Common Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Glasses

Common Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Glasses

Author: Opsis Eye Care | | Categories: Eye Care , Eye Doctor , Optometrist

Blog by Opsis Eye Care

Choosing and buying a new pair of glasses can be very difficult. Especially when there are so many designer frames out there, you do not want to settle for anything less than perfection. Before you buy your glasses, you must get some knowledge about them so that you can make a sound decision. If you do not do your research, you will end up making mistakes that could lead you to pick a faulty product that won’t benefit you, or worse, ruin your eyesight even more. To help you make wise decisions regarding your eye care, Opsis Eye Care has put together a list of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing glasses.

1. Choosing the wrong frame

When purchasing glasses, the first thing we usually do is choose the desired frame. It needs to be both functional and stylish. However, most people tend to concentrate on the look and colour and forget about practicality. Below are some factors to consider when choosing the right frame.

Your prescription - If you have a high prescription, it is best to choose a smaller frame. A large frame will cause the lenses to be thick and heavy.

The size of the frame - Large frames are in fashion. However, they can be heavy, and not all prescriptions can be accommodated in large frames. Small frames may be problematic for progressive wearers if there is not enough space for the reading portion of the lenses.

The weight of the frame - As glasses are worn on the face long term, heavy frames will be uncomfortable. You must also take into account the weight after the lenses are added.

Whether there are nose pads - Nose pads allow the frame to fit away from the face and tend to have more flexibility when it comes to adjustments. Frames without nose pads may be more comfortable but may also touch the cheeks/eyelashes.

Length of the temples - Temples that are too short will cause the frame to slide down the face. Temples that are too long will stick out in the back or get caught in your hair.

Wrap of the frame - Frames that are too curved can cause distortions in your vision. Many prescriptions will not be able to accommodate wrapped frames.

To avoid problems when choosing your frame, it is best to consult a professional such as an optometrist, optometric assistant or optician. They will be able to ensure you choose the correct frame for your prescription, need and style.

2. Choosing the wrong lenses

After choosing the frame, choosing the lenses to fit into the frame is the next step. Since you are looking through the lenses, they are the most important part of the glasses. Having high-quality lenses will allow for crisp, clear vision and comfort. Most people tend to focus on the frames and neglect the importance of the lenses. Below are some factors to consider when choosing the right lenses.

Lens Design - How well you can see through the lenses depends on the lens design. This is especially important for progressive lenses and high prescriptions. Great quality lenses will allow you to see clearly throughout the whole lens and not just in the middle. They will take into account when looking into the periphery to minimize distortions. Aspheric lenses will be better than spherical lenses to decrease aberrations and make the lenses thinner.

Index - The refractive index of a lens is a measure of how efficiently the material bends light. The higher the index, the more efficient light bends, which results in a thinner lens. Choosing the correct index for the lens depends on prescription, size of the frame, wrap of the frame and function. Certain indexes will block UV, and some will have better optics and impact resistance compared to others. There are also specific indexes required for safety and sports eyewear.

Coatings - Coatings are important when it comes to lenses. These include scratch resistance, anti-reflective coating, blue light filter, etc. Good quality coatings will help you see clearer and are easier to clean.

Other Options - There are also other options to consider, such as photochromic, polarized, tinted, and mirrored lenses. These may be needed due to the condition of your eyes and recommendations from your eye doctor.

Since there are so many options and considerations when choosing the right lenses, it is best to consult a professional such as an optometrist, optometric assistant or optician. This will avoid headaches and blurry vision when wearing the glasses.

3. Purchasing glasses online

Some patients buy glasses online due to the convenience and a variety of choices available. However, when purchasing glasses online, you are not able to try the frame on your face. This is important so you can feel the fit and the weight of the frame. Without trying on the frames, you won’t know if it is too small or big, whether it touches your nose or cheeks or if it’s too close to your face and touches your eyelashes. It is difficult to see if you like the look of the frames on your face. It can also be too heavy, which will make it uncomfortable. Since glasses are a necessity and mostly worn every day, it is important to make sure the frame fits well and is comfortable.

Another problem with buying glasses online is the measurement. After you choose the frame, there are measurements that need to be taken to ensure the center of the lens is in the center of your eye. This is called the optical center or the segment height and is especially important for progressive lenses and patients with high/complicated prescriptions. This measurement can only be done with the actual frame sitting on your face.

The lenses are also very important when purchasing glasses. In the case of online shopping, there are usually limited options, and you don’t necessarily know what you are getting. Since you are looking through the lenses, having the right lens design and coatings is critical to ensure clear and comfortable vision. This is why it is best to purchase glasses from an optical or optometric clinic. You will be able to try the frames to know exactly what you’re getting, and there will be someone to take measurements and adjust them on your face. You will also know exactly what lens options there are and what coatings you will be getting.

To avoid these and other mistakes, reach out to the experts at Opsis Eye Care. We have a team of Optometrists dedicated to providing the best patient experience and finding solutions for your eye care needs. We offer services such as eye exams, contact lens fitting, Optomap, laser (LASIK) eye consultation, Ortho-K (Orthokeratology), etc. We have patients visiting our Eye Clinic from Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, Thornhill and the surrounding areas. For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you have any questions about optometry, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us here.  



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