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Before ordering glasses, especially if you have encountered a vision problem for the first time, it is imperative to visit an ophthalmologist for examination and consultation. During the examination, the doctor will determine the cause of visual acuity impairment, the degree of the disease and select the most effective glasses. If you are already actively using them and have noticed over time that while reading a newspaper or working, visual acuity is poor even with glasses, you can contact an ophthalmologist or go directly to a specialized optics salon where an optometrist or ophthalmologist sees you.
Where to check visual acuity
The first thing to do is to check visual acuity and, as a result, get a prescription from the doctor. You can check your eyesight: using tests on the Internet (this is not recommended by experts, in any case you will have to go to the doctor for a prescription); at the ophthalmologist in the clinic; in the office of an optometrist in any professional optics salon.
Yes, using the Internet, you can try to diagnose yourself, print out special tables for checking your eyesight. But these results can relatively indicate the presence of a vision problem and nothing more. Remember, the official diagnosis can only be determined and confirmed by a professional doctor who writes a prescription for glasses. They can then be bought at any optics salon.
How to prepare for the procedure
Before undergoing a visual acuity test, there is no special preparation. It is important only to tell the specialist during the consultation about all the moments that worry you. It is important to remember at what time of day the problem manifests itself, and how it is expressed. Think about what exactly you need glasses for: for working at a computer, for reading, for knitting (embroidery and other handicrafts), etc. If you have previously been assigned to wear lenses or glasses, you need to take them with you and demonstrate them ophthalmologist, since it will be easier for the doctor to write out the prescription correctly, taking into account the parameters of the old ones. If the old recipe is preserved, it is also recommended to bring it.
Before the actual eye examination process, the ophthalmologist or optometrist conducts a detailed and detailed conversation in order to obtain as much information as possible about your health condition, the condition of your eyes and the factors that can affect visual acuity.
Do not forget about the medications that the patient is taking at the time of the vision test, as some medications can affect visual acuity during therapy (side effect). Among these drugs:
- thiazide diuretics;
- tetracycline;
- remedies for psoriasis;
- tranquilizers;
- oral contraceptives;
- calcium channel blockers;
- antipsychotic drugs;
- antidepressants;
- antiarrhythmic drugs;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- phenothiazine;
- drugs that prevent erectile dysfunction;
- sedatives;
- CNS stimulants;
- antihistamines;
- antidepressants;
- anticonvulsants;
- antibiotics;
- scopolamine;
- anticholinergic agents, etc.
Based on all the surveys and diagnostics, the doctor proceeds to the direct procedure for checking visual acuity and selecting glasses.
Correct selection of glasses
What steps are included in the correct optical vision correction? The doctor determines the needs of the patient. Today there are several types of glasses: progressive glasses; office; with medical grade UV protection; for the driver; Computer glasses; for a distance.
After that, the doctor conducts autorefractometry – an objective method for diagnosing a patient’s refraction. Without this procedure, today it is simply impossible to find the right glasses. The diagnostic results are complemented by subjective research methods.
During the examination, the doctor determines the dominant eye, visual acuity near and far, checks the patient for anomalies in binocular vision. Based on all the results of the research, the doctor proceeds to the selection of devices for vision. After selection, a series of tests is mandatory, so that you do not have to re-examine and adjust.
Visual acuity is checked with the help of such modern devices: electronic sign projector; autorefractokeratometer; pupillometer; trial frame for the selection of glasses (children’s frame). It is important to know that not only lenses are selected, but also frames. The patient is referred for the passage of pupillometry. It is important that the frame has a proper fit on the face and does not cause any discomfort. In other words, the width between the lenses, fit on the nose, fit on the cheeks, the length of the lugs of the glasses, the number of lenses, the need for additional embedding of clamps and springs, etc. are selected. In other words, the frame should be comfortable, practical and weigh a little.
The ophthalmologist draws up a prescription in accordance with international medical rules.
Making a prescription
The following data must be indicated in the doctor’s prescription for glasses: the purpose of prescription of glasses (for permanent wear, for reading, for distance, etc.), interpupillary distance, the required optical power of cylindrical (with cylinder axes) and spherical lenses, patient data , recommendations, etc.
The prescription must be saved in order to demonstrate it to the doctor if necessary and compare the results. A highly qualified ophthalmologist should select glasses, since incorrectly chosen glasses can aggravate the patient’s condition: worsen vision, cause severe headaches, fatigue, etc.
What are the ideal glasses? High-quality, beautiful, fashionable? Yes, this, of course, is an important factor, but most importantly, they must fulfill their direct task – to maintain eye health and provide an opportunity to improve vision. It is important to contact a highly professional specialist for the selection of glasses, and under no circumstances should you choose optics yourself. Remember: restoring vision is very difficult.