Eyeglasses
While many people are good candidates for laser eye surgery, these procedures aren't for everyone. There are several factors that your eye doctor will take into consideration to determine your eligibility.
If you're one of the non-candidates you should consider what your options are with eyeglasses. There are lots of new and interesting developments that make it worth a look.
Today's eyeglass frames can make a statement about the kind of person you are. For instance, men's eyeglass frames can help you achieve either a rugged, outdoor look that can be achieved with metal frames. A more sophisticated look can be accomplished with rimless or semi-rimless frames.
Women's eyeglass frames tend to eschew functionality for fashion. Women tend to view eyeglasses as a fun accessory rather than a medical necessity. Women tend to draw their eyeglasses inspirations from celebrities and fashion magazines. As a result, you'll see lots of color and plastic frames.
Progressive lenses are starting to gain acceptance among bifocal wearers. Bifocal lenses have two zones — one for distance and the other for close tasks, such as reading. Progressive lenses combine the two zones which helps eliminates distortions.
Whether you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, if you spend your days indoors and outdoors you might consider the benefits of photochromic lenses. These lenses, which can also be made as prescription eyeglasses, allow you to move seamlessly between the two environments. They darken when exposed to light and also help protect your eyes from the sun. Indoors, they lighten to allow you to see more clearly.
If safety at work or play is a consideration then polycarbonate lenses are a must. These lenses are more durable than plastic or glass lenses and are ideal for kids, athletes or people who work in an environment demanding safety.
Before completing your eyeglasses purchase it makes sense to explore the benefits of the many types of lens coatings available. Anti-reflective coatings reduce glare and eye fatigue and allow you to see more clearly. Scratch-resistant coatings help protect your lenses and UV treatments can be beneficial in blocking out the sun's harmful rays.
Vision insurance policies typically cover routine eye exams and other procedures, and provide specified dollar amounts or discounts for the purchase of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Some vision insurance policies also offer discounts on refractive surgery, such as LASIK.
Vision insurance typically comes in the form of either a vision benefits package or a discount vision plan.
Whether you participate in a vision plan or pay for your own services it's important to get regular eye exams to maintain your eye's health. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough examination which will also include an eye test to determine your vision correction needs.