Buying a pair of specs can sometimes be as tricky as a challenge on the Crystal Maze. Yet, you can deftly weave your way through those obstacles – that is after you’ve made an appointment to see your optometrist.
In essence, an optometrist will open a window into all things concerning your prescription. They will undertake all the necessary tests containing a host of accurate measurements concerning your peepers. This will enable you to benefit from the best vision possible.
At SelectSpecs, we are all about looking after your eyes. So if you don’t know your PD from your PB, we roundup some of the essential glasses terms you need to know. Just sit back and pour yourself a nice glass of mulled wine.
9. Bridge width
This usually refers to the little gap which separates the lenses. Normally located just above the nose, you should always opt for glasses which are going to offer maximum comfort.
You really don’t want them slipping off in an important meeting do you? It is the typical Goldilocks syndrome in this case as you really want your eyewear to fit just right.
8. Coating
No, this is actually nothing to do with decorating. You have the ability to choose from a number of different coatings which are added as part of the lens. By selecting the right type of coating, it will help match your specific requirements.
Firstly AR Coating is for those individuals who are chained to the computer. Known as anti-reflective, these lenses are also suited to anyone affected by bright lights. Some of the main benefits to AR coating lenses include clearer sight and a reduction in eye fatigue.
On the other hand, you should look out for the other options which brings us on to UV coating. This is most helpful when protecting your eyes from the sun due to the harmful ultra violet rays emitted. Luckily for you our single vision lenses come with AR, UV and scratch-resistant coatings for free.
7. SPH
SPH or sphere can usually be found with your prescription. If you find that you have A+ stated, it doesn’t mean you have aced the test. This signifies that you have long sight, meaning it will be hard to look at things up close and personal.
An A rating means you will find it a struggle to focus on things in the distance without having to use specs. The higher the figure in your prescription, the more likely you will need prescription lenses.
6. Pupillary Distance
Considered to be the big daddy in terms of need to know glasses terms, pupillary distance is vital. Known as PD, the pupillary distance should be included on your prescription so make sure your GP adds it accordingly.
In effect, it does exactly what it says on the tin and is the precise distance or measurement between both your pupils. For anyone wearing lenses, the PD is key in order to position the lens over the pupil accurately.
Not sure what your PD might be? This video explains how you can find out:
5. Cylinder
Cylinder or CYL is another element to watch out for on your prescription. This usually corresponds to the level of astigmatism usually as a result of an unusual cornea. Astigmatism is usually known as the inability to focus on a sharp image resulting in blurriness.
If there is no markings on your prescription here then you have perfectly shaped eyes. Result! However, if a number appears in the CYL box, it means you have irregularly shaped eyes. The higher the number, the more oval in shape your eyes will be.
4. Varifocal
Suitable for not only short sight but long and anything in between, varifocal lenses are the ideal tonic for your eyes. Some of the best recommendations for varifocal lenses feature having the opportunity to enjoy natural sight with varying distances. This can be done without having to swap over hundreds of pairs of glasses thus having an all in one glasses solution.
3. Bifocal
Bifocal lenses are normally separated into two mains areas corresponding to near as well as distance. These two optical powers are split in a way that the top is for distance, whilst the bottom is usually for reading purposes.
One of the main advantages in having bifocal lenses is that it gives you two main focus areas. The only con is that there is a clear line which can be found in the lens leading to a gap in sight.
2. Prism
This is not a spin off of ITV’s “The Cube” but another important term to consider. Prism means that both your eyes are not functioning together. This could be down to an imbalance in the muscles but nevertheless, all you will need is a set of prism lenses. This will assist in the correction and ensure you don’t experience any nasty ailments such as double vision.
1. Presbyopia
Tis the season to be jolly as they say. But as we become older and perhaps crankier, we literally lose our focus. As our eyes changes, so does our vision. When we reach join the 40 plus club, many of us suffer from blurred vision. Before you crack open the sherry for Christmas, let us talk to you about Presbyopia. If you have ever had to hold a newspaper away from your face or have to switch an extra light on to read then it could be blurred vision.
It could even be whilst using your iPhone or staring at the computer. There’s nothing wrong with you as many will experience these symptoms after a certain age. As the lenses in the eye become stiffer over time they will eventually lose their elasticity. Therefore, you cannot focus as sharply as on near by objects as you did when you were a young go-getter.
So how do you go about treating Presbyobia? Fear not, help is at hand if you are a sufferer. You can choose magnifiers, bifocal or reading glasses. Yet, one of the best alternatives is to opt for contact lenses which will allow your eyes to focus on objects in a natural manner.
If you want a look in, Select Specs have contact lenses covered. Keep an eye out on our site for our impressive range of monthly disposable lenses too with major brands featuring Bausch & Lomb, Ciba Vision and Johnson & Johnson.