Many people who begin to experience vision problems consider picking up a pair of reading glasses from their local pharmacy instead of (or before) visiting the ophthalmologist or optometrist. Some of these people may think that their vision problems are just not serious enough to warrant actually going to the eye doctor. Others think they might save a few dollars by buying low cost reading glasses at their local pharmacy in place of spending the money necessary to get an eye exam and a pair of prescription eyeglasses. While a pair of reading glasses from the pharmacy may do the trick for a short time, you may be damaging your vision even more in the long run.
Eye Exams
The first thing to consider if you are experiencing vision problems such as blurred vision, headaches, etc. is that you absolutely need to seek medical attention. You only have one pair of eyes and it’s up to you to keep them healthy. Keeping them healthy sometimes requires getting your vision screened by a professional. An eye exam will be able to diagnose any medical conditions that simply buying reading glasses would never identify. If you are concerned about the cost of an eye exam, you may be able to participate in a free eye screening program in your community. Check with your local hospital, senior center or optometrist to see if they know of any such programs.
Not Only Glasses – Treatment
Some people assume that whatever problem they are experiencing with their vision can be easily corrected by wearing eyeglasses or reading glasses. This is especially the case with people who are experiencing blurred vision or other eye problems for the first time. Unfortunately, it is just not that simple. There are many factors to consider. One of these factors is the fact that corrective lenses or reading glasses are not the answer or cure to every single vision problem that exists. This is one of the reasons it is so important to have your vision screened by an eye care professional. There are several types of eye conditions that require treatment other than corrective lenses. Some of these conditions include:
– Allergies: They cause redness, irritation, itching and excessive tearing.
– Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
– Blepharitis
– Cataracts
– Retinal Detachment
– Strabismus
– Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
The only way to ensure that the problems you’re experiencing with your vision are not due to something more serious is to schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist or optometrist and get your vision and your eyes checked thoroughly.
No Two Eyes Are Quite the Same
Okay, this is not entirely true, but almost. Another important reason that getting customized prescription glasses makes more sense than getting reading glasses at the pharmacy is most people’s eyes have different degrees of sight in each eye. It is actually pretty rare that both of your eyes are equally far-sighted (or near-sighted for that matter). Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will be able to measure exactly which strength lens is required by each of your eyes. Most reading glasses found in pharmacies contain lenses of matching strength. Because of this, only an eye care professional will be able to prescribe the customized corrective lenses that are just right for you. In the rare event that both your eyes require the same strength lens, your doctor can tell you what strength reading glasses are best for you. Again, while you may save a few dollars by doing this, the best accuracy can only be achieved by customized prescription glasses. So, while no two eyes are quite the same, you only have one pair. So take care of them!
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