Eyeglasses help protect the eyes and improve eyesight. In some cases, they are also used to enhance people’s looks. Many of these products are made specifically for individuals and their varying needs. But when it comes to choosing the perfect one to buy, it can be difficult if you do not know where to look. With plenty of options available today, you need to learn as much as you can about eyeglasses and how they will fit into your lifestyle. To make this happen, you need to learn all about these top five features you should be looking for:

Frames Whether you’re buying ready-made reading glasses or having one tailored for your needs, you will need to choose a frame for your eyeglasses wisely.

To make things easier, there are three things you must consider:

Face shape

When choosing a frame for your eyeglasses, you need to remember one rule: opposites attract. In other words, frames with shapes that provide contrast with your facial features can help balance your most prominent features and provide symmetry. For example, people with heart-shaped faces need frames that will balance out the narrowness of the chin with the width of the forehead, like round or square ones with rounded edges. Colored frames and other designs that draw attention to the forehead should be avoided. Alternatively, those with a square-shaped face need something that sits high on the nose bridge and softens angularity. Round or oval eyeglasses are perfect examples. Boxy and angular eyeglass frames are discouraged as it draws attention to the angles of the face, making it look bulky and too sharp.

Skin tone

Like the shape of your face, your skin tone should also play a vital role in your choice of eyeglass frames. People with warm complexion – or those with bronze, yellow, or golden skin tone – should steer clear of contrasting colors (e.g., pastels), white, and black.

The better choice would be:

shades of brown

honey or gold hues

beige

olive green 

light tortoise

Meanwhile, those with cooler undertones (pink and blue) should stick to black, silver, dark tortoise, purple, pink, blue, gray, and mauve frames. Stay away from colors that can wash out your skin tone.

Lifestyle

Eyeglasses are now made with different types of lifestyles in mind. If you live an active life or need eyeglasses while participating in sports, there are plenty of flexible frames you can choose from that won’t easily break. Need computer protective glasses for kids and adults? Protective anti-radiation glasses are widely available today. In fact, they come in a wide array of stylish frames, with some even made to enhance the entire computer usage experience.

2. Lenses

Besides the frame, the lenses are important, too. After all, these protect your eyes and help make your eyesight clearer. When choosing your lenses, you need to consider four critical factors: comfort, vision, appearance, and safety. To make the best decision, you must also think about the material the lenses are made from, either glass or plastic. Glass is arguably the oldest and most used material for eyeglass lenses in the early days of eyesight correction. However, plastic has since emerged as the better choice because of the risks posed by glass. The very first plastic lenses were made from a polymer material called CR-39 (Columbia Resin 39). This material that weighs around 50 percent lighter than glass is low cost and offers excellent optical qualities. There are also other materials developed for optical purposes, such as:

High-index plastic

These lenses are thinner and lighter compared to CR-39 and have a higher index refraction and lower specific gravity.

Polycarbonate

These lenses are made from the material used in making bulletproof glass for banks, Air Force helmet visors, and other safety applications. Like high-index plastic, it is lighter than CR-39. What makes it stand out is its durability and impact resistance, making it the preferred lenses for safety glasses, sports eyewear, and children’s eyewear.

3. Lens Treatments

Eyeglass lenses today are coated with specific treatments that make them more comfortable and durable. There are many options available, but the following are treatments are what experts deem essential:

Anti-scratch coating

One thing that people miss about glass is its ability to resist scratches and abrasions. With plastic lens materials having significantly softer surfaces, so it is imperative that you choose lenses with anti-scratch treatment.

Anti-reflective treatment

As the name implies, anti-reflective (AR) coatings remove reflections on the lenses that can compromise clarity and contrast, especially in a low-light setting. Plus, they make your lenses nearly invisible and are less likely to cause glare spots in photographs. AR treatments are particularly crucial for high-index lenses because of their refractive index level that make them more reflective of light (as much as 50 percent more than CR-39).

UV-blocking coating

Over time, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause various eye conditions, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Because of this, experts recommend protecting the eyes as early as possible – even during childhood. This is where polycarbonate and high-index plastic lenses are most useful. Many of these lenses offer 100 percent protection, thanks to the absorptive characteristics of the materials they are made from. Take note, however, that some lenses – like CR-39 – need an extra layer of coating to achieve the same level of UV protection. Fortunately, UV-blocking treatments are now available and widely used.

Photochromic treatment

Speaking of protection from the sun, there is another type of lens treatment that not only has UV blocking action but also shields your eyes against high-energy visible (HEV) light rays: photochromic treatment. This gives lenses the ability to darken whenever exposed to UV and HEV light rays automatically and immediately return to clear (or almost clear) the moment you get indoors. Photochromic lenses can be used in almost all types of lens materials and designs.

4. Silicone Nose Pads

Notice those tiny pads of soft plastic-like material attached to pad arms along the bridge of your eyeglasses? Those are called nose pads. While small, this feature can make a world of difference in terms of comfort. Choose ones made from silicone because not only are they soft, but they also prevent the frame from slipping.

5. Spring Hinges

The hinges attach the temples to the rim of your eyeglass frames. Traditionally, these are fixed securely with screws. However, such a mechanism can leave the eyeglasses vulnerable to breakage, primarily when used by kids who have a tendency to yank off their glasses. With spring hinges, the frame’s temple will easily bend outward, adjusting to the pressure of handling. Flexible hinges can make eyeglasses a bit more expensive than usual, but what you’re getting in return is definitely worth the price.

The Perfect Pair

With so many features to consider and options to choose from, finding the perfect pair of eyeglasses can be a bit challenging. Make the task easier by looking for the top features listed here.