This Is What the Future of Glasses Looks Like

New technology is changing how we look at (and in) eyeglasses. Thanks to 3-D face-scanning machines, eyewear can now be custom measured within .01 millimeter. As a result, the glasses of the future are perfectly tailored to fit every unique contour of a person’s face — a very welcome change for those who exercise with eyewear. And in addition to being more accurate, it takes less than a minute to complete a scan, which makes it more efficient than those manual fittings.

A new app from Glasses.com is also using 3-D technology for facial scans so you can virtually “try on” glasses wherever, whenever. Just grab your iPad and take a video of yourself looking left and then right — instantly, you can see how you look in all sorts of frames, styles, and colors. You can even slide the “glasses” up or down on your nose (which comes in handy if you’re searching for the perfect reading glasses) and send a link to your friends to see which pair they like best.

As if 3-D scanning wasn’t enough to shake up the eyewear industry, there’s also 3-D printing technology. This type of printing doesn’t just improve the strength and affordability of glasses — it also allows for an open-sourced design so you can pick your own style, hue, and dimensions. Another bonus? 3D printing is sustainable and providing manufacturing opportunities for businesses around the world.

Although this new technology is currently at a premium, vision insurance is very affordable — typically, less than your medical premium, which is a small price to pay for maintaining eye health. Additionally, insurance will cover a portion of the cost of glasses and/or contacts. Upgrade your eyewear in March and save even more with a special Visionworks lens upgrade promotion from Independence Blue Cross for Save Your Vision Month.

Find more information on how Independence Blue Cross can be a part of your plan for health and wellness.

Sponsor content is created for IBX by Philadelphia magazine as a marketing collaboration with IBX. This material is intended for reference and information only and should not be used in place of advice from a doctor or suitable qualified healthcare professional.