So You Need Eyeglasses: What Next?
Some people start wearing glasses from a young age, while others might find out they need to correct their vision later in life. When you find out that you need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, it can take some getting used to. Even remembering to use them can take a while, and it might take some time to adjust to your new vision correction too. When you're first given a prescription, there are a few things that you'll probably want to do next. It's important to take the time to understand your vision and your options for correcting it.
Discuss with Your Optometrist/Optician
Having a chat with your optometrist or optician is one of the first things that you will probably want to do. If you've never had to wear glasses before, they can talk to you about what your prescription means and how your vision has changed. They can tell you how often you should be wearing your glasses (or contact lenses if you choose them), as well as how to take care of them. They can also help you to make sure you choose the right frames, as some might not be suitable for certain prescriptions or types of frames.
Get a Copy of Your Prescription
Always make sure you get a copy of your prescription after your eye exam. You'll be able to use your prescription to buy glasses in stores or if you want to order them online. Remember that if you want to get contact lenses, you need a different prescription. You'll have to have a contact lens fitting to get your prescription, and you'll need to have regular contact lens checks to make sure you're still using the right ones. If you're not automatically given your prescription, you can still ask for a copy of it.
Find the Right Pair of Glasses
Choosing your first pair of glasses can be exciting, but it can also be tricky. You want something that suits you but sometimes you can be rushed into choosing a pair if you're buying in-store. Some people prefer to buy online, especially because you can order several pairs to try out for free. This is how Warby Parker try before you buy works, giving you the time to try the frames you pick with different hairstyles and outfits, and to wear them for a bit longer to ensure they look and feel good. Then you can order the frames that you want with your prescription.
Consider Contact Lenses
You might not want to get contact lenses right away when you first get glasses. However, if you need to wear your glasses all the time, you might decide that you want to try out contact lenses instead. You'll first need to get a prescription for your contact lenses and then consider what type you want to use. You can use daily disposable lenses or lenses that you can wear multiple times.
Getting eyeglasses for the first time can be a little frustrating, but it's better to correct your vision than to put up with not being able to see clearly.
