Eyeglasses are an important medical tool, as well as an integral fashion accessory. They are then made to be considerably more important as we demand them to be on point on a daily basis, all day. (This is not the case with almost any other devices we use, for both needs!) So, when the optical industry executives push the word “quality” constantly to describe their product – as in most industries do – it seems to give off a different ring than the average t-shirt company, for instance. However, when it comes to prescription eyeglasses, what exactly are they referring to? When you think of quality eyeglasses, are you thinking about the designer names that follow them? Or the actual density of the lens, and whether its glass or plastic; or perhaps the material of the frames? A lot goes into the producing and manufacturing of a full set of prescription glasses, so let’s discuss further the exact specifications that would determine “high quality” glasses.
FRAMES:
Frames come in all colors, materials, and sizes. They can come with designer names written on the sides, or without – and often are sold in the same stores. Most modern optical shops sell both brand name frames, as well as generic frames because they understand that there is a difference in what customers tend to assume regarding the quality of the two. While typically it is true that designers tend to choose better quality products (since their name is attached to it), it might be a bit of a stretch to think that just because a frame has a designer logo on the arm, it’s considerably better than a generic pair. However, actual material can certainly make a difference. One new item that is growing popular in the eyeglasses industry is titanium. Not only is it lightweight, but an extremely durable element!
LENSES:
Most eyeglasses stores no longer offer actual glass lenses because modern technology has evolved plastic lenses to be much better. However, while they narrow that down, they still offer several different types of lenses besides the standard 1.5 index, such as: different levels of hi-index lenses, polycarbonate lenses, trivex lenses, aspheric lenses, photochromic (or “Transitions”) lenses, or polarized lenses – as well as several protective coatings, like: anti-reflective coating, UV protection coating, or anti-scratch coating. Depending on the strength of your prescription, or even the yearning to have thinner lenses, will all depend on what you should choose when it comes to lens needs. Your doctor can often help with this decision. Of course, the higher the index, the better quality the lens is – no matter where it’s produced.
One of the greatest places to buy glasses is through the online optical industry. It is growing at a very high-paced rate and there is a reason! For the same quality frames and lenses, you pay a fraction of the price! Most online eyeglasses stores also offer great return policies because they understand that buying glasses online can be a bit scary – especially for first-timers.
Hillary Glaser is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for eyeglassespro.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online. She over sees day-to-day operations for all marketing and promotions of eyeglasses for the company.