This post was written by Ralph Starks, a blogger and traveler who enjoys exploring the world in the best ways possible.
Considering that nearly 64% of the population needs vision corrective tools, it’s safe to say a good chunk of American travelers rely on their glasses, too. In fact, a recent survey of vacationers found that almost 78% of respondents consider prescription eyewear among their top must-haves. On top of this, over half said that they’d choose to bring two pairs of specs when traveling. This is likely because the same reports reveal that a significant number of people have actually broken their glasses while on a trip. Understandably, not having the gear you need to safely and fully appreciate your surroundings and immerse yourself in experiences can be a bummer.
Fortunately, a big way you can reduce your eyewear-related stress while traveling is by choosing the right pair to bring along. If you’re in need of corrective glasses while out and about, here are some things to look for before you embark on your next journey.
Thick and durable frames
Glasses’ frames come in all sorts of silhouettes nowadays, but for travel, it’s safer to go with something on the thicker side. The good news is that thick frames need not look bulky or unflattering. Case in point, Ray-Ban offers eyeglasses in thicker optics frames. These include their Mega Wayfarers and Mega Hawkeye, both of which feature oversized silhouettes meant for a variety of face shapes. Compared to thinner frames like those that are half-rimless or use thin wires, thicker frames tend to be more durable for above-average wear-and-tear that you may subject them to while traveling. Bigger frames are also more capable of handling more complex lenses like progressives since they provide a wider field of vision for different distances. This means you can just pack this one pair and not worry about switching between different glasses while on the road.
Heavy-duty materials
Aside from choosing the right frame, you also need to consider the materials your glasses are made of. Depending on what’s on your itinerary, your glasses can face a higher risk of falling or being hit. This can often result in cracking, which can impair the lens efficacy or even make the glasses totally unusable. To prevent this, look for glasses that make use of lightweight but impact-resistant materials. To illustrate, Oakley uses O-Matter on their specs, like their Holbrook model. This proprietary material is a nylon composite plastic that is highly flexible so as to prevent cracking. Among other brands, you can also opt for materials like titanium. Known as a “memory material,” titanium can flex back into shape should it be bent. This is a handy feature, especially since a common habit among avid travelers is to force everything into one bag. Additionally, this material doesn’t corrode, so you can use it in different climates and settings.
Protective lens coatings
As the eyewear industry advances, countless lens technologies are being introduced. For travelers, this means you have more lens options that can enhance your trip. Some retailers, like Zenni, even let you choose multiple coatings to upgrade your glasses. One of the most beneficial coatings you can choose for your travel glasses is anti-glare. This can be added with little to no tint on your prescriptions, thereby helping filter out harsh lights. This is particularly helpful in highly reflective places like beaches, lakesides, or snowy landscapes. Anti-fog coatings are another lens feature worth looking into. With this coating, your lenses become hydrophobic, so they’re safe from condensation. Since sunlight can also be damaging to the eyes, you’ll also want to look into getting UV filters. That said, UV filters on glasses are still not a replacement for sunglasses, which can filter out up to 100% of all harmful rays.
