Eyeglass Basics

Eyeglasses may be ancient in their origins. But in many ways, they are more popular than ever, despite recent innovations in contact lenses and vision correction surgery.

Frame styles branded with high profile designer names like Calvin Klein, Jones New York, and Marc Jacobs continue to be in demand. And even for youngsters who might ordinarily dread the "nerd" factor of wearing eyeglasses, popular fiction characters like the bespectacled young wizard, Harry Potter, have become role models.

Eyeglass frame materials, too, have been revolutionized with the advent of new plastics and various types of metals. Frames generally are fabricated from plastic or metal, but can be made from any workable material. For safety glasses, you may require an extra tough plastic, such as polycarbonate. If you suffer from skin allergies you might need hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or stainless steel to avoid a skin condition known as contact dermatitis.

Some eyeglass frames have components that can be snapped into place, rather than attached by screws or other means. This type of feature can be handy if you choose to "mix and match" different colored temples with the same set of lenses.

Certain types of eyeglass frames now also are highly flexible, which reduces the possibility of breakage. Spring hinges are also flexible. These types of frames are ideal for kids' eyeglasses, because of the durability factor.

Improved designs of nose pads also contribute to comfort and the look of how eyeglasses are positioned in front of the face. New silicone nose pads, for example, can prevent "slippage" but are so lightweight and soft that they are hardly noticeable.

Eyeglasses have also become quite stylish as fashion accessories, especially among fans of high end designers. Many people change their frames in the same way as shoes or handbags, with different colors and styles to match their wardrobes.

Multi-colored inlays, composite materials, designer emblems, and enhancements such as insets of precious stones may also be found in popular frame styles.

Rimless styles have become more popular in recent years as an understated way to wear eyeglasses without obvious frames. Rimless styles mainly involve attaching plastic or metal temples directly onto the lenses rather than onto a frame.

New eyeglass frame styles continually are being announced. Innovations in both construction and design include introduction of wood or bamboo in frame materials.

Today you can find just about any frame style you like, from fancy to plain. Current women's frame trends include lots of ornamentation, ranging from bright colorations and patterns to crystals and etching, as well as clean, spare looks. Top left: This Calvin Klein style 484 rimless frame with multitoned zyl plastic temples and metallic hinges and bridge is shown in turquoise. Bottom left: This Fendi style F684R in brown has laser-etched temples with iridescent lace patterns, rivets, and crystals; the end pieces feature the double F logo in polished metal. Right: This silver-colored monel metal frame from the Oxygen collection by Framescape is called Zephyr.

Women's eyeglass frames recently have included embellishments such as rhinestones, along with colorful stripes and animal skin patterns.

Eyeglass frames for men have gone retro, with a return in some styles to solid black, squared shapes.

Unisex frames for both men and women include plenty of rimless styles, which are popular as a good, generic fit for both sexes.

Kids' frames may look similar in style to those worn by adults, but are often more colorful with emphasis on durability to save parents the expense of constant replacements.
 

Perhaps another reason for the enduring popularity of eyeglasses can be found in new lens designs, which help eyes to see better or appear more attractive even when stronger prescriptions are needed. Because these new types of lenses are thinner, the old days of thick, Coke bottle style glasses have virtually disappeared.

Among the most popular types of lenses prescribed today are:

Aspheric lenses, which are not perfectly rounded on the surface, recently have been designed as a way to correct for small distortions in vision that can be associated with more traditional lenses. These types of designs also make lenses thinner and lighter.

High index materials also are associated with thinner, lighter lenses, because of the more efficient way this special plastic refracts light to help you achieve focus. Because less plastic is needed with high index materials, lens thickness is reduced.

Wavefront technology lenses are fabricated based on very precise measurements of the way light travels through your eye, which helps sharpen visual clarity.

Polycarbonate is a type of shatter-resistant plastic, considered a major advance over earlier plastics used in lens fabrication. Polycarbonate lenses also are lighter and thinner than basic plastic lenses, because they have a higher index. Because polycarbonate lenses are tough and scratch-resistant, they are highly recommended for children and active adults.

An example of photochromic lenses. Photos provided by Transitions.

Photochromic lenses have chemical coatings or special internal changes allowing them to quickly darken in bright conditions, and quickly return to normal in ordinary indoor lighting or at night.

Polarized lenses diminish glare from flat, reflective surfaces (like water) and also reduce eye fatigue.

Anti-reflective coatings are among the most popular add-ons for lenses. They can dramatically improve the look and comfort of your glasses by minimizing reflected light that might otherwise appear on the lens, which also has the added benefit of reducing glare and thus easing eye fatigue.

Other lens coatings include scratch-resistant, ultraviolet treatment, and mirror coatings.

Presbyopia is a special challenge for people 40 or older, because the eye's natural lens and internal focusing muscles become less flexible with aging and no longer can accommodate vision at all distance ranges. Presbyopia typically is noticed when print begins to blur, even if you never wore glasses before.

This means that the usual type of eyeglass lenses you've likely been accustomed to wearing, known as single-vision lenses, no longer will work well for you.

Multifocal and single-vision eyeglass lenses available for presbyopia correction include:

Amy Sacks Eyewear says its reading glasses with sunglass tints have better features than you'll find in most drugstore readers. They include high-quality, distortion-free lenses in tough polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant coating, as well as high-fashion styling and finely finished frames. Shown are Dylan in sky and Kendall in espresso.

• Bifocals: Traditional bifocals have only two ranges of vision — near and far — with a distance zone established in the upper portion of the lens, and the lower zone enabling near vision tasks such as reading located on the bottom half of the lens. The zones are separated by a noticeable line.
   
• Trifocals: These lenses have three different zones for seeing at varying distances — near, intermediate, and far — and can be custom made for you to accommodate your lifestyle or occupation.
   
• Progressive lenses: These lenses have many advantages over bifocals and trifocals because they allow the wearer to focus at many different distances, not just two or three. Because they have no lines, progressive lenses allow a smooth, comfortable transition from one distance to another. They are a much better option for active, multitasking people.
   
• Reading glasses: Reading glasses can be obtained with or without a prescription. Basically, they provide single-vision lenses that sharpen near vision for people with presbyopia and/or hyperopia.

From a timeless aviator look to the sophistication of new designer styles, sunglasses are as common in outdoor settings as seashells on a beach. These days, the debate among sunglass wearers focuses on protection versus style. As much as sunglasses make a fashion statement, they also serve as an important device to protect your eye's health from damaging UV rays.

• Plano sunglasses: You can find non-prescription sunwear in a variety of frame materials, including plastic and metals such as titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel. Popular options include polarized lenses for driving and fishing or mirror coatings. Clip-on sunglasses that can be bought at the same time as your regular eyeglasses are designed for an exact match. Magnetic attachments also have greatly increased the popularity of clip-on sunglasses. When buying plano sunglasses, make sure they're optically ground and absorb 100 percent of harmful UV rays if you want the best vision and eye protection.
   
• Designer sunglasses: These styles, often branded with popular names such as Armani, are generally sold in high end boutiques or department stores and tend to mimic current fashion trends.
   
• Prescription sunglasses: Ideal for prescription eyeglass wearers, these eliminate the need for sun clips. Recently, prescription sunglasses have become more available in the retail marketplace.
   
• Kids' sunglasses: Youngsters can achieve a trendy grown-up look in sunglasses or go for more whimsical styles, such as brightly colored, cat-eye shapes.

People who are passionate about certain sports and recreational activities often begin to see a need for specialized eyewear, with added features that provide extra protection or vision correction beyond what is found in an ordinary pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses.

Diving masks and swim goggles are available to accommodate your eyeglass prescription.

Ski goggles come in several different lens tints, to increase your ability to see bumps and ice on the trail, depending on what the lighting conditions are at your favorite slopes. Many ski goggles are sized so they can be worn over regular eyeglasses.

Shooting glasses for hunters or rifle and handgun enthusiasts need to be extra tough and scratch-resistant, as well as specially tinted to enhance contrast and clarity of vision in the outdoors.

Protective eyewear in the form of sports goggles, made in many shapes and sizes, is essential for sports such as baseball, where a hard-hit line drive can permanently damage an unprotected eye.

Safety glasses and goggles in some work environments, such as construction sites, are required by law. But even if safety glasses aren't mandated, it's still very prudent to wear them when you work or play in circumstances where your eyes are exposed to hazards such as dangerous airborne particles and debris.

Your appearance, personal taste, and lifestyle provide the best guide to finding just the right eyeglasses for you.

When selecting frames, make sure you analyze your face shape and coloring so that you find the most flattering look. While it's fine to admire what a favorite celebrity might be wearing, remember that the same style might not be the right look for you.

Also, buying eyeglasses or sunglasses online may not be the best choice, because you'll be unable to try them on before buying. You could get lucky with an online purchase, but you never know for sure until you see how a frame really fits your face.

It's also important to keep in mind that some frames just aren't right for certain types of lenses. Progressive lenses, for example, often don't work well in today's smaller, stylish frames. And it's best to choose a small, symmetrical frame that centers on your eyes if you have a high prescription. It is a very good idea to consider your lens selection first before buying frames.

Finally, even after you've tried on frames first, you may find that you just don't like the look or that the lenses aren't quite right for your vision correction needs. So be sure you ask your eye doctor or optician in advance about return or refund policies for prescription eyewear.