The Handover: After Your Eye Exam

The eye exam is done and your Optometrist has discussed the findings and made recommendations.

If Your Optometrist Has Found:

No Prescription

You have good vision and spectacles are not required. The image is formed on the retina.

Short/Near Sightedness

You will need spectacles for distance/far vision. The image is formed in front of the retina.

Long/Far Sightedness

You will need specs for focusing usually for mid-range and near vision. You may still be recommended to wear spectacles for distance concentration tasks.

The image is formed behind the retina.

Astigmatism

You will need specs for both distance and near vision. This is due to irregular curvature of the eye, a spectacle lens with 2 powers separated at 90 degrees is needed. Here, 2 images are formed on the retina.

Presbyopia

You will need specs for near vision (as well as for distance vision, depending on what was found). Certainly will affect everybody, also referred to as ageing vision. It is confused with long/far sightedness as it is often corrected with a plus powered lens.

A blurred image is formed on the retina.

Find more about The Eye Exam here!

The object or item has to be moved further to form an image on the retina. An ‘add’ is prescribed for clear vision within near range.

Your Lens Options

Your Optometrist will discuss the suitable solutions with you taking into account of eye exam findings, of your spectacle prescription, your lifestyle and also other factors such as hobbies and health.

For short/near, long/far sight and astigmatism, you will need just a single vision lens.

Presbyopia can be corrected with single vision lenses (separate pairs if correction for distance vision is required), Bifocals and varifocals.

Single Vision Lens

A lens which has only one focusing power.

Bifocal Lens

A lens with a segment on the bottom to correct near vision. The common segment is a flat top, also available in round and curved top.

Varifocal Lens

A lens that combines distance power with near power. Looks like a single vision lens. There are a lot of options in this lens category, each option is discussed and you will be advised which is suitable for you.

Occupational Lens

A dual lens with 2 focal points, the top with 1-2 metre range of vision and the lower part for near vision. This lens is normally recommended for screen users.

Additional features of lenses may be recommended for lifestyle or to address a specific issue such as a tint (various shades available), photochromic lens and an antireflection coating, particularly with a blue light filter.

Sometimes the dispenser (or dispensing optician) may discuss your lens options before frame selection or vice versa.

Frame Selection

This is the important part and also great fun.

Correct fitting and comfort are crucial, here are the factors to consider:

Bridge

Fitting around the nose, this supports and distributes the weight of the spectacles. With a metal frame, the bridge will have pads which are adjustable and can be manipulated to fit the contour of the nose. With a plastic frame, the bridge is continuous and is designed to fit the whole contour of the nose. Some plastic frames will have different types of alternative bridges, the most common one being a keyhole bridge which distributes the weight of the spectacles more evenly. If necessary, metal frame pads can be fitted to improve the fit.

Frame Length

Necessary to fit around the whole head, if too narrow, the sides of the frames will dig into the head which would cause the spectacles to slip. If too wide, the spectacles will fall off.

Frame Depth

The right size will ensure that you are not going to see the edges of the frame. If too narrow, the edges of the frame can interfere with your vision. If too deep, the lower edge will rest on your cheeks.

Frame Shape

While comfort is key, choosing the right shape that complements your face will make you look good. It’s the author’s opinion that if the first 3 points are met, any shape will look good.

The Dispensing…

Covered next time!

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