Selecting Your New Glasses

Choosing the right frames and lenses is easy when you know what to look for. Our useful guide will provide the information you need about lenses, treatments and frames. Whether you are looking for "just the basics" or that "runway-ready, high fashion look," United Optical has the frames and lenses to fit your lifestyle and wallet.

Daily our trained opticians are faced with many questions. One in particular is:

Q.  How many pairs of eyewear should I own?

A.  You should own at least three:

1. Primary
2. Backup Pair
3. Sunglasses

So now you know how many pairs of eyewear you should own, but how do you pick the material they should be made from.  Our lenses buying guide should help you with that.

United Optical's Guide for Selecting Lenses

No matter your level of activity and your personal flair, we have the lens material for you.  We offer lightweight plastic and child-safe polycarbonate lenses.   Our lens treatments will enhance your eyewear with optional choices such as anti-glare, scratch-resistant treatment, UV protection, tints and photochromatic, just to name a few.  We offer single vision, bifocal and the increasingly popular progressive lenses.

Q. How do I pick the best lenses for my prescription?

A.  The trained opticians at United Optical can help you decide. There are four main different types of lens materials to consider when purchasing your eyewear:

Plastic- The most popular of today's lens materials.  It is lightweight, shatter and scratch resistant and can be treated with different lens treatments.

High-Index- These lenses are thinner, lighter and can be treated with different lens treatments.

Polycarbonate- If you have children who play sports, or you live an active lifestyle, these lenses are a must. Polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and as scratch resistant as plastic, but even thinner. In general, these lenses are recommended for anyone who's tough on their glasses.

Glass- Still used today in many prescriptions because they are more scratch resistant than plastic but they are twice as heavy and less shatterproof.

Q.  How do I pick the best lens treatments for my lenses?

A. Lens treatments can add style to your eyewear and improve your vision.

Polarized lenses- Tinted lenses; these are especially effective against reflective glare.

Ultraviolet (UV) Protection- A protective treatment used to filter the sun's damaging UV rays.  This treatment is recommended on all prescription lenses.

Photochromatic- Prescription eyewear that darkens when exposed to the sun and lightens under indoor lighting.

Carat Advantage® by ZEISS coating takes ease of cleaning to new levels. In addition to the anti-reflective and scratch protection properties of traditional Carat®, the new hydrophobic finish of Carat Advantage® makes lenses more smudge resistant and easier to clean than ever before.

United Optical's Guide for Selecting Frames

United Optical has a full selection of quality frames. Looking for RayBan sunglasses? We have those. How about BeBe, Ted Baker or Tommy Hilfiger? they're also in stock. More importantly, our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the best frames to match your face and your personal style. Because it's not just the name on the label... it's how you look and feel with your new eye wear selection!

Q.  How can I select the best frames for my face?

A. There are five basic face types.  Here are some suggestions for the best frame shape for each:

Round- Full cheeks and lots of curves. Frames with soft geometric angles work best for this shape.

Square- Chiseled features, defined cheekbones. An oval or almond shaped frame is best for this face type.

Oval- Well-balanced face type and shape. Those with oval faces can select from a number of frames for the right look.

Base Down Triangle- Jaw area is wider than your forehead. Try a frame that has strong horizontal lines that will draws attention to the top half of the frame.

Heart-  Wide cheeks and narrow chin. Rimless frames work best for your shape.

Be sure to try on several frame types, and select the one that's right for you!

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