4 Things to Remember When You're Buying New Glasses | Complete Eye Care West

4 Things to Remember When You’re Buying New Glasses

Are you thinking about buying a new pair of glasses? Investing in a new pair of glasses is a big decision. 

Not only are they responsible for your vision, but since you wear them regularly, they are a necessary aspect of your appearance and how you look to the people around you. 

Before you buy a new pair, it’s worth taking a few moments to ensure they are the best ones for you. Keep reading to learn about 4 things to remember when you’re buying new glasses!

1. Make Sure Your Prescription Is Up to Date

Before you start your search for new glasses, the first step is to make sure you have an updated prescription. Even if you feel your prescription has not changed since you got new frames, the only way to be certain is to have an eye exam with your eye doctor. 

You wouldn’t want to spend money on glasses with an outdated prescription. It would end up being a waste of both your time and money.

You should get an eye exam every year, even if you don’t feel like you need one. Not only is it essential to make sure your prescription hasn’t changed, but your eye doctor will also evaluate the overall health of your eyes for optimal vision today and tomorrow. 

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, scheduling an annual eye exam is a must, as it’s the only way to ensure that you’ll have a prescription that’s up to date.

2. Choose the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape

When selecting new frames, you want to look your best. Since you wear them every day, your glasses are a consistent part of your appearance. 

There are many different types of frames to choose from. Taking your unique facial features into consideration can help you select the ones best suited to you.

The most common face shapes are square, round, heart, triangular, and oval. While few faces fit perfectly into one category, examine your structure closely in the mirror to figure out which one is most accurate. Pay special attention to your jawline. 

Certain types of frames complement your facial features more than others. Once you know your shape, consider these recommendations:

Square 

A square face has more angles, with the proportions of the cheekbones, forehead, and jaw fairly equal. Rounder, thinner frames can soften these lines. 

Round

A round face has softer angles, so the opposite is true of those with square faces. Rectangular frames can sharpen your features. Narrow ones can also elongate your facial structure. 

Heart

If your face gradually narrows from your forehead towards your jaw, this is an excellent way to know that you have a heart-shaped face. People with heart-shaped faces tend to look great in wayfarer frames. You can try thinner or even rimless glasses as well.

Triangular

Frames with an emphasis on their upper part provide balance to the shape of your jawline. This could be a bold accent like color or detailing. Cat-eye shapes can be flattering too.

Oval

If you have an oval-shaped face, you’re in luck! Because your face has a high degree of balance, many frames will compliment your features well. Try a pair of oversized or walnut-shaped glasses. 

3. Consider the Type of Lenses

Lenses aren’t only a matter of making sure they carry the right prescription for you. There are many different types of lenses that can make your life easier in various ways. 

For example, digital progressive lenses do more than provide clear vision at near or far distances. They can accommodate your eyesight at any distance without distracting changes or lines. 

Because they are customized for each wearer, your vision has fewer disruptions. This results in a smoother transition between distances.

You might also want to try anti-reflective lenses to reduce the glare that stems from light bouncing off your glasses. Reducing glare can be especially useful during night-time driving. 

Headlights and traffic lights will not infringe on your quality of vision. In this way, anti-reflective lenses can improve your safety.

Instead of working on the computer using reading glasses, another popular option is computer glasses. These lenses are specifically made to be used while looking at a computer and allow a larger viewing area than other types of lenses. 

They come with an intermediate distance at the top portion and a reading power below for clear vision from top to bottom. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, using computer glasses can also help reduce instances of eye strain.

4. Understand How to Take Care of Your New Glasses

Getting a new pair of glasses can make a big difference in your life. It’s a significant investment, which is why you want to keep them looking—and working—like new. 

It’s essential to provide a certain level of upkeep. Regularly cleaning your glasses reduces potential wear and tear and keeps your vision clear. 

Always wash your hands before handling your glasses to prevent any dirt and debris transfer. You’ll also reduce the chances of getting any bacteria in your eyes, leading to infection.

Rinse your glasses gently with warm water and a drop or two of dish soap. Then carefully rub the lenses and the frames to remove any smudges, oils, and dirt. 

Rinse them thoroughly again to remove all soap. Finally, dry using a lint-free towel to avoid the potential of scratches. 

If you have any questions about the upkeep required for a specific type of glasses, we would be happy to answer them. 

Do you need a new pair of glasses? Schedule an appointment at Complete EyeCare West in Columbus, OH, today! Our talented team of eye doctors and staff will make sure your prescription is up to date and help you find a pair of glasses that suits you best. 


Request Appointment
Patient Information
Contact Us
Order Contact Lenses
(614) 878-1571