Glasses and their lenses have continued to evolve year after year, from their early history as actual glass in heavy frames, to the modern lightweight frames and plastic lenses, they’ve become an essential tool to many people across the globe.
In the U.S alone, 143 million adults wear prescription eyewear, that’s 64% of the adult population. This isn’t a one time purchase either, with an average of 1-3 years passing between each new purchase of eyeglasses. Eyeglass users have to consistently consider new frames and the options that come with glasses.
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And these options aren’t as simple as they used to be. While more simple lens variations like bifocals and trifocals are still prevalent, alternatives like progressive lenses have also begun to spring up. These work by creating a progressive difference across each part of the lens. Something that allows easier adaptation and less distortion.
Another set of options that has begun to rise in popularity is tinted lenses. And these aren’t tinted for aesthetic purposes, these can really serve to help those with select issues. Brown lenses, for example, reduce strain in bright light, while other colors can work to reduce migraines, help with reflections, reduce fatigue, and enhance contrast.
Lens coatings are also a useful addition to help those bothered by fogging, sunlight, blue-light, or reflections. There’s also the recent emergence of transition lenses, clear lenses that darken when exposed to sunlight. These only continue to become more effective and bridge the gap between sunglasses and normal eyeglasses.
The World Of Replacement Lenses
Sunglasses themselves have also begun to evolve in their use. Polarized lenses work to reduce eyestrain and glare over direct UV protection, a change that many people find extremely useful. These are all great ways that glasses have continued to evolve over the years.
And possibly the best part, the way to obtain glasses is also evolving. Replacement lenses are growing as one of the easiest, cheapest, and fastest ways to get new glasses. Instead of replacing a pair of glasses, frames and all, replacement lenses work by sending in a pair of glasses and simply replacing the lenses inside of them.
This means older vintage frames can be used, the selection grows to frames outside of whatever a retailer may offer, and for those with a favorite pair of frames, they don’t have to be replaced. The cost reduction in not having to buy new frames also gives more room to buy more useful lenses for each individual.
Glasses are becoming an ever present staple in more and more people's lives. It only serves to help everyone searching for a new pair that the options increase more and more every year. It’s important for each consumer to consider their priorities and wants before making that final purchase, a purchase that can be quite pricey.
Infographic source: LensFactory
