So you’ve gotten your prescription and are ready to get your lenses and frames, likely from the pushy salesperson who cornered you the second you left the exam room. They’re likely having you try on frame after frame, of course telling you the most expensive one looks the best. Fun times.
Understandably, the frames get the most attention during the buying process, but you should be paying just as much if not more attention to the lenses. And not just the prescription.
We’re here to help make sure you don’t forget about some crucial extra features you’ll need. Luckily, many lens sellers include the following standard.
Just like we should be wearing sunscreen to protect our skin, we should also be doing what we can to protect our eyes from the same UV rays. Most sunglasses (check the little sticker on your new pair) include UV protection, and these days many regular seeing glasses do as well.
Sunburns suck. Your corneas being “burned” is another unpleasant experience.
Those are the short term symptoms. Long-term exposure can lead to cataracts, visible growths on the eye from Pterygia, and other long-term retinal damage.
Let’s just make sure we avoid all of that painful stuff by making sure the next pair of lenses we purchase include UV-protection.
After shelling out on some new lenses, the last thing you want is to scratch them. Unfortunately, there’s really no way to 100% protect against scratches, but by ensuring your new lenses come with a scratch-resistant coating you’re adding a level of protection that can end up saving you money in the long run.
Especially for kids.
In addition, be sure to do all you can to keep your lenses protected. Keep them in a good case when not on your face. Use microfiber cloths and cleaning solution specifically for glasses.
Anti-reflection (AR) coating blocks light from reflecting off your lenses, helpful when driving at night and eliminating reflections when talking to someone standing in front of you. Another benefit is that it’ll be easier to clean your glasses as the coating will help prevent water spots.
This type of coating is especially needed on polycarbonate and high-index lenses since they tend to reflect more light.
You want your lenses to be practically invisible, which is what AR coating does.
The three lens features above should always be included in your purchase so that your purchase, one that may literally be the product that lets you see the world clearly, is set up to be worth it.