Prescription

Nearsighted vs Farsighted: What’s the Difference?

Many people get confused between the terms nearsightedness and farsightedness. While they are both common refractive errors that cause blurry vision, they are two very different conditions.

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are called refractive errors because they occur when the eye is unable to refract, or focus, light directly onto the retina. This results in blurred vision, though at varying distances, depending on which of these refractive errors you have.

What Is Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness (myopia) causes objects in the distance to appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes the light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia typically begins in childhood, but can worsen until the eye reaches its adult size, at around age 20.

Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Blurry distance vision
Squinting
Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
Difficulties with night vision, especially driving
Headaches
Eyestrain

Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses and, in many cases, laser refractive surgery.

Myopia management is a customized program recommended when nearsightedness progresses each year, since the program can slow down or even stop the myopia from worsening.

What Is Farsightedness?

Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes nearby objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the curve of the cornea is too flat. This causes light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.

Hyperopia is often present from birth and can lead to a lazy eye or eye turn in some children.

Symptoms of Farsightedness

Headaches while performing near work
Eyestrain
Squinting
Burning and aching in or around the eyes
Trouble focusing on nearby objects, such as books or a computer screen, or while engaged in crafts or hobbies

Farsightedness can be corrected with eyeglasses and contact lenses.

If your child is showing signs of a vision problem, contact Overland Optical Family Eye Care, conveniently located in Overland and St. Charles to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors and staff are here to provide you with the utmost care and answer any questions you may have.

At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we put your family’s needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 314-254-2211 or book an appointment online to see one of our Overland eye doctors.

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Q&A

What is myopia management?

Myopia management offers effective methods to help stop or slow the rate of myopia progression. Myopia progression not only increases the optical prescription, but heightens a child’s risk for developing sight-threatening diseases in the future.

Is farsightedness the same as presbyopia?

No. While both of these vision conditions affect near vision clarity, they have two different underlying causes.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common refractive error that is typically diagnosed in childhood, while presbyopia is an age-related condition, usually first noticed after age 45, that causes the focusing lens of the eye to stiffen, resulting in blurry near vision.

Everything You Need To Know About Prescription Sunglasses

Make sure your eyes are protected with prescription sunglasses all year round. They combine the advantages of traditional sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses by protecting your eyes while allowing you to see clearly.

If you haven’t already purchased a pair, here are some benefits of prescription sunglasses you may not know.

Eye Protection – Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV and blue light, which can cause eye irritation and fatigue. The majority of our frames provide 100% UV protection as well as partial blue light protection, in addition to protection from dust, insects, and dirt particles.

Convenience – Wearing a pair of prescription sunglasses is like having two pairs of glasses in one! You won’t have to bother with contacts or clip-ons, and you won’t have to wear non-prescription sunglasses over your regular glasses.

Optical Clarity – Prescription sunglasses are customized to your prescription and help you see well even in harsh sunlight. Say goodbye to squinting while driving or enjoying time outdoors.

Contact Issues – Have your contacts become a source of frustration or expense? When your eyes are getting dry or you just need a break from dealing with contacts, prescription sunglasses are a terrific solution.

Need prescription sunglasses? Done. Visit PRACTICE in LOCATION. Our staff can answer all your questions and help you find the prescription sunglasses that best suit you.

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Q&A

Can I get prescription sunglasses with bifocals?

Yes, you might believe prescription sunglasses offer fewer options, but they don’t! In fact, they offer many of the same options as traditional eyeglasses, including bifocals.

If I get prescription sunglass lenses polarized, will that affect the prescription?

A polarized filter is a film placed over the lens; therefore, it has no effect on the lens prescription.

Same-Day Eyeglass Replacement and Repair

You know that sinking feeling when you or your child lose or break a much-needed pair of eyeglasses? Now, there’s no reason to panic. At Overland Optical Family Eye Care we understand that you can’t wait days to be able to see clearly. We’re proud to offer you expert same-day service for new glasses and repairs.

On-Site Lab

How do we offer same-day service? Thanks to our on-site lab, we don’t waste time sending your prescription and eyewear to a lab across town. Having an in-house lab that utilizes ultra-precise technology enables us to work quickly and efficiently, and to maintain quality control.

Just as important, we can adjust the new or repaired lenses and frames on the spot.

We offer same-day service for most prescription glasses, including those with specialized lenses: Transitions lenses, progressives (no-line bifocals), and glare-free single-vision lenses, among others.

Eyeglass Repairs

We know that eyeglasses withstand a lot of use and abuse, but sometimes the effects of daily wear and handling necessitate repairs. Frames may crack, a lens may get scratched or a screw may come loose. We can fix your eyewear promptly, no matter the type of repair needed.

Our experts are trained and experienced to provide quick, reliable service. Our goal is to put a pair of eyeglasses back on your face as soon as possible!

Contact Overland Optical Family Eye Care in Overland, St. Charles if you need to repair or replace your glasses.

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Wearing Colored Contact Lenses This Halloween? Beware and Take Care!

Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications.

Check out the bottom of the article about prescription Halloween contact lenses to really enhance your costume!

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by educating yourself and others about the dangers of wearing colored contact lenses without a prescription.

Why Can Over-The-Counter Colored Contact Lenses Cause Eye Damage?

Contact lenses made to change one’s appearance go by many names: cosmetic, theatrical, Halloween, circle, decorative, colored, or costume contact lenses. While it’s illegal to sell colored contact lenses without a prescription, authorities rarely enforce the law — which means they’re still accessible in many places.

Many people believe that wearing non-prescription color contact lenses can cause no harm. This unfortunate myth has led to many contact lens complications. For instance, when a person feels that a contact lens is “dry”, it could be because the lens is not a good fit. Ideally, the lens should follow the contour of the eye, and stay centered, with enough lens movement to allow tear exchange beneath the lens.

Furthermore, non-medical colored contact lenses are often produced by unlicensed manufacturers that tend to use inferior plastic and toxic materials, such as lead (often used in lens coloring), which can get absorbed through the eyes into the bloodstream. These illegal lenses may also contain high levels of bacteria from unsanitary packaging, shipping, and storage conditions.

Therefore, purchasing any kind of contact lenses without a prescription or medical oversight can result in a variety of eye complications, such as corneal abrasions, eye sores, conjunctivitis, other eye infections, vision impairment and, in rare cases, even permanent vision loss.

Even if you have perfect vision, all contact lenses, including colored contacts, require a prescription and proper fitting by an optometrist.

Contact us at Overland Optical Family Eye Care and make an appointment with Dr. Sara Schmitz, O.D., , and to get properly examined for a contact lens prescription.

The Dos and Don’ts of Colored Contact Lenses

DO make sure you undergo a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist who will measure your eyes and properly fit you for contact lenses.
DO get a valid prescription that includes the measurements, expiration date and the contact lens brand name.
DO purchase the decorative contact lenses from a reliable retailer (hint: they should demand a prescription.)
DO follow the contact lens hygiene directives (cleaning, inserting and removing lenses) provided by your eye doctor.
DO make sure to undergo follow-up eye exams as directed by your eye care professional.
DON’T ever share contact lenses with anyone else.

So don’t let an eye infection get in the way of your fun this Halloween. Wearing decorative lenses without a valid prescription can result in serious harm to your eyes, which can haunt you long after October 31st.

Get your comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting by an eye doctor in Overland at Overland Optical Family Eye Care.

Want costume or theatrical contact lenses for your upcoming Halloween costume?

Our contact lens supplier, ABBOptical, has a large variety of customized contact lenses that can be ordered with your prescription! We recommend that you contact us 2 weeks or more in advance to ensure your contacts are on time for the holiday.

https://www.abboptical.com/GOTHIKA-Lenses