by Julia King, O.D.
Nowadays, when we use our eyes for so many different activities, one pair of eyeglasses is rarely sufficient. Multiple pairs of eyeglasses provide different levels of correction or features to enhance your vision for varying daily activities.
Most people have an everyday pair of glasses that they use on a regular basis. However, if you look at a computer screen for long hours, you should invest in a pair of computer glasses or office progressives. These glasses are designed specifically for your computer distance. Blue light anti-reflective coatings can be added to these lenses to reduce the amount of blue light from computers and devices that enter your eye. Computer glasses can reduce eye strain and make your vision more comfortable to help avoid computer vision syndrome.
Sunglasses are essential living in Florida, where we are exposed to high amounts of UV light. Prolonged ultraviolet (UV) rays and high-energy blue light may increase the risk for certain eye diseases such as cataracts, pingueculas, pterygia, cancers of the eyelid, and macular degeneration. Some people prefer transition lenses which darken when exposed to UV light. Others prefer a separate pair of prescription sunglasses that tend to be darker when driving. Another option is polarized lenses which filter out horizontal light to reduce glare from reflective or bright surfaces such as water, asphalt, or the hood of a car.
An additional pair of eyeglasses is often needed for a particular activity, such as playing sports, fishing, target shooting, or long-distance driving. Specific color tints can aid viewing in sports such as golf or shooting clay targets.
Golfers prefer brown-tinted lenses, which enhance viewing of the ball against the fairways and greens. Certain tints can also help you see better in varying depths of water for fishing or boating.
Some people like to have multiple pairs of glasses so that they can achieve different looks. Most people have an everyday pair that is often neutral in color and more conservative. Eyeglasses with fun colors or shapes can be worn for special occasions or to make a fashion statement. Eyeglasses are essentially an accessory that you wear on your face and can change your look or compliment an outfit.
It is always recommended to have a pair of backup glasses, especially if you cannot visually function without glasses. Even with the best care, accidents can happen, and you would not want to be left with poor vision. This is especially important for those who wear contact lenses as their primary correction.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, and our team will help you find the best frames and lenses for your lifestyle. You can call 800-282-3937 or visit us online at EYESFL.COM.
Dr. Julia King is a board-certified optometrist who practices at the Lake Wales location for Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida. She is currently accepting new patients.
This column is sponsored by Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.