Published 20 Nov 2024
Accidents happen, important items are misplaced, and sometimes people just like to mix things up or try new things. There are many reasons why investing in a second set of glasses can be a good idea, especially if you wear them full time. GMHBA Eye Care optometrist Natalie Stocki takes us through seven benefits of having an extra pair.
1. A backup pair, for emergencies
It’s the stuff of rom-com disasters. If you wear prescription glasses, a spare pair in case of loss, breakage or damage can make all the difference. A replacement pair can take up to two weeks to arrive, so this serves as a practical backup.
Having a dedicated pair of glasses at home and another in your bag or backpack means you’ll always have the right glasses within reach, avoiding the inconvenience of forgetting them or having to transport them back and forth. No more settling in with your popcorn at the movies only to find you’ve left your glasses at home.
2. Rest for contact wearers
We always recommend that contact lens wearers have a pair of high-quality prescription glasses on hand. These not only act as a backup if you run out of contacts, but it’s also a good idea to give your eyes a rest if you have an eye irritation or infection. You may also find you prefer wearing glasses late at night or early in the morning, if you’re travelling or unwell.
3. Prescription sunglasses
If you normally wear prescription glasses and have ever tried to read a book by the pool on holiday, you’ll appreciate the benefits of prescription sunglasses. These modern gems of the spectacle world not only help protect your eyes from harmful UV damage but also help you to see more clearly while doing it.
And, if you’d rather not be switching your prescription reading for sunglasses each time you walk outdoors, you may want to consider photochromic lenses. Also called transition lenses, these are like having two glasses in one frame – magic! Transition lenses darken when they detect UV light and return to (almost) clear when you move indoors.
4. The right lens for the right job – specialised lenses for different tasks
Different activities and environments can call for specific types of lenses. If you often move between close-up tasks and distance viewing, or spend hours at your desk, having dedicated lenses like multifocal or single-vison-lenses for each situation can be useful.
Tailoring your lenses to certain tasks, like using a computer or reading a book, can help to optimise visual clarity and reduce the eye strain associated with prolonged activities, enhancing comfort and preventing potential long-term issues. Anti-fatigue and desk lenses may be a great option for you in these cases.
We all know that lighting conditions can have an impact on our vision and ability to perform the task at hand, but did you know that the colours of tinted lenses filter light at different wavelengths and may be better suited to certain activities? That’s right, lenses tinted green are beneficial for driving during the day and playing golf, while yellow tints are great for snow sports and brown for freshwater fishing! Grey lenses are a great all-rounder as they filter all wavelengths evenly.
5. Getting more wear out of each pair
Having an extra set means you’ll likely swap between frames and spread-out their usage, which could make each pair last longer. Instead of your favourite pair getting all of the attention, give them a fair share and reduce wear and tear on the frames and lenses.
6. Sporting spectacles
There are many types of frames and lenses that can help you achieve clear vision, protect your eyes and perform at your best while playing your favourite sports, even in the water, but these may not be the kind of glasses you’ll be wanting to wear every day. If you’re seeking prescription lenses for a particular sport, your optometrist will be able to help you select a suitable option.
7. An opportunity to express yourself
Coming in at last place on our list and perhaps the first consideration for many, having different frames for different occasions can be a choice of style. Swapping between multiple frames allows you to express your fashion preferences and coordinate with your attire in both casual and professional settings. We’ve even put together some tips for picking the perfect pair of glasses.
These are just some of the reasons to consider a second set of prescription glasses, and there are many more. Keep in mind that it is important to make sure your prescription is up-to-date and you’re always wearing ‘current’ lenses to get the most out of each set of glasses.
Come and chat to the friendly GMHBA Eye Care team for further information and advice for your vision needs.
About the author
Natalie Stocki earned a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a Major in Biotechnology from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours from the University of Melbourne. In 2016, Natalie graduated with Optometry Masters/Bachelor of Vision Science at Deakin University. Prior to joining GMHBA Eye Care, Natalie spent her professional career working in regional Victoria. Natalie builds a compassionate and trusted relationship with her patients, which allows her to find the best solution for their visual and ocular health needs. Natalie enjoys spending time in the outdoors and time with her dog.
