It is common for the average American to have multiple Television screens, computer devices, shoes, and handbags, but why then do we only have one pair of glasses? Glasses are not only a wonderful fashion accessory but an important medical device. There are so many reasons to have two or more pairs of glasses! Here's a few of the most popular!
1. Glasses for Sun protection
One of the biggest reasons people get multiple pairs of glasses is that they want to have a pair for when they go outside, especially hiking. Yes, photochromic (one that change colors in the sun) work great if you're only going to be walking outside for a few minutes, but they have their downsides. For Example:
- Photochromic lenses only get about 80-90% as dark as sunglasses.
- They don't block glare from water or snow coming from the sun.
- Only certain brands change in cars, but they don't change all the way.
Sunglasses to wear for driving and boating should include polarized lenses. Polarized lenses help block reflections from the sun coming off of the windshield onto the dashboard or block reflections of the sun on the water!
As you can see a tinted or photochromic lenses decreases the glare slightly. The reflections make it difficult to view through the windshield, note the clouds on the windshield in the picture. Through a polarized lens, you can even see through the window and see the seats. This is the best way to view the outside world!
2. Make a bold and colorful Fashion statement
Most men and women have multiple shoes, handbags, and jewelry to match and accessorize their outfits. So why not multiple pairs of glasses to use as a fashion statement? Research from The College of Optometrists reveals that 43 per cent of people believe glasses make them look smarter. For another 36 per cent, it’s about appearing more professional and businesslike.
Here are some hot tips to complement your particular face shape:
- For oval faces: “You can carry off bold styles, but always ensure your glasses are wider than the broadest part of your face.”
- For square faces: “Rounder frames will soften your features.”
- For round faces: “Angular, narrow frames will help lengthen your face.”
At Optimum Vision and Eye Care, we have a wide variety of frames to select from! Pair that with our high quality lenses for a winning look and even better vision.
3. Glasses for a specific occupation or working distance.
As we get older the lens inside our eyes starts to harden up, making near vision slightly challenging for us (also known as presbyopia). Usually for these types of patients, we recommend progressive lenses. But if you're in the small percentage that can't wear progressives (non-adapt patients) or just don't like losing out on your full "edge to edge clarity", then you are the right person for computer only or reading only glasses. Many people have heard of reading glasses, but have you heard of computer glasses? Dr. Geiger, along with the Optometric and Optician community recommend a second pair of glasses specifically designed for the computer even if you don't have a prescription.
Why?
This is an eye when focusing on your phone(just imagine it 100x as fast!
When you're looking at a computer or phone screen, the text or images your eye is trying to focus on is behind a piece of glass. This confuses your eye slightly, making it attempt to focus on the glass and the text at the same time. Causing your eyes to go in and out of focus very quickly.
A pair of computer glasses, aside from looking amazing, utilize a small plus in the lens to help the eye relax when looking at a computer device or smartphone. Computer glasses will also incorporate a blue blocking filter to protect harmful blue light rays. Blue light has been found to disrupt sleep patterns and cause stress or strain on the eyes when looking at a computer screen for too long! As well as be damaging to the macula and retina.
We only use the best blue blocking filter available on the market today.
4. night Vision
We naturally lose rod cells as we age, making night vision more difficult. Night vision issues can also arise from a Vitamin A deficiency. Did you know 7% of pregnant women suffer from night blindness (nyctalopia) from Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) yearly? Night blindness can also be caused by developing cataracts. Most people notice difficulty with driving at night when this condition exists, which can be of concern.
Glasses that are meant for daytime wear don't necessarily have the coatings required to aid with the night vision issues. Another great reason to get a second pair night wear. An Anti-Reflective coating on the lenses will help with night vision and driving because the lens is built to make things appear brighter at reduce light scatter at night.
Whatever your need is for a second or third pair, come in before the end of the year to maximize your insurance or HSA/FSA benefits for the year.
Schedule an appointment this month to take advantage of our Use It or Lose It deal! Buy one complete pair of glasses and get the second complete pair at half off
* 50% only eligible for second pair after buying one complete pair(frame and lenses) at full price.
**Special valid December 1st - December 31st. Must buy both pairs on the same day and for the same person.