3 Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Glasses

Statista reported that the global eyewear industry, which comprises eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and other products, generated about $131 billion in 2018 alone. The sector was anticipated to reach a value of more than $200 billion by 2025. The biggest eyewear market is in North America, accounting to approximately 38% of the global market share. The Asia Pacific, on the other hand, has the fastest-growing eyewear market with over 13% growth rate. With the rising demand for glasses every year, the number of eyewear shops, both online and offline, is likewise increasing. The number of eyeglasses options available for consumers is overwhelming. To ensure you choose the right glasses that fit your needs and preference, consider these three critical factors.

Factor #1: Lenses

There are plenty of options consumers can choose from when it comes to lenses. The following are some examples of lenses for glasses available in the market today:

• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a type of plastic. Lenses which are made with this material are light and are more resistant to impact. Hence, polycarbonate lenses are an ideal choice for kids or safety and sports purposes.
• Trivex: Similar to polycarbonate, Trivex is a type of plastic. It also meets the same safety criteria as the former. However, compared to polycarbonate, this material is more durable, clearer and lighter. Some users find it mitigates distortion. Trivex is an excellent choice for those who have a strong prescription yet want a thin lens.
• Glass: Nowadays, the lenses made of glass are more shatter-resistant than in the past. It is also scratch-resistant. However, compared to the two previous materials, glass lenses are much more substantial.
• Polarised: The best thing about polarised lenses is that they can decrease glare and the amount of UV light entering the users’ eyes. Thus, they are specifically beneficial for drivers and those who spend more time outdoors. Polarised lenses are also suitable for people who spend a lot of time in front of computers. Most lenses today are polarised.

Factor #2: Frames

Another essential factor to consider before buying glasses is their frames. The most popular frames are those made of plastic. Frames made of metal, alloys, or titanium can withstand wear and tear. Drilled or rimless frames, on the other hand, are lightweight, which are best for Trivex or polycarbonate lenses. For kids and infants, glasses made of soft plastic frames are an excellent choice, since they are flexible and less likely to hurt the child during a fall.

Factor #3: Protective Coating

Protective coatings are tints or coatings on the lenses to help with contrast and improve lens performance. The following are some typical lens coatings consumers may find in the market:

• Anti-reflective coatings: This type of coating helps minimise glare and reflections of the glasses’ surface. It allows more comfortable eye contact between the users and other people. This coating also helps reduce headlight other light glares, especially when driving at night.
• Rose copper or brown tints: This type of coating is popular among the golfers since it helps with contrast. Gray and green shades are good to cut down the light and keep a balanced colour.
• UV coating: Lenses coated with 100% UVA and UVB help ward off the harmful impact of UV radiation.
• Photochromic lenses: Photochromic or transition treatment causes the lenses to darken when exposed to sunlight automatically. They will return to normal or clear when indoors. They are an excellent choice for people who do not have sufficient budget to buy separate prescription sunglasses, those who spend more time outdoors and those with light sensitivity. Nevertheless, people are advised to refrain from using them in cars, except for the convertibles.

Choosing the ideal pair of glasses that suit your personality and needs can be a daunting task. Aside from the pricing, you need to consider the above factors before buying your eyeglasses.