If your vision is simply not what it used to be, then now is the time to have your eyes checked. After the examination, you will be asked about whether you want glasses or contact lenses. Many people choose glasses, especially if they are investing in vision correction for the first time. Glasses come equipped with a variety of different lenses, and you must make choices between the different options. Keep reading to learn about some tips to help you with this.
Pick The Best Lens Material For Your Activity Level
There are three common options available when it comes to the material of the lens. These include glass, plastic, and polycarbonate. Glass lenses were the standard for many years, and they were used exclusively up until the 1940s. Glass is exceptional when it comes to seeing objects clearly and with great clarity. However, glass is prone to breaking, so it is typically not used any longer. If you have special needs in terms of clarity and require the scratch resistance of the glass, then your optometrist can use the material. It is best for people who only have slight visual deficiencies so that weight is reduced.
Plastic and polycarbonate are much more common than glass. Plastic lenses are most often used for glasses made for children. The lenses are lightweight, resistant to scratches and other types of damage, and usually fairly inexpensive. This means that replacements will not break the bank. So if you are clumsy or extremely active, plastic lenses might be a good choice.
Polycarbonate lenses are extremely lightweight and shatter resistant. And they provide fairly good clarity, so if you are looking for comfort and a general use option, polycarbonate is a good idea.
Consider Lens Treatments
Once you choose the lens material that makes the most sense for your lifestyle, you should also look at the types of coatings that can be used over the lenses.
Scratch resistant coatings are the most common and popular, and they can be added to polycarbonate lenses due to their soft structure. When the coating covers the lens, it makes it almost as scratch resistant as glass. So this coating is a good choice if you are active or if you commonly slip your glasses into your bag.
Coatings that are anti-reflective are common too and help to reduce glare. This is a good choice if you use a computer on a daily basis and notice your eyes feeling tired at the end of the day.
UV blocking coatings help to keep your eyes from succumbing to eye damage, so think about this if you work outside a great deal.
To schedule a licensed eye exam today, contact a company like Leader Heights Eye Center near you.
