OPTX Optometry - Los Angeles & Valencia

I feel odd in my new spectacles even though they are made to the same prescription as my old ones -

A change in your prescription is not all that causes a new pair of specs to feel weird. The frame change requires adaptation as you may be looking through a smaller or larger viewing area and the lenses may be closer or farther from your eyes compared with before. The lenses may also be tilted at a different angle in the new frame and perhaps the frame does not wrap your face as much or as little as it did previously. The type of lens design in the new specs will also influence your vision. For example, thinner, flatter, aspheric high index lenses often seem less clear when looking through the extreme periphery of the lens. Perhaps the centers of the lenses are higher or lower than before. This can also influence your initial comfort. Perseverance is the key to adaptation, but after 3 weeks without improvement, please see our spectacle collections team for further assistance.

What is the difference between a squint and astigmatism?

A squint is when one eye is turned either up, down, in or out relative to the other eye. The term 'lazy eye' is sometimes used when the turn is not detected at an early age and left uncorrected. It is essential that any parents noting a turn in their child's eye have them assessed by an optometrist or eye doctor as soon as possible. The sooner it is treated the better the prognosis for use of this eye in later years. By the time the child has reached 9 years of age, it may already be too late.

Squints are sometimes confused with Astigmatism. Astigmatism is a condition where the shape of the eye is like an egg, whilst a squint refers to a turn in the eye. See Sight Conditions for more information on Astigmatism.

How long will the eye exam take?

This should not take longer than 30 minutes assuming no extra tests or contact lens fittings are required. We endeavourer to have completed our service to you within an hour.

How often should I have a Sight Test?

We recommend that you have your eyes checked once every year, but this may vary depending upon the nature of your prescription. At the very least, you should have your sight checked once per two years. Should you wear contact lenses, a more frequent interval of every 12 months is advised. These recommended intervals assume that you are not experiencing any symptoms of visual change.

My close-up vision is not as good as it used to be - is this normal?

Yes - this change in your near vision focus happens to everyone and is called presbyopia. The effect of presbyopia is similar to that of longsightedness, but they are not the same. See Lingo for more information.