The art and science of choosing the right eyeglass lenses

When buying glasses, people usually spend time choosing frames that look good on their face. But what many people don’t realize is the real story, and a big part of the price, is in the lens. Lenses are more than just an idea. Frames are the most powerful part of your glasses, and regardless of how you like to wear them, they can be good or bad.

I was curious about the difference between great lenses and just mediocre lenses, so I spoke to the folks at Zeiss Vision Care, which is pretty much the gold standard in lens technology. Marketing Director Robert T. Spirito, a 34-year industry veteran, tells us more about what makes Zeiss lenses so great and how to keep them in top condition (hint: check your CVS receipt (Never by wiping the lens). Zeiss is known for making lenses that not only help you see clearly, but also stay better over time. Spirito’s advice and insight shows that taking care of your lenses, and choosing them wisely in the first place, is the key to getting the most out of your glasses.

David Hochman: Zeiss has a reputation for making the best prescription lenses. But it’s not cheap. If I were to explain to my mother why I paid so much for a Zeiss lens, what would I say? What is the real difference between Zeiss and other options on the market?

Robert T. Spirito: You can also tell your mom that Zeiss does more than just fill prescriptions. We look at the bigger picture of how frames fit your face shape and fit your lifestyle. So, what is your vision? Also, what are your daily tasks, habits, interests, activities and sports? What do you do for work? how old are you? These things are important because the size of our pupils and the way our eyes react to different situations changes with context and age. When creating your profile, we will not only take a variety of measurements to truly customize your lenses for you, but we will also ask you a number of usage questions.

The lenses are also built to higher standards than other brands. In 2018, we introduced Zeiss UVProtect technology. This makes Zeiss the first brand to upgrade the UV protection of its clear lenses to full spectrum up to 400nm. The eyeglass industry, which governs the ANSI standard, had agreed that 380nm was “sufficient” for normal clear eyeglass lenses. I know we’re getting a little technical here, but the point is, we’re going above and beyond to meet the needs of vision care consumers.

David Hochman: How does all this factor into the Zeiss user experience?

Robert T. Spirito: People describe the Zeiss experience as “awesome” and “awesome.” Amazing is what we want. When you first get prescription lenses, you’ll want to say, “Wow, my doctor did a great job.” The prescription is perfect. ” Whether you’re reading, driving, or looking into the distance, you need crisp, clear vision that doesn’t strain your eyes. That’s not the experience a lot of people get when they go to online options or his 1 hour type places because of the price. Then you put on your shoes and think, “Whoa, wait, something’s wrong.” It causes eye strain or worse. In fact, if you’re used to “whoa” lenses, you might feel a little nauseous.

David Hochman: You mentioned that different professions may need different lenses. What kind of lens would an accountant need for a truck driver, for example?

Robert T. Spirito: Regardless of who is wearing the lenses, the optician’s goal is to design the best set of all-day lenses for the user, right? So the accountant would probably prefer the near or intermediate zone. This is because these are areas that are usually used for using the computer or reading nearby. Truck drivers, on the other hand, probably prefer distance vision, since they still have good intermediate vision. A vision of being able to see the dashboard and read directions. These details are important, so it’s very important to have this type of conversation with your optician. It may seem like a lot of information to share, but the more details you have about how you use your eyes during the day, the better you can take care of your vision needs.

David Hochman: To be honest, sometimes I wipe the lens with my shirt to keep it clean.

Robert T. Spirito: Oh, please don’t say that!

David Hochman: Or maybe use a napkin…

Robert T. Spirito: Ah, my…

David Hochman: …or a random piece of paper. This isn’t great, right?

Robert T. Spirito: no. You shouldn’t use those things, even if you’re desperate. Once a lens is scratched, it cannot be removed.

David Hochman: Okay, I hear you, I hear you. Please tell me. What is the legitimate best way to care for lenses to extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance?

Robert T. Spirito: In addition to I never have using shirts, sleeves, or other abrasive materials. Perhaps the most important tip is that you need to wet your lenses when cleaning them. So, whether you use Zeiss Lens Wipes, which are the moist wipes that come in the package, or a soft microfiber cleaner, be sure to moisten your lenses first with water or a spray cleaner. That’s the best way to protect yourself from getting hurt. Many people carry a lens cloth with them, but remember that you need to clean that cloth from time to time. Otherwise, the cloth pieces will return to the lens. If the lens is dry, small particles from the cloth may stick to the lens like sandpaper. And no, let’s not even talk about cleaning lenses with your shirt. That’s not a very good idea.

David Hochman: What does the future hold for prescription lenses?? Is there such a thing as a holy grain of vision technology?

Robert T. Spirito: There is a lot of speculation about where the industry will go in the future. All the buzzwords these days are about spatial computing, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Industry insiders are wondering how to make smart glasses that are truly smart. At some point, I think there will be lenses that can automatically adjust to your vision, or that you can tell them to change. In other words, you can tell the lens to make adjustments based on the task you’re about to perform (playing tennis, doing intense computer work, watching a movie, etc.). At the same time, everyone wants something that is thinner, lighter, and lasts for a lifetime or prescription without breaking or scratching. We are always making small innovations, and I think there will be some exciting technology coming out in the near future.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.