What are glasses?
Glasses are a type of prescription eyewear. They feature two lenses mounted on a supportive frame. The frame rests comfortably on the bridge of your nose, holding the lenses in front of your eyes.
Some people are born with poor vision, while others experience changes due to the natural aging process. Glasses can address a variety of common problems, including:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Fuzziness
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Difficulty driving at night
You might also benefit from glasses if your eyes regularly feel tired or strained at the end of the day.
Can glasses treat refractive errors?
The team at Marano Eye Care regularly prescribes glasses to treat refractive errors, including:
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness is a refractive error that makes it difficult to see objects that are far away. For example, if you’re nearsighted, drawings on a chalkboard across the room might appear blurry. Researchers estimate that about 30% of Americans are nearsighted.
Farsightedness
If you’re farsighted, you can see objects in the distance, but experience blurry vision up close. For example, if you’re farsighted, you might need reading glasses. Researchers estimate that 5-10% of Americans experience this type of refractive error.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error that affects the way light bounces off your retina. Almost everyone has some form of astigmatism, but it doesn’t always require glasses to correct.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia occurs when the lens of your eye is abnormally shaped. Over time, that affects your eye’s ability to focus, resulting in eye strain, eye fatigue, and headaches.
Do I need glasses?
To determine if you need glasses, the team at Marano Eye Care reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive eye exam.
Depending on your age and overall health, the team might recommend specialized imaging techniques, including:
- Optical coherence tomography
- Fundus photos
- Fluorescein angiography
- Dilated eye exam
After gathering all of the necessary information, they can pinpoint the underlying cause of your vision changes and develop a custom care plan that aligns with your needs.
How often should I update my glasses prescription?
The team at Marano Eye Care recommends updating your eyeglasses prescription every two years, or sooner if you experience changes to your vision. Many eye-related health problems present few symptoms early on. Routine check-ups can alert you to potential issues before they become more serious.
If you’re interested in learning more about glasses, request an appointment at Marano Eye Care. Book online or call the nearest location to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
