Eyeglasses 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 youngsters who might ordinarily dread the "nerd" factor of eyeglasses are enjoying wearing them — thanks to the bespectacled young wizard, Harry Potter, and other real and fictional role models.
Eyeglass frame materialsEyeglass frame materials have been revolutionized with the introduction of new plastics and various types of metals. Frames generally are fabricated from plastic or metal, but a wide variety of materials can be used, depending on the desired characteristics of the frame.
For example, for safety glasses, you may require a durable, lightweight frame material, such as polycarbonate. If you suffer from skin allergies, you probably should look for eyeglass frames made of hypoallergenic materials, such as titanium or stainless steel, to avoid a skin condition known as contact dermatitis.
Certain types of eyeglass frames are highly flexible, which reduces the possibility of breakage. Spring hinges also increase frame durability. These types of frames are ideal for kids' eyeglasses and glasses for active wear.
Improved designs of nose pads 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.
Eyeglass frame stylesEyeglasses have also become quite stylish as fashion accessories, especially among fans of high end designers. Many people choose frames the same way they choose shoes or handbags — selecting different colors and styles to match their wardrobes.
Multi-colored inlays, composite materials, designer emblems, and enhancements such as insets of precious stones also can be found in popular frame styles.
Rimless styles offer an understated way to wear eyeglasses without obvious frames. In some rimless styles. plastic or metal temples attach directly to the lenses rather than onto a frame "body."
New eyeglass frame styles continually are being introduced. Innovations include wood and bamboo frame materials and bold shapes, colors and designs in both plastic and metal frames.
Women's eyeglasses now are available in playful cat-eye shapes, as well as cutouts with elaborate design elements including swirls and angular patterns.
Men's eyeglasses have extra flair this season, with new styles that include classy designer logos and patterns embedded in translucent backgrounds.
Unisex eyeglasses for both men and women include plenty of rimless styles, which are popular as a good, generic fit for both sexes.
Kids' eyeglasses may look similar in style to those worn by adults, but often are more colorful and are designed with emphasis on durability to save parents the expense of frequent replacements.
Advances in eyeglass lensesOther reasons eyeglasses are popular include technology advances that make modern lenses thinner, lighter and more attractive than ever before.
Some of the most popular eyeglass lenses and lens treatments prescribed today include:
Aspheric lenses, which provide a slimmer, more attractive profile and sharper peripheral vision than conventional eyeglass lenses.
High-index plastic lenses are thinner and lighter than conventional lenses and provide better built-in protection against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Wavefront technology lenses are fabricated based on very precise measurements of the way light travels through your eye, which helps sharpen visual clarity.
Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are thinner, lighter and up to 10 times more impact-resistant than regular plastic lenses, making them the perfect choice for safety glasses, sports eyewear and eyeglasses for children and active adults.
Photochromic lenses provide 100 percent UV protection and darken automatically in sunlight to reduce the need for prescription sunglasses.
Polarized lenses diminish glare from flat, reflective surfaces (like water) and also reduce eye fatigue.
Anti-reflective coating dramatically improve the look and comfort of your glasses by reducing distracting lens reflections that interfere with eye contact and make your lenses look thicker. AR-coated lenses also reduce glare and allow more light into your eyes for better night vision.
Other lens coatings include scratch-resistant coating, anti-fog coating and UV-blocking lens treatments.
For a quick comparison of eyeglass lens materials, see our article on "How to Choose the Best Lenses for Your Glasses."
Eyeglass lenses for presbyopiaPresbyopia is a normal age-related loss of focusing ability that affects virtually everyone sometime after age 40. Eventually, small print becomes impossible to read without multifocal lenses (if you already wear eyeglasses for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism) or reading glasses (if you don't need prescription lenses to see distant objects clearly).
Multifocal and single vision eyeglass lenses available for presbyopia correction include:
Bifocals. Traditional bifocals have a clearly defined zone in the top half of the lens for distance vision and a zone for near vision in 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. These are single vision lenses that contain magnifying power that allows a person with naturally good distance vision to see clearly up close after the onset of presbyopia. Reading vision is restored when wearing these lenses, but distant objects will be blurry through them. Reading glasses can be purchased with or without a prescription, and generally are available in powers ranging from +1.00 to +3.00 diopters (D).
Top: These retro-nerd reading glasses are the "Get Smart" style by Eileen West Black Label. Bottom: "Ringleader" by Cinzia Design
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.
Eyewear for sports vision and safetyPeople who are passionate about certain sports and recreational activities will benefit from specialized eyewear with features that provide extra protection or vision correction beyond what is found in an ordinary pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Sport sunglasses and performance eyewear can give you just the right tint, protection and design for your outdoor activity.
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 is essential for sports such as baseball, where a hard-hit line drive can permanently damage an unprotected eye.
Sports eyewear for teens and young athletes is especially important because a large percentage of sports-related eye injuries occur among teens and young children.
Safety glasses and goggles in some work environments, such as construction sites, may be 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.
Advice for buying eyeglassesYour 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.
It's also important to keep in mind that some frames just aren't right for certain types of lenses. Progressive lenses, for example, may not work well in a very small frame.
Also, it's important to choose a relatively small frame that centers on your eyes if you have a high prescription. Always consider your eyeglass prescription and lens selection before choosing frames.
Finally, schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor near you to update your glasses prescription before you buy new glasses. And wherever you choose to buy your glasses, ask about return or refund policies before you buy, in case you're unhappy with your glasses after you purchase them.
