Your optometrist has just handed you a prescription for lenses. Do you really have to fill the prescription? You should have basic knowledge to know whether or not it is beneficial to spend money on prescription eye glasses.
If your prescription is only a quarter diopter or less (.12 to .25 (+ or -)), it isn’t really a necessity. Your vision is very close to perfect. However, if there is another number after the first one with a x sign, such as -.25 -.50 x90, that is what the optometrist has prescribed to correct cylinder, making it necessary to wear eye glasses. But one number, .25 or less, with none following, you can leave without spending money on eye glasses if you wish.
Of course the optometrist in a retail setting is as knowledgeable as the optometrist in a private practice. They both went to school the same amount of time. But keep in mind the optometrist in the retail store is an employee of the store or works under a contract, and most likely he/she wants that contract renewed. They will suggest you should have your prescription filled in their place of business.
Now, if on your prescription there is an add power written, this is the power of magnification you need for reading. If you have .25 or less with no cylinder but require magnification, (example -.25 / +1.00 add), you can either have your prescription filled there or go to a department store that sells over the counter readers.
If you choose to get your reading glasses over the counter and you don’t have a prescription with you, first try out a low power; +.75. Get a paper-back book off the rack, put on the glasses and without much thought, hold the book at a natural distance for you. Everyone reads at a slightly different distance. Just hold the book away from you as you normally would without the glasses on. Can you see the words clearly? If not, don’t hold the book further away to focus. Go to the next higher magnification; +1.00. Stop when you can see the print clearly. Don’t get higher magnification than you need, as your eyes will become accustomed to the higher power and soon become dependent on it. It is natural to need more magnification as you get older. Don’t rush it!
let’s discuss lens material. If you are having a prescription filled, an optician will most likely help you to choose your frame and lenses. Now days you have the choice between plastic (CR39 or PSR) or polycarbonate lenses. The optician will suggest polycarbonate. If you can afford the few extra dollars, this is the better choice. They are impact resistant and the lenses are grounded thinner than plastic. The thickness on a minus prescription is on the edges of the lens and the thickness on a plus prescription is in the center. If you have a minus prescription (for improved distance vision), you should not only choose polycarbonate lenses, but a smaller frame. The smaller the frame, the thinner the lens.
Here is a big rip off that many opticians will try to talk you in to — suggesting you pay extra for a scratch-resistant coating. There is no magic coating to prevent your lenses from scratching. Just say no thanks! The so-called scratch-resistant coating is a farce. I worked for years in labs grinding prescriptions into lenses. If there were such a coating, I would have known about it. Many places give opticians incentive $ for this.
If you can afford it, say yes to anti-reflective coating. This is a lens with a coating that reduces glare which is great for night time driving.
Important: Even if you feel that you have perfect vision, see your eye doctor for routine examinations. You should have your eyes tested for glaucoma, cataracts, etc., especially if you have a medical condition, like diabetes. An eye doctor can tell much about what is going on with your health just by an eye examination.
