As we approach two whole years of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, it’s intriguing to reflect on the impact that the situation has had on cultural norms and social interactions. After being driven inside by government-imposed isolation measures and having no option but to cancel our travel plans and work remotely, the way we go about our daily tasks and communicate with one another has been completely turned on its head.
Of course, social distancing, which was one of the critical techniques governments have employed to keep the virus from spreading, is one of the more unusual things we’ve had to deal with.
While these measures proved effective at keeping the virus at bay, they also managed to profoundly impact our fashion sense and the way we dress. Since a large proportion of the population now works from home, millions of people have chosen to forego formal wear and flashy “going-out” attire in favor of something a little more casual – and who could blame them?
So, what does this all mean for those who wear eyeglasses? Do the same rules apply, or should we opt for a new look with our frames to keep up with the times? What’s the best way to select a new pair for the new normal? Let’s find out.
Wearing glasses while working from home
According to Owl Labs, during the peak periods of Covid-19, about 70% of full-time employees in the United States worked from home. Even though this figure has dwindled in recent months, 80% of full-time employees intend to work from home at least three times per week once the Covid-19 rules are abolished.
Remote working is here to stay, so you’ll need to know how to choose eyeglasses that are at once practical, functional, and stylish while you’re on the job at home.
First and foremost, matching your glasses to your outfit means something different when no one can see your pants, belt, or shoes – and you aren’t carrying any other accessories like a handbag. So forget about finding a pair that matches the rest of your ensemble. Instead, consider your outfit from the waist up, matching designs and colors to your upper half.
Also, when working from home, keep in mind that comfort is essential. Since you won’t be expected to attend any face-to-face meetings in the office or arrangements with clients, you should prioritize comfort and convenience by picking a pair of frames that sit nicely on the bridge of your nose and the tops of your ears (of course, while still looking professional).
As always, ensure you pick out a pair of eyeglasses that complement your face shape and skin tone if you want to look your best.
Wearing glasses while wearing a mask
If you wear glasses, you will know how annoying it is to have them continually fogging up every two seconds while wearing a mask. Whether you’re sitting on a bus, in a public space, or living in an area where masks are mandatory, constantly having to wipe your glasses throughout the day can test even the most patient of people.
Oh, and let’s not forget the added moisture that causes your glasses to repeatedly slip down your nose.
So, how can you get around these issues? Well, did you know that you buy anti-fog lenses that stop your glasses from fogging up, providing you with a clear vision even while wearing a mask? Yep, these lenses absorb the moisture on the lens surface, allowing it to be repelled, which is a lifesaver for all those who wear glasses during the age of social distancing.
Furthermore, it helps if you choose a pair of glasses that fit you well and don’t slide down your nose easily. In addition to this, try to find a pair of frames on the smaller side and don’t come into contact with your mask. The further away your lenses are from the mask, the less chance your glasses will fog up, as the airflow has more room to escape.
Blue light and anti-glare lenses are your friends
Working from home typically means staring at a screen for large portions of the day. If you also like to spend your free time scrolling on social media, playing games on your phone, or watching TV, then you’ve got a recipe for unhappy (and possibly unhealthy) eyes.
This is because screens emit light that travels along blue wavelengths (blue light), which is known to cause a wide variety of problems after long periods of exposure, such as disrupted sleep, metabolism changes, and damage to the retina and age-related macular degeneration.
Of course, the best way to prevent this is to limit your screen time, but if you are obliged to stare at the screen all day, then you should consider purchasing glasses that block blue light. This will help protect your eyes from any serious damage and hopefully ensure your metabolism stays on track and that your sleep is undisturbed.
On another topic, if your job requires you to participate in online video meetings, you should invest in a pair of glasses with anti-glare lenses. This will assist in reducing the irritating shine that appears on your glasses during Zoom meetings, which is especially pesky if you use a ring light, allowing the people you’re speaking with to see your eyes clearly without struggling to look through the glare.
Accessorising from afar
It’s safe to say the pandemic has truly changed almost every facet of our lives over the past few years. However, most of us didn’t expect to see our fashion sense change quite so dramatically. With more of us staying at homes and venturing out less for things like work and shopping, it only makes sense that we adjust our style to match the times.
With this in mind, if you want to choose the best pair of glasses in the age of social distancing, then you should look to prioritize comfort, both when at home and when wearing a mask. Furthermore, if you know you will be staring at a screen for long durations throughout the day, then treat yourself to some blue light-blocking lenses. Your eyes will thank you for it.