Weekend Glasses Shopping
On the weekend, I accompanied my wife to a physical store to buy eyeglasses. Previously, we bought the frames online and the lenses at a physical store. Recently, the nose pads broke, so we went to the store to get a new pair. I found that the service at physical stores is much better. Although the price is higher, you can try them on and see the effect immediately.
I also learned a bit about the process of getting prescription glasses. It turns out to be quite a complex procedure, with many factors to consider, such as prescription strength, pupillary distance, lens material, lens thickness, and lens coatings.
The general process for getting glasses is as follows:
- Measure prescription: Use a phoropter to measure the refractive power of each eye.
- Measure pupillary distance: The distance between the centers of both eyes, usually measured twice and averaged.
- Choose lens type: Select the lens type based on prescription and personal needs, such as single vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses.
- Choose lens refractive index: Select the refractive index based on prescription and desired lens thickness, commonly 1.5, 1.56, 1.61, 1.67, 1.74, etc.
- Choose lens coatings: Select coatings based on personal needs, such as blue light blocking, anti-radiation, or anti-reflective coatings.
- Try on: Try the lenses to check for comfort and fit.
- Confirm order: Confirm the prescription, pupillary distance, material, thickness, and coatings, then place the order.
- Wait for production: Usually takes a few days to a week. Once the lenses are ready, you can pick them up at the store.