When it comes to picking out glasses, most people focus solely on the frames. While it’s important to like the way your glasses look, it’s equally important to have the right lenses for your needs. According to the staff at Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates in Honolulu, HI, there are several lenses to address different eye conditions. When your optometrist prescribes your lenses, you should also speak with them about which kind you need. This will ensure you get most out of them.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Glasses

1. Consider Your Needs

People wear glasses for many reasons. In some cases, it’s only for hobbies like reading. Consider how you’re going to use the glasses. Instead of traditional corrective lenses, you may be better suited for bifocals or multi-focals. These focus on allowing you to separate vision needs, so your eyes only receive assistance for specific near or farsighted reasons. Speak with your optometrist about their recommended options based on your eyesight and any diagnosed issues.

2. Keep Lifestyle in Mind

Broken glasses aren’t only inconvenient—they can also be costly to replace. Contrary to popular belief, most lenses aren’t made of glass. Plastic, polycarbonate, and high-index plastic are the most popular, and you should consider what kind of durability you need. Do you wear glasses during sports or in an active workplace? You may want to invest in polycarbonate lenses, which are the most durable. Likewise, plastic is fine if you aren’t exposed to many hazards. Choosing the right materials will ensure you can always use your glasses as needed without worrying about breaking them.

3. Explore Features

Glasses lenses come with a number of features. UV-blocking treatments, anti-reflective coatings, and anti-scratch protection are just a few. Some of these—especially UV-blocking—are extremely important based on your vision issues. For people with cataracts and macular degeneration, anti-reflective coatings are necessary. Your glasses not only need to enhance your vision, but they should also protect it, so explore protective coatings and features with your optometrist.

Selecting the right glasses will ensure you get the most from them, and an optometrist at Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates can help. They offer comprehensive optometry services alongside a large selection of corrective lenses and fashion eyewear, and their staff is committed to making sure every patient finds the best solution for their vision problems. Call (808) 487-5500 to schedule an exam with an eye doctor, and visit the website and Facebook page to learn more about their practice.