Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses to Correct Your Vision in Victoria, BC
Regularly scheduled eye examinations are essential for maintaining healthy eyesight. While prescription glasses and contact lenses are some of the most commonly prescribed corrective eyewear, there are 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 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 daily, it is always a good idea to get an eye exam done to diagnose any issues and clear up your doubts. If 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. Eyeglass frames are available from numerous brands 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 single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Most individuals with refractive errors start 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 if 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 allowing room for the lens to fit in the frame. Before purchasing anything, you are advised to consult your optometrist about the specific lenses you should use for your prescription eyeglasses. Find an optometrist near you to improve and maintain your vision right away!
Materials
Many new eyeglass-wearers are surprised that most glasses aren't made of glass but high-strength, scratch-resistant specialty plastics. Lenses come in various coatings to resist UV ocular damage, computer glare, 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 cut the lens from a semi-finished blank lens precisely. 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 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 clothing, as they can scratch the lenses.
Storage: Store your glasses in a protective case when not wearing them. 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: Do not expose 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, do not attempt 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. Consult your optometrist or the manufacturer's recommendations for specific care instructions based on your eyewear type.
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​Remember, the Victoria Optometric Association is here to help you find a professional optometrist for all your vision correction needs in Victoria, BC. Contact us for professional 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 preferences, but your optometrist may also recommend them after discussing your profession or lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Frames
To ensure a comfortable fit, your optometrist may recommend eyeglasses with a particular lens width, frame size, bridge width, material, shape, temple length, and general fit. Your eyewear professional will also consider your face's form, eye size, and temple length. These are all essential aspects that need to be considered before selecting a particular size and style of frame.
The professional fitting of your new eyeglasses will measure 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 for more about eye health and tips to boost and maintain clear vision!
Contact Lenses
The first functional contact lenses were developed 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, contact lenses have advanced dramatically over the past centuries, and comfortable, extended-wear lenses are now much easier to obtain.
Since contact lenses are considered medical devices in Canada, they require a unique 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, specific considerations are necessary to ensure a proper fit. Wearing ill-fitting contact lenses can cause unintentional friction, corneal scratches, infections, and, in severe cases, blindness. It would be best to consult a professional optometrist before buying 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 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 contact style, your optometrist will measure your eyes' shape, size, and curvature using a keratometer. They will also assess your general eye health, allergies, corneal health, and eye dryness 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, before consulting with a licensed eye care professional, you should never switch contact lens brands.
Types of Contact Lenses
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses function like 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 more significant than regular contact lenses. These 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 in 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 16, 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 contact lenses that best suit your requirements, you can start enjoying the benefits of wearing them daily.
The advantages of wearing contact lenses are:
It makes viewing easier by correcting refractive errors such as astigmatism, far- and nearsightedness, and any other combination of specific issues.
It provides better peripheral and central vision by conforming to the curvature of your eye, thus giving you an entire field of focused viewing with less distortion. Contact lenses also reduce image distortion, glare reflections, and obstructions, which are common issues with glasses.
It makes your daily routine easier since you don't have to worry about falling off, breaking, or losing them. You can play any sports or do strenuous exercise.
When it's hot, humid or raining, you'll still be able to see clearly as water splashes. Steam and fog won't obscure your vision.
It offers a natural look by eliminating frames that may not suit your personality or aesthetic. You can also enhance your look with coloured lenses for a quick and fun change.
Speak to an optometrist in Victoria, BC, to find the right glasses prescription contact lenses for your look and lifestyle!
Precautions to Take When Wearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient way to correct your vision, but it's essential 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 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 tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions, leading 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: Avoid sleeping in your contacts unless your optometrist prescribes extended-wear lenses. Overnight wear can reduce eye oxygen supply and increase the risk of infections.
​Proper storage: Always store your contact lenses in a clean, sterile 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 hold the lenses.
To 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 your eyes' health and ensure that your contact lenses fit correctly.
Discomfort or irritation: If you experience pain, 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 if 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.
That’s a Wrap!
Once your newly cut lenses are placed in your frames, the fitting professional will have you try them on for fit, comfort, and optical clarity. They will adjust the frames to better conform to your unique facial structure if you notice any discomfort. Periodic adjustments may be necessary to maintain the perfect fit. And just like that, you can find your ideal eyeglasses in Victoria.
Buying Contacts and Eyeglasses Online
While you can buy contacts and eyeglasses online, be mindful that these products are unregulated, and many do not use medical-grade materials or design standards. Researchers have found that over 50% of eyewear purchased on the web failed at least one crucial optical or impact testing parameter. Serious, permanent injuries have resulted from web-purchased contacts and eyeglasses, so always talk to an eye care professional before risking your eyes and vision. 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 ditching 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. First, consult your eye care professional to learn if you are a candidate for laser refractive eye surgery.
Lens Coatings for Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses not only correct your vision but also offer additional features and benefits through various lens coatings. Understanding these coatings can help you make informed choices when selecting your eyewear. Here are some standard lens coatings available for prescription glasses:
Anti-reflective coating (AR): This coating reduces glare and reflections on your lenses, especially when using digital screens or driving at night. It improves visual clarity and reduces eye strain, making it an excellent choice for those who spend extended periods in front of screens or under bright lights.
UV protection: Many prescription lenses have built-in UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Opting for UV protection in your lenses helps safeguard your eye health when outdoors.
Scratch-resistant coating: Lenses with scratch-resistant coatings are more durable and less prone to scratches from daily wear and handling. This coating prolongs the lifespan of your glasses and ensures clearer vision by preventing scratches that can distort your view.
Blue light filter: With increased screen time, exposure to blue light from digital devices has become a concern. Blue light filter coatings in prescription glasses reduce the amount of blue light entering your eyes, reducing eye strain and potentially improving sleep quality, mainly when used in the evening.
Photochromic lenses: Also known as transition lenses, these lenses darken when exposed to sunlight and become clear indoors. They provide UV protection and eliminate the need for separate prescription sunglasses, offering convenience and eye protection in varying light conditions.
Hydrophobic coating: This coating repels water, oils, and dirt from the lens surface, making it easier to clean and maintain your glasses. It also reduces smudges and fingerprints, keeping your vision clear throughout the day.
Polarized lenses: Ideal for outdoor activities, polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads. They enhance visual comfort and clarity, making them popular choices for sunglasses and prescription eyewear for outdoor enthusiasts.
Before choosing a lens coating for prescription glasses in Victoria, BC, discuss your lifestyle, visual needs, and preferences with your optometrist at the Victoria Optometric Association. They can recommend the most suitable coatings to enhance your visual experience and protect your eyes effectively.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses: Tips for Optimal Eye Health
Proper care and contact lens maintenance are crucial for optimal eye health and infection prevention. Whether you wear daily disposables, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses, following these tips can help ensure a comfortable and safe contact lens-wearing experience:
Wash hands thoroughly: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Avoid using moisturizing soaps or products that contain oils, as they can transfer to your lenses and cause discomfort.
Follow replacement schedule: Adhere to your prescribed replacement schedule for contact lenses. Replace daily disposables daily, bi-weekly lenses every two weeks, and monthly lenses as directed by your optometrist. Lenses beyond their recommended lifespan can increase the risk of eye infections and discomfort.
Use lens solution properly: Only use contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist. Rinse your lenses with solution before insertion and store them in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Avoid using water or saliva to clean your lenses, as they can introduce harmful bacteria.
​Avoid sleeping in lenses: Remove your contact lenses before sleeping unless they are specifically designed for extended wear. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of eye infections, corneal ulcers, and discomfort.
Handle lenses carefully: Use gentle handling techniques when removing, inserting, and cleaning your lenses. Avoid touching the lens surface with sharp objects or fingernails, as this can damage the lens and cause irritation to your eyes.
Clean and replace lens case: Rinse your contact lens case with solution and let it air dry after each use. To prevent bacterial buildup, replace your lens case every three months or as your optometrist recommends.
Attend regular check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your optometrist to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses fit correctly. Report any discomfort, redness, or changes in vision immediately.
Contact lenses can help you maintain healthy eyes and enjoy clear vision by following these tips and guidelines. If you experience any issues or have questions about contact lens care, see an optometrist for personalized advice and recommendations. Check our blog page to know more.
Why Choose Us for Prescription Glasses?
FAQs
At Victoria Optometric Association, we strive to provide high-quality prescription glasses in Victoria, BC, tailored to meet our clients' diverse vision needs. Our team of experienced optometrists and optical professionals ensures precise prescriptions and reliable eyewear solutions to support long-term eye health.
Comprehensive Eye Care Services
We aim to offer a complete range of services, including comprehensive eye exams, accurate prescriptions, and professional guidance in selecting the proper eyewear. Our optometrists assess various eye health conditions and provide tailored recommendations to enhance visual comfort and clarity.
Wide Selection of Frames and Lenses
We provide a variety of prescription glasses, including single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses. Our selection includes durable and stylish frames suited to different preferences and functional requirements. We work with reputable manufacturers to ensure that the materials used meet industry standards for quality and longevity.
Personalised Fittings and Adjustments
Properly fitted glasses are essential for comfort and effective vision correction. Our team ensures that each pair is correctly adjusted to match the wearer's facial structure and prescription needs. We also offer ongoing adjustments and maintenance services to extend the lifespan of your eyewear.
Commitment to Eye Health and Safety
We prioritize eye health by offering lenses with protective coatings, such as anti-reflective, UV protection, and blue light filtering options. Our team guides proper eyewear care to maintain clarity and durability.
Here are some frequently asked questions about prescription glasses:
How Often Should I Update My Prescription Glasses?
We recommend updating your prescription glasses every one to two years, depending on vision changes and eye health assessments conducted during routine check-ups. Call us to learn more.
Do You Offer Direct Billing for Vision Insurance?
Yes. We work with various insurance providers and offer direct billing services where applicable. Please contact us for specific details regarding your coverage.
What Lens Options Are Available?
We provide single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses and coatings such as anti-reflective, UV protection, and blue light filtering.
Can I Bring My Frames for New Prescription Lenses?
Yes. We can usually fit new lenses into existing frames, provided they meet durability and compatibility requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your prescription glass requirements in Victoria, BC.
