Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to see an eye care provider?

Many “silent” diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetes, can only be detected through regular eye exams. When these conditions are discovered earlier rather than later, they become easier to treat or manage, allowing for better long-term preservation of eyesight.

In addition, reading glasses from the drugstore often do not work well because most people have astigmatism and/or different prescriptions in each eye. As a result, many of these individuals experience persistent eye fatigue and headaches. Forgoing the eye exam also sacrifices the opportunity to screen for treatable diseases, as mentioned above.

How often do I need to get new eye glasses?

This depends on a number of personal factors, such as changing needs, tastes or lifestyle, but you should visit your eye doctor at least once each year. If you notice problems with vision or headaches, then it’s best to consult your doctor right away for a full evaluation and new glasses, if needed.

How can I tell if I need bifocals?

Bifocals and progressive lenses are most often prescribed for presbyopia in those over age 40 and for individuals who have trouble seeing clearly both at a distance and when reading. Bifocals can also help a person who over-crosses his or her eyes when viewing close objects. An eye exam with a qualified eye doctor can assist you with determining whether bifocals are right for you.

Instead of bifocals, can I use progressive lenses and choose a smaller eye glass frame?

Yes. Progressive lenses offer more precision in your viewing range within a smaller lens diameter. However, some frames are too small for a proper fit; a trained optician can work with you to find a frame that is sized correctly for both your lens and your face shape.

Why are the lenses so thick?

The final lens thickness depends on the strength of your prescription, the size of your frame, and your personal measurements. Fortunately, recent innovations in lens designs and materials have made lenses thinner by up to 60% in some cases. If lens thickness is a concern for you, notify the optometry staff member; he or she will help you select a frame and lens that allow you to use a thinner lens.

Will I have to wear eye glasses forever?

Unfortunately, you probably will unless you elect to use contact lenses or corrective laser eye surgery. The great news is that there are lens and surgical advancements in optometry everyday.

Bifocals & Multifocals

If you find yourself struggling to see both at far distances and nearby reading materials, then it may be time to consider bifocals. Your eye care provider and the trained optometry staff will work with you to determine the best way to meet your needs while helping you to look and feel your best.

What are bifocal eyeglasses and multifocal eyeglasses?

These eyeglasses combine two or more prescriptions into one pair of glasses to correct vision problems at different distances. Most commonly, bifocals are recommended so the wearer does not have to switch between separate eye glasses for distance viewing and for reading.

How are bifocal eyeglasses made?

Traditional bifocal lenses are constructed by molding the reading segment into the primary lens, which is used for distance viewing. The resulting lens contains a visible line where the two lens prescriptions meet.

What are progressive bifocal lenses?

Progressive bifocal lenses transition gradually from the reading lens to the distance prescription to eliminate the horizontal line that is visible in traditional bifocals.

How can I put on bifocal eyeglasses without the line getting in the way?

Try putting the glasses on, then looking through the upper segment for a moment to focus for distance. Next, without moving your head at all, lower your eyes to look through the bottom segment; hold this article or a book 18 inches away from your face and downwards by a 30-degree angle, and read through the bottom portion of the lens. The more you repeat this procedure, the more easily your eyes and brain will adapt to the new reading technique.

How long will it take to get used to bifocals?

As you adjust to bifocal or multifocal eyeglasses, you will need to learn to tilt your head or move only your eyes in order to bring the appropriate lens into the center of your visual field. For most wearers, it takes about 3 weeks to develop and use these new habits naturally. However, most people find the convenience and clear vision well worth the effort.

How to Read Prescriptions

Vision that is 20/20 describes a normal level of clarity and sharpness in your vision. This is called visual acuity. This measurement offers a way to compare the quality of your vision to a professional standard. Using this tool helps your eye care provider to accurately gauge whether you need corrective lenses and to diagnose eye conditions.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

The term 20/20 means that you can see an object clearly when it’s 20 feet away from you, just like normal. If your vision is 20/100, then viewing an object from 100 feet away is too far for you but fine for others; to see it clearly, you must come within 20 feet of that object.

Is 20/20 Perfect Vision?

No, 20/20 only refers to how well you see things at a distance. Your overall visual ability depends on a number of other factors as well, such as:

  • Peripheral (side) vision
  • Depth perception
  • Eye coordination
  • Ability to focus
  • Ability to see colors

How Is Visual Acuity Measured?

Your optometry clinic has several tests that can check your visual acuity. A common test consists of a chart with letters that become smaller as you read further down the page. Each line of letters corresponds to a level of visual acuity. If the “20/20” line looks blurry to you, then you may have impaired vision.

How Is Impaired Vision Corrected?

If your impaired vision is not caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, then your eye care provider can help you determine the best choice for your case. Common options include:

  • Eyeglasses
    This traditional technique is easy, safe, practical and affordable. It can also be stylish as well.
  • Contact Lenses
    These miniature lenses rest directly on the front of your eyeball. People with an active lifestyle often favor this approach.
  • Corrective Surgery
    This offers a more permanent solution. Depending on the severity and type of your visual impairment, it will improve your eyesight, but it might not be able to give you 20/20 vision.

If you lack 20/20 vision, corrective aids can adjust your eyesight to create clearer vision. This will help keep you safe and prevent eyestrain, which can cause headaches and fatigue. Working with your eye care provider is the best way to determine whether your vision should be corrected.

Lens Coatings

When you’re picking out a new pair of glasses, choosing the frames that best fit your face is just the beginning. After selecting your frames, you’ll need to choose the type of lens, lens material, and lens coating. With advances in eyeglass technology, there are several lens coating options to choose from. Talk to your eye care provider to ensure you choose the lens coating that is best for you.

Anti-Reflective Coating

If you often experience glare when wearing your glasses, an anti-reflective coating may be a good choice. This lens coating is a microscopically thin layer that prevents light from reflecting off of the front and back surfaces of your lenses. This can dramatically improve vision for night driving and may also make it more comfortable to read or use a computer. Anti-reflective coating is especially helpful for high-index or polycarbonate lenses, which tend to reflect more light.

Scratch-Resistant Coating

If you’ve scratched your eyeglass lenses, you know how irritating it can be to look out into the world with sub-optimal vision. Scratch-resistant lenses have a clear coating that prevent minor scratches on the front and back surfaces of the lens. Be aware that even a scratch-resistant coating cannot prevent all scratches or lens damage; however, it can be very helpful in preventing minor wear on your lenses.

Ultraviolet Treatment

It is just as important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light exposure as it is your skin. UV-protective lens treatments block many of the harmful ultraviolet rays from damaging your eyes. This may reduce your risk of retinal damage, cataracts, and other eye problems. Discuss your UV protection in your next optometry exam to determine if ultraviolet light-blocking lens treatment might be appropriate for you.

Anti-Fog Coating

Do you frequently step in from the cold, only to have to wait a few minutes for your lenses to clear before you can see properly? Foggy lenses are a problem in cold climates as well as those with steamy conditions. An anti-fog lens coating eliminates this issue by preventing the lens surface from developing condensation. There are fewer options for anti-fog lenses, because this technology continues to develop. However, an anti-fog coating may be perfect for someone who plays sports or frequently transitions from a cold environment to a warm room.

As lens technology continues to advance, more lens coating options may come available. It is always important to discuss your lifestyle and eyeglass lens needs with your eye care provider before making a decision. Choosing a lens coating may significantly improve your visual abilities and quality of life.

Reading Glasses

During the normal aging process, components of your eyes change in shape and flexibility. This frequently corresponds to vision changes that may make it difficult to see close objects. Although not all adults experience these changes, many find that they need reading glasses as they get older. Visiting your eye care provider ensures that you receive prescription reading glasses that work best for your eyes.

What Causes Age-Related Eye Changes?

The lens of your eye is a flexible disk that changes shape to focus light onto the retina. Over time, the lens naturally becomes thicker and less flexible because of changes to the proteins in the lens. The muscle fibers attached to the lens also change with age, making it less flexible. The result is a harder, more rigid lens that cannot properly refract light and focus on near objects. This leads to blurred vision when looking at close objects, a condition technically called presbyopia.

What If My Eyes Are Already Corrected?

In many cases, individuals already wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Whether you had 20/20 eyesight in your younger years or had laser surgery to correct your vision, age-related presbyopia may affect you. The condition often develops after the age of 40, although some people maintain perfect eyesight into older adulthood.

What to Look for in Reading Glasses

Reading glasses correct presbyopia by helping light properly reflect onto your retinas, improving your focus on near objects. Typically, reading glasses are worn only when reading, doing needlework, or performing tasks which require concentrating on materials close up. Some reading glasses are full frames, which must be taken on and off when transitioning from close-up work to distance vision. Others are half frames, which permit you to shift your gaze appropriately to achieve the best vision.

Although drug stores and even supermarkets commonly stock reading glasses, it is important to get a thorough eye exam before making a purchase. An eye care provider can detect other age-related changes that may be affecting your vision. Prescription reading glasses can account for differences between your eyes as well as astigmatism. Consult your eye doctor for a thorough optometry exam before investing in a pair of reading glasses.