What is a progressive?
Progressive lenses, also known as PALs, are “no line” multifocal lenses that enable the wearer to see distance, reading and all the other many focal lengths in between.
What are transitions?
Transition lenses are a brand of photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses are able to change from light to dark depending on the amount of ultra-violet light the lenses are exposed to.
How often should I have an eye exam?
For most patients, you should have one eye exam per year. Patients who wear contact lenses will benefit greatly from a check-up every six months to ensure that the contact lenses are not affecting your eye health. Patients with certain eye conditions must return to their eye doctor for check-ups as recommended by their eye doctor.
Can I order contact lenses if I only have an eyeglass prescription?
You cannot order contact lenses with an eyeglass prescription. You can have contact lenses prescribed for you by our eye doctor. This requires a contact lens fitting that includes trying on the lenses at our office and having Dr. Madeline Cohen evaluate the fit and visual acuity. Don’t worry if you have never worn contacts before, our staff will be sure to give you a thorough contact lens training to instruct you in the insertion, removal and care of your new contact lenses.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally transparent lens of the eye. As the opacity thickens, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina, the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Early lens changes or opacities may not disturb vision. But as the lens continues to change, several specific symptoms including blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare, increased nearsightedness, or distorted images in either eye, may develop.
How do glasses improve vision?
Glasses and contact lenses, correct refractive errors by adding or subtracting focusing power to your cornea and lens. The power needed to focus images directly on your retina is measured in diopters. This measurement is also known as your eyeglass prescription.
What is myopia?
If you have myopia (“near-sightedness”), your cornea and lens have too much focusing power, bending light rays to meet at a point in front of the retina. Glasses and contacts compensate for this condition by subtracting power from the eye’s natural focus and allowing light rays to focus further back on the retina. If you have myopia, your prescription will be negative, for example, -4.25 diopters.
What is hyperopia?
If you have hyperopia (“far-sightedness”), glasses and contacts add focusing power, causing light rays to bend more as they enter the eye. This process moves the focal point back to the retina, allowing for clear vision. If you have hyperopia, your prescription will be positive, for example, +4.25 diopters.
What is astigmatism?
If you have astigmatism, the shape of the glass lens compensates for the uneven corneal curve and focuses the light rays to a single point on the retina.
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a gradual decrease in the flexibility of the natural lens in the eye. Ones ability to focus in on reading material is affected. This usually occurs around age 40. Patients experiencing the onset of presbyopia will find themselves holding reading material at arms length to bring it into focus.