Your Eye Health Questions Answered
If you have a lot of questions about your eye health and don’t want to consult a professional straight away, use this guide to help you as it may be one of the common questions asked that can be answered easily! However you should always consult a medical professional if you believe you may have a serious condition, or your symptoms worsen or persist. This guide does not replace a physical consultation.
There's no such thing as a silly question and you deserve to know the answer to anything that you may be thinking… so, here are 10 commonly asked questions that might be some or one of yours and can help you out (they might be able to ease your mind or help you make up your mind about what you're going to do)!
Do I Really Need Glasses?
Blurred vision, regular headaches and tired or strained eyes can all suggest that your eyesight needs checking. The only way to know for sure is to book an eye test. An optometrist can check your vision and tell you whether glasses would help.
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
For most people, an eye test every year is recommended. It keeps your prescription up to date and gives your optometrist a chance to spot any changes in your eye health. You will need more regular checks if you have an existing eye condition, certain health issues or a noticeable change in your sight.
What Are the Different Types of Lenses?
Prescription lenses come in a few types.
Single vision lenses correct one distance, either close up or far away. Bifocals split the lens into two prescription areas while trifocals add a third section for middle distance. Progressive lenses cover near, middle and distance vision too but the change happens gradually with no visible lines across the lens.
Are There Different Frame Styles to Choose From?
There is no shortage of choice. Frames come in different shapes, sizes, colours and materials. You might prefer a simple round pair or a bold cat eye shape
Materials vary too with acetate, stainless steel and titanium among the most common options. What matters is finding a frame that fits properly, works with your prescription and feels like something you will enjoy wearing.
Can Prescription Sunglasses Match My Prescription?
Yes. They can be made with the same prescription as your regular glasses which becomes useful for driving, holidays and everyday wear, particularly if you do not use contact lenses.
Which Frames Will Suit My Face?
Face shape can help narrow down the options, but it does not need to dictate your choice. Angular frames often bring more definition to a round face. Round or oval styles can soften sharper features.
A good frame should feel comfortable on your nose, sit away from your cheeks and stay secure without feeling tight, you can find more information here. Try a few styles and go with the pair that looks right to you.
Do Anti-Reflective Coatings Make a Difference?
An anti-reflective coating cuts down the light bouncing off both sides of the lens. This can make your view clearer and lets people see your eyes without reflections.
It is especially useful if you are driving at night or working on a screen for long periods. It does cost more so think about how often glare bothers you before adding it.
What Do Blue Light-Blocking Lenses Do?
Blue light-blocking lenses reduce some of the blue light coming from phones, tablets and computer screens. Some people find this makes long screen sessions more comfortable.
Research into benefits such as better sleep is mixed. They may help with comfort but they will not replace regular screen breaks, suitable lighting or an up to date prescription.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses Instead of Glasses?
Yes. Contact lenses are a popular alternative for people who do not want to wear glasses all the time. They can also be useful for sport and other activities. Contacts need to be fitted correctly and cleaned properly, as poor hygiene can increase the risk of an eye infection.
How Do I Care For My Glasses?
Proper care is necessary to keep your glasses looking as good as new all the time. Clean your lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution. Whenever you're not using them, make sure you store your glasses in a protective case to prevent scratches.
It's a good thing to ask questions and want to know everything about your health… after all, it's your own eyes you'd be asking about and you're entitled to know all the little details. If you unfortunately don’t find the answers to your questions in this guide, you should consider talking to your optician, and they could even give you advice specific to your personal eye needs! Don’t panic if your questions aren’t here, this is just a small fraction of commonly asked questions related to wearing glasses and it doesn’t mean your question isn’t ‘normal’ to ask if it's not on this list!
You can never ask too many questions… your optometrist and optician staff are there to offer advice for you!
