I am an Optometrist, Ask me Anything.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Every one of my patients that get Rx sunglasses never go back to transitions. Transitions do not work well in a car as they need UV to activate. Rx sunglasses can also be polarized.

I no longer wear any of my glasses that are not transitions. I know they do not work in the car, but they do work outside, and I dislike carrying other glasses around. I totally love the transitions lenses, and I doubt I will get any new lenses without them. And I do also have sunglasses.

Not trying to be that guy. My reason is I am a forgetful person that would rather be always mostly prepared for things, than occasionally totally prepared. I'm also the kind of guy who regularly misjudges the likelihood of needing a jacket.

[djsFlames]

Interesting that that's why you got into the field.

I was born with an underdeveloped optic nerve in one eye. Vision is blurred to the point that prescription lenses don't do much. While procedures were done when I was a kid (patch as well as a minor surgery) nothing really improved it significantly. The optic nerve is the worst thing to have something wrong with because it's naturally programmed to never regenerate or "reconnect" itself. That's where stem cell research and other current studies are coming into play. I'm not exactly holding out hope that they'll figure it out any time soon. But from what I've read they have recently made progress on animal subjects, which is at least somewhat promising. It's a matter of turning off a gene that tells the axons in the nerve not to regenerate if damaged, as well as encouraging growth in the nerve. Maybe in 10 years or so they'll start doing tests on humans. It's tough, but with anything you're born with you learn to live with it and at points you forget it's even a factor. I'm beginning work in a visually oriented field and besides eye strain from time to time it hasn't held me back. A lot of basic things have always been a bit more difficult for me than others, the trouble is that like you say it happens with a small percentage of people, and so most people don't understand it or what it's like. I think that's the hardest part, especially when you're a young person today.

Anyways, I'm just pissed that I have to pay the extra charge to see every damn 3D movie, cause I can't see the effects properly.

[BloodFetish]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

So I'm going in for an eye exam next week, been about 3 years since my last, and I'm fully expecting to be shelling out cash yet again for a new pair as my prescription hasn't been working as well for me the last 12 months.

But I'm wondering what your take is on transitions lenses VS prescription sun glasses? Are the transitions lenses as effective as they claim? Or are most folks better off keeping a separate set in the car for driving?

I have transitions and like them for the most part. Like others I can't be bothered to carry around a pair of sunglasses and keep swapping back and forth.

Here's the downside to transitions that a lot of people don't consider: I am roughly -6 in both eyes and therefore choose frames with smaller lenses to minimize the thickness on the edges. As a result transitions don't become very good sunglasses - they darken nicely but there's just not a lot of surface coverage.

I'm due for new glasses soon and will probably get transitions again, but this time I'll also get clip-ons for driving and just keep them on the visor. Seems like the most convenient solution.

[PeteLFan]

When I wear my contacts for some reason the right eye is always blurry, this issue is only with contacts even with a fresh pair. I use the drops and everything but it seems odd this happens.

I have also booked my laser eye correction for August electing to go with PRK.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by PeteLFan

When I wear my contacts for some reason the right eye is always blurry, this issue is only with contacts even with a fresh pair. I use the drops and everything but it seems odd this happens.

I have also booked my laser eye correction for August electing to go with PRK.

May be having a sensitivity reaction to the contact or the solution. You should get it checked out as they can't do laser until it is under control.

[terminator]

Hey Hesla, thanks for doing this open forum.

I went for a consult for lasik, however I found out that my conreas are too thin to allow lasik. I was wondering what other choices I have besides PRK? The reason I don't want PRK is because of the downtime that is associated with it.

[newgame99]

If there is a small change in prescription for your eyes, why do Optomerist say it is not required to change your prescription?

In my case it has been the case for 9 years and only reason I am changing is because my coatings on my glasses are gone since they are so old. I know my eyesight is not perfect but I can see well enough, no problems driving, etc. Change is -5.00 to -5.50 but every time I change it, it usually gets worse, but it could be since I was 18 years old since the last time I changed my prescription and I believe kids prescriptions change? I mentioned this to my Optometrist and he gave me -5.25 prescription instead. I was wondering what do you think?

[Knut]

Everyone reacts different to small changes in Rx. Some will notice huge improvements, others barely anything. I frame my recommendation around that.

It likely got worse the last time you made a change because of your age. Changing the Rx does not cause a change at this point.

We tend to undercorrect for people on the computer all day. Not sure if that applies to you.

[Regular_John]

So how difficult is it to get a copy of your prescription from your eye doc?

I'm already on the hook for a pair from them (to the tune of $550) and I'm mostly interested in having it for a pair of Rx Sunglasses down the road, which I'd probably get from one of those evil online retailers. Is it something I'd have to typically hassle them for or would they just honour the request the first time?

[Knut]

They should honor it. Your glasses prescription is your property essentially under the privacy act. They have to release if you have paid all your bills.

PD and contact prescriptions do not fall under that however.

[jayswin]

pm sent, Hesla.

[newgame99]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Everyone reacts different to small changes in Rx. Some will notice huge improvements, others barely anything. I frame my recommendation around that.

It likely got worse the last time you made a change because of your age. Changing the Rx does not cause a change at this point.

We tend to undercorrect for people on the computer all day. Not sure if that applies to you.

Thanks a lot Hesla. I actually do spend a lot of time on the computer since I work in the IT Field.

Just out of curiosity, why do you undercorrect for people who use the computer a lot? By how much? How much should it be for me (Original Prescription -5.50, was undercorrected to -5.25)?

[bubbsy]

thanx for doing this, here are my questions:

1) have astigmatism (one eye much worse than the other) and i hate my glasses (comfort and aesthetic reasons) so whenever i go out for any socializing try to wear contacts. I find my contacts (soft, custom monthly) are always uncomfortable and am always having to blink excessively due to them feeling extremely dry. Interestingly enough, it came to a point where i only where my contacts on nights where i know i'll be drinking as it keeps my mind off it. Anything i can do for this dry/discomfort wearing contacts (eye drops, different contact type, etc)?

2) Is it true eating carrots does jack for your eyes ?

3) Is there any truth to looking at screens (tv, computer/laptop, tablet) can cause degradation in eye sight for kids or adults?

[Knut]

Originally Posted by newgame99

Thanks a lot Hesla. I actually do spend a lot of time on the computer since I work in the IT Field.

Just out of curiosity, why do you undercorrect for people who use the computer a lot? By how much? How much should it be for me (Original Prescription -5.50, was undercorrected to -5.25)?

Essentially if you undercorrect by -0.25 if makes your eyes slightly nearsighted (or better for near). Most positions report less eyestrain by doing that. You do not want to go much more as it would compromise the distance a bit.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

thanx for doing this, here are my questions:

1) have astigmatism (one eye much worse than the other) and i hate my glasses (comfort and aesthetic reasons) so whenever i go out for any socializing try to wear contacts. I find my contacts (soft, custom monthly) are always uncomfortable and am always having to blink excessively due to them feeling extremely dry. Interestingly enough, it came to a point where i only where my contacts on nights where i know i'll be drinking as it keeps my mind off it. Anything i can do for this dry/discomfort wearing contacts (eye drops, different contact type, etc)?

sounds like a poor fitting contact lens or a sensitivity to the solution you use. First step would be switch solution brands (Biotrue works well). If that doesn't work then make sure your contacts do not sit in the solution for weeks between uses. If that is the case then you should get fitted for daily contact lenses. No solutions and great for part time use. Dailies now correct up to -2.25 of astigmatism. You can try drops (BLINK) but they will only provide temporary relief.

2) Is it true eating carrots does jack for your eyes ?

if you were malnourished in the third world it would be helpful. Beta-carotene is essential for photo pigment production in the retina (the pigment that responds to photon's of light. We get lots of beta-carotene in our western diet.

3) Is there any truth to looking at screens (tv, computer/laptop, tablet) can cause degradation in eye sight for kids or adults?

young kids - yes. Adults - no. Genetics mostly determine your prescription. Screen time can have small effects on it, but mostly you can blame your ancestors.

[rohara66]

Kind of a long winded post but I wanted some real feedback on this issue because lensecrafters hasn’t really left me satisfied with their answers.

I recently went in for an eye exam (first in 5 years) and my vision got worse so I ordered up new glasses. I have bad stigmatism in my left eye. They came in and after a few days getting use to them everything is great and I can see great. I then went back and ordered some prescription Oakleys (major $$$) and when they arrived something was off. The vision wasn’t clear (mostly in the left eye) and when I walked around in them I kinda felt weird. I’ve had prescription sunglasses before and switching back and forth between glasses and sunglasses was never an issue. In fact I’ve had Oakley Gascan sunglasses which wrap around your head and never had any problems. So back to the store I go and they explained that the frames were too curved for my stigmatism (they were Oakley Holbrooks which are almost flat) so I returned them and ordered some Ray Bans that were more flat. In the meantime I picked up a new car, a convertible and realized that in direct sunlight the Oakley sunglasses seem to fair better with my vision…. Is this all in my head or does the amount of sunlight actually effect your vision out of prescription sunglasses?

Also the Ray Bans do seem to work better but switching between my glasses and prescription sunglasses still feels kinda weird. It doesn’t give me a headache or real eye strain but something’s still just slightly off.

[Knut]

They are likely using cheap lenses in your sunglasses or they are being improperly measured. The best bet is to pop into an independent optometrist's office when they are not busy and ask them to look at the lenses for you for a second opinion on the glasses.

[Buff]

I was diagnosed with diabetes about 18 months ago. My doctor referred me to an opt-something-ist to check the nerves in my eyes. I mentioned that my optometrist already did that test on me and he just said "No, you have to see this guy." So I saw the specialist and he told me that I have to see him once a year but I have to go to my optometrist for my regular eye checkups and prescriptions. I just saw my optometrist and asked him about that and he said (paraphrasing)"Well, if you're seeing him then keep doing it, it takes a long time to get into those guys in this town, but still see me for your prescriptions" He'll still check the nerves in my eyes too. Am I, or the system, getting scammed? I don't have to pay for my appointments anymore since I'm diabetic so that's one of the few bonuses for being diabetic.

Just for your info, I do have a couple of "spots" on my eye where there was nerve damage, but neither guy was concerned about them since my eyes are in great health and I do have 20/20 with my contacts and glasses.

[Hack&Lube]

I have some cheap frames I like from a pair of clear UV sunglasses. Can I have the lenses replaced with prescription lenses?

Also, I am looking for a new optometrist in the downtown core. Any recommendations? The last two pairs of glasses I had made give me headaches. The prescription given was too strong!

[Knut]

Family doctors will often refer you to the Ophthalmologist when an Optometrist can do the same stuff. We will not tell you to stop seeing and Ophthalmologist as once you are in the pipeline it is easy to get back and see them if there is an issue. You still have to have regular glasses checkups though and most optometrists will still check your retinal health just to be on the safe side. The amount we bill health care does not change if we do the extra testing or not.