How to Get Your First Pair of Glasses

17 July 2019
 Categories: , Blog

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If you're unable to see objects that are far away, or if you have trouble focusing on the text while you're reading, you may need glasses. If you've never worn glasses before, you may not know how to go about getting them. This article will take you through the steps you need to complete to get your first pair of glasses:

1. Make an appointment with an eye doctor.

The first step in getting glasses is making an appointment with an eye doctor. If you don't already have a regular optometrist, you can find one in your insurance network. At your eye exam, your doctor will use a few machines to perform tests on your eyes. These tests allow your doctor to screen for glaucoma, diabetes, and other diseases. Your optometrist will ask you to read from a chart on a wall to test your vision. They'll test different prescription strengths and ask you which one allows you to see most clearly.

2. Ask for a glasses prescription.

Your eye doctor will offer you a contact lens or glasses prescription. If you plan to get contact lenses at a later date, you may ask for both for no additional charge. Just make sure to tell your doctor that you plan to wear glasses so you get the right type of prescription. Glasses prescriptions are slightly different from contact lens prescriptions.

3. Browse different frames.

Your glasses can be a fun way to accessorize. Since you'll be wearing your glasses the majority of the time, you want to make sure you get frames that you like. Many eye doctors also sell glasses, and they will have sample frames for you to try on. Make sure you try on any frames that catch your eye in order to make sure they're comfortable.

4. Choose what type of lenses you want.

The strength of your lenses is determined by your prescription, but there are other choices that are left up to you. You can purchase lenses made from different materials, from glass to polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a thinner material that can make stronger prescriptions lightweight and wearable, but it tends to be more expensive. You'll also have to decide if you want an anti-glare coating on your lenses. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you may want to opt for transition lenses that darken automatically when exposed to UV light.

Learn more about getting glasses by contacting services like Cripe Stephens & Stickel.