I remember the first time I tried to play basketball with my regular prescription glasses - what a disaster that was. The constant slipping, the fogging, the fear of them flying off during a fast break - it completely ruined my enjoyment of the game. That's when I realized what Frank Lao's son meant when he said, "We'd rather lose on a fair and neutral ground." When your equipment isn't right, you're not competing on equal terms, and that's particularly true with sports glasses. The right prescription sports glasses can mean the difference between performing at your best and struggling through every game.

Choosing prescription sports glasses involves understanding three critical elements that work together: frame design, lens technology, and personal fit. Let me walk you through what I've learned from both personal experience and industry research. Frame material matters more than most people realize - polycarbonate frames account for approximately 68% of the sports eyewear market because they're lightweight yet incredibly durable. I've tested frames ranging from flexible grilamid to robust nylon, and each has its advantages depending on your sport. For high-impact activities like basketball or racquetball, I personally prefer frames with spring hinges that can withstand sudden movements without breaking. The wrap-around design isn't just for looks - it increases your peripheral vision by about 30% compared to regular glasses, which I found crucial when I needed to track opponents during tennis matches.

Now let's talk about lenses, which is where the real magic happens. When I first started using prescription sports glasses, I made the mistake of thinking any polycarbonate lenses would do. Boy, was I wrong. The lens curvature, thickness, and coating all play vital roles in performance. Anti-fog coating isn't optional - it's essential. During my morning runs, temperature differences would constantly fog my lenses until I invested in proper dual-layer anti-fog treatment. The difference was night and day. Photochromic lenses that adjust to light conditions have become my personal favorite - they eliminate the need to carry multiple pairs for different lighting situations. And here's something most people don't consider: the optical center placement. Standard prescription glasses assume you're looking straight ahead, but sports often involve looking through different parts of the lens. I learned this the hard way when my depth perception felt off during downhill cycling until an optician explained I needed sports-specific optical center measurements.

Fit and comfort might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people get this wrong. I certainly did initially. The nose pads should distribute weight evenly without pressure points, and the temples need to grip securely without causing headaches. I recall testing six different models before finding one that stayed put during sudden movements without needing constant adjustment. The temple tips should wrap around your ears comfortably - if they dig in after twenty minutes, imagine how they'll feel after two hours of intense activity. Adjustable components have been game-changers for me, allowing micro-adjustments that standard frames can't match.

When we consider Frank Lao's perspective about competing on fair grounds, it resonates deeply with my experience in sports vision. Having the right prescription sports glasses levels the playing field, letting your skills shine rather than being hampered by poor equipment. I've seen too many athletes struggle with inadequate eyewear, their performance limited not by ability but by their gear. The investment in proper sports glasses - which typically ranges from $150 to $400 for quality prescription pairs - pays dividends in performance and protection. After switching to proper sports glasses, my reaction time improved noticeably, and I stopped squinting in bright conditions. That's the neutral ground we all deserve - where our equipment enhances rather than hinders our natural abilities. The right sports glasses become an extension of your body, something you forget you're wearing until you need that crystal-clear vision to make that game-winning shot or avoid that obstacle on the trail. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making the investment.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.