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Eyeglass Basics

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Choose Frames Fit For Your Palo Alto Lifestyle

Choosing eyeglasses that fit your lifestyle and enhance your vision starts with selecting durable, comfortable frames. Our team helps guide you to flattering materials and styles for your needs.

Choosing the right eyeglasses involves considering:

Frames are made from various high-quality materials, ranging from acetates and hard plastics to metals and metal alloys. Cutting-edge manufacturers are investing heavily in developing new innovations and materials, resulting in stronger, more flexible, lighter, and more aesthetically pleasing frames.

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in determining the optimal frame material. For example, children and those with active lifestyles require durable, flexible frames that withstand hits and falls. Individuals with skin allergies should seek frames made from hypoallergenic materials like acetate, titanium, or stainless steel. Other factors to consider include the frame materials' weight, flexibility, and price. Additionally, designers often use wood, bone, or precious metals to adorn frames.

Hinges and nose pads are also crucial for frame durability and comfort. Spring hinges and nose pads can help keep frames in place, making them particularly beneficial for children. Alternatively, rimless or semi-rimless glasses are suitable options for those less concerned with durability.

Proper frame size is another key factor when selecting eyeglasses. Frames should fit well, neither slipping off the nose nor pressing too tightly against the temples or sides of the nose.

Top fashion design brands now offer designer eyewear collections to suit every taste and style. Frames are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes, providing endless possibilities for finding a frame that complements your personal style, face shape, and coloring.

While frame selection often takes center stage, the lenses of your eyeglasses are the most important part as a medical device. Therefore, obtaining your lenses (and glasses) from a reputable source is crucial. It is best to purchase eyeglasses through an eye doctor who can ensure that the lenses are properly made and fitted, delivering your best possible vision.

Customize Your Lenses at University Optometry

There are various factors to consider when selecting lenses. If you have a high prescription that requires thicker lenses, you may want to consider aspheric lenses, which are thinner than normal lenses. For children or sports eyewear, lenses made from durable and shatter-resistant materials like polycarbonate or trivex may be useful. Photochromic lenses can serve as both eyeglasses and sunglasses. These lenses darken when exposed to sunlight in order to block out harmful UV rays.

Polarized lenses are ideal for sunglasses, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. They provide greater eye comfort by reducing glare, particularly from water or snow. In addition to different lens options, there are various coatings available to enhance specific characteristics. These coatings include anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and UV coatings. It's important to note that adding a coating may require special cleaning or treatment, so be sure to ask your eye doctor or optician for specific instructions.

Addressing Changing Vision Needs Over 40

When you reach your forties, you may begin to experience presbyopia, which is the loss of the ability to focus on close objects. This is a normal part of aging and can be easily corrected with reading glasses. However, if you already have a prescription for distance vision, you will need a solution that allows you to see clearly at both near and far distances.

There are several options available for presbyopes, including bifocals, multifocal, and progressive lenses. With advancements in technology, new options are constantly being developed. You should discuss with your eye doctor to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

Whether you are buying glasses for a child, in search of a stylish second pair, or have a complex prescription as a senior, it is always advisable to consult with your eye doctor before purchasing new glasses. The ultimate goal of eyeglasses is to help you see clearly and make the most of each day.

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