Find Fashion And Function In Prescription Eyeglasses

It's not a stereotype - most older people really do need prescription eyeglasses. Our vision changes as we age, because the eye's lens and its muscles used for focusing become less flexible. The condition is called presbyopia.

We're tempted to think: Who'd want prescription eyeglasses when they could get contact lenses or vision correction surgery? The truth is, these innovations in eye care don't work for everyone. And now that eyeglasses are as trendy as other fashions, there's no need to fret about wearing them!

In addition to fashion designers coming up with fabulous lenses, one of the biggest improvements in prescription eyeglasses has been new types of lenses. Those old soda-bottle-bottom lenses are nearly extinct, thanks to new developments such as these:

Aspheric lenses are used to fix minor vision distortions sometimes found in traditional lenses. This type of lens isn't perfectly rounded on the surface, which helps correct distortions and makes the lens lighter and thinner.

High-index lenses are made with a special plastic that helps you focus more efficiently. This special material refracts light better, so again lens can be thinner and lighter. Polycarbonate lenses are a form of high-index lens, made from a kind of plastic that resists shattering. This tough, scratch-resistant lens often is used for children's prescription eyeglasses and prescription sports lenses.

However, plastic and metal frames haven't been dumped on the trash heap. New plastics and metals alike form the standard components of prescription eyeglasses. Hypoallergenic metals such as titanium and stainless steel are especially important for those who suffer from skin allergies to avoid a reaction known as contact dermatitis.

* Reading glasses. Essentially, reading glasses are single-vision magnifiers. Their lenses will enlarge type so that it can be seen without blurring. Reading glasses can be purchased in pharmacies or discount stores without a prescription, or an optician can prescribe reading glasses.

In addition to needing vision correction for reading, people with presbyopia who are fond of sports and recreational activities may find that they need specialized prescription eyeglasses. After all, a devoted softball player wouldn't want that horsehide to get indistinct when it comes across the plate. And every golfer needs to be able to see well in order to tee up.

Plus, after age 40 most people develop a condition known as presbyopia. This means that the focusing muscles and lens of the age have become less flexible with age. The way to tell presbyopia is when print that once was clear now appears blurry.

Types of lenses that aid people with presbyopia include bifocals, which sharpen near and far vision; trifocals, which sharpen near, middle and far vision; and progressive lenses, which allow the wearer to focus at any range of distance.

Third, prescription eyeglasses don't have to be only a medical device anymore. While some women might like to wear their silver frames with everything, that's not true, or even attractive, for everyone. No one wears the same outfit day after day, year in and year out, so why wear the same pair of eyeglasses?

With all these fun, fashionable, yet functional options available, it's easy to see that prescription eyeglasses have been the trendiest fashion accessory!

Do you need new eyewearmake sure you download a Coupon for 10% off your next purchase of prescription eyeglasses. Visit http://www.OptiMart.com for more discounts on eye glasses.