Taking care of your eyes becomes a focal point as we get older—even being at college age. There are many reasons why eye health has become of more importance—from mass use of technology to lack of education on eye care—but changes in eyesight with age are a natural part of the growing-up process. With the aging process, regular tasks such as reading smaller or fine print or seeing things at a distance with clarity become challenging—here is where eye health and eyewear become important for vision health and comfort.
While wearing glasses is about style and preference and brings about confidence and independence, it’s also about making sure that you’re managing your vision—so it’s sharp and functional. There are many eyewear options in the market right now, which can be overwhelming to understand and then choose from—but once you read about what to look for, the process can be fun and exciting.
Understanding Your Changing Vision: Common Age-Related Eye Conditions
As we get older, there are natural changes to our vision—there are common conditions that affect aging eyes. Understanding and being aware of these changes and how they affect your eyesight will help you choose eyewear that will cater to your needs.
Presbyopia
In presbyopia, there is a gradual loss of the ability to clearly focus on objects that are close up—it’s natural and most commonly affects those that are in their 40s and 50s. As it progresses, however, most people would need reading glasses to see clear things up close. Some signs and symptoms of presbyopia to look for are challenges in reading small print, bringing objects close to the eyes to see or read clearly, and/or experiencing eye strain when doing tasks that regularly look at objects close-up.
Cataracts
This is a common condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which leads to blurry vision. It is a slow-developing condition, and when it’s in its early stages, it does not cause that much discomfort. But, if not treated, it can worsen and affect vision quality over time. Some signs and symptoms of cataracts to look for are blurry or cloudy vision, seeing things in doubles, experiencing more glare from headlights or sunlight, or needing brighter light to read or do tasks.
Macular degeneration
AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is when the central part of vision is affected, which makes it challenging to see fine details clearly. Peripheral vision is not affected in AMD, but activities like reading and driving become harder because of central vision impairment. Some signs and symptoms of macular degeneration to look for are finding it hard to recognize faces, needing brighter light to read or do tasks, and blurred or distorted central vision.
Glaucoma
This is actually a group of diseases that lead to optic nerve damage because of increased eye pressure. Symptoms of glaucoma in the early stages are rarely visible, and so most times it goes unnoticed, making regular eye exams important. The main symptom of glaucoma to look for is gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Essential Factors for Selecting Eyewear
Choosing the type of eyewear to wear is a personal decision and also an investment in eye health—ift’s for style, maybe the health aspect can be lessened; however, it’s best to be proactive in understanding what eyes need as they age. There are some aspects of glasses or eyewear to consider, so you’re killing two birds with one stone—style/comfort and care!
Comfort and fit: Finding the right balance
It’s important to make sure that your eyewear fits you comfortably but also securely—this is how you can make sure of that.
- Frame size: Make sure that the frame of the glasses fits properly across your nose bridge and around your ears. They should not be tight enough to cause discomfort loose enough to slide off your nose.
- Nose pads: Sometimes, the shape of the nose/face and the style of glasses you want may not match, but there are adjustable nose pads that help the glasses sit on your nose without leaving any marks.
- Temple length and fit: The temples, or arms, of the glasses should rest comfortably behind your ears and should not cause any pressure or discomfort.
Lens Type: Tailoring to your vision needs
There are many types of lenses that help with specific vision problems. You can mention these to your provider along with your ophthalmologist prescription.
- Single vision lenses: These lenses are meant to help with one vision issue—either near or far vision problems. They are great for those that have myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).
- Bifocal lenses: These lenses have two optical powers—one for distant vision, and the lower portion is for reading or close-up tasks. These lenses are great for those that have presbyopia.
- Progressive lenses: These lenses have different optical powers that can be transitioned across, which helps in providing clear vision at all distances. They are great for presbyopia—those who need correction for both near and far distances without visible lines.
- Polarized lenses: The lenses are the best in reducing glares from common reflective surfaces like water, roads or in heavy snow. These lenses are great for those that like to spend time outdoors such as driving, hiking, or fishing – these polarized lenses can significantly better your visibility and reduce eye strain.
- Blue light blocking lenses: If you’re someone that spends most of their days with a high screen time, these blue light blocking lenses can help alleviate digital eye strain. These lenses are designed to filter out harmful blue light emitted from digital devices, improving comfort and sleep quality.
Frame Material: Durability meets style
- Titanium frames: These frames are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant—they also have good strength without extra weight. They are best for long-term and daily use.
- Acetate frames: These frames are made from a type of plastic and are flexible. They most commonly come in a lot of different colors and patterns and are great for expressing personal style.
- Memory metal frames: These frames’ special feature is that they can return to their original shape after bending—this is great for those that have accessibility concerns, live alone, and/or are looking for something durable and long-lasting.
Lens Coatings: Improving Functionality
- Anti-glare coating: This coating is great for those that spend a lot of their time on digital devices or drive at night often because it helps reduce reflections and improve vision clarity.
- Scratch-resistant coating: This coating helps in protecting lenses from everyday wear and tear, which makes sure that your glasses remain in good condition for longer.
- UV protection: UV rays can damage the eyes and lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration; make sure that your lenses have 100% UV protection. You can also choose to have photochromic lenses, which darken in sunlight and lighten back up when indoors. They have extra UV protection and are great for people that travel a lot.
Frame Style: Expressing Yourself While Ensuring Comfort
Wearing glasses is not always a welcoming thought to everyone; some can find it inconvenient, unaesthetic, or uncomfortable. Having the ability to take a call of the style of your glasses helps with a sense of independence and personal expression, which can make it easy to be motivated to care for your eyes and their needs.
Matching frame shape to face shape
- Round faces: The best frames to use for round faces are angular frames, such as rectangular or square shapes—they can help in adding balance.
- Square faces: The best frames for square faces are round or oval frames, which can help in softening sharp angles.
- Oval faces: The best frames for oval faces are versatile, and most frame shapes, like square and rectangular,.
- Heart-shaped faces: The best frames for heart-shaped faces are frames with a broader bottom, like oval or butterfly shapes, because they help balance out the narrower chin.
Choosing colors that suit your personality
While it’s up to you to choose what colors work with your personality and lifestyle best, here are some small points to think about. Colors like black, brown, and silver are classic options that go with everyday use, but don’t forget to experiment with colors. For example, colors like dark blue and deep greens have more of a modern touch, while tortoiseshell frames have a timeless, sophisticated look. It’s all up to you!
Lightweight and comfortable styles
Glasses that are not clunky and are comfortable and light help with discomfort commonly caused by glasses around the nose and ears. For lightweight options, titanium or memory metal are great—they prove durability without sacrificing comfort.
Understanding the Role of Regular Eye Exams
As we age, making sure to get our eyes checked is important—this is because it not only helps you update your prescription if needed but also helps in detecting any health issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration in their early stages. Regular visits to an eye care professional are ideal for maintaining healthy eyes and vision.
- Eye exams can detect underlying health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, because these conditions can affect your vision and eye health.
- Many age-related eye diseases don’t have any obvious symptoms in their early stages, so regular eye exams make sure there can be effective management of conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
- Eye prescriptions can change over time, and regular exams make sure that you always have the most accurate prescription for optimal vision. This will help reduce any symptoms of wearing the wrong prescription, like intense headaches. It’s best to make an appointment for an eye exam at least once a year, but more frequently if advised by your eye doctor or if you are managing an eye condition with treatment.
The Impact of Nutrition on Eye Health
Besides carrots, the nutrients for eye health aren’t often advised on, but having a diet that is high in nutrients can help support your vision and reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions.
- Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers—vitamin C helps in protecting the eyes from oxidative stress and supports blood vessels in the eyes.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts—they reduce the risk of dry eyes and age-related macular degeneration.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Spinach, kale, and eggs—these antioxidants protect the retina from harmful light and improve visual acuity.
Eyewear Maintenance and Care Tips
Cleaning your glasses properly
- Microfiber cloth: Always clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth instead of tissues or clothing, because they scratch the lenses over time.
- Gentle cleaning solution: Use a lens cleaning solution or mild soap with warm water to clean your lenses instead of harsh chemicals because they can damage coatings.
- Rinse and dry: After cleaning, rinse your glasses with water to remove any residue and then gently pat them dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Storing your glasses
- Use a case: Store your glasses in a good quality case when you’re not wearing them. To protect them from accidental drops or scratches.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep your eyewear away from extreme heat or cold to prevent any warping of the frames or damage to the lenses.
- Check frame alignment: Check the alignment of your frames to make sure they are not bent.
Specialized Eyewear Options for Active Lifestyles
Sports eyewear
If you are someone who enjoys moderate outdoor activities like tennis, cycling, or hiking, sports eyewear is a great option for both comfort and protection. They commonly have durable, impact-resistant lenses and frames that help with extra stability during movement. Some of them also have lenses with improved optical clarity and anti-fog coatings, which helps in improving performance and preventing discomfort during physical activity.
Sunglasses with prescription lenses
If you need prescription lenses but also want UV protection, then sunglasses with prescription lenses are the best option. To better it, you can also add in polarized lenses to help with glare reduction!
Finding the right eyewear or glasses can be a little confusing because of the many options available on the different parts of the glasses. However, it’s important to only understand your needs and the options out there that most fit them.
FAQs
How do I know if I need progressive lenses or bifocals?
Progressive lenses will help you if you have blurry vision with both far and near distances and have trouble with reading, driving, or focusing at different distances. Bifocals have a visible line between 2 prescriptions, but progressive lenses have a much smoother transition with the vision zones.
What do I use to help with reducing glare?
The best option is to have anti-reflective coatings on your glasses, as they were specifically designed to reduce glares from common sources like digital devices, headlights, and sunlight. They help in improving vision clarity and reducing eye straining and are a great option for those that work long hours with a computer or drive at night often.
Do photochromic lenses work for both reading and outdoor activities?
Yes, they do! Photochromic lenses are great for both indoor and outdoor environments because they automatically adjust to the change in light—they turn dark outside when it is sunny and back to light when inside.
How often should I change my eyewear?
It is best to change or replace your eyewear every 2 years if there is no trouble, but if your prescription changes or you have damage to your glasses, more frequently would be a better option. However, regular eye exams should also be scheduled to make sure that your prescription is up to date.
