Eye exams can tell if you need contact lenses
The need for visual correction is something that should be addressed as soon as possible. A large number of people have problems with focusing on small text or far-away objects. This is usually down to myopia (short-sightedness), the most commonly diagnosed refractive error. Other common refractive errors include hyperopia, (long-sightedness) which causes objects and close-up writing to appear blurry, as well as astigmatism and presbyopia which can be corrected with toric and multifocal lenses, respectively. By going in for an eye test, your optician will be able to determine whether your eyes are in need of contact lenses and exactly which type you require.
Serious eye-related issues can be detected early on
Unfortunately, a number of problems can affect our eyes, particularly as we grow older. However, the earlier that an issue is addressed, the better chance we have of keeping our eyes safe. Diabetes, macular degeneration and glaucoma are just some of the conditions that pose a threat to vision and eye health. Regular eye tests help to provide you with the most accurate prescription, protecting your eyes and your vision as best as possible.
Your level of vision can be monitored over time
Your vision changes as you age, and should be checked regularly to ensure that the prescription provided to you is the correct one for your visual requirements. This is also ideal so that your optician can monitor how your vision is performing over time and, by also inspecting the area around your eyes, whether you’ve injured your eyes or developed any issues.
You won’t buy the wrong prescription
If your visual requirements aren’t consistently specified, you could be purchasing the incorrect contact lenses for your needs. Your lenses might be too weak, too strong or not contain extra parameters (such as an axis if you have astigmatism). This would result in you throwing money away on something that you don’t quite need, before having to spend money again on the correct lenses.
Contact lenses and glasses require two different prescriptions
Contact lenses and glasses require two separate tests and two separate prescriptions. You cannot predict your contact lens prescription from your glasses prescription, as some people may try to do. Once you have your prescription however, you are free to purchase your lenses from anywhere you like. And it’s worth knowing that it’s much cheaper to buy your contact lenses online. With our Price Match Guarantee you’ll never find your lenses cheaper anywhere else.
For more on maintain eye health and information about contact lenses, visit our Eye Care Hub.
