From classrooms and
the office to sports and driving, your eyes can face many different
environments in a single day. Sometimes, eyeglass lenses specifically designed
for those situations can give a boost to your vision, comfort, eye safety, and overall enjoyment. Learn more
below about how different types of glasses can help you see better in different
types of environments.
What are the best
glasses for sports?
The best eyeglasses
for sports call for lenses and frames that enhance your vision, protect your
eyes and stay securely (and comfortably) in place.
From fast-paced team
sports to more leisurely activities, it's crucial to protect your eyes from
injury with impact-resistant materials that provide plenty of coverage. Look
for shatterproof lenses, such as impact-resistant polycarbonate or Trivex. And
consider wrap-around glasses that may stay in place better while adding
coverage.
Lightweight
polycarbonate lenses, nylon frames, and non-slip features can also increase
comfort, while an anti-fog coating and a sport-specific tint can improve clarity.
You can even find prescription swimming goggles that provide additional
coverage, water-resistant padding, and extra comfort.
What are the best
glasses for computers and digital screens?
If you spend hours at
a time staring at a computer screen, you could be at risk for digital eye strain, blurred vision, red eyes,
headaches, and even sore muscles. That’s because looking at a fixed distance for
extended periods makes it harder to focus on other distances. Plus, reading on
a screen is harder on your eyes than reading on paper. And if you adjust your
body position to look through the bottom of your bifocals, you may also be
causing strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.
To overcome these
issues, look for computer glasses designed especially for mid-or medium
distances to help reduce glare and relieve tired, dry eyes and other symptoms
associated with digital eye strain. You may also want to consider blue light glasses or lenses optimized for
intermediate-distance viewing. An anti-reflective coating and specialized tints
can help reduce glare from overhead lighting and block short-wavelength light
from your computer, all of which can enhance contrast and reduce eye strain.
What are the best
glasses for viewing small or close-up items?
Reading glasses can
make it easier to read the newspaper or enjoy your favorite novel. But they can
also provide optimal vision for more than reading. Any activity or task that
requires focus at a close distance, like jewelry making or sewing, can benefit
from specialty reading glasses.
What are the best driving
glasses?
Sun glare or glare
from headlights while driving at night can be a major factor in reduced
visibility while driving. To reduce your risk, consider a pair of glasses with
polarized lenses or lenses with an anti-reflective coating. Either option can
help improve your vision behind the wheel by reducing daytime and nighttime
glare. You might also want to pack a pair of prescription sunglasses.
What are the best
safety glasses?
Whether you’re working
at a construction site or tooling around your home workshop, certain
environments call for safety glasses to minimize the risk of eye injuries. For
maximum eye protection, look for highly durable materials in
both the eyeglass frame and lenses, such as impact-resistant polycarbonate and
Trivex.
Spring hinges on your
glasses can also increase durability. In addition, look for eyewear with
expanded coverage, like top and side shields, wrap-around styles, or goggles.
What are the best
sunglasses for sun protection?
If you spend a lot of
time outside, you’ll want a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun
damage. Look for styles that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Also, make
sure that the frame sits close to your eyes and fits the shape of your face for
the broadest protection.
Consider sunglasses
with polarized lenses, which reduce glare and help you see objects more clearly
in bright light. Varying tints and transitional lenses can take you from day to
night with ease. Plus, you can find these options in sunglasses that let you
look stylish while enhancing your vision!
Choosing glasses
for fun and fashion
Sometimes you want
an extra pair of prescription glasses just for
fun. With many designer styles available, it’s easy to create your own eyewear
wardrobe to match an event, an outfit, or just your mood.
Finding glasses to
improve your vision and enhance your lifestyle
If you're thinking of getting a pair of specialty eyewear, start by scheduling an eye exam to make sure that your eyes are healthy and that your vision prescription is up to date. Your vision care provider can also answer your questions and help you choose the best lenses and frames for your lifestyle and your needs.