Designer Reading Glasses: Vision Care

Generally most people look for style first. Remember, these are your eyes we're talking about. Buying reading glasses is important to eye health so we need to know a few things about the glasses we're buying.

Look for aspheric lenses. Conventional lenses have a front surface that's spherical. But aspheric lenses have a more complex front surface that changes it's curve from the center of the lens all the way to the edge. Aspheric lens designs eliminate the distortions caused by traditional lenses.

Most popularly priced reading glasses have PVC plastic lenses. The best lenses are made of polycarbonate.

If you want the colors of the rainbow, then zyl is your material. Zyl is a cost-effective and creative option for eyewear and is lightweight. Particularly popular right now are laminated zyl frames with layered colors.

The finest plastic eyewear is made of laminated acetate. Acetate is very durable, it looks great, keeps its color, and lasts a long time.

Then there are metal frames. Monel is a mixture of a broad range of metals - it's the most widely used material in the manufacture of quality metal reading glass frames. You want to be sure it's nickel-free, though. Some people are allergic to nickel.

Stainless steel frames are terrific. The qualities of stainless steel include light weight, low toxicity and strength; many stainless steel frames are also nickel-free and are therefore hypoallergenic.

Unlike a new pair of shoes, reading glasses are inherently noticeable: they're out on your face, ready to be noticed, every day. Your eyewear can make a huge difference in other people's perception of you.

The key to creating the image you want is in selecting the right pairs of reading glasses to match your personality and moods.

Most wearers benefit from more than one pair of reading glasses. The same pair of shoes won't take you from a cocktail party to the office.

Boomers especially want to look young and modern. That's why I generally recommend a reading glass shape that's uplifting for the face such as an upswept rectangle for men and a soft cat-eye for women.

Certain colors can also make one appear younger. I often suggest gun metal, browns and burgundy for men and lighter, shinier hues for women. Shine adds life to a woman's face.

The most important point is - have fun with your reading glasses! They're the fashion and eye care accessory of the Boomer Generation!