i have two pairs of glasses that, together, would have cost about $1500 if i paid retail. one pair (the complicated pair) cost $600 out of pocket, and the other about $350. the complicated pair are wire frames, polycarbonate lenses, progressive bifocals with transitions and edge polishing. the less complex pair are plastic frames, polycarbonate lenses with transitions. the complex pair are almost like not wearing glasses at all except that now that i have progressive bifocals i need to start wearing larger lenses which are problematic because of my strong rx. i'm nearsighted and the larger the lens means the edge gets thicker ...

so: next year i need to figure out whether i want two pairs of glasses for specific situations or one all-purpose pair ... if the latter then i probably want plastic frames, larger lenses, progressive bifocals.

i used to wear daily-wear contacts but i'm too lazy to put them in each morning. glasses: reach out, put them on, done.