Many people think a second pair of glasses is a luxury — but it’s really about comfort, convenience, and clear vision. Different daily activities place different demands on your eyes, and no single pair of specs can do everything perfectly. Having an extra pair that’s made for a specific task can make a big difference in comfort and clarity.
Even though most medical aid plans cover one pair every two years, many people choose to add a second pair to suit their lifestyle — maybe one for work, another for reading, or a pair of prescription sunglasses for driving and outdoor use.
Top Uses for a Second Pair
- 📖 Reading Glasses – Perfect for relaxing in your favourite chair or reading in bed.
- 🖥️ Office or Computer Glasses – Designed for your screen distance and lighting at work.
- 🕶️ Prescription Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from UV and glare when you’re outdoors or driving.
- 🏌️ Sports Glasses – Give you clear vision and protection while you’re active.
- 👷 Safety Glasses – Keep your eyes safe during DIY, hobbies, or workshop tasks.
- 💅 Fashion Pair – A fun way to change your look or match your outfit.
💡 Tip: Think about how many different things you do in a day — reading, driving, computer work, relaxing, being outdoors. One pair of glasses can’t always give you perfect vision for all of them!
For Contact Lens Wearers
Even if you wear contact lenses daily, having a pair of glasses can make life easier — and your vision more comfortable. Glasses fill in the gaps where lenses can’t always do the job perfectly.
Outdoor Clarity
Polarised or light-adaptive lenses help cut glare and protect your eyes from the sun — perfect for driving or spending time outdoors.
Night Driving Comfort
Anti-glare coatings reduce reflections and halos from headlights, making it easier and more comfortable to see at night.
Fine-Tuning Vision
When contact lenses don’t match your exact prescription, a pair of glasses can fine-tune your vision for sharper distance or near tasks.
Eye Comfort
Sometimes your eyes just need a break. Having a pair of glasses handy gives your eyes time to rest while keeping your vision clear.
Ask an expert
An optometrist is your vision specialist — they understand how different tasks and distances affect how clearly you see. A simple way to ensure you get the best vision and assist your optometrist is to have the following measurements available:
- 📏 Distance you usually hold a book or tablet
- 💻 How far away to you sit from your laptop?
- 🖥️ Distance from your computer screen to your eyes
- 🛠️ During hobbies or crafting how far away is the object on the table
These measurements will enable the optometrist to demonstrate the exact prescription for your preferred distance and guide you to the perfect lens design to suit your lifestyle.