FAQ
I See Clearly. Why Do I Need to See the Eye Doctor?
- Yearly eye examinations are the only way to detect “silent” diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, and other conditions in their early stages. Many systemic diseases can affect eye health, so regular exams with your eye doctor are crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and management.
How Often Should I Have an Eye Examination?
As an eye doctor, we recommend having an eye test yearly, but a two-year cycle is acceptable for maintaining good eye health.
Do You Claim from Medical Aids?
Yes, as your trusted eye doctor, we are contracted with most medical aids. If there is a portion not covered by the medical aid, we require a 50% deposit to order the spectacles, with the balance due upon completion and collection.
Is a Driver’s License Assessment a Full Eye Examination?
No, it is not a full eye examination. It is a short screening test that checks your sight and visual fields. You will receive a certificate valid for three months.
What Tests Are Done in an Eye Examination?
During an eye examination, your eye doctor will offer the following:
- Questions on vision difficulties, any medical or ocular diseases, and any family history of diseases.
- Measurement of the refractive status of your eyes.
- Measurement of eye muscle balance at distance and near.
- Measurement of eye pressure.
- Evaluation of the external and internal structures of your eye.
- Advice on eye care, spectacle lens options, and information on contact lenses.
Will Wearing Spectacles Make My Vision Worse?
No, wearing spectacles will not worsen your vision. Your brain will simply enjoy the clearer, more comfortable image provided by your spectacles.
Does Computer Screen Time Damage My Eyes?
No, there is no evidence that computer screen time damages the eye. It is essential to take regular breaks while reading or using any digital screen. The 20/20/20 rule is vital to the eye, allowing it to rest every 20 minutes by looking at a distant object 20 feet away (6m) for 20 seconds.
Is It Good for the Eyes to Wear Off-the-Shelf Reading Glasses?
It is not ideal to wear off-the-shelf reading glasses, especially if your eyes require different powers. These readers do not correct for astigmatism and are not tailored to each person’s eyes, potentially causing more fatigue and strain.
Can You Polish Scratches Off Lenses?
Most prescribed lenses are plastic. While plastic lenses are lighter and safer, they scratch more easily. A hard coat can be applied, but it is not full protection against scratches.
What Foods Are Good for My Eyes?
- Raw Red Peppers: Rich in vitamin C, good for blood vessels in your eyes, potentially lowering the risk of cataracts.
- Sunflower Seeds and Nuts: High in vitamin E, which can slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and help prevent cataracts.
- Dark, Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are rich in vitamins C and E and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which lower the risk of eye diseases.
- Salmon: Contains DHA and EPA, omega-3 fatty acids essential for retina health, protecting against AMD and glaucoma.
- Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, aiding night vision and providing vitamin C and E.
- Lean Meat and Poultry: High in zinc, which helps vitamin A produce protective pigment melanin.
- Beans and Legumes: Chickpeas, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and lentils are high in zinc.
- Eggs: The zinc in eggs helps the body use lutein and zeaxanthin from the yolk, protecting against harmful blue light.
- Squash: Provides lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts: Contain antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which protect eye cells from free radicals.