Choosing the Right Eyeglasses in The Villages, FL: 5 Steps

Choosing the right eyeglasses starts long before you try on frames. It starts with your prescription, then the lenses, then the frame. Our opticians in Pinellas Plaza walk patients through it every day, and these are the five steps we follow.

Step 1: Read your prescription first

After your eye exam, Dr. Russell gives you a prescription with a few numbers on it. They tell the lab exactly what to make.

• SPH (sphere): a minus number means you are nearsighted. A plus number means you are farsighted.
• CYL (cylinder) and axis: these two numbers correct astigmatism, an uneven curve in the front of the eye.
• ADD: extra reading power, used in bifocals and progressives.

Our eyeglass prescription guide explains each number in plain words.

Step 2: Choosing the right eyeglasses lenses

The lens does the real work, so we start there.

• Single vision: one strength for distance or for reading.
• Bifocals: two zones with a visible line between them.
• Progressives: distance at the top, reading at the bottom, with a smooth change and no line. Here’s how progressive lenses and bifocals compare.
• Photochromic lenses: they darken outside, which helps on bright Florida days, and they block UV.

Coatings matter too. Anti-glare helps with night driving, and a scratch coat helps glasses last. See our eyeglass lens options.

Step 3: Pick a frame that fits

A good frame sits level, doesn’t pinch behind the ears and keeps your eyes centered in the lenses. Our opticians measure that for you.

• Face shape: angular frames balance a round face, and round or oval frames soften a square one. Our eyeglass frames guide covers each shape.
• Material: titanium is light and strong, a good choice if you wear glasses all day.
• How you spend your day: golfers and pickleball players often want sturdy, flexible frames. If you read or work on a screen for hours, ask about lenses for that distance.

Step 4: Let your style show

With more than 1,000 frames in our showroom, you can try quiet metal frames, bold colors or anything in between. Bring a friend for a second opinion, or ask us. We are honest about what suits you.

Step 5: Take care of them

Clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens spray, not your shirt. Keep them in a hard case. Never leave them on the dashboard, because Florida car heat can warp frames and damage coatings.

Our eyeglass cleaning tips have more.

Ready for a new pair?

Bring your prescription, or book your eye exam with us first. Our lab makes many pairs in about an hour, so you may leave wearing them. Browse our eyeglasses page to see what we carry.