Prescription Eyewear

How do I know if I need prescription eyewear?

Your vision changes throughout your lifetime, so even if you didn’t need prescription eyewear years ago, you might need it now. If you’ve never worn eyeglasses or contact lenses — or haven’t updated your prescription in years — here are some of the telltale signs that it’s time to have a comprehensive eye exam:

• Frequent headaches
• Straining or squinting to see
• Blurred or double vision
• Poor night vision
• Difficulty reading

With so many modern types of prescription eyewear available, you can find the right solution that helps you see more clearly — and make a fashion statement.

Which type of lenses are best?

Eyes on Hartz Optometry offers several types of prescription lenses, depending on your vision, as well as your budget. Some of the most popular types of prescription eyewear lenses are described below.

Single vision

Single vision lenses — the most common type — have one power from edge to edge. They’re ideal if you need mild to moderate vision correction and can help with both nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism.  

Progressives

Progressive lenses are ideal if you need more than one power or focal point in your lenses. For instance, if you need correction for distance, you look straight through your lenses.

But if you need help with seeing up close, you look down through your lenses, as you would while reading a book. Progressive lenses include bifocals and even trifocals for near, far, and midrange clarity.

Modern single vision and progressive lenses are made from a variety of materials. Even if you have a stronger prescription, you can get polycarbonate, trivex, or high-index plastic lens — among other materials — that are incredibly lightweight. You can even get prescription sunglasses or transition lenses that get darker outdoors.

How often do I need new glasses?

It depends on how often your vision changes, or if you go through any lifestyle changes. Eyes on Hartz Optometry usually recommends having a comprehensive eye exam every year and re-evaluating your prescription eyewear during that time.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new set of glasses each year, though. You might need new glasses if:

• Your prescription changes
• You need progressive lenses
• You become active in sports and need impact-resistant lenses
• You’re spending more time on the computer and need blue light protection

If your vision doesn’t change from year to year, you may only need new prescription eyewear every few years.

Get your prescription eyewear at Eyes on Hartz Optometry by scheduling an evaluation. Either click on the online scheduling feature or call the clinic to book.