When it comes to choosing the right eyewear, you can have it all—style and function. Keep these four tips in mind to make sure you’re getting what’s best for your health.

• Select frames that fit your lifestyle so they’re less likely to be a distraction: When you choose frames that fit in with your life, you’re more likely to wear them, which is good for your vision and safety. Frame fit depends on a few factors, such as what you do and the shape of your face. Your eye doctor and staff can work with you to find a pair that reflects your preferences and needs. 
• Know your lens options: Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, presbyopic or astigmatic, you have choices when it comes to materials and treatments:
  • Polycarbonate lenses: Made from a thinner, lighter-weight material than traditional lenses, polycarbonate lenses are more impact resistant. Children, athletes and those who need safety glasses often use this material. Also, polycarbonate lenses block most UV rays.¹
  • Photochromic lenses: These lenses darken when exposed to sunlight and lighten when the wearer returns indoors. Photochromic lenses are a good choice for people who want the protection and comfort of sunglasses without having to switch eyewear, and they protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation.
  • Progressive lenses: Progressive lenses provide the benefits of multifocal lenses with a blended lens, enabling more natural vision correction.
• Contacts: Whether you have an active lifestyle, need peripheral vision correction, or simply want freedom from wearing eyeglasses, contact lenses could be the right choice for you. But they must be worn properly to avoid potential complications. Your eye doctor can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for contacts.
• Sun wear: If you’re shopping for prescription sunglasses, make sure the lenses block 99  - 100% of UVA and UVB rays². Wraparound sunglass frames can offer even greater protection. UV rays can harm both the internal and external structures of the eye.

So, the next time you’re choosing eyewear, express yourself! Just make sure fashion meets function to keep your eyes in top form.

1. “Sunglasses & UV Light”,  All About Vision,  Feb 2022, https://www.allaboutvision.com/askdoc/sunglasses.htm

2. “Are Sunglasses Necessary?”, Mayo Clinic, June 25, 2021, https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-sunglasses-necessary/