The Questions to Ask When Selecting Eyeglasses at an Optical Shop
What’s important when you’re buying a new pair of eyeglasses? What do you need to know? What mistakes can you avoid, and is there any way to enhance the enjoyment of your new eyeglasses? Rowan Eye Center has the comprehensive checklist for buying glasses at an optical shop – whether it’s a pair for near and distance vision, progressive lenses, sports lenses, reading purposes or the workplace. Eyeglasses are a very personal item of everyday use, unique to you and your needs, and should therefore be perfectly tailored to your lifestyle; what’s more, there are different factors that influence how well you see with your new glasses.
This is precisely why you should have a comprehensive consultation at the vision care outlet and be ready with a series of questions, so you can make the right decision, in addition to a refraction with treatment that’s unhurried and exudes professional expertise. You should feel nothing but relaxed and comfortable during the refraction process, and vision tests shouldn’t be administered if you are suffering from, say, hay fever with its associated eye irritation or a migraine. Under these conditions, errors could be made during the eye exam and refractions can’t be corrected once the eyeglasses are finished, resulting in possible visual discomfort and a fitting that’s anything but perfect.
Irrespective of the type of eyeglasses you purchase, the following points are important when making your decision:
• For what purpose are the new eyeglasses intended?
• Consider the conditions in which you will be wearing your glasses – both professionally and privately.
• Do you have any diseases that may affect your eyes?
• What did and didn’t you like about your previous pair?
• What lens coatings are you considering?
Of course, cost is a factor when shopping for new eyeglasses – like everything else in life, unfortunately – but in order for you to be completely satisfied with your purchase, there are additional considerations to keep in mind that are very relevant. Here are some questions to ask when shopping for eyeglasses that will help you find the pair that’s perfect for you.
How do I Determine the Best Shape and Color for my Facial Features?
Based on your prescription, sense of style and the look you’re going for, choosing the best frame shape and color is a collaborative process; after all, you want a look that is compatible and complimentary to your coloring and facial features. So, consider:
• Is your style sporty? Retro? Hip/Chic? Designer? Classic?
• Is your personality type loud and flamboyant or cool and understated?
A good optical business like Rowan Eye Center will help you find the perfect style and color in these matters, but it’s important to make sure these outlets don’t work on commission and aren’t just recommending something to benefit the eyeglass curator (we don’t).
What Considerations Should I Make for Choosing My Lenses?
Beyond style of frame, a respectable eye care center will help you choose lenses and frame styles that also fit your lifestyle. Here are some tips we can offer in this regard:
• If you are physically active – like children are – safety will be a consideration, so think about Trivex or polycarbonate lenses.
• Do you sit in front of a computer all day? Consider Blue Light protection.
• Essentially all lenses should exhibit glare-free characteristics by way of a high-quality multi-layer anti-reflective coating that’s easy to clean.
• “Multifocal” glasses come in “no line” lens styles known as “progressives;” these can be made as models suited for all-day computer use so there’s no “crooking” of the neck in order to see the screen.
• Wear glasses all the time? Consider ultra-lightweight rimless or semi-rimless glasses.
• Play a sport? Consider lenses made specifically for every athletic indulgence to enhance performance and concentration on the ball.
• “Chemistrie clips” can be added to nearly every lens to transform them into a custom-made pair of sunglasses.
• The staff you’re speaking with should be trained not only to recommend these kinds of features to you, but also to explain the benefits that impact and improve your lifestyle.
What Should I Expect with Regard to Replacement and Repairs?
Because the goal of your eye care professional should always be to provide you with the perfect pair of eyeglasses, he or she should make sure your vision is in optimal health and your glasses are properly fitted and comfortable. In choosing a professional who does whatever is necessary to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your eyewear purchase, consider these factors in the area of replacement and repairs:
• A quality frame should rarely need to be repaired; if you find yourself losing screws and the glasses are constantly too loose, quality is most likely lacking.
• Many eye care centers offer some form of warranty and adjustments on eyewear, so ask for specifics – don’t pay extra for a warranty.
• Once you’ve picked your perfect pair of eyeglasses, don’t forget to ask about the logistics – i.e. how long will the manufacturing process take?
• Inquire if the glasses are made in the U.S. or even on-premises.
• Ask about delivery options if you require the glasses be shipped to you; can the glasses be hand-delivered to your door, or do you need to come back into the shop?
• Find out what type of patient education is offered to enhance your experience with the new glasses, and know the “rules of the road” regarding how your glasses will be used.
Ready to see your future clearly? Contact Rowan Eye Center to schedule an appointment for new eyeglasses, routine eye exams and much more.