Understanding Maintenance for Glasses

Whether you wear glasses just for reading or use them all the time, it is important to know how to take good care of your glasses and make sure they meet your needs. Keep reading below to learn more about ongoing eyeglass maintenance. 

When eyeglasses may be a good option 

There are a variety of signs that may indicate you need glasses. If you frequently experience some of the following signs, you might benefit from glasses:
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• Squinting
• Eyestrain
• Double vision
• Blurred vision 
• Frequent headaches
• Trouble seeing up-close
• Trouble seeing at a distance

The best way to know if you need glasses is to have an eye exam. During an exam, the doctor will not only check your vision and determine if you need glasses, but he can also screen for various eye diseases. If it is found you have a condition, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, eyeglasses can be helpful.

Although contact lenses are also an option, they may not be right for everyone. For example, if you have eye allergies or have dry eyes, contacts may make symptoms worse. Even if you have contact lenses, it is still helpful to have a pair of glasses. There may be instances when you want to use glasses instead of contacts. 
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Types of lenses

Different types of lens design are available. For instance, single vision lenses correct distance vision. Multifocal lenses correct both near and distance vision. Additional types of lenses also include:

High Index: High index lenses use a thin material, which makes the glasses a little lighter.

Progressive: These lenses may include bifocal and trifocal lenses to work on two vision problems.

Transitions: Transition lenses change color depending on the light and act as sunglasses. They may be a good option for people that spend a lot of time outside.

The type of lenses that may work best for you depends on the type of vision problem you have and your preference. 
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Choosing your glasses 

When it comes to choosing your eyeglasses, you might think it’s simple, and it can be. But in addition to your lenses, there are a few things to consider. After all, you want to be comfortable in your glasses and have them fit well and look good. Before you select your eyeglasses, there are a few things to consider, such as:

Frames: Different types of frames, including metal and plastic, are available. Consider your lifestyle and preference.

Color: Frames come in various colors to help reflect your style.

Shape: It is helpful to consider the shape of your face when choosing the shape of your eyeglasses.   
Feel: One of the most important factors involved in selecting glasses is how they feel. If your eyeglasses are not comfortable, you will be less likely to wear them. Make sure the glasses you choose fit well around your ears and on the bridge of your nose. 
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Ongoing eyeglass maintenance 

Once you get your glasses, you also need ongoing maintenance. Although you should follow your eye doctor’s recommendations, updating your glasses every few years may be suggested. You may need a new prescription as your vision changes. Various factors can play a role in needing a new prescription, including the normal aging process.

It is also essential to care for your glasses correctly. Although it takes less time to pop a pair of glasses on than it does to put your contacts in, it still requires a little bit of maintenance. Consider the following tips to maintain your eyeglasses:

• Remove dust and dirt by running your glasses under lukewarm water and putting a drop of dishwashing soap on your finger. Gently rub the lenses and rinse with water.
• Store your glasses properly. Have a case to place your glasses in to avoid leaving them lying around where they could get broken.

If you have any questions, would like to visit our optical shop, or want to schedule an exam with one of our eye doctors, please phone us at 508-746-8600.