Question 1 : Question 2 : Question 3 : Question 4 : Question 5 : Question 6

Because Eyelines cares about your health, we have put together some of the questions that we are most frequently asked about eyecare and your vision, and had our optometrists to answer them.

Eyes and eye conditions vary from person to person and these answers are generic,
so please remember that we would like you to come in and talk to us with any concerns you may have regarding your eyesight and the many ways that we can help you.
 
Question 1 : At what age can my child's eyes be tested?
No child is too young to have their eyes examined - an optometrist has a diverse number of techniques and tests, and will choose the most appropriate ones in accordance with the age of the child. All children should have their eyes checked
before they start school. [top]
 
Question 2 : If I have my eyes examined, and the optometrist finds something,
will I automatically get glasses?
An important part of an optometric examination is for the optometrist and patient to discuss the patient's eye problems, the findings and the resultant best solution.
It is not uncommon for an optometrist to find a refractive error (i.e. long or short sightedness). If a person is not experiencing detrimental effects from this,
spectacles may not be necessary at all. [top]
 
Question 3 : Can contact lenses damage my eyes?
Any medical aid, if not used according to instruction, can cause damage.
It is the role of the optometrist, in discussion with the patient, to ensure that the
ins and outs of the contact lens wear are well understood, and through regular monitoring of the eyes that both the eyes and contact lenses are in good,
healthy condition. [top]

Question 4 : Can I swim in contact lenses?
Under certain conditions, it is safe to swim in contact lenses.
The most important factor is the water quality as water borne infections or diseases
can remain on soft contact lenses if not cleaned and disinfected properly. [top]
 
Question 5 : If I get glasses, do I have to wear them all the time?
Different people need to wear spectacles for different reasons. Short sighted people usually need spectacles to see in the distance, but can often manage without them up close. Long sighted people regularly need glasses only for reading, possibly computer work as well. Those over the age of 40-45 will also find that they may require spectacles to read small print, while the distance vision remains good. These are concerns your optometrist can discuss with you during a normal consultation. [top]

Question 6 : Can glasses make my eyes worse?
Spectacles, when properly prescribed cannot make your eyes deteriorate.
Refractive error is to do with the size and shape of your eyeball.
Wearing a physical appliance such as spectacles cannot cause the shape or
size of your eye to change in any way. Eyes change for a variety of reasons,
such as age, genetic predisposition, health - an optometrist can discuss these issues
with you during a routine examination. [top]