Eyeglasses: Better for Fashion than Function

People with vision issues want two things – to see clearly and look good. Today’s eyeglass frames are so stylish, they are statement-making, runway-worthy accessories. So much so, there has been an uptick in the number of young Americans who choose to wear eyeglasses without needing them to see. A recent survey from the Vision Council of America found more than 19 percent of U.S. adults have worn eyeglasses without a prescription, just to be fashionable.

Many people think wearing glasses, regardless of their need for vision correction, make them look more studious, mature or trendy. In fact, you might be surprised by how many celebrities choose to wear nonprescription glasses after having LASIK is simply because glasses are part of their overall “look.”

Comedian Hannibal Buress, who had LASIK in 2014, had an interesting take on it in a recent interview: “Yeah, well in the business you can fake like you wear glasses, but you can’t fake like you can see. If I need to wear glasses I’ll wear glasses. They’ll have glasses for me if I’m acting. If I don’t need to wear glasses they’re not going to have eyesight for me onset.”

Needing Glasses to See Clearly

Those who rely on glasses for their functional purposes know their limitation. Glasses don’t work well in rain, snow, fog or mist. Even going from an air-conditioned building to sweltering heat outside can cause glasses to fog up. Frankly, you probably aren’t thinking about the fashion statement you are making when you are fumbling around your nightstand to find your glasses in the middle of the night so you can get to the bathroom safely or read the clock. And, there is the constant need to clean the smudges and fingerprints.

Glasses can distort the form and size of objects you see. While you may see well facing forward, you have to move your head to see clearly your periphery. They also change how your eyes and face appear to others. Sometimes glasses can make a facial feature look larger, and they don’t always provide the best look when you’re dressed in formal or bridal attire. Not surprisingly, a lot of people who wear glasses choose to take them off when having their photo taken.

And then there’s the cost. Those who want to stay current have to continue buying updated frames to stay on trend, and when glasses break or are left behind in a restaurant or taxi. Beyond the costs associated with getting frames you like, you have to pay for lenses that are comfortable (i.e. thin, lightweight, UV protective and anti-glare) as well as durable (scratch resistant). It definitely starts to add up.

The Functional Advantage of LASIK

The LASIK option has never been better – with a patient satisfaction rate of 98% this vision correction procedure ranks among the most successful of all elective surgeries. Best of all, LASIK gives you the freedom to enjoy excellent vision, see clearly without the need to rely on glasses. With consistent, crisp vision at your disposal 24/7, there is nothing to stop you from indulging your style sense with trendy nonprescription frames. But, with LASIK, wearing glasses becomes a lifestyle choice, rather than a dependency.

Beyond the convenience of improved vision, LASIK can make many meaningful improvements in your quality of life. While each individual considering LASIK is unique, there are many reasons to choose LASIK eye surgery. Whether you’re looking to support an active lifestyle, pursue your professional career with confidence, or for the convenience of life without an ongoing dependence on glasses, learn more about the benefits of LASIK by scheduling a consultation and evaluation with your eye doctor.