Purchasing glasses involve plenty of questions. Don’t worry. We are ready to help. Let’s review the most commonly asked questions about eyeglasses.

How often should I replace glasses?

A good rule of thumb is to buy new eyewear whenever you notice vision changes. Optometrists recommend updating to new glasses every one to three years as needed. Certainly, you can also replace your eyeglasses based on personal reasons, such as elevating your style, sending a message or changing your lifestyle.

Will wearing glasses weaken my eyes?

No. There is no permanent vision change caused by wearing glasses. Prescription glasses are simply optical aids that change the way your eye receives light rays to improve visual clarity. Some may find themselves more and more dependent on their glasses, leading them to believe that glasses must have made their sight worse. However, the truth is that your vision deteriorates with age and has nothing to do with how often you wear your glasses.

How can I distinguish if i need bifocals?

Bifocals are often prescribed for presbyopia. Presbyopia is a natural process as the eye ages and affects lots of people over age 40. An eye exam with a qualified eye doctor can help you decide whether bifocals are right for you.

Why are the lenses so thick?

The thickness of the lenses depends on prescription strength, frame size, and personal measurements. The stronger the prescription, the thicker the lens. Farsighted people’s lenses get thicker over the eye, while nearsighted people’s get thicker at the edges.

How can i buy thinner lenses?

“Refractive index” is how efficiently a lens bends light. The higher your refractive index, the thinner your lens can be with the same prescription. Nobody wants to have the “coke bottle lenses” look. If you have poor eyesight and want to get thin and attractive glasses, choose a lens with a refractive index greater than 1.60. Besides, choose a smaller frame. The smaller the frame, the thinner your high-index lenses will be. Also, make sure your pupils are as close to the center of the lens as possible. This, too, will reduce lens thickness.

Is it ok to wear glasses all the time?

Is it better to wear glasses all day or to wear them occasionally? The answer depends on why you wear them. Follow the advice of your eye doctor. If wearing glasses all day is more comfortable for you, then do it. If you only use them for reading or driving, you don't need to wear them all the time.

Eye strain, headaches, fuzzy vision, and other pain can be avoided by wearing prescription glasses when needed, and anti-reflective and UV coatings protect your eyes from the sun and glare. You may endure eye strain and spend your day squinting to see clearly if you don't wear your glasses as prescribed.

When should I avoid wearing glasses?

Wear glasses if they help you see better when watching TV, driving, working, or doing anything else. With a few exceptions, there's no reason you shouldn't wear your glasses all the time if you're comfortable in them. However, if you’re going to participate in activities like extreme sports, it’s better to go without glasses or select specific eyewear. Choosing suitable eyewear according to different occasions will keep your eyes safe.

Can I wear glasses while playing sports?

Since you always need UV protective lenses while you’re in the sun, prescription sunglasses may be appropriate for some outdoor activities. Nevertheless, it can be dangerous to wear regular prescription glasses while playing contact sports. Chances are that you will bend or break your glasses or shatter your lenses, which could hurt your eyes. Instead, wear protective eyewear, goggles, or rugged eyeglasses made for sports like basketball, soccer, skiing, running, and biking.

What are the warning signs that a child might need glasses?

Common signs that a child has a vision problem that needs corrective glasses include:

• Squinting or tilting the head to see better
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing
• Consistently holding a book too near or sitting too close to the TV
• Losing his or her place while reading
• Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
• Complaining of headaches or eye fatigue

If your child shows any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your optician.