Eyeglasses are a critical component of eye care, and they help millions of people worldwide to correct their vision problems. In recent times, eyeglasses have gone beyond just being a corrective device but also considered a fashion accessory. With the increased usage of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, more people experience various eye problems, making eyeglasses a necessity for many.
However, obtaining prescription eyeglasses is not as straightforward as visiting a retail store and selecting a frame that suits your style. Rather, it involves a medical process that requires the expertise of specialized professionals in the field of eye care.
Eyeglasses are a great way to correct your vision, whether you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. But who can you turn to for a prescription eyeglass fitting and lens selection? Here is an overview of the experts who can provide you with the care you need to see clearly.
Optometrists
Optometrists are medical professionals who specialize in inspecting and diagnosing eyesight problems and providing corrective measures. Optometrists can provide comprehensive eye examinations, including tests to check your visual acuity and a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. They are trained to diagnose and manage visual problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Optometrists can also prescribe medication for eye infections, allergies, and other eye-related problems. They can refer their patients to an ophthalmologist or another specialist when further testing is required.
Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating all types of visual health issues. They conduct comprehensive eye exams, including tests for glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, and other degenerative conditions. Ophthalmologists are experts in the anatomy of the eye, its functions, and its related diseases. An ophthalmologist may prescribe eyeglasses as part of your treatment plan but can also offer additional solutions, such as corrective surgery if necessary.
When you have your eye exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will determine the strength and type of eyeglass lenses that will be most suitable for you. The prescription may include parameters such as the sphere (distance vision), cylinder (astigmatism correction), and axis (the orientation of the astigmatism). Your eye care professional may also provide you with pupillary distance, which is the measurement between the center of your pupils. All of these parameters are crucial for obtaining the right prescription lenses for your eyeglasses.
Opticians
An optician is not a doctor but rather a technician trained in designing, manufacturing, verifying and fitting optical devices such as eyeglasses or contact lenses per the prescription written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. An optician is the best source for getting custom-made frames that fit perfectly on your face so you look good while seeing better!
Once you have your prescription, an optician can help you select and customize your frames and lenses to your unique needs. An optician is not a doctor but a technician trained in designing, manufacturing, verifying, and fitting optical devices such as eyeglasses or contact lenses per the prescription written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They have in-depth knowledge of the various types of lenses, frames, and coatings available and can help you choose the best options for your lifestyle, visual requirements, and budget.
When selecting someone to get fitted for eyeglasses it’s important to consider what type of treatment plan makes sense given your unique situation – that’s why it’s important to talk with a qualified professional like an optometrist or an ophthalmologist before consulting with an optician about prescription eyeglasses. With their help, you can make the right decision about which type of vision correction device will work best for you!