The act of choosing eyeglasses sounds like a simple task but in reality, it is quite difficult. Just ask anyone who has needed glasses. A lot goes into getting the right pair that are the right size and that look stylish and, most importantly, are comfortable.
If you’ve been wearing eyeglasses for a while already, you are familiar with what goes into the process of shopping for a new pair. If you are new to this process, you may find the task a bit overwhelming.
The first step in this overall process is the initial visit with an eye doctor. You will need to have your eyes examined to determine what prescription you need for optimal vision. You will not be able to buy a pair of prescription eyeglasses without this prescription. During this doctor’s visit, your doctor will check your overall eye health and administer an eye exam to see if you need glasses. If your eyesight is not perfect, he or she will determine whether you are nearsighted or farsighted and determine any other pertinent information about what prescription you will need. When the appointment is over, the doctor or the office secretary may be able to guide to the best places to find glasses best suited to your needs. Sometimes, there may be a shop right there in the office that sells eyeglasses with the help of trained professionals who can help you find the best ones.
With your prescription in hand, the best way to shop for eyeglasses is to shop around at various places and make a list of all the ones you find that are suitable for you. Check the online or phonebook directory to find places in your city or town that sell them. When you go to these shops, it is a good idea to take someone with you so you can get a second opinion. If you find it hard to see from a distance, you will not be able to properly tell if the ones you try on look right on you.
When choosing eyeglasses, there are several things you need to consider including:
1) Your prescription. If you are very nearsighted, certain frames will not work for you if you wish to have the lenses thinned to look better. Most people with high prescriptions prefer to have them thinned so they are lighter and don’t look thick in the frames. Plastic frames are usually best for this type of prescription but some other frames may work.
2) Your face and head size. Some smaller framed people need to look for glasses in the kid’s section and sometimes, you may need to shop around more as small frames are harder to find. The same goes for bigger frames.
3) Your style. These days, frames come in every color, shape and design you can imagine. Are you flashy, conservative, stylish, sporty or bookish? Take this into consideration, along with your typical wardrobe, when choosing frames.
4) Your budget. Many people assume that eyeglasses are expensive but they don’t need to be. There are discount brands available. While it is true that the overall cost of your glasses will be higher with a high prescription, you can still get deals. The salespeople will try to sell add-ons like various coatings and accessories but you may not need these things if your budget doesn’t allow. Designer frames can be very expensive but the cheaper frames work just as well.
When you have a list of glasses you like, try them all on again and ask lots of questions to make sure you get the ones that are best for you. Remember that you will be wearing these a lot so make sure you get a pair that’s comfortable and looks good when you look in the mirror.