• Frames

• Lenses

• Contacts

• Genetics

• Miscellaneous

• What is... (Glossary)

1. I'm very pale: platinum blond hair; very fair skin, China blue eyes. What frame colours would look best on me?

   Picking frames is a very personal matter. Beyond the rough guide-lines, such as choosing a frame shape to complement your facial structure, and colours that enhance your eyes and/or hair, there is a broad spectrum of choices, depending on the look you want to achieve. Without seeing you, or knowing your personal style, I can only offer suggestions. Generally however, people with your colouring look terrific in soft, pastel tones. This is a very subtle look. For something stronger and bolder, try tortoise shell. And for pure fun, look for a vivid red. Avoid browns, as they tend to overpower such delicate colouring.

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1. I'm very nearsighted. Lately I've been reading about new thinner lenses and Anti-Reflection Coating. Can these be used together? What else can I do to look better?

   Using these two together is not only possible, it's a very good idea! If you decide not to take advantage of these features, there are other ways to make your glasses look better. Prescription lenses work like a wedge of cheese, the further out you go, the thicker it gets. Choosing frames with a small lens size will keep your lenses thinner at the edges. The thickness of the frame, and the addition of a tint can help mask the problem. Glass lenses are thinner than plastic, but they will also be heavier and not as safe. Ask your optician about new plastics, which can be as thin as glass in most cases. Minimum edge thickness lenses with Super Anti-Reflection are always your best option.

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1. I've had my contact lenses for about a year; and lately I've noticed some problems tolerating them for long periods of time. Do I need new ones?

   It's very possible you need new contacts. In general, soft contact lenses need to be replaced after one year, and gas permeable need to be replaced every two to three years. If you over-wear your contacts, they should be replaced more frequently. Your best bet is to see one of our professional contact lens fitters.

2. I just bought extended-wear contact lenses, and they're great! It's so nice to wake up with perfect vision. My question is this: when I take my morning shower; do I have to take them out? How about when I'm swimming?

   There's no need to take your contacts out before you shower as long as you're careful. Avoid looking directly into the stream of water. If you get soap or shampoo in your eyes, take your lenses out immediately, then flush your eyes with water. When you swim with your contact lenses in your eyes, wear protective goggles. Otherwise your lenses could become lost or contaminated.

3. My family doctor recommended eye drops for allergies, but I'm afraid to use them because I'm not sure what they will do to my contacts. Can I use eyedrops with contact lenses? I wear regular soft lenses.

   Yes, you can use eyedrops, but you should consult your contact lens fitter in your particular case. Some eye drops are made specifically for contact lens wearers, and contain concentrations and preservatives designed for this purpose. However, many are not, and may contain chemicals that can have and adverse effect on the eye health or damage your contacts permanently. Bring your prescription with you when you ask your contact lens fitter.

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1. I wear glasses. Will all my children need glasses?

   It is difficult to determine, exactly, how strong a factor genetics plays in this. Sometimes "yes" and sometimes, "No".

2. One of my parents has glaucoma. What are the chances that I will get it?

   There is an element of genetic influence but glaucoma is not always passed down. If there is a family history of glaucoma an assessment should be done every six months.

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1. How often should I have my eyes checked?

   It is recommended that you have your eyes tested once a year or sooner if there is any sign of problems.

2. What is "perfect vision"?

   If vision acuity is 20/20 then vision is considered perfect but vision can, also be above average (perfect). One could have 20/15 vision where, in 20/20, the upper twenty represents the distance to the eye charts (20 feet) and the lower 20 represents the size of the letters on the chart.

3. Are there treatment alternatives to corrective lenses (i.e. glasses)?

   Yes, by "Radial Keratotomy" or "Orthokeratology" (eye-shaping surgery). As with all other surgeries, there are possible risks and complications. Surgery, in most cases, should be considered as a last resort.

4. I am nearsighted. Will I eventually go blind?

   This is highly unlikely. It usually levels off at puberty or when growth ceases. It is very rare that one goes on, from nearsightedness, to be blind.

5. How early should I have my baby's eyes checked?

   Any time! Infant eye examinations are done immediately at birth. If your child or small baby is experiencing eye problems it is recommended you have the eyes examined. It is also recommended that you have eyes of pre-school children checked for visual acuity.

6. If I have used eye-drops, will I be able to drive?

   Yes. You may need to wear sunglasses when you drive since the drops will cause the pupils to dilate for a while, however, you may not be able to read since, in most cases, near vision will be blurred.

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	Astigmatism Results from an irregularity in the shape of the cornea causing images to become distorted and/or blurry.
	Cataracts Occurs when the crystalline lens becomes cloudy which can lead to seriously impaired vision.
	Cornea The eyeball's crystalline covering. The transparent part of the eyeball coat which covers the iris and pupil and through which all light passes.
	Glaucoma Increased occular pressure within the eye which may result in loss of sight or impaired vision.
	Hyperopia/Presbyopia Far sightedness. Distant objects are in focus but those that are close are blurry/out of focus.
	Kryptok A trade name for a fused bifocal lens having a flint segment.
	Myopia Near sightedness. Close objects are in focus but those in the distance are blurry/out of focus.
	Pupillary Distance (P.D.) The distance between the centers of the pupils of the eyes for either distance or reading vision. When applied to frames, it is the distance between the center of the two eyewires or between corresponding parts of the eyewires.
	Retina The light sensitive membrane of the eye which receives the image formed by the optical system of the eye. It is connected to the brain by the optic nerve.

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