Buying the right pair of spectacles can be quite a task if you do not have an idea on the best choice for you.

For Your Frames

You can choose from three types of frames:

Full Frame - Rs. 450 onwards

Semi Rim - Rs. 600 onwards

Rimless - Rs. 750 onwards

However, if you have a high number (-5.0 / 5.0 or more) use a full frame pair, since it gives proper support to your thick lenses.

Right Choice

Depending on the shape of your face, opt for different frames and lens shapes. Your optometrist will advise you on the best lenses to suit your face cut and eye power.

Here are some options:

• For a Long Face - wide, large framed oval or round
• For a Square Face - soft, round, large, oval
• For an Oval Face - round, oval, angular
• For a Round Face - angular, square, cat's eye style

Looking for Lenses

Though glass and plastic lenses are available, opt for plastic ones. They are lighter and have an anti-reflection and scratch resistant coating. Besides being UV coated, plastic also has an inbuilt ability to block UV rays.

Once your optometrist prescribes a particular lens type (it could include single-vision, progressive or varifocal ones), you can get the lens made for your specific number. The price of plastic lenses begins from Rs. 580 and glass from Rs. 225, depending on your prescription.

Branded Stuff

If you want to go in for branded frames, some options to choose from are Cartier, Christian Dior, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Esprit, Channel, GUCCI and Armani. The frames range from between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000.

First Timers

If you are going for a pair of specs for the first time, keep this in mind:

• Opt for plastic lenses for a high power instead of glass ones.
• Check whether it sits comfortably on the bridge of your nose; it should not be too loose or too tight.
• Check whether the alignment of the frame is proper, it should stand balanced on the bridge of your nose.

Maintain Them Well

Here are some pointers to keep your specs as good as new:

• Use both hands while taking off and wearing your glasses. Also do not keep them on your head. They can get wonky because of rough handling.
• Do not use water to clean lenses since they can get scratched with small dust particles in water.
• Always use the cloth provided by your optician to clean your specs.
• When not in use, always keep your specs in the specs case to avoid dust particles settling on them.
• Keep a spare pair of spectacles just in case your only pair breaks or gets lost.

(With Inputs from: Unia Shaikh, junior marketing and advertising coordinator, Lawrence and Mayo)

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