Posted by: Dr. Ramsarat in Contacts, Eye Glasses
If you need vision correction, you will find various options available. You can get eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery—whichever fits your visual needs. Each option has benefits and drawbacks, so consider various factors when deciding. Think about the best option for your eye health, personal preference, and lifestyle. The following is a comprehensive guide to correcting vision, from glasses to contacts.
Getting Vision Correction
Poor vision is due to a refractive error that occurs as light bends incorrectly upon entering the eye. If the light fails to hit the retina correctly, it results in poor vision.
The main types of refractive errors are nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. You will want to correct your vision without straining or squinting.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Vision Correction
Consider these factors when choosing vision correction treatment:
- Your vision needs. Think about the best option to improve your daily activities. Some jobs can make wearing eyeglasses impractical.
- Your eye health. Some correction options are unsuitable for other refractive errors.
- Your overall health. Certain health conditions can disqualify you from getting eye surgery or wearing contacts.
- Your lifestyle. Think about where and when you will wear the devices. Work, sporting, and social activities can influence your choice of vision correction.
Think about your personal preference when choosing vision correction. You may like how you look in stylish eyeglasses, while others find the frames distracting.
Choosing Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses work by refocusing light to the correct part of the retina, allowing the wearer to see clearly. During an eye exam, the eye doctor will conduct a series of tests to determine how the lenses should be shaped.
The lens shape is the eyeglass prescription, and the strength may differ for each eye. The same lens can contain multiple vision correction types. The two main types of eyeglasses are single-vision lenses and multifocal lenses.
Choosing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses function like eyeglasses by refocusing how light enters the eye. The lens prescription indicates the disc strength that will fix the refractive error.
During contact lens fitting, the optometrist will determine the prescription strength, which might differ for both eyes. A comprehensive exam will establish if the patient’s eyes are healthy enough for contacts. Always ensure you have an updated prescription. There are different types of contact lenses.
Vision Correction Surgery
If you do not want to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, talk to your optometrist about eye surgery. Surgery corrects how the eye processes light, helping improve vision. LASIK is the best-known vision correction surgery. Other types are photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), wavefront-guided LASIK, Epi-LASIK, SMILE, phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs), and conductive keratoplasty (CK). Vision correction can help you see clearly.
The best vision correction method for you will depend on the severity of your condition and other factors. Also think about your lifestyle, overall health, and type of vision loss. Consider the positives and negatives of each method when deciding.
For more on a comprehensive guide to correcting vision, from glasses to contacts, visit Dr. Veronica Ramsarat OD at our office in New York, New York. Call (833) 255-0096 to book an appointment today.
