Glasses are prescribed to improve vision. In children, they are prescribed to improve vision and to prevent and treat amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or eye muscle problems.
Focussing problems which may require correction with glasses are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Myopia (nearsightedness): Light rays entering the eye focus in front of the retina. The term comes from the fact that without glasses nearsighted people see close objects better than those far away. Many myopic people can and like to read with their glasses off.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): Light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina. The term comes from the fact that without glasses older farsighted people see far away objects close at hand.
Astigmatism: Light rays entering the eye focus at different places and not at a single point because the surface of the eye or lens is curved incorrectly. Most astigmatism is due to the cornea (front surface of the eye) not being perfectly round.
How are glasses prescribed?
We write a prescription specifying the necessary Lens power. A plus (+) in front of the first number indicates a hyperopic or farsighted prescription. A minus (-) indicates a myopic or nearsighted prescription.
What Types of Lenses Are Best?
Lenses are available in safety glass, regular plastic and polycarbonate. Plastic or Polycarbonate lenses arelighter and safer than glass but scratch easily.
What Kind of Frames are suitable?
The frame you choose should be comfortable, safe, sturdy and attractive. Ask your optician to recommend the most suitable frame style for your facial features, age, prescription power and activities.