Do I Need Glasses?

Typically, it is recommended that all patients have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. During this exam, your ophthalmologist or medical optometrist will determine whether your vision requires correction through glasses or contacts. If you have not had an eye exam in some time, however, there are some common symptoms that may be a sign you need prescription glasses. These can include:

  • Blurry vision, double vision, distortion, or haziness
  • Headaches
  • Eyestrain or irritation
  • Squinting
  • Difficulty seeing while driving at night
  • Seeing auras or halos around objects, especially in bright light

It is very common for vision to change over time or get worse as you age. An eye exam can determine if you would benefit from corrective lenses and a correct lens prescription for your nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.

What Types of Glasses are Available?

There are four basic types of prescription lenses available: single vision, bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses. Single-vision eyeglass lenses are the most common and are used to correct vision for one distance. These are prescribed if you have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism.

Bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses are prescribed for patients with difficulty seeing at multiple distances. For example, these are used for patients who have both myopia and presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness. Bifocals, trifocals, and progressive lenses allow patients to see both distance and near objects without switching between their standard eyeglasses and reading glasses, for example.

After you receive your prescription, your lenses may have additional options to choose from, which may include:

  • Anti-glare or anti-scratch coatings
  • Photochromatic (transition) lenses
  • UV blocking
  • Blue light blocking

Other types of affordable eyewear are available with or without a prescription, and your eye doctor at Boston Vision can help you select the best option for you as necessary. These include:

  • Reading glasses
  • Safety glasses
  • Blue light glasses
  • Sunglasses

Choosing Between Glasses and Contact Lenses

Choosing between glasses and contact lenses usually depends on your personal preference, lifestyle habits, and budget. Contact lenses are a very popular option with several advantages. For example, contacts offer a wider field of vision, do not get in the way while exercising and playing sports, and don’t fog in cold weather or get wet in rain. Many people also choose contacts because they prefer how they look without glasses.

However, some people also find contact lenses difficult to apply or uncomfortable to wear, especially if they work at a computer. Contact lenses also require a commitment to caring for them properly each day to avoid infections. Finally, contact lenses can present a higher cost, as lenses must be replaced monthly or daily, depending on the type of contact lens you have.

What Types of Contact Lenses are Available?

Boston Vision offers several types of contact lenses from various manufacturers. During your appointment, your ophthalmologist or medical optometrist will recommend the contact lenses that best suit your lifestyle and prescription. Some basic types of contacts include:

  • Soft contact lenses
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses
  • Extended wear contact lenses
  • Disposable contact lenses

MiSight Myopia Control Contact Lenses

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your optical and contact options or to purchase a pair of new glasses, frames, or contacts, schedule an appointment today. To schedule your appointment, book an appointment online or give us a call at 617-202-3491.

Optical/Contact services are available at all our locations: Brookline, Milford, Medford, Lawrence, Wellesley, Burlington, Woburn, and Andover.

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