As a teacher, your glasses are more than just an accessory – they’re a tool you require daily to help you do your job better. Whether lecturing in front of a classroom, leading a gym class, or tutoring one-on-one, the right glasses can make a massive difference.
That said, knowing which ones to choose can be hard when there are so many options out there. This guide aims to solve that conundrum and help you pick the best glasses for your teaching career.
What should I consider when choosing glasses as a teacher?
1. Think about your teaching specialty
First off, It’s essential to consider the unique needs of your teaching specialty. For example, a schoolteacher usually engages in lots of daily classroom activities involving active students. Hence, they may need more durable glasses that can handle wear and tear.
On the other hand, a yoga instructor may prefer glasses that are lightweight and won’t slip or fall during physical movements. A PE teacher may require glasses with shatterproof lenses to protect against any potential impact from sports equipment.
2. Consider how much time you spend looking at digital screens at work
With the rise of technology in education, many teachers are spending a greater amount of time looking at digital screens, such as laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. Doing so for extended periods of time can result in eye strain, headaches, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
One of the reasons for these symptoms is blue light that electronic devices like computers and smartphones tend to emit. To combat this, you may consider glasses with blue-light-blocking lenses. These lenses work by filtering out blue light. You’ll notice that they help make your eyes feel less strained and fatigued even after working with a digital screen for hours.
Also, you may want to look for glasses with an anti-reflective coating, which can reduce glare and improve clarity when you’re looking at digital screens.
3. Think about the amount of physical activity you do
For teachers whose day-to-day involves more physical activity such as PE teachers or dance instructors, it’s important to prioritize the durability of your glasses and lenses. Physical activity can put more stress on your glasses, leading to scratches, cracks, or other forms of damage.
In terms of lenses, you should get lenses that are made from an impact-resistant material like polycarbonate. They’re more durable than traditional plastic lenses and less prone to scratching or breaking. As a bonus, they’re thinner and more lightweight, making them more comfortable to wear during long school days.
For frames, consider a material such as titanium, which is more durable compared to plastic, metal, or acetate.
4. Consider the time you spend outdoors
If you frequently need to step in and out of indoor and outdoor environments, you can look into getting glasses with transition lenses. Also known as photochromic lenses, they automatically adjust to changes in UV light (darkening in bright sunlight and clearing up in darker conditions). Aside from keeping your eyes protected from UV light, they help reduce glare and allow you to maintain sharp vision when moving between the indoors and outdoors.
Alternatively, you can get glasses with clip-on sunglasses. As the name suggests, this type of eyewear has a detachable pair of sunglasses lenses that can be clipped onto regular glasses frames, allowing you to switch between prescription glasses and sunglasses as and when needed.
You might want to opt for blue light glasses
This type of lens works by filtering out blue light emitted by digital screens. Blue light can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as eye strain and headaches. When exposed to blue light for long periods, you can have problems with your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. In the long run, your overall health and well-being can suffer.
As such, blue light glasses are one of the eyewear choices for teachers, especially those who work on computers, laptops, and other digital devices for most of the day. Choosing glasses with blue light blocking lenses can improve your comfort and productivity, allowing you to focus on what matters — teaching your students.
This comfortable Collins pair by Mouqy comes with the option to swap in blue light blocking lenses, while still ensuring you look stylish with its crystal brown acetate frame.
Another pair of frames worth checking out are these lightweight and durable Timber frames made of titanium, which feature a transparent browline upper rim for added style.
Or perhaps reading glasses are what you need
Reading glasses magnify the text or objects you’re looking at, making them appear larger and easier to see.
They’re especially beneficial if you’re a teacher who spends a lot of time grading papers, reading from books, or working on other up-close tasks. Usually, they’d cause eye strain, headaches, and other symptoms caused by straining to see things up close. With reading glasses, all these can be minimized, making it easier for teachers to focus on their work without experiencing visual discomfort.
With various styles and magnification strengths, you can choose the reading glasses that best suit your needs and preferences.
This Beyond frame comes in a stunning cobalt blue color that defies the stereotype of dull-looking reading glasses, enabling you to pore over teaching materials or grade papers in style.
If you’re looking for reading specs with a unique design, this Initiate frame is for you. Plus, they’re made from B-Titanium, which makes them light, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
You can also try clip-on sunglasses
Clip-on sunglasses are best for teachers who need to keep going back and forth between indoor and outdoor environments. They provide the convenience of not having to switch between two pairs of glasses, saving time and hassle. Plus, they protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Clip-on sunglasses come in various styles and lens colors, so you can pick the pair that best suits your needs and preferences.
A good pair of clip-on sunglasses should not only look great but also be durable and comfortable, especially since you’ll be on the move when you’re wearing them. These Mascot frames are precisely that.
For something with a classic yet retro twist, these Mystery frames fit the bill while still offering comfort and durability via their acetate material.
Titanium glasses are also a great choice
Titanium is a popular material used in eyewear frames due to its strength, durability, and lightweight properties.
If your teaching schedule involves lots of physical activity that puts your glasses at risk of falling off, titanium glasses can be an excellent option. They’re less likely to break or bend than other materials, and their lightweight nature makes them comfortable to wear even for extended periods.
Whether you’re a gym teacher, a preschool teacher who’s around rambunctious, curious toddlers all the time, or someone who simply wants a durable and comfortable pair of glasses, titanium frames are worth considering.
This Lavish aviator pair in rose gold from Mouqy is elegance personified, and also has silicone nose pads as well as plastic temple tips for added comfort.
For a style that gives off a subtle sophisticated vibe and won’t go out of style, you can check out this full-rimmed Designer pair with round frames.
There’s a right pair of glasses for every type of teacher
When choosing glasses as a teacher, it’s essential to consider factors such as your teaching specialty, amount of screen time, physical activity, and time spent outdoors.
Blue light glasses can benefit those who spend a lot of time on digital screens while reading glasses are helpful for those who spend a lot of time grading papers or reading books.
Clip-on sunglasses provide convenience and UV protection in all lighting conditions.
Lastly, titanium glasses offer durability and comfort for teachers constantly engaged in physical activities.
Ultimately, your eyewear should go beyond helping you see clearly and let you feel confident and comfortable in the classroom. For more guides on how to navigate the ever-expanding world of eyewear, check out our pieces on picking glasses for professional settings and high index versus Trivex lenses.