Choosing eyeglasses isn’t just a matter of picking frames that suit your face. With the ever-changing technology available, lenses have evolved and become more advanced and equally as important as the frames themselves.

This is especially important for athletes.

To help you choose the right lenses and lens enhancements for you and your active lifestyle, here’s a breakdown of the different considerations when choosing lenses.

1. Type of lens.

Most people require single vision lenses to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness or a multi-focal lens when there is more than one vision problem to correct. For golfers in particular, progressive lenses are a great option when a multi-focal lens is required to correct your vision. They allow your eyes to adjust as it leaves the focus of an object far away (i.e. when you tee off) and progresses along the prescription field to focus on an object up close (such as when you are putting).

2. Polycarbonate lenses.

Most people don’t think about the materials used to make the lens itself. As an athlete, this is important, as you want your glasses to be functional as well as fashionable—and that means a polycarbonate lens.

These hard, plastic lenses are lighter and thinner than standard plastic lenses. They are impact-resistant and have ultra-violet (UV) protection manufactured directly in the lenses.

3. Photochromic Transitions® lenses

Photochromic lenses adapt from clear indoors to fully dark in bright sun. They allow you to go from indoors/overcast outdoors to full sun, without missing a beat. Plus, they block 100% of UV light, making them a great option for sun protection, and thus offering a distinct advantage over ordinary clear lenses. Transitions® is the leading brand of photochromic lenses in the world, and a covered benefit for many who have vision insurance.

4. Anti-reflective (AR) lens coating.

AR coating decreases reflected light and glare. This is particularly useful when golfing, as the coating blocks distracting, discomforting and disabling glare during your long and short game.

5. Ultra-violet (UV) lens coating.

UV rays have been linked to long-term damage to the eye, including the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. UV coating helps block these harmful rays as light passes through your lenses.

A lot of lenses, including Transitions® lenses, already have a UV coating on them, so check with your eye care professional to see if UV coating is already included on your selected lenses.

Sight is precious, so take care of your eyes with regular exams and proper eyewear. Your eyeglasses should be seen as an investment that supports your lifestyle, and provides both functionality and fashion.