glasses

Choosing a pair of glasses is a super important decision that many many guys whatever their age absolutely mess up. If your about to toddle off to Specsavers then I suggest you are making MASSIVE mistake.

Your glasses define you. If you have a single pair (not a great idea) then whatever you do, change your hairstyle, clothes, tan, beard the glasses remain the one constant. Personally I would get a minimum of two pairs, one for daily wear and another for nights out or other occasions.

When choosing glasses you have to remember that you are programmed to like ones that look close to what you already have - its what your used to seeing in the mirror. To overcome this go to a good independent optician (preferably many) and ask for help and try on as many pairs as possible, even ones you think there is just no way these will suit me. If you do find something then take a photo, (with a smile) to check out later and/or to show friends or colleagues. Take your time. If you have not changed your glasses for years then you will find any change in style a real wrench and your initial thoughts will generally be negative. Persist it may take weeks.

Types of glasses. Three main types, full frame, half frame and rimless. In either case I tend to concentrate on the shape and size of the lens. Starting with Rimless, these can be tricky as they tend to be quite artless. Focusing on the shape of the lenses when I find one I like then I proceed to look at frame - bridge and arms options and then finally colour and finish. Moving onto full frame, again concentrate on the lenses. You will find with trial and error a sweet spot where going smaller or larger just doesn't look as good. I would always caution going too small or too large. When you have decided on the size of lens that suits your face then move onto frame design and finish. Focus on the design and not the colour of the frames. If a design appeals then proceed to find out what colours it comes in.

Lets talk about lenses. People do tend to just get what they are given when shopping for lenses and never give them a second thought. I have had lenses from about a dozen leading manufacturers over the years and the best of the best are as follows. Zeiss for sunglasses lenses. Rimless, and half frame I go for Essilor Airwear poly-carbonate and BBGR for full frame glasses. BBGR do a range of coatings including one for night time driving, anti glare for those on coming LED /HID lights. Only issue with this coating is that it produces a subtle red reflection off the lens which you may or may not like. BBGR standard lenses - not high index are in my Orgreen "Webster" shown below and fit into the frame perfectly. Always ask your optician will the lenses fit flush with the frame. If not then ask about higher index lenses - these are thinner but only go for them if there is a real issue with frame fit. If you are over 45 then probably your starting to have issues focusing on text. You can now get varifocals that smoothly transition top (distance) to bottom (reading) of the lens.

Finally coatings, an absolute must for all lenses are anti-scratch and anti-reflection coatings. Anti-reflection allow people to see your eyes with minimal light reflection off the surface of the lens. This is THE most important coating you can have to your lenses. Lastly as a strong personal preference - unless you have a medical problem such as persistent or halo migraine NEVER get tints in your lenses or go for transition or photochomatic lenses for your daily wear glasses.