Prescription glasses are for patients that need vision correction. There are single-vision glasses, which are designed to improve nearsightedness or farsightedness. There are also bifocal glasses, which have both prescriptions in one lens. This is convenient since it saves time between switching glasses for near and distant vision. There are even trifocal glasses that have a third section or intermediate viewing. The first step in getting prescription glasses is to visit your local optometrist or eye care center. They will help you with the following:
• Complete eye examination that checks for cataracts and vision issues in the lenses.
• The eye care specialist may dilute your pupils to check for pressure or blood spots behind the eyes.
• The eye care professional will also check the cornea, retina, iris, and pupil to make sure everything is working in good order.
• You will be asked to read letters on an eye chart — this is important in determining whether you need reading glasses, regular glasses, or both.
• Your optometrist will write out a valid RX script (prescription) so you can pick up a pair of new eyeglasses. Your prescription number will be listed on the script for optimal convenience and optical solutions.
Selecting the Right Frames
As part of your prescription glasses examination, the physician will measure your Pupillary Distance (PD). This is the distance between your pupils, which is usually measured in millimeters. This helps secure the right positioning for your eyeglasses — the optical center. This section of your eyewear should be directly in front of your pupils.
Once this is done and your exam is over, your prescription is ready to be filled. You can fill it out at your local optical center and look for the right frames to meet your needs. Frames should complement your face shape so they do not look too big or small. Similarly, they must be comfortable enough around the ears, and should not slip down the bridge of your nose. You can purchase adjustable nose pads for a more secure fit with flexible frames as well. Here are some of the most common frame types for face shapes:
• Diamond/Heart — this face shape has strong broad cheekbones with a larger forehead and narrow chin. Rounder shaped frames offer the perfect contrast for this face shape.
• Square — softer, rounder frames are ideal for folks with square faces and jaws. They soften this face type’s angularity with good balance and style.
• Oval — the oval face shape works well with most eye frames. However, symmetrical eyewear tends to work best with a rigid facial structure.
Eyewear Essentials for Wearers
Your prescription will list the type of lenses needed for your eyeglasses. These are usually made from high-quality plastic like polycarbonate. This plastic is lighter but more durable than traditional glass lenses. They can also be enhanced with ultraviolet (UV) light protection and scratch-resistant features.
You can also choose from a variety of eyewear styles in all the latest designs and colors. These include Cat-Eye glasses, Wayfarer, Progressives, and much more. For more information, simply visit your eye doctor today and see the results for yourself.