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Girls' VersionEye Health:
Glasses
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Glasses, or eyeglasses, have been around since the ancient Egyptians, and they still work just as well today. Now glasses come in lots of different styles to match your taste. Glasses not only correct your vision, they look great too.
Glasses are easy to take care of and relatively safe. Frames come in many shapes and colors and there are lots of different types of lenses available to fit your needs.
Choosing Frames
Frames are the part of the glasses that hold the lenses. They come in lots of different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. You have to decide what looks best and is most comfortable on your face. However, some frames will fit better than others.
Here's what you should look for:
- Choose frames that don't touch your eyelashes or cheeks.
- Make sure your eyes are in the center of the lenses.
- Adjust the pieces behind the ear and pads near the nose for the best fit.
Other things to think about:
- Some frames last longer than others.
- Spring-loaded frames are less likely to bend or warp.
- Nose pads prevent the frames from slipping on your nose and provide added comfort.
The Right Lenses for Your Lifestyle
Eyeglass lenses come in different prescriptions, depending on what type of vision problem you have. Lenses correct your vision by refocusing light onto the retina, or back of the eye. After your doctor gives you a prescription for lenses, you still have some choices to make about the type of lenses you would like.
Lenses are made from different materials. Choosing the right lenses depends on what activities you are in and how you are going to use your glasses. Only you can decide what lenses are right for your lifestyle. But your lenses do need a couple of things to last a long time and give you the right amount of protection.
Make sure your lenses:
- Are shatter proof (made of polycarbonate) - This will protect your glasses from breaking if you drop them.
- Have U.V. (ultraviolet) protection - This protects your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
You may want your lenses to have other features. Talk to your doctor and parent(s) or guardian(s) about what lenses are best for you. Keep in mind that these features usually cost more money.
- Anti-Reflective Coating cuts down on glare from bright lights. May make it easier to see when you're driving at night.
- Scratch Coating reduces number of scratches on your lenses.
- Tinting - Color added to lens for style or to block out the sun. Lenses can also get darker in outdoor light to act as sunglasses.
- Thin lenses are lightweight and very thin. They may feel lighter on your face.
Taking Care of Your Glasses
Even shatter proof glasses can break, if you're not careful.
Here are a few tips for taking care of your glasses:
- Put your glasses back in the case when you're not wearing them.
- Be careful not to set your glasses down on the lenses, which may scratch.
- Adjust the frame a little at a time to make sure it doesn't break.
- Keep your lenses clean by wiping them with a clean, dry cloth, or with an eyeglass cleaning solution.
- Only wear sports goggles when playing sports. Wearing normal eyeglasses could cause injury.
When should I wear my glasses?
Wear your glasses as often as you need them to see. This may be all the time or only sometimes. Bring your glasses with you at all times, so you can be sure to have them if you need them.
Bring your glasses to your driving test and wear them if you need them. If your driver's license says you wear corrective lenses, wear your glasses every time you drive.
Wear sports goggles during sports or other physical activities where you need your glasses. Do not wear your normal glasses during sports. Glasses can break and seriously injure your eyes. Sports goggles are designed to protect your eyes and can be made with the same prescription as your eyeglasses.
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Updated: 12/6/2010
