Why a second pair of glasses is worth it

Not a luxury, but rather very smart: a second pair of glasses makes sense not only if you want to change your look, but also in case you misplace or forget your main pair. For those with presbyopia or contact lenses, or who work on a computer, or who need sun protection and play sports – a second pair of glasses is often the only thing that will give you perfect and relaxed vision.

Not everyone has them, but everyone who wears glasses should think about getting a second pair – and not just because it's trendy and can help change your look. You can quickly reach for a second pair of eyeglasses when you can't find your other pair. A second pair of eyeglasses can be a lifesaver in an emergency, especially for those with very poor vision. When their primary pair of glasses gets broken or lost, those with poor vision can hardly see anything and are virtually helpless. And that's not all: in many situations and areas, the right second pair of glasses ensures especially good vision, adapted to the given conditions.

Contact lens wearers should consider purchasing a high-quality back up pair of glasses. This can be especially useful when traveling or on vacation. A contact lens can quickly get lost. For those that depend on them to see, a vacation without them is only half as much fun as anticipated. Especially since finding a replacement pair while on vacation abroad is often not exactly an easy process.

Contact lens wearers also generally find it relaxing to wear glassesinstead of contacts at home in the evening. Try it out for yourself.

Wearers of progressive lenses often find that reading glasses are a helpful second pair of eyeglasses; with their large field of vision dedicated to the near range, they guarantee a relaxing reading experience.

Perhaps not everyone has heard that an additional pair of glasses can also help you concentrate at work by making vision more relaxing. M.I.D. is what makes it happen. The abbreviation stands for Maximum Intermediate Distance. It is a new technology developed by Carl Zeiss Vision to determine the maximum focal distance for wearers' specific needs. It makes it possible to adjust ZEISS eyeglass lenses to the visual acuity and vision range required for every wearer's individual work environment. The result: eyeglass lenses with a very large field of vision at close and intermediate distances (between 3 and 12 feet) for optimal vision. This lets you see and work at your best in precisely the range of vision your job requires.

Sunglasses are an especially important type of eyeglasses to have as a second pair. They're much more than just a stylish accessory, they protect your eyes from hazardous UV radiation. Precision sunglass lenses from ZEISS are available for every prescription. Various tints, polarization and colors are available all tailored to your individual needs. Good eyeglass lenses absorb at least 99% of radiation. In addition, polarization filters block reflected light, such as light reflected off the surface of water.

Sports glasses have to be strong, robust, light and comfortable. Depending on the type of sport, they can be equipped with a variety of special extra features, such as tints, polarization filters, or curved lenses. 

But there isn't any universal type of sports glasses. There are optimal glasses and appropriate eyeglass lens features for virtually every different sport. Tell your eye doctor what sports you do and describe exactly what you want from your sports glasses.

It's true in every situation: those who have a second pair of glasses close at hand are playing it safe. Make sure that your replacement glasses are as well adjusted to your current visual acuity as your main glasses are.