Consumer Guide to Prescription Eyeglasses

Learn all about prescription eyeglasses by reading these articles on eyeglass frames and lenses, all written by experts. Review our eyeglass basics article for ideas about how to select the right lenses and frames. Our list of lens options provides information about coatings, materials and designs. We also have complete coverage of safety glasses and other eye safety topics.

Eyeglass Frames

Eyeglass Frames: It's a Material World
Learn how to choose the right frame material for your prescription eyeglasses, whether you need it to be lightweight, flexible, strong, and/or hypoallergenic. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on eyeglass frames and our FAQs about eyeglasses.

Which Eyeglasses Would Look Best on You?
This frame shape and color analysis will help you match your face shape to complementary eyeglasses and choose the colors that are most flattering for you.

How to Choose Eyeglasses That Suit Your Personality and Lifestyle
Does your wardrobe make a strong statement? Eyeglasses with unusual shapes and colors might be for you. Do you mainly wear your eyeglasses at work? Discover which styles say, "competent professional." Whatever your personality or lifestyle, this article will help you find the eyeglasses you want.

Size of Prescription Eyeglasses: How Frame Sizes Work
It's not as simple as small, medium, and large, so here's an explanation of sizes of prescription eyeglasses.

Women's Eyeglass Frames: Getting a Look You Love!
Find out what eyeglasses are in style, plus how to get great-looking, comfortable frames that are unique to you.

Men's Eyeglasses: Where Fashion Meets Function
Men want comfort and durability without sacrificing style. Learn what to look for at the optical store, plus which men's frames are in style now.

Unisex Eyeglasses
Learn about fashionable eyeglass styles that are designed for both men and women.

Children's Eyeglasses: Like Yours, But More Fun
How to choose prescription eyeglasses your kids will actually want to wear. Also read our 10 Tips for Buying Kids' Eyewear. And see the latest New Frames for Kids & Teens.

What's New in Prescription Eyeglass Frames
See the newest trends in adult eyeglasses from frame manufacturers around the world.

Specialty Eyeglasses: For All Seasons, for All Reasons
Specialty eyewear includes eyeglasses and sunglasses that are designed for a specific purpose, such as computer use, driving, work, hobbies, protecting your eyes and more. Can you benefit from special eyeglasses? Read this article to help you decide. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on eye safety and safety eyewear.

Test Your Prescription Eyeglasses "Eye-Q"
Think you know it all? Test your knowledge of eyeglasses with our "Eye-Q" Quiz.

SPONSORED SECTION: The iLASIK Procedure
Learn about this advanced laser vision correction procedure for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Eyeglass Lenses

High-index Lenses
If you hate thick prescription eyeglasses, try lenses in a high-index material. They offer superior optics in a thinner, lighter lens. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on eyeglasses.
 

How eyeglass lenses correct myopia. See animation.

Aspheric Lenses
Aspherics are ideal for strong prescriptions because they are flatter and thinner. They also provide better vision than ordinary lenses and look better because they lessen farsighted eye magnification and nearsighted eye minification.

Multifocal Lenses
Bifocals and trifocals come in many configurations, depending on whether you sit at the computer all day, play golf, work on automobiles, etc. Here's what you need to know to choose the right bifocal lens or trifocal lens for your presbyopia. Also read our Eye Doctor Q&A on bifocal lenses.

Progressive Addition Lenses
Progressive lenses can do everything a bifocal or trifocal can do, but without the lines. Here's how they work and why you should consider them if you have presbyopia.

Lens Coatings for Eyeglasses
Anti-reflective coating, UV coating and scratch-resistant coating are options that make lenses more attractive and longer-lasting. We explain how they work and why you should consider them the next time you purchase eyeglasses.

The lens at left has anti-reflective coating. See the glare spots on the other lens? Photo: J. Bruneni, Vision Consultants

Photochromics and Tints
Photochromic lenses (also called variable-tint lenses or transition lenses) that darken in the sun are convenient for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Here's a rundown of the many kinds of photochromic lenses now available for eyeglasses. Also: cosmetic lens tints and what they can do for your eyes and your looks.

Polycarbonate Lenses for Eyeglasses
Polycarbonate lenses are very impact-resistant, and thinner than regular plastic lenses. They're great for active people — especially kids.

Wavefront Lenses
How lenses created with wavefront technology can correct higher order aberrations. One notable benefit is better vision at night.

What's New in Eyeglass Lenses
See the latest technology in new prescription lens products.

Eye Safety

Eye Safety and Workplace Safety Basics
Hundreds of thousands of eye injuries occur annually at the workplace or during leisure activities such as setting off fireworks. Learn the most common causes of eye injuries, ranging from dusty weather to mascara applicators.

Safety Glasses and Goggles
To provide maximum eye protection, both lenses and frames of safety glasses and goggles must conform to a higher standard of toughness than regular eyeglasses. Learn how protective eyewear is rated, and which designs are best for your occupation or activity.

Preventing Eye Injuries
Many eye injuries are painful, and some can even be blinding. These common-sense precautions can help you avoid most common types of eye injuries.

Safety Eyewear - Eye Doctor Q & A
Experts answer reader questions about eye safety and eyewear, such as how to select the appropriate safety eyeglasses for your occupation.

[Page updated July 2008]