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Eyeglasses FAQ's
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I see fine, why do I need to see an Eye Doctor?
Regular eye exams are the only way to catch "silent"
diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma and other conditions in
their early stages, when they're more easily managed or
treated. Many conditions can be discovered in a carefully
planned eye exam. Those who consider mass-produced, over the
counter reading glasses are truly doing themselves a
disservice, both financially, and medically.
One-size-fits-all reading glasses not only do not work well
for most people who have a different prescription in each
eye, and/or astigmatism, or whose lens and frame parameters
are not measured correctly, they bypass the opportunity to
have their eyes checked for early detection of many
manageable diseases or conditions. For those insisting on
selecting glasses not measured specifically for there eyes,
headaches and eye fatigue are common symptoms.
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How do I know if I need bifocals?
The most common use of bifocals is for the treatment of presbyopia in
individual's aged 40 and over. Whether or not a person has needed
vision correction when younger, by the early to mid-forties, the
ability to accommodate or focus the eyes has diminished.
Bifocals allow the wearer to see clearly
both at distance and near despite the reduced focusing ability.
Bifocals may also be used to help align the eyes if a person tends to
over-cross his or her eyes at near. If you are over 40 or have any
difficulty performing tasks at near, ask contact us on whether
bifocals, or no-line progressive addition lenses, could be right for
you.
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How can I stop glare at night or at a computer?
There can be many causes for this condition. However, many
times this problem can be alleviated, or even dismissed,
with the use of "AR" (Anti Reflective) Lenses. First and
foremost, however, annual, or semi annual eye exams are the
ONLY avenue to your eye health, and the ONLY resource to
ascertain the correct reason or cause for any eye ailment!
That being said, and once any medical or physical condition
is removed as a possibility of cause, then the perfect
solution for glare on computer screens, or glare from night
driving would be AR (Anti Reflective) Lenses.
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What's the secret to getting glasses that look great on me?
With all modesty aside, we are. We are fortunate to be staffed with
fashion experts. They not only will assist you in your desire to get
the "look" that is most flattering to your features and taste, but they
will ensure that your new fashionable eyewear will function nicely with
your needs and lifestyle as well. This is easier said than done. That
is why we have a very knowledgeable staff dedicated specifically with
you in mind.
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How often should I get a new pair of glasses?
This is a personal concern that can address many issues. You should
change your eyeglasses when you feel that your existing eyeglasses no
longer are supporting your needs, lifestyle, or taste.
In
any case a visit to your doctor should not be only considered when you
feel it is time for new glasses. You should visit your eye doctor at
least once every year, or every two years, until the age of forty, then
once a year after that, unless otherwise instructed by your eyecare
provider.
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Are the lenses that change colors OK for sunglasses?
A popular
lens in plastics are called Transitions® Lenses. When
they're exposed to ultraviolet light, they become darker or
change to a different color. However most brands are not as
effective in a car or in any vehicle with the "blue or gray
Stripe" on a windshield. Because of the ultraviolet blocking
nature of the windshields, lenses will remain pretty light
when you're driving. The ultimate sunglass experience can be
enjoyed with "Polarized" lenses as these lenses offer the
most protection and comfort to the eye so strain and fatigue
can become a thing of the past. Transitions is a registered
trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc
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Do sunglasses really help to keep my eyes healthy?
We cannot stress this enough...YES!
You
know how the sun's UV rays can harm your skin-wrinkles; premature aging
and skin cancer are some of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure.
The same rays that age and damage your skin can and will hurt your eyes
as well. Strong sunlight, and artificial light from sources like
welding arcs or tanning lamps can burn the surface of the eye, much
like sunburn on the skin.
Reflected sunlight (from the water, for
example) is particularly dangerous. There is also evidence that
exposure to UV light can contribute to the development of eye diseases
that commonly occur as we age, such as cataract and macular
degeneration.
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Why are my lenses so thick?
Your prescription, your personal measurements, and the size
of your frame are the three key factors that will determine
final lens thickness. If you are farsighted your lenses will
be thicker at their center, in contrast, if you are
nearsighted your lenses will be thicker at their edges. New
innovative technology in lens designs, and materials, have
allowed us to reduce overall lens thickness by as much as
60% in many cases. Our staff will guide you toward the best
possible results in helping you choose the best frame-lens
combination for your ocular and fashion needs.
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Can the thick lenses be made thinner?
Absolutely! Newer, thinner lens materials are being developed all the
time, and we pride ourselves in constantly being up-to-date with the
latest developments and materials in the optical community. This, along
with the proper grinding and appropriate frame selection could make
your new fashion eyeglasses distinctly thinner. Ask one of our doctors
or staff about the newest innovations in lenses today.
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Can I use no-line bifocals with fashionably smaller frames?
Yes. Progressive lenses will allow you
to use smaller frames while maintaining terrific vision
at all distances. The visual channel that progresses
from distance vision to near vision is wider, and more
accurate for that 'Tween' vision necessary for clarity
in the area too far for close, and to close for far. It
is a wonderful lens for desktop and computer use as
well. Please note, that in a few of the especially small
frames, not all frames can be a successful candidate for
a progressive lens. With this in mind, our opticians
will help you with a proper fit.
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Can sunglasses help night vision?
If your eyes are subjected to intense glare during the day,
they will "defend themselves" by trying to adapt. This
natural built-in defense mechanism will persist for several
hours after the glare is removed, resulting in reduced
vision. Studies show that night vision can be reduced by as
much as 50% by this exposure. Wearing sunglasses during the
day dramatically improves night vision.
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Do regular glasses protect my eyes from the sun? Plastic lenses do not protect your eyes. You need to have UV
protection from UV rays, which are not inherent in a plastic
lens. You can have a UV protective coating applied to a plastic
lens, but polycarbonate lenses have built-in UV protection.
Glass lenses protect your eyes from harmful UVB rays but not
from UVA. Some experts think UVA rays might have long-term,
damaging effects to your eyes and skin.
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Do I need an optometrist and or an
ophthalmologist?
Both are eye doctors that
diagnose and treat many of the same eye conditions. The
American Optometric Association defines Doctors of Optometry
as: primary health care professionals who examine, diagnose,
treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual
system, the eye and associated structures as well as
diagnose related systemic conditions. They prescribe
glasses, contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation, vision
therapy and medications as well as perform certain surgical
procedures.
The main difference between the two, is that
ophthalmologists perform surgery, where an optometrist would
not, preferring to specialize in eye examinations, as well
as eyeglass and contact lens related services.
Optometrists would be involved in all of the pre- and
post-operative care of these patients; collecting accurate
data, educating the patient, and insuring proper healing
after the procedure. An ophthalmologist is more of a medical
related specialist, who would need only to be involved if
some kind of surgery were being considered. An optometrist
can treat most any eye condition, including the use of
topical or oral medications if needed. This might include
the treatment of glaucoma, eye infections, allergic eye
conditions and others, to name just a few.
A third "O" that often is overlooked, is the optician. An
optician is not a doctor, and they cannot examine your eye
under their own license. However, a highly trained optician
plays an indispensable role in the most successful eye
doctors' offices. An optician most often handles the
optical, contact lens, and glasses side of things. Based on
their vast knowledge of lenses, lens technology and frames,
they manufacture eyeglasses, as well as assist in the
selection of eyewear, based on the requirements of each
individual patient.
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