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Purchasing Eyewear

Finding the right pair of specs can be just as hard as unearthing the wedding gown or buying your first home – no hyperbole, it's a tough decision because these little accessories are going to be in the middle of your face, helping you see. Not only do you want eyewear that protects your eyes, fits well and are comfortable but you want to look great, as well. There's nothing worse than making a hasty eyeglasses decision, only to get home and realize that they look a lot better in the magazine ad than they do on your face.

So before you even begin to start searching for the perfect pair of specs, make a complete checklist of everything you need and want in eyeglasses so you don't miss a thing if love-at-first frame strikes and hinders all common sense.

Start by working with what you’ve got. The frame shape should contrast with the shape of your face and the frame size should be in scale with your face size. Emphasize or pay tribute to one of your personal best features. If you have hazel eyes, choose a greenish or gold frame that picks up the sparkly hues of your irises. Likewise, if you have blue eyes, choose azure frames. Also, go by skin color. A colorist can explain which season matches and complements your complexion. For example, are you best matched with the cool dark hues of winter, the muted colors of autumn?

Faces that are wider in the upper portions benefit from frames that are wider at the bottom, very light colors and materials, and rimless frame styles. A square shape denoting a strong jaw line and a broad forehead softens with narrow frame styles, ones that have more width than depth and narrower ovals. Narrow frames with a clear bridge can help a round face look narrower while widening the eyes.

Choosing add-ons does not have to be overwhelming. It’s best to discuss your lifestyle needs for guidance. If you work in an office but like to go sailing on weekends, you might want a progressive bifocal with an anti-reflective coating for your computer and then a second pair of polarized sunglasses for your fishing.

Let’s say you work with computers as part of your job, but not exclusively; you’re in meetings or conferences or dealing with the public. To cut costs in one respect, you could buy one pair of glasses, but instead of an anti-reflective coating, you could opt for a Transitions changeable tint. So, when you do get a chance to go out on your boat, your lenses would transform into shades and you wouldn’t be concerned about damaging a protective coating.

Some add-ons save you money in the long run. In no situation is this truer than when it comes to add-ons for kids’ eyewear. Since children are not always careful when they put on and take off glasses, the hinges often break. Requesting spring hinges, which allow the temples to flex outward, away from the frames, may prevent the need for adjustments and repairs.

Lastly, inquire about manufacturer warranties. Broken lenses and frames do not have to necessitate another purchase. A nominal amount at the time of original purchase can save double and triple later on.