Eyewear
How to choose the right glasses
Buying glasses can be confusing so here is a guide to help you choose the right glasses for your eyes.
If you start by choosing the best lenses for your vision then it makes it easier to choose your frame style as not all lens types and frame styles are compatible. The quality of your frame and lenses is important if you want to achieve the best vision possible – not all glasses are created equal!
1. Choose your lens design
Your lens design will depend largely on your prescription and lifestyle.
If you only need to correct for short or long sight you probably only need single vision lenses. However, If you need to correct your vision at various distances then progressive lenses may be the right option for you as they enable you to see near, far… and everything in between.
Varilux® XR series™ is the first eye-responsive progressive lens utilising artificial intelligence of visual behaviour based on your prescription. New XR motion™ technology takes binocular vision to a new level- meaning your eyes can work together better than before. You can expect the following benefits;
Seamless vision at all distances
Smooth transitions between near, far and intermediate vision zones
Instant sharp vision for increased adaptation
Adapt quickly thanks to high resolution vision when looking at objects near, intermediate and far.
Effortless vision on the move
See clearly in all situations with just a single gaze
Stabilised vision when in motion
Keep a reliable perception of your environment even when you're on the move
Visual fluidity when multi-tasking at arm's length
Dynamic near vision and natural volume and depth perception
If you require glasses just for computer and near work an occupational or extended near focus lens may be the most appropriate choice. Our Optometrists will discuss the best option with you during your eye examination.
2. The advantage of personalised lenses
The future of lenses is here at Eyes of Howick!
We have offered customised lenses to our clients for some time- lenses that are not just specific to your prescription but also to how your glasses frame sits on your face; an all important aspect to the performance of your glasses and your resultant vision.
But now we have taken our lens technology at Eyes of Howick further. With our new Visioffice lens measuring system, for the first time we can offer you personalised spectacle lenses and vision!
Personalised lenses are not only customised to your prescription and choice of frame but also to you as the wearer- providing your own unique pair of lenses to match you, your posture and in particular your visual behaviour when you are reading.
For instance when we read, we all hold our heads slightly differently, hold the reading material at a different distance and while some of us may predominantly move our eyes to scan down a page of print, others may move their head more to achieve the same effect. We are all different and this is why this latest advancement in lens measuring is so exciting.
Using advanced digital technology we can help you achieve your expected vision with greater clarity across the entire lens, giving you greater ease of use and faster adaptation to your new lenses.
Our Visioffice lens measuring system provides for quick, accurate measurements while you wear your new frame- the system records your unique characteristics, meaning our Optical Consultants and Dispensing Optician no longer have to get so close- an important aspect to consider in these socially distanced times!
Furthermore, personalisation is not just available for progressive lens wearers but also those requiring a single vision or occupational pair of glasses. We can’t wait to see you in store for you to experience the difference in what we can offer!
3. Choose the best material for your lenses
If you want strong and lightweight lenses then you must carefully consider what material you would like your lenses made from. For instance, Essilor Airwear lenses are made from the same material as aircraft windshields, and are 12 times more impact-resistant and 38% lighter on your face than standard plastic lenses. These are the safest lenses for children or those of us who play sports or high risk activities. If your prescription is moderately high there are even thinner options, such as the Nikon 1.74 lens which is 50% thinner than standard plastic.
4. Choose an antireflection coating to provide you with optimum clarity and UV protection
Only Essilor® lenses have been approved by Cancer Society NZ for their UV protecting properties with these lenses incorporating the Eye-Sun Protection Factor (E-SPF). An index certifying the UV protection brought to you by both sides of a lens and was inspired by the protection index used to rate skincare and sunscreen product efficiency against ultraviolet light.
The higher the E-SPF the greater the level of UV protection.
E-SPF indicates the overall UV protection provided by your lenses, to your eyes and to the sensitive skin around your eyes. All lenses are not equal in terms of UV protection. It is crucial to consider UV protection when you choose your lens treatment and with this new reference index in health care, you now have a clear and objective measure regarding UV protection performance of your eyeglasses and sunglasses.
For example with E-SPF = 25, your eyes are 25 times better protected than without any protection. (E-SPF excludes direct eye exposure from around the lenses).
This rating system is eligible for clear and photochromic lenses as well as for sunglasses, with values ranked from 2 to 25 for clear lenses, and up to 50+ for sun lenses.
Today, Crizal® Sapphire™ HR provides the best UV protection for an Essilor clear lens, with an E-SPF of 35.
For corrective sun lenses, Crizal Sun X guarantees an E-SPF of 50+
For an increasingly transparent lens experience, we offer the Crizal lens treatments range. Crizal coatings ensure perfectly clear vision by attacking its eyeglasses 5 worst enemies:
Glare, caused by reflections, especially at night, or when working on the computer.
Smudges, which diffuse light as it hits the lens and blur your vision.
Scratches, which reduce visual comfort.
Dust, which can be an obstacle to sharp vision.
Water drops, which distort vision.
The Essilor Crizal lens treatment range
Crizal® Sapphire™ HR reduces lateral reflections for nearly invisible* lenses thus not only optimises the appearance of spectacle lenses but provides best-in-class UV protection with an E-SPF rating of 35. With UV protection on the front and back surface of the lens, patients can enjoy all their daily activities carefree.
Crizal Prevencia has also been a welcome addition to our lens portfolio. This lens selectively blocks blue light waves which have been shown to increase risk of cataract and macular degeneration. For more information visit seethefuture.co.nz
Crizal Sun X blocks UV reflecting off the back surface of our Essilor Sun range. Providing an E-SPF 50.
Blue Light Protection
Eye Protect System helps filter blue-violet light coming from both the sun and artificial sources in addition to providing 100% UVA and UVB block. Despite these features, the lens remains aesthetically clear to both you the wearer and for those looking at you.
Crizal Prevencia as mentioned above is a lens coating which not only reduces blue light transmitting through the lens but also deflects blue light away from the eye- thus reducing eyestrain when on digital devices or when working under high blue light exposure such as in the sun or with LED lighting. Crizal Prevencia and Eye Protect System may be combined within a lens to provide a cumulative effect.
Tired of foggy lenses?
Optifog lenses not only combine the dust repellence, glare reduction and scratch resistance provided by its sub Crizal layer but also a unique top coating to the lens is activated by an anti-fog solution. This converts the fog into an invisible film of water which spreads evenly over the lens surface allowing the moisture to dissipate.
Ask us today what coating would be best for your eyes.
5. Choose a frame that will best support your lenses & compliment your fashion, face & lifestyle
Choose your frame design: There is an extensive range of frames made from a variety of materials such as metal, acetates, titanium and we even have a collection which originates from recycled cotton!
You can choose to have full rim, rimless or half rim frames to let you get the exact look you are after. The quality of the frame is just as important as the quality of your lenses to ensure your glasses remain in optimum condition.
Choose your brand type: There are many designer brands available such as Moscot, Good Gryf, Kate Sylvester, OGA and Face a Face to give you that unique look you deserve. Classic frames are also available but always consider the frame quality before you buy your new glasses – cheap frames could break easily or dislodge your lenses!
6. Have your glasses fitted properly by an experienced Eyewear Consultant or Dispensing Optician
Professionally fitted frames make your glasses more comfortable to wear and ensure the lenses are correctly positioned to give you the most natural vision possible.