I've had to wear glasses since I was 15 years old. Before that, my vision just sucked. I remember the first day I put on a pair, and how crystal clear everything was... and how beautiful the stars were. I'd never really seen them before, because they were just smudges to my eyes. Then I saw this beautiful sky full of crystalline points of light, and I was just in awe... it was amazing. I'm nearsighted, which, contrary to some people's interpretation, actually means that you can see things okay up close, but not so well far away. You'd be surprised at how many people I've met who thought it was the other way around, and that it was far-sighted people who couldn't see far away. Nope, sorry, other way around.
Of course, every high school kid's main concern is that glasses are going to make him(or her) look like a nerd, and this turned out to be true in my case, but it was all right, because I was already a nerd. I spent all my time reading and playing with computers... this back in the day of the 486 and Doom II. I have a suspicion that focusing my eyes on nearby objects like computer screens and book pages so much, rather than engaging in sports and activities utilizing longer distance vision, affected my eyes' development. It probably doesn't help that I used to read by moonlight in the back of my parents' car. There's a lot of factors that can go into affecting one's vision. Diet, habits, etc.
What type of glasses you're wearing weighs heavily on your appearance. Nobody wants to look like a complete dweeb (well, maybe some people do, I don't know). I never liked horn-rimmed glasses. You know, those big, clunky tortoise-shell-looking things. Wire rims just look so much more sophisticated. Then again, I suppose it's a matter of individual taste. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. The glasses I have now ain't that great. I got them while incarcerated (but that's another story...), and they're just hideous. It doesn't help that I accidentally sat on them, breaking one of the temples, and had to superglue it back together. Ghetto-fabulous. In case you're wondering, a temple is the part of your eyeglasses that sits over your ear. They're also referred to as "arms," or "legs," informally. I always just called the "the thingies that go over your ear," but let's not get technical. I don't want to confuse anyone.
Another concern is what kind of lenses you want. If you get the cheapest plastic lenses, they 're going to get scratched, and smudge, and cause you no end of frustration. I know, because I have them, and they suck. Man, I wish I could afford new glasses. All in due time. Anyways, you have a selection, and there are various types you can choose from. Optometrists suggest different types of lenses depending on your particular vision problem. For example, polycarbonate lenses are recommended for pursuing an active lifestyle or those playing sports (yeah, that wouldn't be me). Photochramatic lenses turn into shades when you're exposed to light. If you get an anti-reflective treatment done to your glasses, it reduces the glare caused by excessive light, so your vision won't be affected as much by long-term computer use or night driving. Your eye doctor can recommend the best lenses for you.
I gotta say, I've seen some interesting eyeware in my time. When I was on the streets, one of my punk rocker buddies had frames made entirely of duct tape. They were well-made, too, for what they were. I suppose you could consider it a fashion statement in utility. I mean, it was functional. Frames getting broken is a constant problem, and one of the main reasons people switch to contact lenses. Of course, contacts come with their own problems, as any contact lens user knows. Glasses are a little easier to keep track of. Mine are currently broken, but I'll get around to fixing them.... one of these days. I've been using epoxy to fix them, but honestly, it's just time to get some new ones.
It can be frustrating trying to see clearly through a smudged pair of glasses. Seriously, I mean, I get really angry when I can't get my glasses clean. Clean lenses make a huge difference in how you see the world. I used to just wipe them on my shirt, but the way you clean your lenses does matter, not only for your vision, but for your glasses, too.
I'm guilty of the number one no-no when it comes cleaning my glasses: trying to wipe away smudges using my shirt . Not only is this an inefficient way to remove dirt, it can damage your lenses, since your shirt has dust and other particles on it. Some fabrics can also damage your lenses. The easiest way to clean your glasses is simpler than you'd think. Run the front and back of the lens under warm water (even cold water works, but not as well). Then, wash the lenses with a mild soap. Some companies make cleaning solutions that aren't quite as harsh, to protect the anti-glare and anti-scratch coatings on some kinds of glasses.
Wipe the soap off in a circular motion (gently!) as you once again rinse the glasses under warm water. Dry them using a soft cloth. Don't use paper towels, obviously. They're way too abrasive. Tissues are also no good. Special cloths are made for cleaning lenses; you might look into this. Don't be lazy like I am and use your shirt. Take care of your glasses.
For years I went without glasses, when I needed them. To this day I can't see very well at all without them. But it's definitely more important to be able to see than whatever concerns you may have about how you look with them. Right now I'm running around half-blind, and it ain't fun.
