Frequently asked questions & answers

Q: Is it true that wearing glasses all the time will make my eyes lazy and I will become dependent on them?

A: No. When people wear the proper glasses they realise they can see more clearly and comfortably. What they may have considered normal and acceptable before is inferior by comparison.

Q:Is the term optometrist the same as an optician?

A: The term optometrist came into use in 1987 to replace ophthalmic optician in the same way that pharmacist replaces chemist. An optician can be ophthalmic, dispensing or manufacturing; it is the optometrist who is qualified to examine your eyes. Some dispensing opticians have extra qualifications that enable them to fit contact lenses and carry out certain clinical tests.

Q: I'm diabetic. Does that make a difference?

A: Yes. Diabetes can cause severe problems with your sight. It is very important that your eyes are checked every year, preferably with drops to dilate the pupil, so that the retina can be examined thoroughly.

Q: How old does a child have to be before he or she can have an eye examination?

A: Any age really. A child's eyes have finished developing by the time they are 8 years old. Many health authorities screen children in their area at around 3 years of age, but if you are concerned, it's best to have your child's eyes tested.

Q: Are paper tissues all right for cleaning my glasses with?

A: If you have plastic lenses in your glasses then dry tissues will scratch them. It is generally better to dampen the tissue or even use soapy water and a soft cloth.
Glasses with reflection free coating should be cleaned with a special cloth and spray.

Q: How long should an eye examination take?

A: It depends on who the patient is. A young healthy person with no apparent problems will take about 20 minutes. Someone older, perhaps with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or other ailments can take much longer. The optometrist will decide what clinical tests are needed to ensure that any problems with the health of the eyes are detected.
As well as providing information about new glasses or contact lenses they may refer the patient for a medical opinion, if necessary.

Q:I think I have good eyesight. but would like to have glasses as a fashion accessory. Would an optician be prepared to give me glasses that don't change my vision?

A: If you have ever had your eyes checked and they are as good as you think, then your practitioner will have no objection to you having plain or tinted glasses in a frame of your choice or contact lenses that can enhance or change the colour of your eyes.

Q:If there is a history of glaucoma in my family, am I likely to inherit it?
A: If there is glaucoma in the family, you may be more at risk of developing it.
Glaucoma can be treated effectively if it is diagnosed in time, so be sure to have a regular eye examination.

Q: What are cataracts?

A: A cataract is when the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy preventing you from seeing clearly. It is not a curtain or film that grows over the eye.
Cataracts develop to a greater or lesser extent in many people as they get older, but often don't affect people's eyesight severely, if at all.

Q: I've heard that contact lenses can slip round to the back of my eye. Is this true?

A: No. There is a thin transparent membrane, which covers the inside of the eyelids and the outside of the eye. This forms a seal which prevents contact lenses- along with grit, dust or other foreign material - passing round to the back of the eye.
It has been known for contact lenses to hide beneath eyelids, but this is easily rectified.

Q:Does it matter what contact lens solution I use?

A: It is important that you follow the advice of your practitioner. Not every solution will suit every patient for the lenses they are wearing. If you do change your cleaning system for any reason, always inform your practitioner.

Q: I've been told that I can't wear contact lenses because of my astigmatism. Is this true?

A: There are many kinds of contact lenses available now, which will correct astigmatism both in soft and gas permeable lenses. Your practitioner may be able to fit you or recommend a colleague if it is a specialist fitting.

Q: Can I sleep in my contact lenses?

A: No, unless specifically told that you can, by your practitioner. Sleeping in your lenses can be hazardous as it can lead to infection or damage to the cornea (front window of the eye).