Shopping for eyeglasses can be hectic, especially with the variety of styles, lenses and materials available. When asking for help, share with the salesperson your requirements for lenses if you need bifocals, multi-focals or single-vision lenses. Frame shape and color should flatter your face while still maintaining a sense of personal style.
Frames
One of the most important decisions in purchasing eyeglasses is the frame shape and color. Skin, eye and hair color are all factors in determining which frames look best, as well as what shape frame goes with your face.
Frames come in two general materials: Zyl, a plastic known as acetate, and metal. Titanium is one of the most popular choices for metal frames, because it is light and durable and does not cause skin irritation.
Frames come in a variety of prices, from $50 for simple frames to hundreds of dollars for designer frames. If you wish to wear eyeglasses based on fashion trends, check out magazines to see what celebrities are wearing before making your decision.
Lenses
Depending on your eyesight, the type of lenses you need will determine the style frames you can get. Some plastic frames cannot accommodate thicker lenses, so be sure to keep that in mind when asking for help with your purchase.
There are two general types of lenses that people choose, bifocals and single vision. Bifocal lenses allow you to see up close and far away without needing to change glasses. These lenses help those who need to read up close, but can still see fairly well far away. Single-vision lenses help to correct vision ailments such as nearsightedness. Progressive lenses such as trifocals are becoming more popular for individuals who need correction for three sights of vision: near, intermediate and distance. Similar to other multi-focal lenses, trifocals contain an additional segment that enables you to better see objects in a certain zone, usually an arm’s distance from the eyes. These lenses are easily adaptable to many style frames.
Those who need strong vision correction may choose a high-index lens. These lenses help you see with a strong prescription without the thickness of traditional lenses. If you are in and out of doors throughout the day, a photochromic lens may be right for you. It automatically darkens when you go outside and lightens as you go indoors.
A lens coating helps to protect the eye from UV rays, which may cause cataracts. Coatings come in a variety of colors to help keep sun out or to hide your eyes from others, especially with mirrored lenses.
Suggestions
With the number of choices you have, getting help with purchasing eyeglasses makes the process easier. Take a friend or family member with you to the eyeglass store to help you in narrowing down some favorite styles, and allow that person to share his opinion on what flatters your face the most.
Maintaining a sense of style is important. Buy eyeglasses that you think fit your personal style, even if they may look different or even unique. Look for glasses that go with your everyday wardrobe. If you dress casually, find frames that are casual such as plastic or colored frames. Those who wear business attire may choose traditional metal frames to go with their wardrobes.