Are you having issues with your eyesight? Thinking it may be time for glasses or contact lenses? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In the United States, 61% of individuals have reported either wearing glasses or contacts at some point in their life.  

When you see an ophthalmologist to determine if it’s time for glasses or contact lenses, there will be a typical eye exam to go through to determine if the time is right for you. If so, we’ll need to determine the strength of lens you will need in your glasses or contact lenses to ensure perfect vision.

Do You Need Glasses or Contact Lenses?

An eye exam is something that we’ll do right here in the office to answer two questions:

  • Is there a problem?
  • Is it treatable?

Is there a problem?

If a problem with your vision is found, these tests will also allow us to figure out which strength of lens and the prescription you’ll need. For younger patients, mainly infants and toddlers, we will also check for things such as lazy eye, droopy eyelids, crossed or misaligned eyes.

Is it treatable?

If you’re already wearing contact lenses or glasses and are still having issues with your vision, be sure to bring in your prescription eyewear for this exam, as the problem could have a simple solution: a stronger lens.

Choosing Your Lens

When you find out it’s time for glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision, there are typically two mindsets: This is great! or Oh no. For our pediatric patients, the response is usually the latter.

Since we deal with pediatric patients a lot and understand the concern with bullying in schools, we like to help them to make a choice of glasses that will be fashionable, but still best for their vision. Here are a few fashion tips we found that will help you choose the best look for your face:

  •     Find the right frame for your face shape. For example, the best frames for someone with a round face shape are square or rectangular ones. Or if you have an oval face, avoid lenses that are too large and may cover too much of your face.
  •     Try to pick the color of your glasses that will match your skin tone. Do you have golden-brown skin? Try some yellow, black, or white lenses.
  •     Pick frames that will match your lifestyle. Are you an active person? Let’s get you some flexible frames so your glasses won’t break while you’re out being adventurous.
  •     Finally, find some frames that fit your personality. Make your glasses a part of who you are!

If you’re wearing contact lenses during the day, these issues won’t be too bothersome. But for those patients who need glasses and are uncomfortable with their look, the above options may help put your mind at ease regarding which style to choose.

Need Help Choosing Glasses and Contact Lenses?

As a board-certified Ophthalmologist for 25 years, I’m more than happy to share my expertise with my patients. Use the contact form and let’s set up a time for you to come into the office. I’d be glad to help.