Reading glasses: beyond fashion

When you shop for reading glasses, you probably check out style first. Like jewelry for the face, reading glasses are an ideal accessory to help you express your individuality and style.

But there's much more to think about when selecting reading glasses. Like the quality of optics and the materials they're made from.

Aspheric lenses are the choice of eye care professionals. Aspheric lenses designs eliminate the distortions of conventional lenses. They also make the wearer's eyes look better because they neither magnify or "minify" the appearance of the eye.

Scratch resistant lenses are another item to consider. They're generally standard on better reading glasses. Scratched lenses not only affect your vision, but can also affect the way the wearer looks.

Adjustable nose pads and spring temple hinges can make reading glasses more comfortable to wear.

Mass marketed reading glasses have ordinary plastic lenses. Nothing's really wrong with ordinary plastic though it without distortion. For the clearest vision one should consider reading glasses with lenses made of C-39 or polycarbonate. C-39 or polycarbonate deliver the least distorted vision but they are somewhat more costly than plastic lenses.

Other factors to keep in mind when choosing reading glasses include the materials from which their frames are constructed. Laminated acetate and Zyl are the most durable and color fast "plastics."

Monel and stainless steel and are great metals for reading glasses frames. They’re durable and they maintain their appearance.

Make sure the reading glasses you select look great on your face. But also make sure you choose the best quality reading glasses you can afford for clearer vision and a long term of use.