Things to Consider When Getting Your Next Pair of Prescription Eyeglasses

Prescription glasses are crucial if you need vision correction. Make sure to consider these factors to get the best possible pair when you need a new one.

If you wear eyeglasses to improve your eyesight, you’re not alone. Over 79% of American adults use some form of vision correction, including glasses, to see better. However, it’s also true that eyeglasses aren’t a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.

If you’re more frequently experiencing headaches, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light despite wearing glasses, it might be time to update your specs. Want to get the best out of your next pair of prescription eyeglasses? Here are some of the things you need to consider:

What to consider before getting your next pair of prescription eyeglasses

Your eye prescription

The main reason for getting new glasses is that your prescription needs an update. Using glasses with old prescriptions cause the uncomfortable symptoms mentioned above, like headaches and increased light sensitivity. That’s why we note the importance of getting eye exams every year, whether or not you’re experiencing any adverse issues.

While some might balk at this frequency, this will help you get a precise and updated prescription and avoid the above symptoms. It even allows you to spot eye diseases and vision loss before they happen.

Finally, regular eye exams mean your optometrist can recommend the best adjustments for your next pair. If you need new glasses, book an eye exam to get your new prescription—and make plans for future annual visits so you can get new specs as soon as you need them.

Your new frames

Two other reasons you may want new prescription lenses are if your current pair fits uncomfortably or doesn’t suit your personal preferences. Choosing a pair that aligns with your face’s contours will allow them to remain securely in place without slipping off or being tight enough to cause discomfort. You can check for this by ensuring they don’t touch your cheek and rest firmly on your nose, ears, and the sides of your head without feeling too tight or too loose.

Selecting glasses frames are also a new opportunity to show off your personal style: you can pick something classic, artsy, or even retro—and if you’re buying online, you can leverage virtual try-ons to make sure you like how they look before buying them. If you didn’t like your last pair of prescription eyeglasses, try these criteria to ensure your new specs complement you better.

Extra lens coatings

Before finalizing a purchase, you’re often asked if you want to add any lens coatings. You may have skipped out on them last time because they cost extra. However, they can actually boost the performance and durability of your new prescription glasses—so consider getting them this time around. For example, you can try UV-coated lenses if you spend a lot of time outdoors: they’ll be just as effective as wearing sunglasses.

If you drive often, anti-reflective coatings will shield you from glare on the road. Anti-fog coatings will banish the aggravating condensation that builds up on your lenses, and scratch-resistant coatings will be especially helpful for clumsier glasses wearers. Take the time to evaluate what your eyes need, invest in the corresponding lens coatings, and get more out of your new prescription eyeglasses.

Preventive measures

Accidents happen, and buying new prescription glasses is a great time to think ahead. You may want to consider purchasing another pair so you have a backup whenever you need it.

Alternatively, some retailers offer protection plans that allow you to repair cracked frames, scratched lenses, and other such repairs for up to a year, which you can purchase alongside your new prescription lenses. Choose a backup option that will give you peace of mind that you’ll be visually prepared if your eyeglasses incur damages.

Prescription glasses are crucial if you need vision correction. Make sure to consider the above factors to get the best possible pair when you need a new one.