According to the World Health Organization, lack of proper glasses costs people worldwide $269 billion annually. Having proper vision is necessary to a productive and profitable life. Making a well-educated decision on your next set of eyeglasses can help you save money while staying productive.
1. Test your vision
Doctors measure visual ability with eye charts containing rows of letters. An eye chart test rating of 20/20 denotes normal vision. If the second number of your test result is higher than 20, your vision is less than desirable. By contrast, a visual acuity of 20/10 is better than 20/20, and means you can read small letters more accurately.
2. Consult your doctor
Under the Prescription Release Rule, established by the Federal Trade Commission, doctors are legally bound to offer you your prescription information. One crucial aspect of this disclosure is your pupillary distance (PD). PD is typically around 70 millimeters for men and 65 mm for women. Your PD rating indicates the size of your pupils, and hence, the type of prescription specs you will need.
3. Choose a lens type
Choose a correct lens from among several types of lenses. Single vision lenses have only one region and are intended only for one manner of use, either short range or long range. Bifocal lenses have two regions, making them useful for both reading and long distance sight. Trifocals, with three regions, are applicable to short, middle, and long range vision. Buy the appropriate type of glasses for outdoor or indoor use. CR-39 glasses are generally cheaper, Trivex glasses are extremely durable, and Photochromic lenses adapt automatically to a dark room or a sunlit beach.
4. Consider aspheric and atoric lens shapes
Also consider aesthetic factors of your new glasses. Nearsighted people, those unable to see distant objects clearly, may discover that their glasses make their eyes appear smaller. Conversely, farsighted people sometimes find their glasses amplify the size of their eyes. Aspheric and atoric glasses, composed of a unique shape and thickness, are a great choice as attractive glasses which do not distort the facial features.
5. Try shopping online
While the average prescription pair sells for over $300, you can find cheap glasses online for under $50 and as low as $7. Eyeglass manufacturers can afford to sell their products for cheap because of economies of scale. In other words, the more glasses they produce, the smaller production cost for each one. Therefore, you might find a less expensive pair of glasses online identical to a store-bought pair. Some websites even allow you to ship in your current frame to get a new pair of lenses, which is less expensive than buying an entirely new pair.
6. Decide which special features you need
Note the special features you may want or not want, which may influence the price. Most glasses come with scratch-protection and UV-ray protection, so try to avoid paying extra for those features. UV rays can cause mascular degeneration. Seek prescription glasses, including sunglasses, which block at least 95% of rays in order to mitigate the harmful effects of UV rays.
Put science to work for you
Consider your eye chart results, pupillary distance, and lens type before selecting your spectacles. Identify your desired special features prior to making a purchase. Finally, browse the internet for a custom pair that matches your needs. The right pair of glasses will make you happier and more productive without costing a fortune.
With a little online research and input from your doctor, you can find eyeglasses that fit well, look great, and improve your vision.