Is my prescription the same for both specs and contact lenses?
No. A contact lens prescription is only 100% complete when the details of their fit are included. This means that although the powers may seem similar to your spectacle prescription, the powers alone are not sufficient when specifying a contact lens prescription. Additional parameters like lens type, diameter and base curve must also be included.
 
How soon can I get contact lenses?
At OPTX, our stock range allows us to fit and supply most established contact lens wearers in an hour. If you are new to contact lenses then more time is required in order to teach you how to insert, remove and take care of the contact lenses. Our patient contact lens fitters will spend all day with you if necessary, so do not feel pressured and take your time as you are introduced to the new world of contact lenses.
 
I see black spots floating around in my vision especially when the sun is out - what are they?
These are called floaters. As the eye ages, more of these are seen and they are due to the changes in the vitreous jelly of the eye. The vitreous is simply a clear jelly that fills up the internal space of the eyeball between the lens and the retina. Changes may occur which cause the very fine fibrils contained in the jelly to clump together and become visible as floaters. As long as these are longstanding and not associated with any flashing lights, they are generally okay and all you would need to do is notify your Optometrist and keep a watchful eye on them. If however you have not seen them before and they have only recently appeared, a thorough check with your optometrist or better still, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), is advised. Floaters are most easily seen against a white or bright background. This is why they are more visible in the sunshine, against white walls or whilst flying and looking out at the clouds. Sometimes floaters are an indication of retinal tears and possible detachment of the retina. Although this does not happen all that often it is wiser to be safe rather than sorry so if in doubt, please find out!
 
How difficult is it to adapt to multifocals?
The first time any spectacles are worn some adjustment time is required mainly because the new, clear vision needs to be accepted by your brain. Once it has learnt to recognize the images seen through the spectacles and become familiar with them, the initial “WOW” effect should have worn off. Multifocals are slightly trickier than single focal specs since they change in power as the eyes look from the top to the bottom of the lenses. Your eyes need to learn which parts of the lens to use when looking either close-up, far-away or in-between. Your Optometrist can advise you on tricks to help you get started and in no time you should be well on your way to successful multifocal wear. A few individuals may struggle with these type of lenses simply because they cannot tolerate the changes in power which is inherent in the design of these. We advise that a period of 4 weeks be allowed before deciding that multifocals are not for you.
 
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.
 
 
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There are 16 entries in the glossary.
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Term Definition
Long-sightednessAlso known as Far-sight or Hyperopia, long-sighted individuals have difficulty with anything close-up while their general distance vision is not as bad. Light from objects viewed will theoretically focus behind the retina and not on it. However because the eye is able to naturally fatten the lens and cause light to bend more, this error in focus is overcome, which explains why distance vision is generally pretty good. When the same individual tries to look at something up close, much more effort is required, as light from a near object will fall much further back behind the retina. Vision at near is therefore worse.
 


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