Consider your vision needs
There are many factors to consider when picking the right eyeglass lenses for your vision needs. First, you need to determine if you need single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Single vision lenses are for people who need correction for distance or close-up vision, while bifocal lenses are for people who need correction for both. Progressive lenses are for people who need correction for distance, intermediate, and close-up vision.
Next, you need to decide what material you want your lenses to be made out of. There are three main types of materials: glass, plastic, and polycarbonate. Glass lenses are the most scratch-resistant, but also the heaviest. Plastic lenses are lightweight and cheaper, but they are more prone to scratches and UV damage. Polycarbonate lenses are a good compromise between glass and plastic lenses; they are lighter than glass, but more durable than plastic.
Consider your lifestyle
There are several types of lenses that can help enhance and refine your everyday vision. If you do a lot of reading, you may want flat hydrogel lenses. These lenses provide better clarity and vision than plastic lenses. If you’re an active person, you may want sports glasses. These are made with a rubber-core frame that’s flexible and provides added impact protection. If you wear your glasses while sleeping, you may want glare-reducing eyeglass lenses so you can sleep better. And if you work in a profession that requires a uniform, you may be able to get prescription safety eyeglasses subsidized by your company.
Cost considerations
Although lens material and type of coating will affect the cost of your lenses, other factors also come into play. If you have a complicated prescription, it will cost more to fabricate (make) your lenses. Complex prescriptions are those that include hyperopia (far-sightedness), astigmatism, or a significant difference in vision between the two eyes. There are some manufacturers that offer discounted bundled lenses, but it’s important to remember that bundled lenses may include lenses that you don’t need. Therefore, it’s best to get personalized bundled lens packages from a company that can review your medical history and your eyeglass prescription to ensure you’re getting the right lenses and protection.
The frame factor
Although plastic lenses are more affordable than glass, keep in mind that cheap plastic frames will likely not last long (the majority of the time, less than a year). So when you factor in the cost of replacement frames along with lenses, you may end up paying nearly the same as you would for quality frames and lenses. Good-quality frame materials such as carbon-rimmed steel or titanium have a longer lifespan than plastic. They also may be more impact resistant, which is crucial if you’re likely to be exposed to high levels of radiation or hazardous substances.
Frames made from titanium and carbon-rimmed steel will cost more than plastic lenses plus quality frames, but you’ll get what you pay for in terms of durability, longevity, and safety.
Injected plastic or acetate eyeglass frames are an affordable alternative to titanium or steel frames, and they come in a variety of styles. They’re lightweight and easy to adjust to your head size. Polyhelic chloride (PVC) frames also come in many styles and colors, and they’re more shock resistant than acetate. Acetate and PVC are generally hypo allergenic, so they’re ideal for those with allergies.
The right protection for your eyes
There are several lens protections and coating to consider, and they are not equal in quality and protection. Some provide more ultraviolet (UV) protection than others, and some are more impact resistant.
Complex lenses
If you wear reading glasses, you may want a double-sighted prescription in your eyeglasses so you don’t have to keep picking them up and putting them on. This can be accomplished with bifocal lenses (also called progressive lenses) or multifocal lenses. With bifocal lenses, there is a division between the seeing area and the reading area; with multifocal lenses, the lens is even and flat, so you have to move your eyes to see different distances. Both types of lenses allow people who are presbyopic to see well up close and far away. Progressive lenses allow people who have age-related farsighted conditions to see clearly without glasses, as well.
For outdoor activities, you may want sport lenses made of polycarbonate material with abrasion resistant coating to protect against dirt and debris. Also, consider lenses that block ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which contribute to cataracts and sun spots.
Polarizing lenses reduce glare from surface reflections, such as on water or concrete. They’re especially useful in brightly lit outdoor situations.
In conclusion, choosing the right eyeglass lenses for your vision needs can be a tricky process, but by knowing what type of prescription you have, what features the lenses should have to meet your needs, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect eyeglasses.
