Why a second pair of spectacles is worth it

Not a luxury, but rather very smart: a second pair of spectacles doesn't only make sense if you want to change your look or be on the safe side if you misplace or forget your main pair of spectacles. For those with presbyopia or contact lenses, or working on the computer, for sun protection and sports – a second pair of spectacles is often the only thing that will give you perfect and relaxed vision.

Not everyone has one, but everyone who wears spectacles 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 spectacles when you can't find your other pair. A second pair of spectacles can be a lifeline in an emergency, especially for those with very poor vision. When their primary pair of spectacles 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 spectacles ensures especially good vision, adapted to the given conditions.

Contact lens wearers should consider purchasing a high-quality second pair of spectacles. This can be especially useful when travelling or on holiday. A contact lens can quickly get lost. For those that depend on them to see, the holiday is only half as much fun as anticipated. Especially since finding a replacement pair while on holiday abroad is often not exactly straightforward.

Contact lens wearers also generally find it relaxing to wear spectacles instead 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 spectacles; 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 spectacles 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 spectacle lenses to the visual acuity and vision range required for every wearer's individual work environment. The result: spectacle lenses with a very large field of vision at close and intermediate distances (between one and four metres) 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 spectacles 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, polarisation and colours are available, tailored to your individual needs. Good spectacle lenses absorb at least 99 percent of radiation. In addition, polarisation 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, polarisation filters, or curved lenses. 

But there isn't any universal type of sports glasses. There are optimal spectacles and appropriate spectacle lens features for virtually every different sport. Tell your optician 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 spectacles close at hand are playing it safe. Make sure that your replacement spectacles are as well adjusted to your current visual acuity as your main spectacles are.