Category: Glasses & Contact Lenses

Reduced Risk for Eye Disease and Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is necessary for good health, but too much unprotected time in the sun increases your risk for skin cancer and eye disease. Invisible ultraviolet (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light rays have a shorter wavelength than visible light, meaning they carry more energy. These energetic rays cause more damage to the sensitive tissues of your eyes than lower energy, longer wavelength light.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are two eye diseases that can occur after decades of unprotected sun exposure. AMD destroys cells in the macula, the central part of the retina. The retina, located at the back of the eye, turns light rays into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. AMD causes blurry or blind spots in your central vision.

Sun exposure also contributes to cataract formation. Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, causing hazy vision and muted colors. If you don’t wear sunglasses outdoors, no matter the season, your risk for cataracts and AMD may increase.

Interestingly, North Americans are more likely to develop cataracts in the left eye, the side exposed to the sun while driving. In a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2016, researchers tested 29 makes and models of cars to determine how much UV protection windshields and side windows provided. On average, windshields blocked 96% of UVA light, while side windows only blocked 71%. Stashing a pair of sunglasses in your car offers a simple way to decrease your risk for cataracts.

Exposure to UVA and UVB light also increases your risk for cancer in your eyes or in the skin surrounding the eyes. For the ultimate UV protection, use wraparound sunglasses. Unlike traditional frames, these glasses prevent light from entering your eyes from the sides and tops of the frames.

Comfortable Eyes

Moist eyes are comfortable eyes. Unfortunately, spending even an hour in the sun without sunglasses can speed up evaporation of the tear film that lubricates the eyes, causing dryness, itching, burning, and redness. Sunglasses shade your eyes and help slow evaporation.

Think darker is better when it comes to sunglasses? Dark lenses cause your eyes to dilate, making it easier for ultraviolet light to reach your eyes, according to The Vision Council. If your dark lenses don’t offer UV protection, wearing them could do more harm than good. Be sure to check labels when shopping, and choose sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB light. Gray, green, and brown UV lenses are also available and can provide more contrast than dark lenses.

Fewer Wrinkles

Limiting sun exposure may help you avoid premature signs of aging around your eyes and painful sunburn. UVA light causes visible signs of aging, while UVB rays burn the skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. You’re not safe even if you tan. In addition to increasing your skin cancer risk, tanning damages the skin and can be a factor in wrinkles and age spots around the eyes.

No Unsightly Growths

Sun exposure may also trigger the formation of fleshy bumps called pterygium on the whites of your eyes. Pterygium are generally harmless, though they can cause astigmatism or interfere with vision.

Reduced Risk for Sunburned Eye

If you think sunburned eyes sound painful, you’re right. Called photokeratitis, this condition is more common in people who spend time around reflective surfaces, like snow or sand, but can affect anyone who doesn’t wear sunglasses with UV protection. Although photokeratitis pain improves within a few days, enduring pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watery eyes for even a few hours can be very uncomfortable.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is the best way to protect your eyes year-round. Need a new pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses or goggles? UV Safety Awareness Month, observed every July, is the perfect time to upgrade your eyewear. Stop by our office and take a look at our sunglass selection, or call to schedule an appointment with the optometrist if you need an exam.

Sources:

• JAMA Ophthalmology: Assessment Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshield and Side Windows, 7/2016 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2522190
• Oculofacial Society: Eyelid Skin Cancer https://www.asoprs.org/periocular-skin-cancer
• American Optometric Association: The Heat Is On: Ensure Patients’ Protective Eyewear Is, Too, 5/22/2024 https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/protecting-patients-eye-summer?sso=y
• National Eye Institute: Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Wear Sunglasses https://nei.nih.gov/hvm/healthy_eyes_glasses
• The Vision Council: Hidden Dangers of UV: Keeping Your Eyes Safe, 2011 https://thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/members/VCUVReportv7lrg.pdf

What Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses?

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to thirty days before removing them, depending on their type. They’re made of thin, breathable silicone hydrogel, a material that allows more oxygen to pass through the lenses to your cornea. If the cornea doesn’t get enough oxygen, you’re more likely to develop inflammation or infection. Some rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are also suitable for extended wear.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Pros

Extended wear contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

• Convenience. Since you rarely remove extended wear contact lenses, they’re an excellent option if your job or hobbies make it difficult to remove or clean your lenses. You might prefer to wear these lenses if you enjoy multi-day hikes on mountain trails or work in a job that requires long hours.
• Less Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your contacts, you’ll love extended wear contact lenses. Since they’re designed to be worn continuously, you’ll spend much less time cleaning them.
• Less Touching. Do you dislike touching your eyes when putting in contact lenses? When you wear extended wear lenses, you’ll minimize the time you spend putting in and taking out your contacts.
• Clear Vision Day and Night. If you’re severely nearsighted or farsighted, wearing extended wear contact lenses means you can see clearly from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. You’ll no longer have to pat your nightstand in search of your glasses in the morning.
• Cost. Daily contact lenses cost significantly more than extended wear lenses. If cost is a concern for you, you may decide that extended wear contact lenses offer a better value.

Extended Wear Contact Lens Cons

Extended contact lenses also have a few drawbacks, including:

• Shorter Actual Wear Schedule. Although extended wear contact lenses can be worn for seven to 30 days, not everyone can tolerate wearing the lenses that long. Your optometrist will tell you how long you should wear the lenses during the fitting process.
• Possible Sleep Issues. Some people also find that sleeping in the lenses irritates their eyes. Regardless of how long you wear your extended wear lenses, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends sleeping without the lenses for at least one night after the end of the scheduled removal date. All About Vision notes that a flexible wearing schedule might be a good compromise. If you follow a flexible schedule, you’ll remove the lenses at night but can sleep in them occasionally.
• Risk of Infection and Eye Issues. Wearing contact lenses increases your risk of eye infections whether you wear daily or extended wear contact lenses, but extended wear lenses carry a higher risk. According to the British Contact Lens Association, wearing contact lenses to sleep increases the risk of an infection by four times, no matter what type of lens is worn.
• No Swimming or Showering. Any type of contact lens, including extended wear contact lenses, should not be worn while swimming or showering. The lenses can soak up germs in the water that may cause corneal infections. Bacterial keratitis, a common eye infection among contact lens wearers causes eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to your vision if you develop keratitis.

Need help finding the perfect type of contact lenses for your lifestyle? We’ll help you consider all the options and recommend the ideal lens for you. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Focusing on Contact Lens Safety https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/focusing-contact-lens-safety
• All About Vision: Extended Wear Contact Lenses: Are They Safe, 2/27/2019 https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/extended.htm
• British Contact Lens Association: Infection and Contact Lenses https://www.bcla.org.uk/Public/Public/Consumer/Infection_and_contact_lenses.aspx
• Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses: Extended Wear: Still an Option?, 11/15/2017 https://www.reviewofcontactlenses.com/article/rccl1117-extended-wear-still-an-option
• CDC: Contact Lens Types, 1/11/2022 https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/contact-lens-types.html
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?, 11/21/2023 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-ulcer

Daily Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

Daily disposable contacts make wearing contacts easy. You simply insert a pair of contacts in the morning and throw them away before you go to bed.

Daily Contact Lens Pros

Benefits of wearing daily contact lenses include:

• Thin Lenses. Daily contact lenses are much thinner than monthly contact lenses, which may make them feel more comfortable.
• No Cleaning. If you hate cleaning your lenses every night, daily disposable lenses may be the ideal choice for you. Since you discard them every day, there’s no need to clean them.
• Many Prescription Options. Daily wear lenses can be a good option if you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.
• Convenience. If your lens tears or just doesn’t feel comfortable, you’ll simply take it out and replace it with a new lens. When you have a six- or 12-month supply of daily lenses available, there’s no concern about wasting a single lens.

Daily Contact Lens Cons

• Lipid and Protein Buildup. Protein and lipid deposits tend to build up faster on thin disposable lenses. This usually isn’t a problem since you throw the lenses out every evening, but it may affect comfort for some people.
• Can’t Reuse Lens. Reinserting your lenses after removing them could increase your risk for an eye infection. In a research study published in Optometry & Vision Science, daily disposable lens wearers were asked to put their lenses back in the saline blister packs. The next day, 95% of the participants had at least one contaminated lens.
• Cost. Daily disposable lenses can be two to three times more expensive than extended-wear lenses, according to Time.

Monthly Contact Lenses Pros and Cons

Monthly contact lenses are worn every day for 30 days before being thrown out. This type of lens must be cleaned every evening.

Monthly Contact Lens Pros

Advantages of monthly contact lenses include:

• Thicker Lenses. Thinner lenses tear more easily and can be a little more difficult to insert. Thicker lenses are more durable, make insertion easier, and are less likely to tear when handling.
• More Prescription Choices. Although daily disposable lenses can be a good choice, they’re best for correcting mild to moderate refractive errors, like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. If you have a complicated prescription, monthly contact lenses may offer a better option.
• Cost. Depending on the type, monthly contact lenses may cost much less than daily disposable lenses. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, monthly lenses are a good choice.

Monthly Contact Cons

• Comfort. Some people find thicker lenses less comfortable than thin lenses. Although proteins and lipids don’t build up as quickly on monthly lenses, lens buildup can interfere with comfort near the end of the month.
• Cleaning Schedule. Monthly lenses must be carefully cleaned and stored each night to remove proteins, lipids, and bacteria. If you don’t follow the cleaning schedule recommended by your eye doctor, you may be more likely to develop an infection, like keratitis. Keratitis can cause pain, redness, and blurry vision and could damage your vision if it’s not treated promptly.
• Less Convenient. You’ll need to make sure you have an ample supply of contact lens cases and cleaning and storage solutions when you wear monthly contact lenses. Lens cases should also be replaced every three months, according to the American Optometric Association.

Whether you’re due for a new contact lens prescription or you want to try contacts for the first time, we can help you choose the perfect lens type. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

• Optometry & Vision Science: Contamination Risk of Reusing Daily Disposable Contact Lenses, 12/2011 https://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Fulltext/2011/12000/Contamination_Risk_of_Reusing_Daily_Disposable.6.aspx
• American Optometric Association: Contact Lens Care https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care
• All About Vision: Daily vs. Monthly Contacts: Which Are Better for You?, 1/10/2020 https://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/daily-vs-monthly
• Time: You Asked: What Type of Contact Lenses Should I Wear? 7/6/2017 https://time.com/4845993/daily-disposable-contact-lenses
• WebMD: How to Find the Right Contact Lenses, 3/8/2023 https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/contact-lenses-colored-soft-hard-toric-bifocal
• CNET: 6 Tips to Choose the Best Contact Lenses for Your Needs, 5/30/2023 https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/6-tips-to-choose-the-best-contact-lenses-for-your-needs
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Contact Lenses for Vision Correction, 5/3/2023 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-102

• Raise the Humidity Level. Dryness is a common complaint among contact lens wearers during the winter when humidity is naturally lower. Unfortunately, the dry air produced by heating systems only worsens the problem. Adding a humidifier or two to your home will increase moisture and reduce your discomfort.
• Stay Out of the Wind. Winter winds also dry your eyes, making your contacts feel hard and uncomfortable. Cut down on wind exposure by wearing sunglasses when you venture outside on a windy day. Any style will help block the wind, although wraparound styles provide the best protection. Make sure the sunglasses you choose block 100% of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may increase your risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
• Avoid Blowing Air. Blowing air, whether it’s inside or outside, may dry your eyes. Sit far away from forced air heating vents in your home and aim vents away from your face in the car. Hot air from your hair dryer could also be the reason that your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. Solve the problem by putting your contacts in until after you style your hair.
• Skip the Fire. Tempted to make a cozy fire in your fireplace to banish winter chills? Spending time in a smoky room can dry your contacts and make your eyes burn and itch.
• Blink More. Blinking spreads moisturizing tears over your eyes and helps you avoid dry eyes. If you use digital screens at work or home, you may not be blinking enough. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that people using digital devices only blink 5 to 7 times per minute rather than the normal rate of 15 times a minute. Reminding yourself to blink could keep your contact lenses more comfortable.
• Keep Rewetting Drops with You. You may be able to control the humidity at home, but what about when you’re out? If you notice your eyes are irritated, remove your lenses and apply a liberal amount of rewetting drops. Preservative-free artificial tears can also help keep your eyes moist.
• Drink More Water. Drinking more water may or may not make your eyes more moist, but it typically won’t hurt to increase your water intake during the winter.
• Store Your Glasses Nearby. If your contact lenses become too uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to pop out your contact lenses and put on your eyeglasses. You may find that your eyes need more frequent breaks during wintry weather due to wind and low humidity.
• Keep Other Factors in Mind. Winter weather isn’t the only cause of dry eye. Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause could also be to blame, according to All About Vision. Diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and other diseases and conditions can also cause or worsen dry eye.
• Talk to Your Eye Doctor. When dry eyes become a frequent problem, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your optometrist. He or she might recommend trying another type of lens that retains moisture better than your current lenses. Your eye doctor can also provide tips that will help you endure winter weather in comfort.

Dealing with contact lens discomfort this winter? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Computers, Digital Devices and Eyestrain, 8/8/2023 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage
• Acta Ophthalmologica: The Relationship Between Habitual Water Intake and Dry Eye Disease, 2/2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10087849
• All About Vision: Dry Eyes: Symptoms and Causes, 2/14/2023 https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm
• American Optometric Association: Dry Eye https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y
• Medical News Today: Causes of Dry Eye in Winter and How to Treat Them, 11/16/2021 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-winter-cause-dry-eyes#prevention

How Multifocal Contact Lenses Work

Multifocal lenses feature several different vision zones in one contact lens, allowing for clear vision near, far, and in-between. When you switch your focus from the traffic light several car lengths away to the dashboard in front of you, your vision seamlessly transitions from far to near.

Concentric multifocal lenses have alternating bands of near and far lens powers, while the center of the aspheric multifocal lens contains one power that gradually strengthens or weakens over the surface of the lens. A segmented, or translating, multifocal lens contains two distinct lens powers, just like bifocal eyeglass lenses. These gas-permeable lenses are made of rigid plastic, while the concentric and aspheric lenses use soft plastics.

Multifocal contacts are available in disposable, daily-wear and extended-wear lenses. Although they’re frequently prescribed for people who have presbyopia in addition to other refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness, multi-focal lenses can be worn by people of any age.

7 Advantages of Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses offer several benefits that may make them a good choice for you, including:

• No Need for Glasses. You won’t need to rely on reading glasses to decipher labels or instructions when you opt for multifocal contact lenses. Scratched or fogged eyeglass lenses, and painful earpieces or nose pads won’t be problems either. Of course, you should keep a pair of backup eyeglasses on hand for those times when you aren’t wearing your contact lenses. Be sure to follow your optometrist’s recommendations for maximum contact lens wear times.
• No More Head Tilting. When you use progressive eyeglass lenses, trifocal, or bifocals, seeing well often involves moving your head slightly to correspond with the specific vision power you need for a task. Since multifocal contact lenses adjust automatically, you’ll no longer have to tilt your head to see clearly. That may seem like a minor benefit, but it’s a big advantage if you happen to have arthritis in your neck.
• Better Vision. Since multifocal lenses don’t have abrupt shifts in lens powers, you may notice that everything looks sharper and clearer.
• A Good Option for Astigmatism. Were you told that multifocal lenses weren’t right for you because of your astigmatism? Recent advances in multifocal lens technology mean that people with astigmatism can now take advantage of the many benefits of multifocal contact lenses.
• Better Sports Performance. Multifocal lenses help you see the field, court, track, or your opponents clearly, no matter the distance. They can be paired with sports goggles to offer excellent vision when you’re participating in your favorite activity or sport.
• Good Depth Perception. Poor depth perception can be an issue with progressive eyeglass lenses, especially during the transition period when you’re getting used to them. Multifocal contact lenses make it a little easier for the brain to combine and process the information it receives from your eyes while using this type of lens.
• Slower Progression of Myopia. Wearing multifocal lenses could slow the rate of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. When researchers evaluated the differences between wearing high- and medium-power lenses, they discovered that high-power lenses slowed the myopia progression rate significantly compared to medium-power lenses. Their study, which was published in JAMA in 2020, focused on children aged 7 to 11.

Would you like to find out if multifocal contact lenses are a good choice for you? Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the optometrist.

Sources:

• JAMA: Effect of High Add Power, Medium Add Power, or Single-Vision Contact Lenses on Myopia Progression in Children: The BLINK Randomized Clinical Trial, 8/11/2020 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2769263
• Optometry Times: 4 Ways to Maximize Success with Multifocal Contact Lenses, 6/23/2022 https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/4-ways-to-maximize-success-with-multifocal-contact-lenses
• All About Vision: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Presbyopia, 2/27/2019 https://www.allaboutvision.com/over40/multifocalcls.htm
• Modern Optometry: Myopia Control with Multifocal Contact Lenses, May/June/2020 https://modernod.com/articles/2020-may-june/myopia-control-with-multifocal-contact-lenses?c4src=article:infinite-scroll

Sun Exposure Affects Your Eyes Year-Round

When it’s cold and windy outside, sun damage is probably the last thing you’re worried about. UVA light damages the skin and eyes, although it can’t be seen or felt. Two types of ultraviolet light rays, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), can cause eye disease or conditions ranging from cataracts to cancer. UVA and UVB rays aren’t just a problem during sunny days. The rays also affect your skin and eyes on cloudy days.

Shielding your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun is a simple way to protect your eyes and prevent vision changes. Specially tinted sunglass lenses block UVA and UVB light, preventing it from entering your eyes.

3 Eye Conditions Caused by Sun Exposure

If you don’t protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses, you may be more likely to develop one of these eye conditions:

• Dry Eye. A layer of tears constantly covers the eyes, keeping them moist and lubricated. Exposure to sun and wind, whether on a sunny summer day or a cloudy winter day, may cause tears to evaporate too quickly causing painfully dry eyes.
• Sunburned Corneas: Have your eyes ever felt sore after shoveling snow or spending the day on the ski slopes? You may have photokeratitis, a condition that occurs when the clear corneal tissue that covers your iris and pupil becomes sunburned. Snow reflects sunlight, which increases your risk for developing photokeratitis. Spending time around fresh snow doubles your sun exposure, according to the World Health Association.
• Growths. Sun exposure may also cause bumpy growths on your sclera, the white part of your eyes. Called pterygium, these growths usually aren’t a cause for concern unless they grow over your cornea and affect your vision. Pinguecula, another sun-related condition, occur when raised yellow growths appear on the whites of your eyes.

Want to Avoid These Serious Eye Diseases? Start Wearing Sunglasses Now

Exposure to UV light may be a factor in cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and cancer. These diseases take years to develop and can be affected by other factors in addition to the sun. Although you may not always be able to prevent one of these eye diseases, you can reduce your risk by wearing sunglasses every day of the year.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Removal of the lens and replacement with an artificial lens implant is the only way to improve your vision if you have cataracts. In addition to causing cloudy or blurry vision, cataracts make colors look faded, worsen glare, and make night driving difficult.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when cells begin to die in the macula, the center part of the retina. The retina captures light, interprets that light, and sends impulses to the brain, which processes and stores them as images. AMD causes blurry vision or a blind spot in your central vision.

Cancer on your eyelids or in your eye may also be a hazard of sun exposure. The American Cancer Society expected almost 3,500 cases of cancer affecting the eye or orbit (the structures around the eye) to be diagnosed in 2023.

Protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Follow the American Optometric Association’s advice and wear sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB, in addition to scheduling regular visits with the optometrist. Need to make an appointment? Contact our office to schedule your visit.

Sources:

• World Health Association: Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation, 3/9/2016 https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)
• American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Eye Cancer, 1/12/2023 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/eye-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
• United States Environmental Protection Agency: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure, 7/6/2023 https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure
• American Optometric Association: Ultraviolet (UV) Protection https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/uv-protection?sso=y

Can Reading Glasses Improve Your Vision?

Sooner or later, most of us struggle with poor near vision. Luckily, presbyopia, the age-related vision error that causes near vision problems, can be corrected with a pair of reading glasses.

What Causes Presbyopia?

Presbyopia happens when the lens inside the eye stiffens with age. The lens, typically a flexible disc, bends light onto the precise point on the retina needed for clear vision. The retina serves as the eye’s processing center and turns light into electrical impulses. The brain creates the vivid images you see after receiving the impulses from the eyes.

The lens constantly changes shape as you shift your focus between near and for objects. The flexibility of the lens makes it possible to see clearly at near, middle, and far distances. Unfortunately, your near vision suffers when your lens becomes less flexible. As a result, items close to your eyes begin to look blurry. At first, holding a book or newspaper away from your eyes helps, but that trick stops working eventually.

While some lucky people manage to avoid presbyopia, almost 90% of people over 45 have it, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). The AOA notes that presbyopia could develop even earlier if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or multiple sclerosis, or take diuretics, antihistamines, or antidepressants regularly.

How Do Reading Glasses Help?

Reading glasses correct near vision. Prescription lenses boost your focusing power, making it possible to see clearly when you’re reading fine print or threading a needle. Unfortunately, reading glasses aren’t a one-and-done purchase. Stephanie Marioneaux, MD, an ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Consumer Reports that stronger reading glass prescriptions may be needed about every five years.

If you’ve never worn glasses before, it may take a little while to get used to the idea of putting on a pair of glasses for close work. Already wear prescription eyeglasses? Bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses might be good choices for you. Bifocals include two powers in one lens. The bottom half of the lens helps you focus on near vision, while the top contains a prescription for myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness.) Trifocals are similar to bifocals but contain three distinct lens powers. Progressive lenses combine two or three lens powers that gradually blend together without lines. If you choose trifocals, bifocals, or progressive lenses for your vision correction, you won’t necessarily need a separate pair of reading glasses, although some people find separate reading glasses helpful.

Are Over-the-Counter Reading Glasses Just as Good as the Glasses the Eye Doctor Offers?

Over-the-counter reading glasses, available at drugstores, discount department stores, and grocery stores, are a convenient option when reading the fine print is difficult. Although over-the-counter glasses can be helpful, they do have a few drawbacks, including:

• Inaccurate Prescription. The over-the-counter reading glasses you pick may not contain the correct prescription. Lenses that are too weak or too strong can cause eyestrain or headaches. Over-the-counter reading glasses contain the same lens power in both lenses, but many people need slightly different prescriptions for each eye. If you buy drugstore reading glasses, your eyes may struggle to adapt to the incorrect prescription.
• Poor Quality. Reading glasses are so inexpensive because they’re made of cheaper materials. The frames may break after a few months of light wear, the lenses might scratch easily, or the fit may be uncomfortable.
• Few Choices. Style isn’t much of a consideration when it comes to reading glasses. Your choices will be limited to a few frame selections, none of which might complement your appearance.

When you visit the optometrist for reading glasses, you’ll receive a thorough examination and a prescription that accurately corrects the vision in both eyes. Exams aren’t just about testing your ability to see clearly. Your eye doctor will also look for signs of common vision problems, like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. If you have one of these conditions or diseases, your optometrist can discuss appropriate treatments.

With your prescription in hand, you can choose from hundreds of high-quality, attractive frame styles offered by your eye doctor. Prescription reading lenses are also better quality than those found in over-the-counter reading glasses. They’re less likely to scratch and may offer anti-glare, blue-light protection and other features.

Is it about time you considered reading glasses? Contact our office to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.

Sources:

• American Optometric Association: For 128 million U.S. Presbyopes, Doctors of Optometry Can Provide Treatment Options, 8/24/2023 https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/diseases-and-conditions/for-128-million-us-presbyopes-doctors-of-optometry-can-provide-treatment-options?sso=y
• Consumer Reports: If You’re Straining to Read This, It Might Be Time for Reading Glasses, 8/2/2022 https://www.consumerreports.org/vision-eye-care/is-it-time-for-reading-glasses-a7121254630
• All About Vision: Reading Glasses: How They Help with Up-Close Vision, 2/27/2019 https://www.allaboutvision.com/reading-glasses

Why It’s So Important to Wear Sunglasses

Exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVA) light from the sun raises your risk of skin cancer and wrinkles. However, your skin isn’t the only part of your body damaged by the sun. Your eyes may also suffer if you don’t protect them from the intense rays of the sun.

UVA and UVB light exposure may increase your chances of developing these eye diseases and conditions:

• Cataracts
• Macular Degeneration
• Growths on the Whites of Your Eyes
• Photokeratitis (sunburn on the cornea, the clear, rounded tissue on top of your iris and pupil)
• Cancer In or Around the Eyes
• Wrinkles Around Your Eyes

The longer your eyes are exposed to the sun, the greater your risk is for developing an eye disease or condition. You might develop cataracts or age-related macular degeneration after decades of sun exposure, while photokeratitis could happen in a single afternoon if you don’t wear sunglasses on the beach or ski slope.

How You Benefit from Wearing Prescription Sunglasses

What’s not to like about wearing eyeglasses that help you see more clearly and offer built-in sun protection? When you wear prescription sunglasses, you’ll enjoy these benefits:

• Complete Protection from the Sun’s Rays. The prescription sunglasses your optometrist offers block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, drugstore sunglasses don’t always provide 100% protection. Although the glasses shade your eyes, you may still be at risk for developing eye diseases in the future.
• No More Glare. Sunglasses reduce glare that makes driving or playing sports difficult on sunny days. Ask your optometrist about adding polarized lenses to your prescription sunglasses. These lenses have a special coating that filters out the light that causes glare. Polarized lenses are very helpful for outdoor sports and activities, like boating, golfing, water sports, and skiing. Although polarized lenses offer the ultimate sun protection, the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that they may make it a little harder to see screens that use liquid crystal displays (LCD), like your car’s control panel, your cellphone, and automatic teller machines.
• A More Comfortable Experience. Prescription sunglasses are ideal for outdoor activities ranging from gardening to hiking to walking along a beach. Since the glasses are adjusted to fit your face, you won’t have to worry that they’ll slip or rub when you’re climbing a hill or watching dolphins play in the ocean.
• A Variety of Styles. Your optometrist probably offers many types of sunglass frames, in addition to the usual frame selection. Sunglass and polarized lenses can be added to most frame styles, allowing you to choose sunglasses that not only shade your eyes but also look stylish. Want a little more protection from the sun? Wraparound styles prevent the sun’s rays from entering at the sides, top, and bottom of the frames. If you don’t want to keep switching from your everyday glasses to your prescription sunglasses, consider transition lenses. These prescription lenses darken in response to sunlight and lighten when you return inside.
• Multiple Tints. The tint is one of the most important aspects of your new sunglasses. Tints aren’t just an aesthetic choice but can sharpen your vision on sunny days. Gray lenses reduce glare and help your eyes feel less fatigued, while green lenses improve contract and reduce glare and eyestrain, according to All About Vision. Wearing brown sunglass lenses could improve contrast, particularly on cloudy days. Your eye doctor can discuss the benefits of tints with you and help you choose the best tint for you.
• Better Sports Experience. A second of glare can ruin your day if you participate in an outdoor sport, like baseball, pickleball, tennis, golf, skiing, or snowboarding. Prescription sunglasses prevent glare, ensuring that you don’t miss a crucial shot. For extra protection, ask your optometrist to add prescription sunglass lenses to shatter-proof goggles.

Need a pair of prescription sunglasses or goggles? Call our office to schedule an exam with the optometrist or stop by to take a look at our frame selection.

Sources:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Are Polarized Lenses For?, 6/15/2022 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/polarized-lenses
• All About Vision: Why Different Lens Colors in Sunglasses?, 6/19/2023 https://www.allaboutvision.com/sunglasses/color-lenses
• National Eye Institute: Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun’s UV Light, 7/5/2022 https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light
• WebMD: How to Pick Prescription Sunglasses, 8/17/2022 https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/how-to-pick-prescription-sunglasses