For many, the decision to get glasses marks the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision. Whether you’re reading a favorite novel, working on a computer, or enjoying the sights of nature, the right glasses can make all the difference.
The process of getting prescription glasses starts with understanding your vision needs before visiting your optometrist to have your sight tested and your frames fitted. Prescription glasses are tailored specifically for your eyes, offering improved sight and a stylish way to show off your personality.
Understanding Your Vision Needs
Healthy vision begins with regular eye exams. These exams assess current vision but also detect potential eye health issues early. Optometrists play a crucial role in helping your eyes stay in healthy condition, updating prescriptions as needed.
However, our eyes are always changing. For both kids and adults, you may find the world becoming blurrier and wonder what to do. It’s important to stay aware of changes in your vision that could indicate you need a new prescription.
Some signs that you should schedule an appointment include:
- Difficulty reading small text
- Persistent headaches
- Struggling to see clearly at a certain distance
- Eye strain
Vision needs can evolve at any age, so maintaining a routine of regular eye exams can help keep your eyesight in top shape.
The Process of Getting a Prescription
Getting a prescription for glasses is a relatively straightforward process with your optometrist.
We may begin by discussing your vision concerns, medical history, and daily habits. This can help us understand your needs and figure out what kind of tests we should perform. Eye exams are about more than how clear your vision is, we also look for early warning signs of eye disease.
Once we have an overview of your eye health, we can get to the core of the matter—determining your prescription. To do this, we need to measure your vision. Common vision tests include:
- Visual acuity test: We can use an eye chart to measure how clearly you see.
- Retinoscopy: This test allowed us to observe how light travels through your eye to assess refractive errors and determine if you need corrective lenses.
- Refraction test: By looking through a series of lenses and telling us which one offers clearer vision, we can pinpoint your prescription.
Your optometrist can then provide a finalized prescription that specifies the lens power for each eye.
How to Read a Prescription
An eye prescription can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what all those numbers and terms mean:
- OD (Oculus Dexter) and OS (Oculus Sinister): These are just Latin terms for your right eye (OD) and left eye (OS).
- Sphere (SPH): This shows how much correction you need for nearsightedness (negative numbers) or farsightedness (positive numbers).
- Cylinder (CYL) and Axis: If you have astigmatism, these tell you how much correction is needed (CYL) and the angle of the correction (Axis) in degrees.
- Add (Addition): This number is for bifocals or progressives and adds extra magnifying power for reading or close-up tasks.
Once you know what these mean, your prescription makes a lot more sense!
Choosing the Right Frame & Lenses
Once your optometrist determines your prescription, the fun of selecting frames can begin! When choosing frames, consider your face shape, personal style, and comfort. Square faces are complemented by rounder frames, while oval faces suit various frame styles—your optician can help you figure out the specifics. Personal style is equally important—your glasses should reflect your personality and preferences.
Equally important is selecting the right lenses. There’s a lot of technology packed into your glasses. Options like anti-reflective coatings reduce glare, making night driving and screen time easier. Prism lenses could help those spending long hours in front of digital screens, while high-index lenses offer thinner, lighter options for stronger prescriptions.
Whatever glasses you get, your eye doctor can help them fit properly. Frames should sit comfortably on your nose without slipping, and the temples should fit snugly behind your ears without pinching.
Making sure your lenses align with your pupils is key to seeing clearly, and a good fit makes all the difference. Many opticians will adjust them for you for free or include it with your purchase!
Caring for Your Glasses
Your prescription glasses are an investment in your vision, so help prolong their life with proper care. Here are some care tips for your new glasses:
- Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to avoid scratches. Avoid household cleaners or using your shirt, which can damage lens coatings.
- Storage: A hard case can protect your glasses from damage. Never rest them on surfaces with the lenses facing down.
- Adjustments: Over time, frames can loosen. Regular follow-ups with your optician can help your glasses maintain their perfect fit.
It’s normal to need a short adjustment period for new glasses while your eyes adapt to the prescription. But if they still don’t feel right, don’t worry—we’re here to help and can make any tweaks you need!
Simplifying Your Vision with Total Vision Solana Beach
Your path to clearer vision doesn’t have to be complicated. Total Vision Solana Beach provides comprehensive eye exams, expert frame and lens consultations, and precise fittings so your prescription glasses can meet your exact needs.
Book an appointment with us today and experience the exceptional service and quality care that sets us apart. Better vision starts here—schedule your visit now and take the first step toward clearer days.
