5 Factors to Consider When Choosing your First Pair of Glasses
Wherever you go it’s very likely you’ll encounter countless people wearing corrective eyeglasses. And while this may seem like a fairly modern invention, eyewear and corrective eyeglasses have a long and rich history, dating as far back as the 13th century. According to the latest data released by the Vision Council of America, around 75% of adults today wear glasses. That translates to more than 4 billion people worldwide.
Nonetheless, it may come as a surprise when your optometrist recommends corrective eyewear for you. We normally associate them with age and in some instances can even dread getting eyeglasses because of how different we might look with them. However, things have changed a lot in recent years, and choosing the best eyeglasses for you should not be a boring or time-consuming task.
Here are 5 tips to help you get started on this journey:
1. Get a professional to prescribe the right glasses
You could very well barge into the first eyeglasses store you encounter and pick the first pair that you like off the shelf. However, this has a little-to-no guarantee of improving your eyesight or remedying the underlying vision complication you might have. While choosing glasses by their looks and your taste is part of this process, the first thing you should focus on is making sure they are the ones you need, not just the ones you like.
To start your eyeglasses journey, visit a vision expert like an optometrist or optician; click here to find all the Eye Health exams we have available for you in our stores. With the help of a few eye exams or eyewear consultations, you’ll know the right kind of glasses needed that are customized to your unique prescription and eyewear needs. This will ensure you get what you paid for because the nice-looking glasses you first landed on could be of no help for your vision needs and even worsen your condition, which will mean you’ll have to go back into the store and spend extra money on finding the ones that will actually improve your vision. Let’s skip this confusion and go straight into the prescription you need so that you can focus on the glasses that will target it.
2. Find the frame that complements your shape and personality
There are numerous frame shapes and sizes available in the market today. While the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming, taking the time to choose the right fit will leave you with functional yet aesthetically pleasing prescription glasses. Comfortable and stylish eyewear doesn’t have to look outdated or generic. We have many different eyeglasses available at our different locations, but you can also click here to check our 2022 Lookbook; we have various choices for you to browse from the comfort of your home. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind while you’re looking at your options: if you have a round face, a rectangular frame may work best, while a square face works best with rounder framed glasses. We have even more eyeglasses options in our various Kodak Lens locations. Our staff will be glad to welcome you and help you find the perfect fit for you.
3. Get your glasses professionally measured and adjusted
Once you have found a pair you like, getting the wrong size could be discomforting. You’ll have to deal with issues like the glasses slipping off your face or pinching your nose bridge too tightly. Part of maintaining stellar eye health and comfort is making sure the eyeglasses are properly fitted by choosing the best-fitted eyewear or adjusting the eyewear to be comfortable to your liking.
When measuring the right fit, eye care professionals will consider various factors. Pupillary distance (PD) is one of the key measurements recommended before buying a pair of glasses. PD is the distance between both of your eyes and can be accurately measured by an eye care professional. Even the smallest details could greatly impact your eye health.
At Kodak Lens Vision Centres, we go one step beyond and consider measurements such as ocular center (OC) height, seg height for progressives and bifocals, pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance, frame measurements (i.e. width, height, bridge width, temple length, and effective diameter) and frame wrap to offer our patients and customers point of wear customizations to ensure the best possible visual outcome. Trust us, you are in good hands when you walk into our Centers.
4. Consider getting a special coating
If you’ll be wearing your corrective glasses most of the time, it’s important to get anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings. These coatings are applied to the lens and will help your vision and comfort in different scenarios. Adding a coating can help reduce glare and reflections, reduce minor scratches through normal wear and tear, and make you look awesome in photographs where flash is required. Kodak Lens Vision Centres offers more than just basic and premium anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings. Visit our stores to learn more about high-energy blue light blocking or photochromic (i.e. Transition) lenses.
5. Find glasses that match your lifestyle and daily activities
Your lifestyle is another key factor to consider when choosing glasses. For example, if you enjoy the great outdoors and have an active lifestyle, you want glasses that won’t bobble around. You might also want to get a second pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses if you spend a lot of time outdoors, UV protection is very important for your eye health. Sports goggles and safety eyewear is also recommended for those who play physical sports and need protective eyewear to be safe during work. Having a second pair to change your look or use as a backup in case of accidents is also very handy.
Ultimately, there’s more to getting the perfect eyeglass than just picking the first pair you like. These tips will help you choose the ideal pair of glasses that are sure to keep your health and your style a top priority.
Are you ready to start your eyeglass-wearing journey? Visit any KODAK Lens Vision Centre and enjoy a wide selection of fashionable eyewear, friendly professional service, and exclusive Kodak Lens pricing.