Tips for choosing the right spectacles:

Although nature ensures that most people see well, in some eyes a mismatch between the “Power” and “length” of the eyeball, results in poor vision. This is termed as refractive error. These can be classified as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism depending on whether the power is too high, too low, or different in different axes. Presbyopia is the term used to describe the need for reading glasses. Traditionally, refractive errors have been treated with spectacles, and while these work well in the majority of patients, some simple rules have to be followed when selecting them. These include

Choose the right frame:

Since spectacles are usually worn throughout the day, having a comfortable frame is very important. A good fit is as important as a trendy look. The Most important aspect of a frame is that the eyes should see through the center of the lens. Hence, please wear the frame and look at yourself in the mirror to ensure this. Since the shape of each face is different, this can sometimes be a challenge. Once this is done, make sure that the length of the side stem is appropriate. The loop of the stem should fit securely around your ear. If it is too long, the frame will tend to slide forwards when the head is tilted. However, if too short or too tight, the pressure exerted by the frame will result in a headache. A shell frame distributes the weight of the spectacles on the bridge of the nose and is less likely to leave unsightly pressure marks on the nose, unlike frames with nose pads.Rimless frames look nice, but are quite delicate and should be chosen only if proper care will be exercised, as they tend to get bent and distorted quite easily.

The optician will ensure that the power and centration of the lens are appropriate. However, there are other choices that you can make when choosing your spectacles and it is important to be aware of them. In general, glass lenses are heavier than plastic lenses and this is especially true for higher refractive errors. Plastic lenses are also the best choice when choosing spectacles for children, as they do not break and are hence safer. Similarly, when choosing a delicate frame, be sure to use a plastic lens to lessen the weight of the spectacles. To reduce the thickness of the lens in higher refractive errors, choose a high index material both in glass and plastic. Choosing a frame with a smaller eye segment will also help in achieving a better cosmetic appearance in such cases. Tints in the lens help reduce glare, and do not interfere with vision in indoor lighting conditions. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors, a photo chromatic lens, which darkens on exposure to sunlight, can be helpful. Antireflective coatings help to reduce glare at night. Scratch resistant coatings will reduce the risk of damage to the lens surface.

Reading glasses

For those who do prolonged reading, a separate pair of glasses in a regular frame, will provide greater reading comfort. However, for those who are mostly outdoors, with only occasional reading requirements, using half segment readers are more convenient as they can carry these small frames more. easily. For those whose work requires the constant use of both distance and near vision, as in an office environment, the use of bifocals is recommended. These lenses consist of two distinct segments an upper portion for distance viewing and a lower portion for near viewing. If the person has predominantly distance viewing requirements, a kryptok bifocal, with a smaller reading segment is helpful; while for those with more reading requirements, an executive bifocal, with a larger reading segment is helpful. The presence of two distinct segments with a dividing line can be disturbing in some individuals, due to the image jump when the eye traverses this line. In these individuals, and also in those who use computers a lot, the use of a progressive or transition lens in which there is no distinct separation of the distance and near segments of the lens, is helpful.

Looking after your spectacles is as important as making the right choice when ordering them. Carry the spectacles in the provided box to ensure that they do not get damaged. Clean the lens with soap and running water, and then shake them dry, before gently cleaning the surface of the lens with the provided cloth. Do not clean them when there is dust and grime on the surface as this can result in scratches. Be sure to regularly clean the hinges of the frame to ensure that they open and close smoothly.

We hope the above information has been helpful in making your use of spectacles a safe, comfortable, and rewardng experience. If you have any suggestions or comments, please do let us know at drkaushalshah@gmail.com

Please note the refractive errors can also be treated by contact lenses and by excimer laser corneal surgery (PRK and LASIK), if you desire not to wear spectacles. To check if these options are suitable and advisable for you, please consult your ophthalmologist, who will help you decide.

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Disclaimer: These are just our views expressed here. Please ensure to always contact your doctor for exact instructions and process to follow. In case of queries feel free to reach us. This article is in no way promoting or suggesting any procedure or treatment and is purely for educating oneself and or for academic interests as an individual. No information in this site is intended to be a substitute for actual professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the consultation and or guidance of a qualified doctor / healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical treatment, procedure, and or before undertaking a new medical health care regimen in any manner whatsoever and never disregard or take specific action or professional medical advice or delay in seeking it just because of what you have read in this website or any of our communications, online or otherwise. Any and all images used here are for representation purposes only

Although structures in the child’s eye are similar to that in adults, the visual pathways continue to develop in a child. Hence, any obstruction to vision at a young age can cause permanent damage to the system that cannot be corrected later. Since small children often may not notice such changes, it is very important that all children undergo a screening eye exam at an early age.

Long sight (Hyperopia) Correction by a convex lens

What are the common problems in a child’s eye?

A common problem is a refractive error high myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism may exist in one or both eyes, especially if these are also present in the parent. These may be associated with misalignment of the eyes, squint, which can however, also exist by itself. Other problems can be structural – cataracts, glaucoma, corneal or retinal disease, and these may be present from birth. A rare but very serious problem is a tumor of the retina retinoblastoma. If the normally black pupil appears white (white reflex) in the eye of a child, please arrange for an immediate eye exam, as also in the case of premature births.

What is a ‘lazy eye’?

Amblyopia, also known as ‘lazy eye’, is reduced vision that does not fully acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye. This almost always affects only one eye but rarely both eyes can be involved. A simple vision screening test can detect this-condition, and should be performed in all children since amblyopia is best treated in the early stages.

What is a ‘squint’?

Strabismus or ‘squint’ is a vision condition in which a child cannot align both eyes simultaneously. One or both of the eyes may turn in, out, up or down. An eye turn may be constant (when the eye turns all of the time) or intermittent (turning only some of the time such as, under stressful situations or when ill). Whether constant or intermittent, strabismus always requires appropriate evaluation and treatment. Children do not outgrow strabismus!

What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus is an involuntary rhythmic shaking or wobbling of the eyes. The eyes move constantly in various directions, although horizontal movements are the most common. The presence of nystagmus in a child is often an indication of vision problems. Treatment will depend on the cause. Sometimes, the presence of a nystagmus can indicate neurological dysfunction, and rarely, it can be a side effect of medication use.

How can these conditions be detected?

Children may not complain of problems, and a detailed examination is needed. In infants, the examination is done under general anesthesia. Parents may notice peculiar head posturing, constant side-to-side eye movement, squinting. sitting very close to the TV, or a white reflex in the pupil. The eye exam includes assessment of vision, special tests for stereopsis, (ability to use both eyes simultaneously), eye alignment, pressure and thorough examination of the front and back of the eyes.

How can these conditions be treated?

If a refractive error is detected early, simply providing the correct glasses will correct the problem. If detected late, and one both eyes are already ‘lazy’, then in addition to glasses, other measures may be required – these include eye exercises, and patching or occluding an eye to force the child to use the other eye, thereby ‘strengthening’ that eye.

If there is a squinting of the eyes, in some types, glasses may be corrective, although quite often surgery may be required.

For other problems, like cataract, glaucoma, corneal and retinal disease, the doctor will discuss in detail the options for treatment these could include the use of laser treatment or surgery. If a retinoblastoma (eye tumor) is present, early care is necessary to save the eye and life of the child.

General information

Your child should have his or her first eye exam done during the first year of the child’s life. The next eye exam will be at the age of 3, and once again before entering kindergarten, or by age 5. Thereafter, your child should receive a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. Since prevention is better than cure, it is better to detect these problems at an early stage.

Most recent post:

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Disclaimer: These are just our views expressed here. Please ensure to always contact your doctor for exact instructions and process to follow. In case of queries feel free to reach us. This article is in no way promoting or suggesting any procedure or treatment and is purely for educating oneself and or for academic interests as an individual. No information in this site is intended to be a substitute for actual professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the consultation and or guidance of a qualified doctor / healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical treatment, procedure, and or before undertaking a new medical health care regimen in any manner whatsoever and never disregard or take specific action or professional medical advice or delay in seeking it just because of what you have read in this website or any of our communications, online or otherwise. Any and all images used here are for representation purposes only

Everything you need to know about Lens and Cataract