should explain the exam procedures to you and address any questions or concerns you may have about the process. Many times, your doctor may suggest elective tests or measurements as to get a more thorough understanding of your unique biology and vision needs.

After a comfortable, thorough, and unhurried eye exam, the next step in the process is to…

 

 

2. Choose the Best Lenses for Your Needs.

 

You’ve heard of single-vision (or reading) glasses and bifocal lenses. Lens technology, however, moves and grows just as any industry would. Glasses have come a long way since their invention in the 13th century, and technology has advanced especially fast in the digital age. Eyeglasses aren’t just for reading or driving anymore. Instead, lens manufacturers like Essilor, Shamir, and Zeiss have innovated ophthalmic lenses for just about any need or activity.

 

From multifocal progressive lenses and office lenses specifically designed for fluorescent lighting, to ultra-tough sport lenses and even driving lenses that adjust to inclement weather, your glasses can work as hard as you do. In fact, digital lenses (meant for preventing eye strain from blue light-emitting devices like smartphones, tablets, or computer screens) can even go beyond vision correction to also preventing headaches and neck fatigue.

 

Whether you’re a teacher, a stylist, a soccer coach, a dentist, a gamer, or even a parent raising kids full-time, there are lenses available that will provide you with perfectly sharp vision. Don’t be shy about asking the staff at your optical center about solutions for each one of your needs.

 

Remember that no two pair of eyes are exactly alike. Your optometrist, along with your licensed optician, can help you to choose lenses that exactly meet your needs. When you’ve found the perfect lenses for your eyes, it’s time to…

 

 

 

3. Pick the Perfect Frames.

 

Vision correction requires a great deal of expertise and in-depth knowledge not only of math and science, but also precision when it comes to measuring for each individual wearer. While there certainly isn’t a shortage of options when it comes to frames, choosing the right ones might matter more than you think. In this stage of the process, it’s important that you utilize the talents of a licensed optician. An optician is a highly-skilled, technical practitioner who specializes in assisting you with choosing ideal frames and optical equipment.

 

Though an optician can certainly offer you valuable advice in choosing glasses that perfectly match your personal style, your ideal frames should go beyond style and trends. Your new glasses should complement your lenses, fit the individual contours and shape of your face and, most importantly, your new glasses should be comfortable.

 

Many designer brands have gone the extra mile in constructing frames that are durable and long-lasting, as well as keeping with the latest fashion trends. Quality designer frames made from the best materials are a better choice than cheap, mass-produced, frames from come-and-go internet retailers.

 

In the same way that you shouldn’t be hurried during your eye exam, you should also be able to take your time when browsing frames. Just like a pair of shoes, you should try on a few pairs of frames before you make a solid decision. Be sure to take advantage of all the knowledge your optician can offer, and always ask any questions you might have.

 

At Naples Optical Too, we’re committed to offering you the very best in designer frames and lens technology, with personal service and attention to meet all of your vision needs. Each member of our staff is a highly-trained and licensed optician who, working closely with independent Doctor of Optometry John Witkowski, O.D., will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in choosing your next pair of glasses.

 

To schedule your premium eye exam appointment, call us today at (239) 353-8794 or visit us in the Crossroads Market at the intersection of Pine Ridge Road and Vineyards Boulevard in Naples.