The simple answer to that question is yes, but let me discuss why more than one pair of glasses makes sense for most people. Your life is made up of many different activities. Your vision needs are also likely different during each activity. If you were going to go to a construction site to work, you wouldn’t just bring one tool. You will need multiple tools to get the job done correctly. Similarly, you can use a swiss army knife to do a lot of things, but it would probably not be the most efficient way to do many jobs! Glasses are much the same. You need different types of glasses for different vision activities. What is different about glasses is that they are a tool but, they are also a fashion item! Let’s talk about some good reasons to have more than one pair of glasses.

Virtually everyone should own and wear a quality pair of sunglasses. They protect your eyes from bright light, glare and damaging ultraviolet light. Good quality sunglasses can reduce your eyes risk of:

  • Cataracts
  • Growths on the front of the eyes (called pinguecula and pterygium),
  • Lower the risk of macular degeneration

Further, polarized sunglasses help you see better into water during fishing. For driving and skiing, polarized sunglasses help you see things blocked by glare increasing the safety of these activities. They are not just a comfort or style element but, offer you protection.

There are other types of protective lenses. Many occupations and sports require safety eye protection from things that might hurt your eyes. There are occupational and safety eyewear designed specifically for the activity you are doing. For instance, we carry sunglasses specifically designed for bicycling. Activity specific tinted lenses and functional frames are  designed to meet the demanding needs of certain sports and occupations. They can improve your enjoyment and performance, while protecting your eyes at the same time.

Most people who are dependent on glasses to see, should have a second pair of glasses. If your glasses break, become lost, or misplaced you will not be disabled if you own a second (backup) pair of glasses. This allows you to continue to function until a replacement pair of glasses are available. If you wear your glasses part time, having multiple pairs of glasses in different locations prevents you from having to carry glasses with you all of the time. The difficulty of wearing glasses part time is that your glasses may not be with you when you need them. Having more that one pair allows you to have pairs of glasses where you use them most.

Computer use is a common reason to own a second pair of glasses. Eye fatigue is a common problem if you use a computer for over 4 hours per day. Even if your eyes are normal, you can have issues with this. Also, if your are over age 45 it can be difficult to see your computer clearly and comfortably with your general glasses. A second pair of  “work comfort glasses” allows you to function at your best. If you use a desktop computer with bifocal lenses, you should own and wear specialized computer glasses to avoid neck problems .

Let’s face it! Glasses are not just for seeing, they send a message about your sense of style.   It is interesting that few people would consider wearing the same pair of clothes everyday, but many will wear the same pair of glasses everyday years. Your glasses do make a statement about you! Glasses come in a wonderful variety of colors, styles, shapes and sizes. Every pair of glasses sends a message about you. Glasses can be a wardrobe accessory much like your clothing. Selecting the right pair of glasses can be a simple activity, or an exciting and fun adventure! We have experts at our office to help you select the right style and color frame to fit your face, and make the impression you want.

Now you are fully aware of the benefits of more than one pair of glasses. At our office we are focused on creating ways to make all of your eyewear affordable. Our promise is that we will never sacrifice the quality of the products that serve your eyes. Payment options are offered, including a 6 month no interest plan. Further, a 50% saving is offered when purchasing multiple pairs of glasses. We are here to guide you as you select glasses to meet all of your needs and desires. Our optical staff is eager to assist and advise you, as you explore all of the benefits of more than one pair of glasses in your daily life.  Here is to seeing well and being well seen!

Warmest wishes!

Dean Amundsen, O.D.