Sorry about the awkward title; I had a lot of trouble trying to word it.
Anyway, I got my first pair of glasses yesterday. I went in for my first eye exam in nearly a decade, and apparently I have mild astigmatism. So for the past day I’ve been getting used to the sensation of having glasses on (I never cared for sunglasses, personally; I’ve always found them hard to see in) and getting a touch of euphoria about how they conceal the brow somewhat. But then it kinda hit me that I don’t really know anything about glasses, having not used them until age 36. I probably should have asked some questions about it when I picked them up, but I was kinda sick and didn’t want to stick around there too long.
I know I could just google it, but google sucks now, plus, I may as well use the AskBeehaw platform, it’s pretty quiet.
If you have to wear them constantly, like I do, remember to wipe them down with a gentle soap periodically. The spaces between the frames and the lenses will collect gunk that makes you think something is in your eyes and drive you crazy.
@paris mentioned one online retailer already but to give you another option: I’ve been using Zenni for my prescriptions for a few years now and have been happy with them.
Sometimes a vendor or optometrist isn’t contracted with your vision plan, but you can often submit for reimbursement; some health insurances (since eye health isn’t health, somehow) will also allow you to submit for reimbursement so check your policies, if applicable.
I tend to order two non-tinted pairs and a pair of prescription sunglasses when my Rx changes noticeably - one pair is made of safety polycarbonate (shatter/puncture resistant) and the other is more standard, but it’s nice to have options to choose from. As you go through them, please make sure to donate your old prescriptions! I’ve sent most of mine to the Peninsula Special Interest Lions Club in CA but there are a number of charities that will send your old lenses and frames to people who need them
All good stuff! thanks!