Do you also find that when you read a newspaper or look at your phone, the letters are blurry? Or do you not see things that are far away, such as a bus sign or the letters on the TV, clearly? Maybe when you drive a car at night, the light from the lights seems to spread around? Many of us experience things like this in our lives. The simplest and most common solution to this is to use glasses.
Simply put, eyeglasses are two lenses in a frame that are used to help you see clearly. They correct vision problems in your eyes. They are one of the most commonly used medical devices in the world today.
Why do we need glasses? The main types of vision problems
Eyeglasses mainly correct conditions called refractive errors. That is, the inability to focus light rays entering the eye properly. Let's look at what these main types of errors are.
| Name of the visual impairment | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Nearsightedness/Myopia | You can see things that are close to you (a book, a phone) clearly, but things that are far away (a bus sign, the TV) are blurry. |
| Farsightedness/Hyperopia | Things that are far away can be seen clearly, but when looking at things that are close (like reading a newspaper), the eyes feel tired and blurred. |
| Astigmatism | This can cause both near and far vision to be blurred. One symptom is the appearance of streaks around lights, especially at night. |
| Presbyopia | This is a natural condition that occurs as we age (usually after the age of 40). The eye's ability to focus on near objects decreases. This is why many people need separate glasses to read newspapers. |
How do you improve your vision with these glasses?
Think of our eye as a camera. Light from outside must pass through the cornea and lens at the front of the eye and be focused precisely onto the retina at the back of the eye. Only then can we see clearly.
What happens to someone with a visual impairment is that this light is not focused exactly on the retina. The lenses in eyeglasses bend the light rays entering the eye to the required extent and make them fall exactly on the retina. To be precise, they help the eye do what it cannot do on its own.
Some people may see two things at once (double vision) due to a slight difference in the position of their eyes. This condition can also be corrected with the use of special lenses.
What are the main types of glasses?
There are different types of lenses to suit your vision problem. Your doctor will recommend the type you need.
| Lens type | What will happen to this? |
|---|---|
| Single-vision lenses | This lens has only one power. Either for distance vision or for near vision. |
| Multifocal lenses | These contain several powers in the same lens. They can see both near and far. |
| Bifocals | This is a type of multifocal. The lens has two powers. It usually looks like a line in the middle of the lens. You can see far away with the top part and near (e.g. reading) with the bottom part. |
| Trifocals | There are three powers in this. You can see far, medium distance (e.g., the computer screen), and near. Here too, the lines separating the powers are visible. |
| Progressive lenses | This is also like a bifocal, but there are no lines like that. The power gradually changes from the top to the bottom of the lens. It looks like a regular pair of glasses. |
| Reading glasses | These are designed for near vision only. They help people with presbyopia read newspapers and books. |
Glasses for special purposes
- Sunglasses: If you always have to wear glasses, you can get prescription sunglasses. This will protect your eyes from the sun while still allowing you to see clearly.
- Blue light-blocking glasses: These can be useful for those who spend a lot of time staring at computer or phone screens. They help reduce eye strain by filtering out the blue light from the screen.
- Photochromic lenses: These are what we call "auto glasses." These are like regular clear lenses indoors, but when exposed to UV rays, they automatically darken and become sunglasses.
How long does it take to get used to new glasses?
It usually takes a few days to get used to your new glasses. But sometimes, especially with progressive lenses, it can take a week or two to get used to them. It's normal to have a slight headache and eye strain in the first few days. But if these discomforts persist, talk to your doctor again.
Sometimes the frame of the mirror can get stuck on the top of your nose and behind your ears, causing discomfort. If that happens, you can go to the place where you bought the mirror and have it adjusted.
How do I take care of my glasses?
If you take good care of your glasses, they can last a long time.
- Keep it safe: When not in use, store it in the included hard case. This will protect it from drops and scratches.
- Clean properly: Simply wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened with a little mild soapy water or a spray designed for this purpose.
- Don't do these things: Never wipe your glasses with the corner of your shirt, tissue paper, or toilet paper. The fibers in them can scratch the lens and damage the coating.
When should I see a doctor?
It's important for everyone to have their eyes checked at least once a year or two. Your doctor will tell you how often you should come back.
Additionally, if you notice any changes in your vision, or if you experience the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
- Severe eye fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Eye pain
- Difficulty looking at light
Take-Home Message
- Even if you notice a slight change in your vision, don't ignore it. Seek medical advice promptly.
- Glasses are used to correct vision problems, not to cure the disease. Therefore, it is important to continue using them.
- There are different types of lenses to suit your needs. Talk to your doctor to choose the type that is best for you.
- Online eye tests or apps are not a substitute for a full eye exam by a doctor. Always see a qualified doctor.
- You can extend the life of your mirror by cleaning it properly and keeping it safe.
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