by Dr. Wright, Owner, Wright Vision Care, LLC
Quick.... How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? And I'm not just talking about the ladies!
Why? You need shoes for work, casual, sports, swimming, dancing, you name it! There are so many life situations that need specialized footwear. You wouldn't think of not having them. And the cost? It is easy to spend over $100 or more for the first, second, third or fourth pair. No problem. You need them for good reason.
Your eyes are no different, especially in this high tech world we live in. Here are just a few examples of second pair eyewear.
1. High Quality Sun wear: Macular degeneration is a real concern no matter what your age is. I recently saw a patient who grew up in a sunny southern state. He said he never wore sunglasses. He is in his late 60's and has severe vision loss in both eyes from dry macular degeneration. He had no other risk factors. Please, whatever you do , get and always wear sunglasses outdoors. Consider a brown tinted lens which works well during overcast days.
2. Computer Eyewear: If you are over 50 years old and view a computer screen during they day, you may be experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain. You are suffering needlessly. Work is hard enough! We create prescriptions for computer glasses almost every day which allows you to see the monitor comfortably without constantly repositioning your head. Stop in and we can demonstrate how they work. All of us over 50 wear them! Ask someone who has them and they will tell you how much they love them! And they qualify for the 2nd pair savings! (see below for 2nd pair deals!)
3. Computer/CFL/LED Lens Applications: In an important study recently conducted in Europe regarding the harmful visible 'blue light' rays, it was determined there is a band of visible light emitted from LED screens and compact fluorescent (CFL) lights which increases your risk of developing macular degeneration. This 40 nanometer band of light is found in the middle of the 'good' blue light area of the spectrum. All major lens manufacturers have now created coatings which filter out these rays. I feel all 'moderate to heavy users' of these devices should seriously consider adding the coating to their eyewear. Click here to read my blog about blue light danger and learn more about the risk to your eyes.
4. Reading Glasses: No, I am not talking about over the counter readers many wear. Rather, for progressive multifocal wearers who get tired of readjusting their glasses to find the best spot to read, these prescription single vision glasses are wonderful, decreasing the need to find the reading area. These are especially great for those who read in bed, or for extended periods, or for patients who may have reduced vision.
5. Safety Glasses: Yes, I'm probably speaking about the guys, but how often have you dodged an injury because something (tree branch, wood in the workshop, metal, chemicals, etc.) hit you on or near your eye. If you wonder if these things only happen to 'the other guy' talk to an eye doctor.
6. Attention Contact Lens Wearers: Yes, you know who you are. The ones who call the office with an eye pain, and cannot wear their lenses. "How fast can I get glasses?" you ask. Not fast enough. You don't need to spend an arm and a leg for something you may not wear often. Just have a pair ready, or better yet, use them to reduce your contact lens wearing time. Your eyes need a rest too!
The best part when considering a second pair of glasses is the significant savings available from vision plans such as Eyemed, VSP, and others. Plus, we have our own second pair savings, 30% off the frame and lenses when ordered the same time as the first complete pair of glasses.
So protect your eyes in every way possible or make the experience more comfortable by considering a second pair. You'll be glad you did. And you won't need a bigger shoe closet!