Let's Talk About: Multiple Pairs of Glasses
Survey says…
“3 pairs…a regular pair, a fun pair, and prescription sunglasses.”
Several years ago, I took a survey of patients, friends, and people I’d meet by asking them this simple question, “If money were not an object, how many pairs of glasses would you own? Some people said “as many as I want!” Others insisted “I just need one pair.” But the most common answer – by far – was three pairs: a regular pair, a fun pair, and prescription sunglasses.
That answer has stuck with me because it confirmed that most people really do want multiple pairs of glasses. I realized people were thinking about what would actually serve their lives best, not what their insurance would cover.
Let’s talk about why those three pairs (plus one more) make so much sense.
Your Regular Pair: Why Multiple Pairs of Glasses Make Sense
This is the pair you wear most of the time – to work, running errands, doing normal life. They’re comfortable, professional, versatile. You look good in them and your vision is clear. They’re like your favorite pair of shoes. But, you don’t want to stop here…
The Fun Pair: Styling Your Special Outfits
These are for going out to dinner, a concert, dancing, a social event. Bold colors, eye-catching frames, something that accentuates your outfit in an eye catching way. We hear from patients all the time how many compliments they received on their fun glasses. Plus, they make you look and feel great when you wear them. Don’t pass on getting your Fun Pair.
Prescription Sunglasses: Combining Clear and Comfortable Vision
Yes, sunglasses look good. But prescription sunglasses are also about your eye health and comfort.
UV protection matters. Reducing glare matters. Being able to see clearly while driving or being outdoors matters. Squinting while driving or watching your child’s soccer game just doesn’t do it – you’re not seeing your best.
Dr. Moody calls prescription sunglasses a “drug” – once you have them you become addicted to wearing them.
Do You Need Multiple Pairs of Glasses? Computer Glasses Explained
If you are on a computer over 4-hours per day, then consider Computer Glasses
If you wear progressive lenses and you’re on a computer more than four hours a day or use more than one screen, you would really benefit from single-vision computer glasses.
This is how Dr. Moody explains this to patients:
- With progressives, you use the bottom part of your lenses to see your computer…roughly the lower 1/3 of your lenses.
- This means you have to tilt your head back to see the screen.
- With multiple screens, you’re not only tilting your head back, you’re also moving it around to get the screen into that bottom third.
- Actually, this isn’t about glasses – it’s about neck strain and head position.
If this is you, then you will benefit from wearing computer glasses at work.
With computer glasses, the entire lens is set for computer distance. No head tilting. No neck strain. No constantly repositioning yourself to find the right part of your progressive lens.
Connie and I both wear computer glasses at the office. In fact, I often tell patients, “I had to switch from my computer glasses to my progressives to come see you.” Our patients notice the difference the first day.
Building Your Multiple Pairs of Glasses Collection
Here’s why I love that “if money were not an object” question: it moves you from thinking about what your insurance will cover to thinking about multiple pairs of glasses that give you what you actually need and want. Remember, the three-pair answer (regular, fun, prescription sunglasses) wasn’t just a few people. It was THE MOST COMMON RESPONSE! You’re looking at what most people actually want for their vision = multiple pairs of glasses. Now we can help you figure out how to make it work.
Sometimes I will ask a patient, “How many pairs of shoes do you have?” Typically they will answer, “A lot.” or “More than I need.”
Then I will ask, “Did you buy them all on one day?” They will always say “No.”
So why do you think you have to buy all of your glasses on one day?
Why not put buying new multiple pairs of glasses in your shopping rotation with your shoes, jewelry, and clothes. Stop by every three or four months to add a pair. You don’t even need an appointment.