Sunday, December 10, 2006

My Vision 2020

I have been wearing spectacles or eyeglasses since aged 14. To this date no one has ever told me what to consider when buying one. Normally, I w'ld start picking out a frame first. I'ld always end up with a squarish frame which I think is suitable for my round face - except in the 80's when 'tear drop' shaped frame were a craze during that era! I have never focussed on the lenses though, which to me their functions are vision correction only. Recently I have come to know a few pointers (from Transitions) before buying my next pair of eyeglasses. First, I need to focus on the lenses that can greatly enhance comfort and eye protection. Some factors to consider are my prescription, lifestyle, and my eye and medical histories. Thick lenses can be made thinner and flatter which Opticians refer to by the names mid-index, high index, and polycarbonate. Surely I would need something that's strong & durable since I am rather hasty & active. I might also need lenses that let me see both far and near without squinting or switching specs. Nowadays, most have invisible lines called progressives. For those who only have trouble seeing close up, reading glasses will probably help. But, some inexpensive drugstore versions can have significant distortions, so its best to order ones made for your own prescription. I sit in front of a computer several hours a day, so I need lenses that are created to relieve both eyestrain and tiredness. Light bouncing off fluorescent bulbs and computer screens can also cause eye fatigue. And if I drive at night, the glare of oncoming headlights can be very distracting. Lenses which have anti-reflective treatment works wonders in these situations; it provides the clearest, sharpest vision. I am concerned about protecting my eyes from the sun. Thankfully, many lenses have built-in UV protection which is available as a coating. I might also want to consider photochromic lenses which darken when I go outside, exposed to UV rays, and get clear again when I am back inside. Polarized lenses will help reduce glare and reflection if I spend a lot of time near water or snow or even if I do a lot of driving. Next, I need to choose a frame that's flattering my round face and works well with my prescription. Tips: Contrast the shape of the frame with the shape of our face. Rectangular works well for round faces, round for square faces. Frame size should be in scale with our face size.Frame color should complement our skin tone and hair color. Also, I need to pay attention to frame materials - lightweight, flexible, strong, or hypoallergenic. I don't know whether I need more than one pair. Sometimes, another pair of specs may come in handy.

The opthamologist at Pantai Medical did a laser procedure to get rid of my 'floaters' last month. The readings he gave showed my vision worsened. My eyes somehow needs more correction. Is it due to the laser ? One thing for sure, going for Vision 2020 is not cheap!

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