Why NOT to Buy Eyewear or Glasses Online

Did you know that in Massachusetts the state regulates that eyewear is a medical device and by law it is required to be fit and dispensed (provided) by a qualified licensed Optician or a registered apprentice? On-line businesses do not follow this regulation, however they are permitted to provide eyewear because they are based outside of state and/or country lines. Your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist is required to provide you the needed binocular pupillary measurement, known as your PD.  However, this is a generic measurement that may not result in a pair of eyewear with optimal visual performance, especially if you wear progressive (no-line) lenses or have a difficult prescription.

 At Center for Sight there are several measurements and considerations we use when customizing a pair of eyeglasses that includes a monocular pupillary or visual center measurement (VCP), your visual needs, prescription, lens type, frame style, wrap angle, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, base curve, head and facial features, the intended use for your eyewear and previous eyewear worn. When fitting eyewear we also make precision adjustments so you are looking through the optical center of the lens.  Our Opticians also want your frame to fit properly so they do not slip on your nose, pinch the sides of your head, leave red marks or cause discomfort behind your ears or on your nose.  Any of these concerns may cause headaches and/or decreased vision.  The human face is not symmetrical left to right so using only your binocular PD will not place the pupils in the visual center of the lens and possibly cause distortion, unwanted prism and headaches. Taking this measurement yourself- as some online stores request you do is tricky-somewhat akin to trying to cut your own hair. To us, you are our patient, to them only a customer! 

If you or someone you know needs an eye exam, please schedule one at Center for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver  to schedule an appointment. 

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Computer Use, Your Eyes & Eyestrain

There are some important things to know about computer and video display terminal use in regards to your eyes and eyestrain. Staring at your computer screen, smart phone, video game or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes may feel dry and tired. Although there are no long-term studies at this time, we do not believe there is any reason to be concerned that 3-D movies, TV or video games will damage the eyes or visual system.

Normally, you blink about 18 times a minute, but you only blink half that often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eyestrain of a similar nature.

It is helpful in avoiding computer related eyestrain if you first position yourself about24” from the screen you are viewing and with your eye gaze is slightly downward. It also helps to reduce glare from the screen by lighting the area properly and if possible use a screen filter if needed. It may seem silly but post a note that says “Blink!” on the computer as a reminder. Then, use the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. It is also helpful to use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Make sure that you take regular breaks from computer work, and be sure to get enough sleep at night. Now, if you wear contact lenses for the computer screen it’s important that you use and care for them properly in order to avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems. Also, give your eyes a break and wear your glasses instead of your contacts sometime. Consider a special prescription and lens coating for computer use to help manage eyestrain and fatigue.

If you wish to learn more about computers, vision, eyestrain and your eyes call at Center for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight, Google or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver  to schedule an appointment.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.