Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses to Correct Your Vision in Victoria, BC
Regularly scheduled eye examinations are an essential part of maintaining healthy eyesight. While prescription glasses and contact lenses are some of the most commonly prescribed corrective eyewear, there are also other ways to correct refractive errors, such as laser refractive surgery. We created a general guide listing the types of vision correction options available. Always seek the advice of an optometrist for recommendations about your particular eye health.
Prescription glasses or contact lenses can help to correct refractive errors. Refractive errors typically result from the shape of the cornea or inner lens not refracting light correctly. Some of the most common conditions that cause refractive errors include:
If the symptoms of one or more of these conditions become evident in daily life, it is always a good idea to get an eye exam done to diagnose any issues and clear up your doubts. In case you develop more severe conditions like cataracts, you may require cataract surgery. Are you looking for prescription glasses or contact lenses in Victoria, BC? Get in touch with an optometrist in our directory to get prescription glasses or to learn more about how the eye works.
Prescription Eyeglasses
First designed in the 13th century, corrective eyeglasses have fortunately become more fashionable and sophisticated over the years. Eyeglass frames are available from numerous brands and in a nearly endless selection of styles. They can be worn for a cosmetic appeal or to correct your vision.
Single-Vision, Bifocal and Progressive Lenses
After an eye examination, your optometrist may recommend either single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. A majority of individuals with refractive errors start off with single-vision lenses, which are only correct for distance. Later in life, those who wear single-vision lenses may move onto bifocal or progressive lenses to address age-related presbyopia (loss of near vision) and other conditions. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist now in case you are facing any issues with your vision.
Lens Prescription Levels
Eyeglass lenses come in a range of lens compression levels, referred to as the lenses’ “indexes.” Even among the same prescription lenses, a thinner lens with a higher corresponding index number may be prescribed to bend incoming light more efficiently while still allowing room for the lens to fit in the frame. You are advised to consult your optometrist about the specific lenses you should use for your prescription eyeglasses before you choose to purchase anything. Find an optometrist near you to improve and maintain your vision right away!
Materials
Many new eyeglass-wearers are surprised to learn that most glasses aren’t actually made of glass, but high-strength, scratch-resistant specialty plastics. Lenses come in a variety of coatings designed to resist UV ocular damage, and computer glare, as well as scratches and impact damage.
Depending on your prescription needs, your optometrist may give you the option of traditional- or digital-surfaced lenses. Digitally surfaced lenses use a diamond-pointed lathe cutter to precisely cut the lens from a semi-finished blank lens. Since less labour is involved, digital lenses are also completed faster.
Maintenance Tips for Prescription Glasses
Taking proper care of your prescription glasses is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain optimal vision correction. Here are some maintenance tips to help you keep your glasses and, subsequently, eye health in excellent condition in Victoria, BC:
Cleaning: Use a gentle lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or your clothing, as they can scratch the lenses.
Storage: When not wearing your glasses, store them in a protective case. This prevents them from getting scratched, bent, or damaged when not in use.
Avoid touching lenses: Try to avoid touching the lenses with your fingers. Oils and dirt from your skin can transfer to the lenses and affect your vision.
Adjustments: If your glasses feel uncomfortable or sit crooked on your face, visit your optometrist for adjustments. Properly fitted glasses are more comfortable to wear and provide better vision correction.
Avoid harsh conditions: Avoid exposing your glasses to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight for extended periods. These conditions can damage the frames and lenses.
Regular check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your optometrist for eye exams and to ensure your prescription is up-to-date. Adjustments and maintenance can also be done during these visits.
Handle with care: Handle your glasses with care, especially when taking them off or putting them on. Using both hands to remove them can help prevent bending or misalignment.
Avoid DIY repairs: If your glasses need repairs or adjustments, avoid attempting to fix them yourself. DIY repairs can lead to further damage. Instead, consult your optometrist or an experienced professional.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your prescription glasses and continue to enjoy clear and comfortable vision. For any specific care instructions based on your eyewear type, consult your optometrist or the manufacturer's recommendations.
Remember, the Victoria Optometric Association is here to help you find the best optometrist in Victoria, BC, for all your vision correction needs. Contact us for expert guidance and care for your eyes.
Specialty Lenses and Frames
Are you currently working in an industrial setting or have sensitivities to screen glare when using computers? Your optometrist can most likely fit you with specialty frames, lenses, and glare-resistant coatings to improve your comfort and extend the performance of your prescription eyewear.
Lenses, tints, and coatings can be selected based on your personal preferences but may also be recommended by your optometrist after discussing your profession or lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Frames
To ensure a comfortable fit, your optometrist may recommend eyeglasses of a particular lens width, frame size, bridge width, material, shape, temple length, and general fit. Your eyewear professional will also look at the form of your face, the size of your eyes, as well as temple lengths. These are all important aspects that need to be considered before selecting a particular size and style of frame.
The professional fitting your new eyeglasses will take measurements to find your optical centres (OC) and pupillary distances (PD). Those with MSP coverage should note that these measurements may be considered part of the fitting process and not part of your optometrist’s prescription or annual checkup. Check out our blog to know more about eye health and tips to boost and maintain clear vision!
Contact Lenses
The first functional contact lenses came about in the 1800s. Although these lenses were usable, they were entirely fabricated from glass and covered a majority of the visible surface of the eye. Fortunately, contacts have come a long way over the past centuries, and comfortable, extended-wear lenses are now much easier to come by.
Since contact lenses are considered medical devices in Canada, they do require a special prescription that varies from your typical eyeglass prescription. Your contact lenses must also be fitted by an eye care professional licensed to perform fittings in Victoria. Each eye (even on the same person) is uniquely different. Therefore, certain considerations are necessary to ensure a proper fit. Wearing ill-fitting contact lenses can cause unintentional friction, corneal scratches, infections, and in serious cases, blindness. It would be best to consult with a professional optometrist before you buy contact lenses.
Ensuring Your Contact Lenses Fit Properly
During your evaluation, the optometrist will determine whether contact lenses are the right option for you. This is based on several factors, including your ocular health and prescription level. If you have previously worn eyeglasses and have not experienced any recent changes in vision, your optometrist may simply convert your prescription over to contact lenses.
To find the appropriate style of contact, your optometrist will measure the shape, size, and curvature of your eyes using a keratometer. They will also assess your general eye health, allergies, corneal health, as well as eye dryness in order to determine the right solution and lens composition. Each type of contact lens is uniquely designed with a particular function in mind. These functions include oxygen permeability, fit, curvature, material, moisture content, lifespan, and deposit resistance. Therefore, you should never switch contact lens brands before consulting with a licensed eye care professional.
Types of Contact Lenses
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses function the same way as bifocals and progressive eyeglasses, correcting refractive errors for multiple distances.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses are designed to sit atop the cornea and the whites of the eye. Scleral contacts are typically prescribed for those with chronically dry eyes, keratoconus (cone-shaped cornea), Sjögren's syndrome (autoimmune disease-causing dry eyes), microphthalmia (a developmental disorder where one or both eyes are abnormally small), aniridia (absence of the iris), as well as other eye conditions, disorders, and injuries. As they are designed to overlap the sclera, scleral lenses are larger than regular contact lenses. These types of contacts also feature a reservoir over the cornea to moisten the area with artificial tears.
Decorative and Cosmetic Contact Lenses
Decorative and cosmetic contacts do not typically correct refractive errors of your eyes but are designed to alter their appearance and/or colour. Previously, decorative and cosmetic contact lenses were unregulated but highly scrutinized for unintentional injuries to wearers. That changed on July 16th of 2016 when a new federal law came into effect that regulated contact lenses as a Class II medical device in Canada. Under this new regulation, cosmetic and decorative contact lenses in Victoria can only be fitted by a licensed eye care professional.
Benefits of Wearing Contact Lenses
Once your optometrist has helped you choose the right contact lens suited for your requirements, you can start enjoying the benefits of wearing them daily.
The advantages of wearing contact lenses are:
Speak to an optometrist in Victoria, BC, to find the right glasses prescription contact lenses for your look and lifestyle!
That’s a Wrap!
Once your newly cut lenses have been placed into your frames, the fitting professional will have you try them on for fit, comfort, and optical clarity. If you notice any kind of discomfort, they will also adjust the frames to better conform to your unique facial structure. Periodic adjustments may be necessary to maintain the perfect fit. And just like that, you can find your perfect pair of eyeglasses in Victoria.
Buying Contacts and Eyeglasses Online
While you can buy contacts and eyeglasses on the internet, be mindful that these products are unregulated and many do not use medical-grade materials or design standards. Researchers have found over 50% of eyewear purchased over the web failed at least one crucial parameter of optical or impact testing. Serious, permanent injuries have resulted from web-purchased contacts and eyeglasses, so always talk to an eye care professional before putting your eyes and vision at risk. Wearing the wrong eyeglasses or contact lenses can worsen your condition and make treatment even more difficult.
Laser Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is known by most as “LASIK,” the most common form of laser refractive eye surgery. If you have been dreaming of the day when you could ditch those eyeglasses or contacts, laser refractive surgery may be your best option. This type of surgery is performed to correct refractive errors, such as:
Laser refractive surgery works by reshaping your cornea, the eye’s natural focusing lens covering the pupil and iris. Another type of eye surgery includes implanting a lens directly into the eye. Like all surgeries, laser eye surgery is not without its risks and is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions. To learn if you are a candidate for laser refractive eye surgery, first consult with your eye care professional.
Precautions to Take When Wearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient way to correct your vision, but it's important to follow proper hygiene and care practices to ensure the health of your eyes. Here are some precautions to keep in mind when wearing contact lenses:
Clean hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to your lenses.
Use approved solutions: Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist. Avoid using tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions, as they can lead to infections and discomfort.
Regular cleaning: Clean and disinfect your contact lenses as instructed by your optometrist. Rub the lenses gently with the solution to remove debris and microorganisms that can accumulate on the surface.
Replace as directed: Follow the recommended schedule for replacing your contact lenses. Using lenses beyond their recommended wear time can increase the risk of eye infections and complications.
Avoid sleeping in lenses: Unless your optometrist specifically prescribes extended-wear lenses, avoid sleeping in your contacts. Overnight wear can reduce oxygen supply to the eyes and increase the risk of infections.
Proper storage: Always store your contact lenses in a clean and sterile contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Replace the case regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Avoid water exposure: Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming or in water, as water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes.
Handle lenses carefully: Use a light touch when handling your lenses to avoid tearing them. Avoid using sharp objects or your fingernails to handle the lenses.
Avoid makeup contact: Put on your contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before removing makeup. This prevents makeup particles from getting trapped under the lenses.
Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure that your contact lenses are fitting properly.
Discomfort or irritation: If you experience discomfort, redness, irritation, or any changes in vision while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult your optometrist.
Spare pair: Keep a spare pair of glasses with you in case you need to remove your contacts unexpectedly.
By following these precautions and guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing the risk of eye infections and complications. If you have any questions or concerns about wearing contact lenses, don't hesitate to consult your optometrist for guidance. The Victoria Optometric Association is here to help you find experienced eye care professionals in Victoria, BC, who can provide personalized advice and care for your eyes. Contact us today to learn more about our eye care services.