The ancestry of eyeglasses dates back to 4 BC, when people utilized water to magnify items for clearer viewing. The modern framed eyeglasses were known to exist as early as 1285, then referred to as "spectacles". By definition, eyeglasses are devices used to correct impaired vision, be it farsighted or nearsighted. Today, eyeglasses are prescribed lenses fitted on a frame to that rest on the bridge of your nose.

It is critical for every American, particularly children, to receive regular eye examinations in order to ensure proper vision. There is a variety of lenses to select from depending on the environment (work, sports, reading, indoor or outdoor) that you will wear them in or age. For example, tinting or transitional lenses can act as sunglasses in the daylight, while converting to standard clear glasses while inside. The density of the lens varies as well; thicker lenses are used for individual with significantly poor vision.

People over 40 needs to be mindful of Presbyopia. This is an age-related process by which your eye’s internal muscles that control focusing become less flexible, thereby making it difficult to view from all distances without assistance. Symptoms of this problem are blurred vision when reading or difficult viewing objects of different distances when standing still. This is a completely natural cycle of life that nearly everyone experiences. Oftentimes, reading glasses, progressive, bi-focal or even tri-focal lenses may be required for use under prescribed conditions or schedules.

Your doctor will issue the proper prescription for your eyeglass lenses, which you will take to a vision center or resource for properly fitted frames. And there are plenty of frames to select from!

Even with the advances and innovations in eye care (contacts and LASIK surgery), eyeglasses are enormously popular and fashionable. In fact, many people with 20/20 vision will wear eyeglass frames with clear, standard glass lenses simply for fashion reasons.

There are eyeglass frames for children, teens and adult; men and women or unisex. Frames are now created in nearly every conceivable pattern, style and material imaginable. Looking for something to match your shoes? There are eyeglasses frames for you! Visit FramesDirect.com for the widest selection of brand name frames, colors and styles for men, women and children.

BUT DON’T FORGET – Frames have sizes, just as clothing does. Within the frame you will see three numbers (i.e. 45-20-145). Manufacturers use these numbers to properly fit frames to an individual customer’s head. The first number (45) is the size of lens required. The second number (20) is the bridge size of your nose, so the frames will not slip off. The last number (145) is your temple length, since the frames hook around your ears. Each of these factors must be considered in order to ensure comfort and the proper use of your eyeglasses.