Common Eye Condition and Care FAQs

If you experience a skin reaction to metal frames, the likely cause is nickel, as many metal frames are made from nickel alloys. Other metals used in frames include aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, zinc, copper, beryllium, gold, and silver. Among these, stainless steel, titanium, gold, and silver are generally hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate.

Some people may also be allergic to the nose pads on metal frames. These pads are typically made of silicone or acetate but can also be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nickel, titanium, or rubber. While medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic, other types of silicone can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Both PVC and titanium are generally considered hypoallergenic.

Even if your vision appears fine, regular eye exams are crucial for detecting "silent" diseases like diabetes, glaucoma, and other conditions early on, when they are more manageable or treatable. A thorough eye exam can uncover issues that might not show symptoms immediately.

Opting for mass-produced, over-the-counter reading glasses can be a financial and medical disservice. These one-size-fits-all glasses often don't work well for people with different prescriptions in each eye, astigmatism, or incorrectly measured lens and frame parameters. Moreover, relying on these generic glasses means missing the opportunity to detect many treatable eye conditions early. If you choose glasses not tailored to your eyes, you may experience headaches and eye fatigue.

Bifocals are commonly prescribed to treat presbyopia, a condition that typically affects individuals aged 40 and over. As we age, our eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on close objects, whether or not we've previously needed vision correction.

Bifocals help by providing clear vision at a distance and up close, compensating for this reduced focusing ability. They can also assist in aligning the eyes if they tend to overcross when viewing near objects. If you're over 40 or find it difficult to perform tasks that require close vision, ask us if bifocals or progressive lenses might be right for you.

Glare can have various causes, but one practical solution is using Anti-Reflective (AR) lenses. These lenses can significantly reduce or eliminate glare from computer screens and night driving. However, it's essential to prioritize your eye health by scheduling annual or semi-annual eye exams. These exams are the only way to identify the underlying cause of any eye issue accurately.

Once any medical or physical conditions are ruled out, AR lenses can provide the perfect solution for minimizing glare while using a computer or driving at night.

Our team includes fashion professionals who are experts in helping you choose eyewear that complements your features and personal style and fits your lifestyle and needs. Finding the perfect pair of glasses is more than just a fashion statement—it's about combining style with functionality. That's why our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to guiding you through the process, ensuring you leave with eyewear that looks great and works perfectly for you.

The decision to get new glasses is personal and depends on various factors. It would help if you considered changing your glasses when they no longer meet your vision needs, suit your lifestyle, or match your style preferences. However, please immediately see your eye doctor before it's time for new glasses. It's essential to have an eye exam at least once a year, or as recommended by your eye care provider, to ensure your prescription is up to date and your eyes are healthy.

Color-changing lenses, such as transition lenses, darken or change color when exposed to ultraviolet light. While these lenses work well outdoors, they may not darken effectively inside vehicles due to the UV-blocking properties of most windshields, especially those with a "blue or gray stripe."

For optimal sun protection and visual comfort, consider "Polarized" lenses. These provide superior glare reduction and eye comfort, helping to alleviate strain and fatigue. Note that Transitions is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.

Visible Light: This is the part of sunlight we can see, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Our eyes are most sensitive to yellow and green and less sensitive to red and blue.

Invisible Light: Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible and have shorter wavelengths and more energy than visible light. They can harm your eyes either immediately or over time. They are strongest at high and low latitudes and in reflective environments like sand or snow, especially midday.

UV Rays:

• UVA penetrates deep into the skin and eyes, contributing to aging and cataracts.

• UVB causes sunburn and is linked to cataracts.

• UVC is the most harmful, but fortunately, it is blocked by the atmosphere and doesn't reach the Earth.

Sunglasses should block UV rays to protect your eyes from these harmful effects.

Your prescription, frame size, and personal measurements primarily influence lens thickness. Farsighted prescriptions typically result in thicker lenses at the center, while nearsighted prescriptions lead to thicker edges. Advances in lens technology and materials can reduce thickness by up to 60%. Our team can help you choose the optimal frame and lens combination for your vision and style needs.

Definitely! Advances in lens technology and materials allow us to reduce lens thickness significantly. We stay updated with the latest developments to offer you the thinnest, most stylish lenses available. With the right lens materials, precise grinding, and suitable frame selection, your new glasses can be much thinner and more fashionable. Please speak with our doctors or staff to learn about the latest innovations in lens technology.

Absolutely! Progressive lenses are designed to work with smaller frames while providing clear vision at all distances. They offer a smooth transition from distance to near vision, including the intermediate range ideal for tasks like computer use.

However, not all tiny frames are suitable for progressive lenses. Our opticians will assist you in finding the right frame and ensuring a proper fit to maximize your visual comfort and style.

Intense glare during the day can cause your eyes to adapt defensively, leading to reduced vision for hours after the glare is gone. Studies indicate that exposure can diminish night vision by up to 50%. Wearing sunglasses can help mitigate this effect and enhance your night vision.

Standard plastic lenses do not offer UV protection. While you can add a UV coating to plastic lenses, polycarbonate lenses come with built-in UV protection. Glass lenses block harmful UVB rays but do not protect against UVA rays, which may have long-term damaging effects on your eyes and skin.

An eyeglass prescription uses a standard format for clarity. Here's a breakdown:

• OD (Right Eye) and OS (Left Eye): The right eye is listed first, followed by the left.

• Sphere (e.g., -2.00): This number corrects nearsightedness (indicated by a minus) or farsightedness (indicated by a plus).

• Cylinder (e.g., -1.00): This number addresses astigmatism. Without astigmatism, this section may be marked as SPH (sphere).

• Axis (e.g., 180): This indicates the orientation of astigmatism correction, measured from 0 to 180 degrees.

• Prism (if present): Symbols like BI (Base In), BO (Base Out), BU (Base Up), or BD (Base Down) indicate prism corrections.

• ADD (for bifocals or reading glasses): This number adds to the sphere power for reading or close vision—for example, -2.00 sphere plus +3.00 ADD results in a +1.00 reading prescription.

Electromagnetic Spectrum: Light is a tiny part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes all types of radiation—from X-rays to radio waves.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light: UV light is invisible and can cause eye damage, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. It ages the eye over time and is not noticeable until damage occurs. UV protection in sunglasses is crucial, and polarized or polycarbonate lenses are highly recommended.

Infrared (IR) Light: IR light has a longer wavelength than visible light and is detected as heat. It contributes to eye discomfort from prolonged sun exposure. While IR light isn't visible, its heat can be felt.

Both optometrists and ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye conditions, but they have different roles:

• Optometrists are primary eye care professionals who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage visual system disorders and related conditions. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and medications and perform specific procedures. They handle pre-and post-operative care and can treat many eye conditions, including glaucoma and infections.

• Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care, including performing eye surgeries. They focus on more complex eye conditions that may require surgical intervention.

Opticians are not doctors but are essential in an eye care practice. They assist with fitting and crafting eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, based on prescriptions.