How to Choose the Correct Lens: The First Step for Prescription Glasses

Part One: Prescription Lens - This is the first of a five part series: "How to Purchase Prescription Eyewear. " Our eyes are important and my first eyecare professional never told me these tips. Learn from eyecare professionals how to choose the correct prescription eyewear by reading each article in this series.

1) How to Choose Your Prescription Lens

If you're like most people, when you purchase prescription eyewear, you think you choose the frames first. This is not correct. Choose your prescription lens, then find frames for the prescription lens. You have to make sure your frames hold the lens you need. Otherwise, you may not be satisfied with your prescription eyewear.

2) Prescription Lens for Thick Lenses

Is your prescription strong? If so, don't worry about it. The thick prescription lens are thinner and flatter now. Ask your eyecare professional to explain your three options for a thinner prescription lens.

3) Prescription Lens for Sports and Safety Glasses

Are you active in sports? Or need safety glasses? Then choose a strong and durable prescription lens. Your eyecare professional knows which prescription lens is right for you.

4) Prescription Lens for Reading

Do you have trouble seeing close up? If so, think about reading glasses. The inexpensive drugstore versions can have distortion so it's best to order a prescription lens for reading glasses. Be sure to ask about progressive lenses which is an invisible line if your prescription is not for a single vision prescription lens.

5) Prescription Lens for Intermediate Viewing

Do you sit in front of a computer? Prescription lens are created to relieve eyestrain and tiredness. Let your eyecare professional know if you spend several hours a day at the computer. You may decide you need a separate pair of intermediate glasses.

6) Prescription Lens for Reflections

Do reflections bother you? An anti-reflective treatment for your prescription lens solves glare and reflections for:

1) People who drive a lot
2) Driving at night with the glare of oncoming headlights
3) Work at computer screens or under fluorescent bulbs
4) If you are outside around water or snow

You may choose an extra pair of sunglasses with the anti-reflective prescription lens for these conditions.

7) Prescription Lens for UV Protection

Do you want to protect your eyes from sunlight? Most people know UV rays damage. You may decide for built-in UV protection for prescription lens.

8) Photochromic Prescription Lens

Do you look for comfort, flexibility and protection in one pair of prescription eyeglasses? Consider a photochromic prescription lens. They darken when you're outside and clear up when you're inside.

9) Prescription Lens to Protect from Sunlight

Are you taking medication? Some medications make your eyes sensitive to light. Your eyecare professional can help you find a prescription lens to shield your eyes from the sun. Be sure to mention it.

Now that you have the information for choosing your prescription lens, click here and save for four upcoming articles in this series. Next is, " How to Choose Frames for Your Prescription Lens."

Source:
Transistions Prescription Eyeglasses Brochure

How to Choose the Correct Lens: The First Step for Prescription Glasses copyright 2009