It’s 2018, and not everyone knows what an optical is. Sure, most people can tell from the first half of the name that it has something to do with eyes. Optical shops have been around for a long time, and they serve people in more ways than simply correcting their vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Let’s explore some reasons why you should visit your local optical today.
Annual Eye Exam
It may surprise you to learn that even the healthiest people should have their eyes checked at least once per year. Just like you’d go to your general practitioner for a physical to make sure that everything is running as it should be, it’s also essential to do the same for your eye health. People with 20/20 vision should schedule annual eye exams to make sure no surprises catch them off guard.
Prescriptions for Eyeglasses and Contacts
Of course, a large portion of people who do visit an optical want to make sure they’re seeing everything the best they can. As we age our bodies go through changes, including the shape of our eyes. People who are either near or far-sighted will head in for an eye exam on a regular basis (1-2 times a year) to make sure their prescriptions stay accurate. An optician, who is usually on site, takes the information from the exam to make recommendations for frames and lenses, or contacts, that would be good for each individual patient.
Preventative Care
For those who are looking to prevent any vision issues, you’ll want to look into the different kinds of lenses an optical can provide. For instance, blue light blocking lenses are a lifesaver for the everyday laptop user. Or, maybe your work keeps you on your toes with flying wood chips spraying your way; try a pair of extra-durable polycarbonate or trivex lenses. The most basic lenses you’ll want daily are sun glass lenses – polarized in particular, as they minimize the effects of glares.
Quality and Authenticity
The world is full of knock-off products that are hard to identify. More important than the frame is the quality of the lenses. Sunglasses that have little or no UV protection can do more harm than good or glass lenses that haven’t been hardened correctly can shatter. With the holidays just around the corner, most people shop online. If you’re looking to find a deal, beware of fraudulent products disguised as expensive brands on plenty of sites. If you see a designer pair of shades selling for $10 online, it’s probably too good to be true. The experts who work in an optical can quickly tell you if the discounted frames you’re wearing were worth the cost.
Aesthetics
Apart from needing a pair of eyeglasses to see the names on a street sign, glasses are also a big part of fashion world. A lot of people like to don a pair of frames simply because of the creative appearance they offer. Bug-eyes, aviators and monocles all provide a style to make a person feel a bit more unique. And like a great pair of jeans, having more than one pair is strongly recommended. An optical is the ideal place to find snazzy frames like these, as most of branded stores only carry their latest designs.
Takeaway
Now that you know more about your neighborhood optical and their expertise, go and check it out. The experts there will welcome your questions and do their best to ensure you have a positive experience in their store. Don’t forget to schedule an eye exam while you’re there.