OPTX Optometry - Los Angeles & Valencia

What is glaucoma?

There are two types of adult-onset Glaucoma and both refer to an increased abnormal pressure within the eyeball. The rarer form is when an acute attack occurs. Symptoms include a painful, red eye and possible light sensitivity and nausea. The most common form of Glaucoma is the preventable chronic type. Sight is adversely affected if it is not picked up early, the long-term effect being progressively worsening tunnel vision. It is essential to have your eyes screened for glaucoma once you are over the age of 40 years as the relative risk increases from this point. Other factors increasing the risk of glaucoma are diabetes, high levels of short-sightedness, age and family history.

Does the price on the frame include the lenses?

No, the price on the frame relates only to the frame. Lens prices vary depending on the material and design of the lenses required. Ask your Optometrist or dispenser to advise on the most suitable lens type for your prescription.

Something is definitely not right about my new specs - what do I do?

Perhaps you are aware that your specs are not right even after trying them for 3 weeks. Before booking a retest with the Optometrist, you should do the following:

Step One: Visit our Spectacle Collections team bringing in your new specs as well as any old specs if you feel that they seem better.
Step Two: Our team will check your new spectacles to ensure that all the measurements required are correct and as per the optometrist's specification. Any errors found will be rectified instantly, if this is possible.
Step Three: Assuming the measurements are correct, our team will then recheck your frame adjustment to ensure that they fit your face in a visually optimal way.
Step Four: At this stage you may already feel better and simply need to readapt to the new fitting. If you still feel uncertain and suspect the prescription to be at fault, then you would be advised to see your optometrist for a reassessment. It is generally better to see the same optometrist that consulted you initially, so an appointment may be required should that optometrist not be present on that day.

Why do we become more "far-sighted" as we grow older?

This is due to a progressive change that occurs within the natural lens of the eye and is called Presbyopia. Although similar to far-sightedness in its effect, these two conditions are not identical. Please see far-sightedness and presbyopia for more information.

Sometimes I see flashing lights, my vision goes 'watery' & I get a headache. Is this an eye problem?

No. You have probably experienced a migraine attack. Your GP would be the best person to advise you on what to do. Flashing lights that seem fairly constant are more serious as this may indicate a problem with your retina. Fairly urgent assessment of your eyes is then required and you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible