Here are some of the most common questions about vision and some of our products.  We welcome your own questions about vision, glasses or contact lenses.  E-Mail us and we will give you a personal reply.

For informational purposes only.  If vision problems persist please visit a qualified eye care professional.

What is Nearsightedness?                                    Back to Top

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a vision condition in which near objects are seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus.  Nearsightedness is a very common vision condition that affects nearly 30 percent of Americans.  It could be hereditary, although too much close vision work is another cause.  You may have difficulty seeing distant objects like a movie or TV screen or chalkboard.

What is Farsightedness?                                    Back to Top

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus.  Common signs of farsightedness include difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.

What is Astigmatism?                                    Back to Top

Astigmatism is when the front surface of your eye, the cornea, is slightly irregular in shape.  This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the back of your eye, the retina.  As a result, your vision may be blurred at all distances.  People with severe astigmatism will usually have blurred or distorted vision, while those with mild astigmatism may experience headaches, eye strain, fatigue or blurred vision at certain distances.  Most people have some degree of astigmatism.

What are the advantages of thin, light (polycarbonate) lenses?                    Back to Top

The main feature of polycarbonate lenses are that they are lightweight, safer, and thinner than ordinary plastic.  Polycarbonate is a thin, impact resistant lens material and is extremely lightweight.  Polycarbonate is typically prescribed for patients under the age of 18, monocular (one-eyed) patients, athletes, and patients whose hobbies or occupation may put them at risk for eye injury.

Thin (High Index) lenses vs polycarbonate lenses?                Back to Top

High index lenses can be thinner than polycarbonate due to their superior ability to bend light (high index).  High index lenses usually offer superior optics as well, but do not provide the safety and weight advantages of polycarbonate.

What are the advantages of anti reflective coatings?                                Back to Top

When light rays hit the front surface of a lens, two things happen. 

In general, the purpose of the coating is to reduce glare and improve night vision by passing more light to the back of the eye.  Anti-reflective or "AR" coatings eliminate nearly all reflections in the lens and allow others to see your eyes.  They are recommended for night driving problems helping you see better and look better too!

I have astigmatism...can I wear Contact Lenses?                Back to Top

Yes!  In most cases contact lens wear is still a viable option.  Regular soft lenses do not correct astigmatism, though they do correct for farsightedness and nearsightedness.  In order to correct astigmatism, a "toric" lens is required.  The toric contact lens is specially weighted to rotate to a specific position on the eye, thus correcting the astigmatism.  In addition, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are excellent at correcting larger amounts of astigmatism.

Why are Progressive or no-line lenses such a popular choice?    Back to Top

The lined bifocal has basically two set focal points...one for distance , one for near (hence the name, bi-focal.  A progressive lens, in addition to having cosmetic advantages, has a set focus point at distance, a focusing point for near, and gives a number of intermediated focal points to expand the range of clear vision over traditional bifocal lenses.  As the eye moves downward with respect to the lens, the magnification by the lens increases such that the focusing point becomes progressively closer to the observer the more the eye is lowered.  For more information on this, visit Varilux®, the originators of no-line lenses.

How often should I have my eyes examined ?                    Back to Top

Your eyes are very important.  There are many sight threatening conditions that have no associated symptoms.  Thus, you may never know if your eye health is in jeopardy until it may be too late.  For example, glaucoma is one of the many eye diseases that have no symptoms until the disease is significantly advanced.  The adult eye should be monitored at least every one to two years to ensure healthy eyes and vision, children should be checked yearly.

Would you like to know more about any of these, or do you have a question about vision, frames, lenses or our optical center?  E-Mail us.