The first thing most people look for when buying reading glasses — is style. People want to look great, and reading glasses are a terrific accessory for that since others look you in the eyes first.
But there’s more than fashion to consider when choosing reading glasses. Consider the quality of optics and the materials from which they’re made.
Most eye care professionals recommend aspheric lenses. In 1990 aspheric lenses became one of the most popular and useful categories of lens. Conventional lenses have a front surface that’s spherical, shaped like the surface of a ball. But aspheric lenses have a more complex front surface that gradually change it’s curve from the center of the lens all the way out to the edge.
A basic principle of optics dictates that a slight distortion is created when wearers look away from the center of a conventional lens when the gaze is directed to the left or right, above or below. Aspheric lens designs eliminate those distortions. That’s because, as the eye travels away from the center of the lens, the front curve changes, keeping optics crisp and clear.
Aspheric lenses are a lot like thin prescription high-index lenses. In a completely different way than high index, aspheric lenses also end up thinner than conventional lenses, even when made from conventional plastic. Aspheric lenses make your eyes look better to others, too. There’s less “minification” of the eyes.
Another lens quality to be aware of is scratch resistance. Better reading glasses have scratch resistant lenses. Scratches on your lenses not only affect your vision, but can also affect the way you look.
A lot of people enjoy adjustable nose pads and spring temple hinges for comfort and fit.
Most popularly priced reading glasses have PVC (or ordinary plastic) lenses. There’s nothing wrong with that but they don’t provide the clearest vision possible. The best lenses for reading glasses are made of materials called C-39 or polycarbonate. They render the clearest vision. Unfortunately, they’re more expensive than plastic.
Other items of which to be aware when buying reading glasses include the material from which the frames are constructed: Ordinary plastic is most affordable but lacks durability. Consider laminated acetate or Zyl.
Nickel-free Monel (hypo-allergenic) and stainless steel and are two of the best metals for the construction of reading glasses. They’re durable and maintain their good looks as do laminated acetate and Zyl.If you’re like most people, you’ll want to make sure the reading glasses you select look great on your face. But make sure you choose the best quality reading glasses you can afford for clearer vision and a long term of use.
Mark Levit is the president and CEO of VisAcuity.com LLC and a professor of marketing at the University of Miami. VisAcuity.com is among the Internet’s most prominent online reading glasses stores. For more information visit https://www.marvelglasses.com/