Types of glasses are classified based on their functions. You can buy glasses at any optical store. But you need to be guided not only by appearance and price, but also by the appointment of an ophthalmologist and the prescribed prescription. Only an individual approach makes it possible to choose the type of glasses that will be most comfortable and will not damage your vision.
Medical
Medical glasses are needed to correct visual acuity. They change the angle of refraction of light and eliminate the difficulties of adaptation to the external environment. This type of glasses is designed for constant wearing, driving a car, and working at a computer.
In case of myopia or farsightedness, medical glasses slow down the progression of the disease and help a person in everyday life and work. A separate option is reading glasses, which are usually needed by people after 40 years of age, when farsightedness develops due to age.
Medical glasses are used exclusively for vision correction. They are equipped with corrective lenses with different diopters. In addition, they differ in shape and curvature.
Protective
There are glasses with a protective coating against UV rays. They protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and are used only on a bright, sunny day. Optics have different light-absorbing characteristics:
- the first level transmits a maximum of UV rays - 40-80%;
- second – 18-43%;
- the third has a high absorption capacity - 8-18%;
- the fourth completely protects the eyes, transmitting only up to 8% of the rays.
There is also class “0”, which has a dark coating and has no protection at all, but only reduces the brightness of the image on a sunny day.
Protective glasses also include sports optics, which are distinguished by their durability and protection of the eye from mechanical damage. When swimming, diving, skiing, or hunting, such glasses are necessary. They can be with or without diopters, but the lenses used are polycarbonate. It is more durable and will not break upon impact.
Safety glasses are used in various industries where mechanical damage to the eyes is possible. Such glasses protect the organs of vision from dust, moisture, thermal or chemical exposure. They fit closely to the face and are made of plastic, which reliably protects from external influences.
Special
These glasses partially serve medical purposes, easing eye strain. This category includes polarizing types. They have sun protection properties and remove the glare from water, snow, glass or other smooth surfaces. Optical glasses are made from several layers, protecting against UV rays and glare.
Special glasses include perforated ones (they are also called perforated or perforated). Glass is made of opaque plastic with small holes of a few millimeters. They relax the eye muscles, give rest to tired eyes, and restore visual acuity. Thanks to perforation, the image becomes clear. They are worn for a while, without being used constantly.
Perforated options do have similar properties, but they are not certified medical optics, since a significant corrective effect is not visible.
Eyeglasses - a fashion accessory
Prescription glasses that correct nearsightedness or farsightedness were initially considered a medical device that had nothing to do with individual style. However, modern models have also become an original decoration, an integral element of the image of a city dweller.
People suffering from visual impairments are forced to wear glasses all the time. Some people prefer contact lenses, but for many, corrective glasses become not only a necessity, but also a decorative accessory.
To ensure that glasses do not spoil your appearance, you need to choose a frame that is ideal for your type of appearance.
Fashionable glasses may well become a reality for any person, regardless of the shape of his face. You can verify this by studying many photos on women's websites and magazines.
Study photos of numerous frames in any 2015 catalog of modern optics.
You will see that various brands offer a huge selection of frames to suit every taste and color.
It doesn't matter how bad your eyesight is. The lenses will be made to order for you, and you can choose any frame shape. The only nuance on which your choice may depend is the thickness of the lenses.
How to determine if your lenses will fit your chosen frame
Unlike decorative and sun-protective models, vision-correcting glasses must be purchased only after examination by an ophthalmologist.
It is recommended to undergo examination not in an optical salon, but in a clinic, where they will write you an exact prescription with the necessary diopters.
Some types of frames are designed only for thin glasses for minor corrections.
If you have poor vision that requires thick lenses, this may limit your choice of models in the salon. You need to go to the optical salon with a prescription, which you show to the consultant.
The consultant, in turn, will help you choose a frame that is suitable in all respects for these lenses. Very thick glasses often fall out of thin and elegant metal frames.
How poor vision affects the visual perception of frames
Remember that lenses for correcting myopia make your eyes appear smaller, while lenses for correcting farsightedness make them appear larger.
The frame of the glasses should visually smooth out this effect to avoid facial disproportion.
If you are nearsighted, consider larger frames. If you are choosing glasses for near vision, it is best to choose narrow, sleek, miniature models.
What material are fashion glasses made from?
If you pay attention to the photos of various models in the catalogs of modern fashionable optics, you will notice that almost all classic frames are made of durable metal.
Lightweight and durable aluminum frames look very elegant and elegant, they are suitable for both women and men. Their only drawback is the possible abrasion of the decorative metal coating.
If the frame has been painted, over time it may appear unsightly chips and scratches. If you don't want your frames to wear out quickly, you should pay attention to titanium models, which are more expensive but also last for decades.
Recently, plastic glasses have become extremely fashionable. Plastic frames are found in the collections of leading brands, and the varied designs and bright colors are what make them popular among a wide variety of people.
Plastic models are designed for glass of any thickness. An ultra-fashionable solution, ideal for formal business, informal and urban style - a plastic black frame of medium thickness.
How and with what to wear cat eye glasses?
This aspect is no less important than the choice of frames. First of all, you need to consider the color scheme and design of the glasses. However, designers claim that sun protection models of this configuration can be worn with almost all looks, except perhaps a tracksuit. They look elegant with a summer sundress, fit perfectly into the individual, extravagant hippie or boho style, serve as a bright touch in a casual look, and are simply ideal for a beach suit.
To create a vintage look, wear dresses that match the era of the 50s and 60s, paired with cat-eye glasses. To look elegant and at the same time sexy, the outfit is complemented with pumps, a beautiful neckerchief and a spacious bag.
It is important what hairstyle the cat-eye glasses will be worn with. They look very advantageous with a retro bouffant, intercepted by a wide colored ribbon. Curls combed smoothly into a ponytail and loose hair without bangs also go well with cat-eye glasses. In short, this model of glasses is a universal option that fits into an infinite number of combinations. In each case, she gives the woman's face a touch of slyness and a dose of grace. Those who suit cat-eye glasses can successfully turn this to their advantage and easily discourage any man!
What types of frames are there for glasses?
This year, ascetic and modest minimalism is losing ground. Large frames, bright colors, catchy details (such as rhinestones, Swarovsky crystals, precious stones, wood and even fur) are back in fashion.
The modern “bespectacled person” prefers to have several pairs of glasses - for all occasions. After all, it is impossible to choose a universal frame for roller skating and office work.
Frames for work
For people belonging to professional fields not related to creativity, such as finance, medicine, education, there is a certain dress code regarding a person’s appearance, including glasses.
Bank employees and university teachers will have to forget about the currently fashionable “glamor” style and become adherents of the classics.
You will have to give up the abundance of unnecessary details and decorations, but this does not mean that modern eyeglass fashion does not pay attention to “working” glasses.
The leading position in this section is held by the “high-tech” style - new materials, light and durable, are increasingly occupying their niche here.
Steel, aluminum, titanium, cobalt, various high-tech plastics - they are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, have good flexibility and are hypoallergenic. New materials allowed designers to experiment with the shape and thickness of frames.
Not the least important place for glasses for work is occupied by the so-called rimless and semi-rimless models, emphasizing the elegance and style of their owner.
Manufacturers also experimented with the shape: the lines became sharper and swifter, the low temple remains the hit of the season, and more and more new mechanisms for folding glasses are being developed.
Among people of high status, as well as people of average income who prefer to purchase a high-quality and prestigious item that will serve them for a long time and can positively affect their image, frames made of precious metals or coated with precious metals are still popular.
These glasses belong to a high price category and are not widespread.
Considering this attitude towards frames made of precious metals, as well as their considerable cost, manufacturers are especially careful about the quality of these frames, trying to make it impeccable.
New technologies have left their mark here too.
New alloys are emerging that lighten the weight of the material and its flexibility, which allows manufacturers not to be limited to classic oval and round shapes and a certain frame thickness.
In addition to traditional gold, platinum and silver, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium are now used for frames - these metals are more expensive than gold, they all have certain technological properties and a special color.
Frames for everyday wear
The main criterion when choosing frames for everyday wear is comfort, which is determined by the lightness and shape of the temples and nose clips.
But in everyday life, perhaps more than anywhere else, a person strives to express his individuality, not limited by professional activity or physical activity.
The abundance of materials and shapes provides a wide choice for the modern buyer of eyeglass optics: round and rectangular, with and without frames, metal, made from natural materials (wooden and horn frames) and all kinds of plastics. Read more about the latter.
More and more space on the optical market is beginning to be occupied by bright, eye-catching glasses, which do not at all strive to look inconspicuous, but, on the contrary, become the main accessory and decoration, giving the face originality and unique individuality.
A significant part of these glasses are frames made of multilayer cellulose acetate, which are fashionable today. This material has good ductility, it is pleasant to the touch and provides enormous opportunities for creating frames of a wide variety of shapes and colors.
Each frame is practically individual, and the variety in the choice of colors, shapes and finishes will satisfy any, even the most “picky” taste.
For active recreation and sports
Sports frames are increasingly flowing into everyday life, which is no wonder.
Modern fashionistas are also attracted by the unusual shape of such frames, it should be close-fitting or, in other words, streamlined, and versatility - many manufacturers make sports frames with interchangeable lenses, unusual colors and, of course, their convenience and lightness.
In addition, sports glasses are distinguished by such parameters as flexible, modifiable bridges of the nose, special geometry of frames and lenses that allow an increase in the field of view, and increased strength.
Modern sports frames are made from metals such as titanium, steel, copper-beryllium alloys, and plastics such as cellulose acetate and propinate, polyamides (trogamide, cristamide, grilamid), carbon fiber, optyl - all of them have high flexibility and strength, which is a determining factor when choosing material for the production of glasses for outdoor activities; Most companies specializing in sports glasses prefer a combination of metal and plastic.
The most promising and durable plastic used for the manufacture of sports frames and sunglasses is Kevlar.
During its production, reinforcing aramid fibers are added to polyamide - a polymer widely used for the production of cables, body armor, and protective helmets.
Kevlar is used to make helmets for many sports and is recommended not only for sports frames, but also for children's glasses.
In order to improve comfort and provide a more secure fit, rubber and silicone are widely used for the bridges of the nose and temple tips.
For special occasions
There are no universal recommendations when choosing frames for special occasions, just as there are no identical special cases. The frames that you can afford to choose for a nightclub are unlikely to be appropriate at a reception at the French embassy.
Frames for formal occasions in some ways overlap with frames for professional activities. Sports style and bright colors are not appropriate here. But precious stones and metals are appropriate.
High-price frames are no longer boring and dull. Now rhinestones and precious stones are used in their decoration.
Modern designers do not disdain combinations of completely different materials - gold and rare valuable types of wood, platinum and plastic.
Frames in which the manufacturer’s logo was used as a decorative element would be appropriate here, since the imagination of designers has now developed in this field.
But still, the main thing that should guide you when choosing frames for special occasions is their elegance and sophistication.
Another thing is dance parties, concerts, social receptions and presentations. Here the modern king of styles triumphs - “glamour”, and in all its extravagant unbridledness.
Today they talk about rustic and denim glamor, and tireless researchers of the diseases of our society have even found a new disease - glamor mania.
Glamor in the collections of frames and sunglasses is expressed in the choice of the most beautiful and high-quality materials, the richness and sophistication of finishing, and the predominance of fashionable colors.
Glasses have long ceased to be an inconspicuous accessory and strive to attract as much attention as possible.
Large and medium sizes, unusual shapes, bright colors, glitter of gold and platinum, transparent and dense plastics, bone, fur - any jeweler will envy the imagination of modern opticians.
Trendy eyeglass frames: 4 fashionable shapes
It seems that ordinary glasses are not going to leave the fashionable Olympus any time soon. This simple accessory has been popular for several years and is one of the most stylish components of casual looks. Which frames will be “in trend” for a long time and may become your new favorites - read in our material.
Square hipster frame
Large black frames with a square shape and rounded corners became a super hit a few years ago.
And, oddly enough, they are still very popular - both among ordinary ordinary “bespectacled” people and among celebrity fashionistas.
They are like a lifesaver in terms of style: if you are without makeup or go out on business in a simple sporty look, then the easiest way to look fun is to twist a light, disheveled bun on top of your head and put on expressive large glasses.
Vintage round shape
Round horn-shaped frames, so reminiscent of your grandfather's favorite glasses, have returned to fashion and become one of the sexiest shapes thanks to such famous beauties as Johnny Depp, Ryan Gosling and Josh Harnett.
No matter how slobby you are in life, or no matter how “homeless” your clothes look, put on an intelligent vintage frame - and you are at least an unrecognized genius on the path to great success.
“Invisible” or translucent frames
A delicate, discreet frame that simulates its complete absence, or a stylish, half-transparent frame is an ideal option that can add even more seriousness and persuasiveness to any image.
The rule of thumb comes into play here: the greater the contrast between your chosen “adult” frame and the image as a whole, the sexier you look. A light casual, floor-length formal dress or ripped rocker jeans paired with smart glasses will be a 100% hit.
Form CAT-EYE
The "cat's eye" or "fox" shape is an eternal and win-win classic in the women's arsenal.
Elongated accent corners of the frame can add playfulness and intrigue to any face shape and eye color.
Over time, the shape itself, the materials, and the presence/absence of additional decor greatly modified this form of frames, turning it into a real statement piece.
And among the devoted fans of the “cat” form, today we can observe famous women of completely different generations: Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Eva Mendes, Ksenia Sobchak.
The use of smart glasses - what are they for?
Manufacturers of smart glasses are doing everything possible to ensure that their devices are as convenient and useful as possible for consumers. Such gadgets can be useful both in everyday life, for example, when preparing an original dish according to a recipe, which can be viewed directly from the glasses screen, and for athletes who have access to real-time information about heart rate, running speed, etc. d.
In addition to athletes, smart glasses have already been highly appreciated by business representatives and managers who are in dire need of a convenient and fast way to communicate, receive and transmit relevant information. Real-time filming is relevant for firefighters, journalists, rescuers, and law enforcement officers. When choosing the optimal model for themselves, consumers need to carefully study the characteristics of the device and the recommendations of manufacturers who produce smart glasses specifically for business, industry, sports, and for bloggers who record their daily lives using digital devices and post this data on social networks.
