eyecare >> frequently asked questions
You'll find these answers to some of the questions that eyecare practitioners are most often asked useful to answer some of your common queries regarding eyecare:
- How long should a sight test take?
- How old does a child have to be before he or she can have an eye examination?
- Is it true that wearing glasses all the time will make my eyes lazy and I will become dependent on them?
- Is an optometrist the same as an optician?
- If there is a history of glaucoma in the family, you may be more at risk of developing it.
- What are cataracts?
- Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
- I've been told that I can't wear contact lenses because I have a stigmatism. Is this true?
- I've heard that contact lenses can slip round to the back of my eye. Is this true?
- I'm a diabetic. Does that make a difference?
- Are paper tissues all right for cleaning my glasses with?
- I think I have good sight, but would like to wear gassers as a fashion accessory. Would an optician be prepared to give me glasses that don't change my vision?
- Does it matter what contact lens solution I use?
Q: How long should a sight test 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 determine what clinical tests are needed to provide the correct information for new glasses or contact lenses. If necessary they may refer the patient for a medical opinion.
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 about eight years old. Many health authorities screen children in their area at around three years of age, but if you are concerned, or if there are any members of your family with eye problems, then it's best to have your child's eyes tested.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 now inferior by comparison.
Q: Is an 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' replaced 'chemist'. An optician can be ophthalmic, dispensing or manufacturing; it is the optometrist who is qualified to test your eyes. Some dispensing opticians have extra qualifications that enable them to fit contact lenses and carry out certain clinical tests.
Q: If there is a history of glaucoma in the 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 gets 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: Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
A: No, unless specifically told that you can by your eyecare practitioner. Sleeping in your lenses can be hazardous as it can lead to infection or damage to the cornea (front window of the eye). There are now 30 day lenses available, which are designed specially to allow for overnight wear.
Q: I've been told that I can't wear contact lenses because I have astigmatism. Is this true?
A: There are many kinds of contact lenses available now that will correct astigmatism, both in soft and gas permeable materials. Your practitioner may be able to fit you or may recommend a colleague if it is a specialist fitting.
Q: I've heard that contact lenses can slip round to the back of my eye. Is this true?
A: There is a thin, transparent membrane which covers the inside is and the outside of the eye. This forms a seal which prevents contact lenses - as well as grit, dust and other 'foreign' material passing around to the back of the eye. It has been known for contact lenses to 'hide' beneath eyelids, but this is easily rectified.
Q: I'm a 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 (back of the eye) can be examined thoroughly.
Q: Are paper tissues all right for cleaning my glasses with?
A: If you have plastic lenses in your gassers 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 anti-glare coatings should be cleaned with a special cloth and spray.
Q: I think I have good sight, but would like to wear gassers as a fashion accessory. Would an optician be prepared to give me glasses that don't change my vision?
A: If you've 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 lenses in a frame of your choice, or contact lenses that can enhance or change the colour of your eyes.
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.
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