Optometry F.A.Q

For other questions or concerns, contact the office and for further assistance.

1. What is an optometrist?

2. Why are regular optometric eye exams important?

3.  What happens during an eye exam?

4. What is the difference between a plastic, polycarbonate and a high index lens?

5. What are some lens designs that would be suitable for my hobbies/occupation?

6. What options and upgrade can I put on my lens?

 

 

1. What is an optometrist?

Optometrists are independent, primary health care providers 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. Optometrists are an integral part of the health care team. As eye care practitioners, they are skilled in the co-management of eye health and vision care. They examine the structures of the eye to detect and diagnose:

  • Vision conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia
  • Binocular vision conditions such as convergence insufficiency, which can cause eye discomfort and difficulty reading
  • Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and retinal disorders
  • Systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes

Optometrists prescribe and/or provide eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and vision therapy. They prescribe medications to treat eye diseases and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists also do testing to determine the patient's ability to focus and coordinate the eye, judge depth perception, and see colors accurately.


2. Why Are Regular Optometric Eye Exams Important?

Eye disease can occur at any age. Unfortunately, many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has damaged the delicate eye. We now know that most blindness is preventable if it is diagnosed and treated early. Regular examinations by an optometrist provides comprehensive eye care to help ensure optimum eye health, perfect vision and if necessary, the fabrication of precision optical systems to match your lifestyle needs.  It is especially important to have an annual exam if you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or glaucoma.


3.  What happens during an eye exam?

At our office, we combine old-fashioned concern with current technology to provide you and your family with the best possible eye care. We're here to serve you, and want to help you with any vision problem that causes you concern. Our thorough eye exam includes:

  • a complete medical and optical case history
  • visual acuity measurements (how well you can read the eye chart)
  • depth perception testing (binocular vision)
  • glaucoma testing ("eye puff")
  • cataract evaluation
  • assessing the inside of the eyes to detect eye disease
  • a complete discussion of the doctor's findings

We take our time with you - we won't "rush" you through and exam. If you have questions about your eyes, ask us. We want to answer your questions. We care about you, and your eyes because we know that throughout your life, your eyes are among your most valuable assets.


 4. What is the difference between a plastic, polycarbonate and a high index lens?

  • CARBON RESIN- CR-39 (PLASTIC): Carbon resin lenses can be tinted to almost any color and density. These lenses are more easily scratched than glass and do not block out harmful ultraviolet light rays. Application of an optional scratch protection and ultraviolet light filter is recommended.
  • HIGH INDEX: High index lenses bend light more efficiently allowing stronger prescriptions to be thinner and lighter than when made in conventional materials. These high-technology lenses absorb all harmful ultraviolet light and can be tinted to any shade or color. 
  • POLYCARBONATE: Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact resistant and are required for children and active patients. Their unique strength allows them to be made ultra thin, providing lighter, more comfortable lenses. They absorb all harmful ultraviolet rays found in light .
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 5.  What are some lens designs that would be suitable for my hobbies and occupation?

  • COMPUTER: Computer lenses use special designs and filters to relieve the eye fatigue, redness and discomfort associated with prolonged computer use. Unlike conventional readers that work only at near, these lenses allow for clear vision at intermediate and near distances.
  • FLAT TOP BIFOCAL / TRIFOCAL: Bifocal lenses are available with the near portion made in a variety of widths to aid in various close-up visual demands. Trifocal lenses add a segment to provide clear vision at arm's length, that intermediate distance that is often blurred for bifocal wearers.
  • OCCUPATIONAL: Occupational lenses address the specific, visual requirements many jobs impose. If you have visual demands in this category, we can determine the best lens design.
  • PROGRESSIVE: Progressive lenses are the most technologically advanced multifocal lens design. These lenses provide continuous, clear vision at all distances, without the lines found in traditional multifocal lenses. They are the design of choice for all multifocal lens wearers.
  • SINGLE VISION: Single vision lenses provide clear vision at all distances for most people under the age of forty. These lenses can be used in task specific eyewear to clear far, intermediate or near distance visual demands for people who normally wear multifocal lenses.
  • SPORT: Sport lenses offer designs to meet the special, visual needs of sports enthusiasts. Many professional athletes use particular color tints, light filters and materials to enhance their vision and performance. Polycarbonate is the material of choice for active sports.
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 6. What options and upgrade can I put on my lens?

Lens options can add substantially to wearing comfort and appearance.

  • ASPHERIC : Aspheric lenses provide improved visual and cosmetic benefits in single vision and progressive designs. These lenses increase edge-to-edge clarity and flatter, thinner and lighter conventional lenses. This eliminates the "bulgy", magnified appearance of far-sighted prescriptions and the "small eyes", minified look of near-sighted corrections.
  • POLARIZED: Polarized lenses are an exciting sunglass option that eliminates the glare reflected off the surface of objects. They are especially appropriate on or around the water and recommended for driving, fishing, hunting and all types of outdoor activities.
  • SCRATCH PROTECTION: Special treatments have been developed to help protect lenses from normal scratching. Carbon resin lenses can be more easily scratched than other lenses. The modest additional cost for such scratch protection is usually a prudent investment.
  • ULTRAVIOLET FILTER: Special treatment is available for carbon resin lenses to completely absorb the harmful ultraviolet rays found in light. High index, photochromic and polycarbonate lens materials automatically provide ultraviolet protection at no extra cost.
  • ANTI-REFLECTIVE: Anti-reflective lenses are much like those used on fine cameras. Distracting reflections are removed from the front and back surfaces of the lenses. This improves the quality and clarity of vision, reduces eye fatigue and enhances the wearer's appearance.
  • PHOTOCHROMIC: Photochromic lenses are as clear as regular lenses indoors, but they automatically darken outdoors. The brighter the Sun the darker they get, getting as dark as sunglasses in bright light. These lenses provide 100% ultraviolet protection and scratch protection.  A popular brand used is Transitions Lens.™

 

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