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Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

01

How often should I get my eyes checked even if I’m not having any problems? 

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Generally, it is required that you have your eyes tested every TWO years as changes can occur which may not cause recognisable symptoms.  Having a regular eye test can also detect underlying problems such as; high blood pressure, diabetes & glaucoma. If there is a family history of any health conditions such as; diabetes, glaucoma or cataracts then it is advised to have your eyes checked on a yearly basis. 

 

 

02

Will a medical card cover the cost of an eye test? 

Medical card holders are required to fill out the required form (available from our practice) & await authorisation before an eye test will be covered.  Glasses may also be covered by a medical card.  PRSI contributions may also cover the cost of an eye test after your PPS number has been authorised.  Competitive rates are offered to students & a child’s first initial eye test is FREE at our practice.

 

03

Why do I need a contact lens prescription/check up? I have no problems with my lenses, they are clear & comfortable 

Although your contact lenses may feel comfortable & your vision sharp, you can still have problems.  Signs of oxygen deprivation or lens binding from a tight lens may have no symptoms at all.   Yet if left unmanaged serious problems can develop.  During a contact lens check up all aspects of the lens fit & function will be assessed & any concerns addressed.  Remember, a contact lens is a medical device & as such, its use should be monitored regularly.  In Ireland, you must have your lenses checked on an annual basis.

04

I wear monthly disposable contact lenses but only on an infrequent basis, once or twice a week.  My optometrist told me I still need to discard the lenses one month after opening even if I have only worn them five times.  Why? 

Disposable contact lenses are licensed & given approval for a specified duration of use.  This commences when they are removed from their sterile packaging.  This means that after this advised time, be it two weeks or one month etc, the performance of the lens cannot be guaranteed by the manufacturer.  After this specified time the lens may be less resistant to deposits & be more fragile & the visual performance & lens integrity cannot be compromised.  It is not your optometrist who dictates when the lenses need to be discarded but the licensing authority for contact lens manufacturers.

05

How would I know if my child has a problem with his/her vision?

If your child has a problem with his/her eyes, the key to preventing problems is early detection.  5 – 10% of pre-school children have problems with their eyes & 25% of school-going children have vision problems so it is imperative to look out for the following signs:

  • Holding things very close to the face                 

  • Complaining of not being able to see the television or blackboard

  • Frequent headaches

  • Eye rubbing or blinking

  • Reduced attention span

  • Tilting the head to one side

  • Difficulty in retention of information which has been previously read

  • Repeatedly loosing place when reading

There may not be a problem but remember, if there is, the earlier it is detected, the better.

06

07

My child needs glasses, where do I start?

You may have your child’s prescription from the local hospital or simply had an eye exam with us, either way, choosing frames is quite simple:

  • Choose a suitable frame shape so that your child is looking through the centre of the lens

  • Frame sides should have a spring joint

  • Frame should be snug over the nose & secure behind the ears

  • Lenses can be thinned down to keep them light & improve appearance of high prescriptions

  • Always have a spare pair of glasses with the up to date prescription

  • Keep glasses in a hard case & clean regularly to maintain the lenses.

Children up to the age of sixteen who are referred from the HSE are covered for frame and lenses which are dispensed in store.  These frames are not the most stylish, although, if you prefer a more expensive frame for your child, we can deduct the benefit from the cost of the preferred frame so all you pay is the balance and your child is excited about getting his/her new colourful, ultra-cool glasses!

I spend a lot of time using a computer- should I be wearing specific glasses for computer use?

 

Yes.  Over-exposure to the high intensity blue light emitted by digital devices including a computer screen can lead to eye strain & eye fatigue.  Hoya BlueControl lenses neutralise a substantial proportion of the blue light which reduces glare & improves contrast, resulting in more comfortable, relaxed vision & a better colour experience.  BlueControl lenses also have the added benefits of being scratch resistant, anti-reflective, water & dirt repellent & anti-static.

 

 

 

 

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