There are typically two people involved in properly fitting eyeglasses. First, there is the Ophthalmologist. This is a doctor that specializes in vision problems. It is his or her job to correctly diagnose an individuals eye problem and give them a prescription for for glasses. It is not unusual for a person to have a different corrective lens made for each eye. There are many cases where one eye is worse than the other.

To give you a better understanding of a corrective lens prescription, you need to know what all the symbols and letters mean. You will have the sphere that is what corrects your near and farsightedness. Plus and minus symbols are used with the plus sign correcting distance vision, and the minus sign for near sightedness. The higher numbers signify a more critical problem.

The cylinder number is usually written with a minus value. The cylinder value will indicate the presence of astigmatism. The greater the cylinder value is indicative of how much curve there is to the cornea along with the lens not being spherical. This creates blurry vision and makes seeing quite difficult.

The axis is where the prescription is to be placed in the lens. 90 or 180 degrees are the usual settings for the axis. When an add value is included this denotes the inclusion of a bifocal for close up or reading vision. Again, the higher the number the more strength the reading lens will have. Pupil distance is the last consideration to be followed being the distance between pupil centers that is measured in millimeters. If your prescription is not centered your vision will not be properly corrected.

All of this is done by the eye doctor but when it comes to having your glasses made, the job is performed by an optician. This is a specially trained person who can read and follow the prescription directions. First, the patient will try on a number of eyeglass frames to find the one they feel is most attractive to their features. With this frame on, the optician will make a number of measurements to ensure that the prescription is properly fitted into your frame.

Glasses have become a fashion statement. Gone are the days of being taunted as \’four eyes.\’ There hundreds of frames to choose from in all different styles, sizes, and colors. If a person should only need a prescription for reading glasses, these are half lenses worn on a decorative chain around the neck until needed.

You also have a choice between plastic and glass lenses. If you have severe eye problems, glass can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear. In this case plastic is recommended. The new plastics can be ground much thinner than before and special coatings are added to stop them from scratching.

As for the frame, there are some made from titanium. They are lightweight and impossible to break, making them a good choice for children. The lens themselves can be tinted to a color of your choice, or they can be transitional. This lens is clear indoors but will act as sunglasses when it is required. Eyeglasses have come a long way evolving into contact lenses that some choose over eyeglasses.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: health, medical, glasses, contacts, lenses, beauty, fashion, accessories, vision, eyes, eyecare, hea