Choosing the right pair of eyeglasses for youHave you ever had a pair of eyeglasses that made you think, “I’m not okay with this pair of eyeglasses?” or “There is really something wrong with this pair of eyeglasses but I don’t know what it is.”

When getting a new pair of eyeglasses, it’s important to consider the fit, color, style or shape that complements the facial features. But it is equally important to think about what lenses to put in.

“A dozen eyeglass options are available today, but remember that eyeglasses are not onesize-fits-all,” said Asian Eye Institute pediatric optometrist and orthoptist Dr. Gualberto Dato. “That’s why when getting a new pair, make sure to get a pair that is durable, fits your face perfectly and provides you clear, comfortable vision.”

What do you need to consider when getting a new pair of eyeglasses?

Frame fit. “It’s important to have properly fitted eyeglasses because poorly-fitted ones affect vision and cause discomfort, headaches and eye fatigue. You’ll know your eyeglasses aren’t properly fitted if your pair keeps sliding down your face or it leaves a mark on your temples. Sometimes, it also gives you an impression of the floor being too deep or shallow,” explained Dato.

Among the questions you need to ask include: does it have a stable and comfortable fit? Does it put pressure on your face? Or does it look too small or too big for your face?

“If it’s too big, your face will look disproportionately smaller. And if it’s too small, your face will look wider. If you don’t get the correct frame size, your lenses may be off-centered and can cause eyestrain and headaches. One way to know your frame size is by checking the numbers on the arm or temple of your frame. You can also visit your eye doctor to help you with the fitting,” Dato added.

Frame material. Eyeglass frames can be made of metal, plastic or a combination of the two. Choosing which one to get depends on your lifestyle, prescription, age or the look you’re trying to achieve.

Dato said: “Metals are easier to fit and adjust but are usually heavy. If you get one but you have skin allergies, frames that are hypoallergenic like plastics, acetate or titanium may be the best option.”

You may also want to check if the frame you’re getting has nose pads. These contribute to comfort and how the frame sits on your face.

Lenses. Be specific about the lenses you’re getting. According to Dato, “the lenses are the heart of your eyeglasses. These don’t only protect your eyes, they also provide you with clear, comfortable vision that gets you throughout the day. Make sure that the lenses have the correct prescription, so your eyes will be comfortable and you won’t get dizzy or suffer from headaches.”

For more protection for your eyes, it also helps to upgrade your lenses. “There are actually a lot of options and choosing which one to get will depend on your visual needs and lifestyle. The most common ones are the multicoated lenses, blue-light filtering lenses and photochromic lenses,” Dato said.

Multicoated lenses are known for their triple coatings—antireflection, scratch resistance and anti-ultraviolet (UV) rays; blue light lenses protect the eyes from eyestrain caused by too much exposure to digital screens; and photochromic lenses darken when exposed to UV rays and become clear when indoors. Well-known brands of photochromic technology are Transitions and Photofusion.

You will be using your glasses most of your day, so invest in eyeglasses that don’t only make you look good but also see and feel better.

If you feel unsure, ask your Asian Eye doctor. Asian Eye has clinics and optical shops at Rockwell Makati, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia and Commercenter Alabang. To set an appointment, call Asian Eye at 8-898-2020 or 0918-898-2020. (Story/Photos by: Charizze Henson)