With so many eyeglass frames and lenses to consider, choosing new glasses can be a big decision. You want a pair that helps you achieve clear vision, but also feels comfortable and suits your personal style.
Navigating the world of eyewear is much easier when you break it down into a few simple steps. The right glasses for you depend on a combination of a precise prescription, the right lens design and material for your lifestyle, and frames that fit well. With a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will help you zero in on the glasses that are right for you.
Why an Accurate Prescription Is the First Step
Before you choose frames or lenses, you need an up-to-date prescription. This check-up is the foundation for clear vision and comfort. A professional eye exam does more than just test your sight—it also checks the overall health of your eyes.
How an Eye Exam Helps
An eye exam gives you the exact details needed for your glasses. Your optometrist determines the right lens power to correct your vision without causing strain. This precision is key to how well your new glasses will work for you.
Signs Your Prescription Might Be Off
If you wear glasses with an incorrect prescription, you might notice a few issues. Pay attention to signs that your new eyewear isn’t a perfect match for your vision needs.
- Headaches
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness or nausea
Lenses for Your Vision Needs
Not all lenses are the same. Based on your lifestyle and prescription, different designs and materials of lenses may offer different benefits. From computer work to driving, there’s a lens designed to help you see clearly.
Single Vision Lenses
These lenses have one prescription power throughout the entire lens. They correct vision for a single distance—either close up for reading, far away for driving, or at an intermediate distance for computer work. They’re a straightforward solution for many vision needs.
Progressive Lenses for Multiple Distances
Progressive lenses offer a smooth transition for multiple distances within one lens. They let you see clearly at all distances—near, intermediate, and far—without a visible line on the lens to distinguish between the different viewing distances. This makes progressives a popular choice for people with conditions like presbyopia who need help seeing at more than one distance.
Office & Driving Lenses
Some lenses are made for specific activities. Office lenses provide a wide field of view for computer work and reading, which can reduce neck and eye strain. Driving lenses are designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity on the road, especially at night.
About Zeiss Lenses & UV Protection
Lens technology continues to develop. For example, Zeiss lenses offer precise vision correction and provide 100% UV protection, which helps shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.
Choose Frames That Fit Your Face & Style
Finding the right frames is about both comfort and personal style. A well-fitting frame will sit comfortably on your face without slipping or pinching. We offer a wide selection of eyewear from a range of brands, so you can find a style that complements your features and expresses your personality.
How Do I Know What Type of Glasses Look Best on Me?
While there are general guides about face shapes—like oval, square, or round—the best way to know is to try frames on. Notice how different shapes and colours work with your features. The goal is to find a pair that makes you feel good.
A Few Tips for a Good Fit
When you try on frames, check a few key areas to make sure they fit correctly. A proper fit is important for both comfort and vision.
- Eyebrows: Your frames should generally follow the line of your eyebrows, not sit above them.
- Bridge: The nose bridge should fit securely without pinching or leaving red marks.
- Temples: The arms of the glasses should be of the proper length to rest comfortably behind your ears.
Buy Online or from an Optometrist?
You have two main options for buying glasses: from an online store or directly from an experienced eye care professional. Each path offers a different experience, and what works best often depends on your prescription and personal needs.
What to Expect from Online Retailers
Online stores can offer a wide selection and, sometimes, different prices. However, you are responsible for entering your own prescription details and taking measurements like your pupillary distance. This process can be tricky to get right without professional assistance.
The Value of Professional Help & Fittings
When you buy glasses from a professional, they handle all the technical measurements for you. They can also adjust the frames for a perfect fit, which is something you can’t get online. Local eye doctors in Whitby can provide this hands-on service to make sure everything is just right.
Why Complex Prescriptions Need an Expert’s Touch
If you have a high-power prescription, astigmatism, or need progressive lenses, professional fitting becomes even more important. An expert can make sure the optical centre of the lens aligns perfectly with the best optical part of your eye. This alignment is difficult to achieve on your own, but is very important for clear vision.
How to Know Your New Glasses Are Right for You
Once you have your new glasses, there are a few things to consider. A short adjustment period is normal, but the final fit should be comfortable and provide clear vision. Knowing what to look for can help you feel confident in your new eyewear.
The Adjustment Period
It can take a few days for your eyes and brain to get used to a new prescription, especially with progressive lenses. Wear your glasses as much as possible to help speed up this process. If discomfort continues after a week, check in with your eye care provider.
Signs of a Proper Fit
Your glasses are likely a good fit if they feel secure, if you can see clearly without strain, and if you don’t experience headaches. Your glasses shouldn’t slide down your nose when you look down or feel tight behind your ears.
Finding the right pair of glasses is a journey that starts with a thorough eye exam and ends with a pair that you love to wear. By focusing on your prescription, lens needs, and a comfortable fit, you can make a choice that supports your vision and lifestyle. It’s about seeing your best and feeling your best, too. At Whitby Family Eye Care, we focus on your experience first. If you have questions about what glasses are right for you, or if you need an updated prescription, we’re here to help. Contact us to request an appointment and let our team guide you through the process.
