So it’s your first time buying glasses; for many first-time wearers, purchasing their first pair of glasses can be daunting. From frame shape to colour, to lenses, there’s a lot to consider (not to mention sunglasses!). If this is your first time buying yourself a pair of glasses, don’t worry, the experts at Hakim Optical have got you covered. This is what you need to know before buying your first pair of glasses.
Consider Your Needs
Before you begin the selection process for your perfect pair of glasses, make sure that you consider your day-to-day activities and where your glasses will fit in. What are your intentions for your new glasses? Do you intend to wear them every day? Are they just for reading? Just for working? Once you’ve got a good grasp on your need for new glasses, it’s easier to choose an accommodating pair of frames, sunglasses, and lens coating.
Plan Your Budget
Like any significant purchase, it’s important to plan a fair and effective budget for your expenses. Before stepping into a store with the intention of purchasing new glasses, ask yourself what you feel comfortable spending and how many frames you intend to purchase. Don’t forget to consider the value of investing in a high-quality pair of glasses; especially if you intend to wear them every day.
Choosing The Right Frames
Once you’ve received your prescription and you’re ready to find the perfect pair of glasses for you, the first step is to choose the right frames. Different frame shapes, colours, and styles can affect how you look and the aesthetic that you’re trying to put forward. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing your glasses frames.
The Prescription
Did you know that some prescriptions are better placed with certain frames? It’s true! If you have a heavier prescription, it’s best to opt for thick frames to support the width of the lens.
Your Face Shape
Similar to wearing clothing that’s flattering to your body type, there are certain glasses frames that can complement the shape of your face. Most people fall into one of these four face shapes: round, oval, heart, and square, and each face shape comes with several styles of glasses that can really help the wearer look great!
Learn more about how to find the right glasses for your face shape here!
The Colour
Once you have a frame shape in mind, colour is a great way to express yourself and your personal style. You can choose to go classic with a muted palette or make a statement with bold and bright colours.
Visit our How To Choose The Perfect Frames page to learn more!
Choosing The Right Sunglasses
While choosing sunglasses frames is similar to choosing regular eyeglasses in the sense that frame shape and colours are important to complement your style, what makes a difference when choosing sunglasses are the lenses. Choosing the right lenses for your sunglasses can help you with your day-to-day activities and routines.
Polarized
Polarized lenses only allow light in through one direction, protecting the wearer’s eyes from sun damage and fatigue. Many people like the look of polarized lenses because they come with a signature brown or grey tint. Polarized lenses are particularly beneficial for those who spend a lot of time driving.
Mirrored
Mirrored lenses use their outward mirror coating to deflect the light away from the wearer’s eyes, keeping their vision clear and offering the iconic mirrored look. Mirrored lenses are beneficial for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors in the sun.
Self-Tinting
Self-tinting glasses are exactly as they sound. Throughout the day as you experience different spaces with different lighting, these sunglasses will automatically tint themselves to adjust to how bright the environment is. Self-tinting glasses are great for people who spend time both outside and inside and don’t wish to carry two pairs of glasses.
Learn more about how to choose the perfect pair of sunglasses here!
Lens Coatings
Just as its name suggests, a lens coating is literally a purposeful transparent coating that is given to a lens as a finish. Lens coatings come in several different styles and functions depending on what you need most for your daily activities. Below are a few of our favourite lens coating options.
Anti-Static
An anti-static lens coating will prevent small particles and debris in the air from sticking to your glasses. If you’re crafty or work with your hands a lot, an anti-static lens coating is most likely the best option for you!
Water Repellent
If you live in an area that experiences a lot of snow or a lot of rain, then a water-repellent lens coating is the best choice for you. Water repellent lenses will simply whisk off any incoming water droplets, ensuring that you can continue to see properly even when you’re outside!
Scratch Resistant
Scratch-resistant lenses are a great option for children as they tend to play, fall down, and drop their glasses. However, if you live a very active lifestyle, scratch-resistant lenses may be right for you as well. The specialty coating in scratch-resistant lenses makes your lenses far more durable, giving you the freedom to enjoy your life without worrying about your glasses.
Anti Reflective
As many of us work from home now, we’re often on the computer for the majority of the day. Anti-reflective lenses are perfect for those who use the computer often, as they diminish eye strain and protect your eyes from the glare of the computer throughout your workday.
Learn more about lens coatings and which ones are right for you here!
What To Expect
Choosing the right pair of glasses is an exciting and rewarding experience, especially if you follow our handy guide! However, you may be wondering what to expect once you receive your new pair of glasses. Here are a few common mishaps that you can expect when you’re a new glasses wearer.
Misplacement
Glasses tend to get misplaced, especially when you’re not used to wearing them. To avoid losing your glasses, always try to place them back into their case when you’re not using them, then, try to leave the case in a common place where you can easily find them like your bedside table.
Smudges
Often, smudges are a big part of owning glasses, especially when you’re not used to putting them on and taking them off. For the best results, make sure to keep a microfibre cloth and glasses cleaner handy, and always take off your glasses by their arms, using two hands.
Adjustments
Sometimes, your glasses need to be adjusted to fit more comfortably. No worries! If you find that your glasses are too loose or too snug, take them into your local Hakim Optical and we’ll gladly adjust them for you!
Read here to learn more about what to expect when you start wearing glasses for the first time!
Find your nearest Hakim Optical location to find the perfect first pair of glasses for you!
Since 1967, Hakim Optical has been providing Canadians with the highest quality corrective prescription lenses at a reasonable value that can’t be beat. Our knowledgeable staff and independent doctors of optometry are available to help you find an eyewear solution tailored specifically to your needs.
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