Purchasing new prescription glasses can be tough. It can often be hard to even know where to begin especially given the vast ranges of styles, needs, models and features. That’s why we have compiled our top tips and considerations that you need to make when buying your new specs.

 

What variety of applications will you need these prescription glasses for?

It is crucially important to consider what you will actually be using these spectacles for. This often changes dramatically from wearer to wearer depending on lifestyle, work and hobbies. Someone who works outdoors all day will have different needs from someone who works in an office.  With this in mind then, it is important to ensure you communicate the use of your new prescription glasses with your optometrist who can then adjust the features and specifications accordingly.

 

glasses for men

What type of lens is ideal?

While it is often easy to get bogged down in the vast array of styles available for your spectacles, the most important features of these spectacles is the lens itself. Current technological developments have seen a growth in the use of plastic lenses for prescription glasses. This offers a number of advantages, such as better protection against scratches as well as lowering the risk of injury.

New lens technology however also means that there are a growing number of ways your spectacles can be altered or personalised. A variety of lens coatings are now available, anti-reflective coatings allow spectacles to block out distracting light distortion and reflections.

Lens tinting is also a consideration for your specs. We would highly recommend that lenses are UVA and UVB protective.

 

glasses for men

What style and frame is right for you?

Given that prescription glasses are tailor made and designed to the person, there is a vast array of stylistic options to choose from. We recommend consulting your optometrist about your options, as they will know what is available and practical for the type of lenses you are using.

Two questions you must ask yourself when considering style are:

  • Do they suit your face?
  • Are they compatible with your lenses?

Optometrists and stylists have often said that those with a round face should choose more angular frames. While those with more angular face shapes should opt for softer more oval shaped frames.

The material of the frame is also a crucial factor in the way your frames will look and feel. Different plastics and metals have been used over the years and can vary wildly in weight and feel. Speak to your optometrists about what is available.

 

Consider your old pair of spectacles

Your old frames can often provide a platform for you to discover what you want out of your new ones.  The sizing and fit of them can be helpful when narrowing down the options of lenses and frames available, especially when looking online.

If you are looking to add a new pair of specs to your current collection then think about what features and styles you don’t already have. Alternatively if your current prescription glasses are no longer working for you then you can choose new specs that improve on these.  

 

Where does this leave us then?

While it is no secret that purchasing a new pair of prescription glasses can be tough and confusing, we hope that our top tips and considerations can help you to wade your way through a seemingly endless array of information. If you remember to consider their use, style, lens type and your own history with spectacles, you will be on the right track to choosing the perfect pair of specs.