Any opticians about?

notanewuser

I had an eye test with a new optician today. No problems, eyesight not deteriorated, all healthy etc. He suggested that the lenses in my existing glasses (worn happily for 2 years) are too strong. Just wondering whether this is a rouse to get me to spend £££s replacing/reglazing........ Any thoughts?

cashewnut

If you're happy with them why would you change them?

Not an optician sorry but I do wear lenses/specs

BobQ

notanewuser wrote: »

I had an eye test with a new optician today. No problems, eyesight not deteriorated, all healthy etc. He suggested that the lenses in my existing glasses (worn happily for 2 years) are too strong. Just wondering whether this is a rouse to get me to spend £££s replacing/reglazing........ Any thoughts?

It could be, but not necessarily.

Often when you are tested the specification of a lens is a compromise between one "strength" and another and could depend on how you felt on the day and whether you thought one strength was better than another. All quite marginal. Did they say how much the difference was? Have you compared this prescription to the last?

Another factor is that sometime your eye can "improve" a little so just because the prescription is stronger does not mean it was wrong when assessed. Equally this optician may have underestimated the "strength" based on what you said was better or worse.

cannyscot_2

not an optician but how old are you? My eyes have gone down from 5.25 to 4 as I have become longsighted in my 40s.

GlasweJen

It all depends.

If you're a myope (short sighted) reducing the prescription would probably make you hate the glasses even though your vision will be fine, if you're a hypermetrope (long sighted) reducing your prescription will feel great.

If your glasses are just for reading on the other hand reducing the prescription will help you be able to see things like the VDU better while still being able to read.

If you were happy before the test and no one told you that you absolutely need new glasses then I'd stick to what you have.

kirtondm

Sorry this isn't right. Reducing the power of a hyperope is much more likely to cause problems than reducing the power of a myope.

If you are not having any problems it probably does not matter if they are a bit strong. If you are over 45 and have a seperate reading prescription then reducing the power of a myope will improve the reading. Reducing the power of a hyperope will make reading more difficult.

How overpowered are they. If 2 steps or more I would reduce the power in absence of symptoms. If you are having symptoms I would reduce the power even if a small change.

Symptoms would be tired eyes or headaches that kind of thing.

I assuming single vision rather than varifocals / bifocals scenario

notanewuser

Thanks for all the replies. Not sure what my glasses prescription is, but it's not massive (contact lenses are -2.75 both sides). I'm short sighted - have to wear specs for driving and watching TV. I'm between 35 and 40 and astigmatic (if that's relevant). Only change since last test is that I've been doing more reading (textbooks and on phone) and found myself lifting my glasses up to do so. Optometrist said that as we near a particular birthday focussing changes and reading at about a foot from my face is where I'd see that change. He thinks I'd be more comfortable with a slightly lower strength.

kirtondm

I agree that reducing the power would help the reading. - You are a bit young for varifocals just yet!

nedmundo

The best thing to do is ask them to demonstrate the difference. Then you can see how significant it is and make your own decision.

notanewuser

But hard to do that when I do most of my reading at night but may well try. Current frames could probably do with deglazing anyways.

Thanks for all the advice.

sidefx

kirtondm wrote: »

I agree that reducing the power would help the reading. - You are a bit young for varifocals just yet!

Out of pure interest and not knowing much about prescription glasses, can I ask why you think the OP is a bit young for varifocals?

At what age do they become suitable?

Genuinely curious!