What Are Prescription Glasses? Your Complete Guide
Prescription glasses are eyewear specifically designed to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and age-related focus issues like presbyopia.
Prescription lenses are custom-made to a prescription prescribed by optometrists after an eye exam.
Prescription lenses work by bending (or refracting) light so it focuses correctly on the wearer’s retina. When the light hits the right spot, your retina makes your vision correct, sharper, and more precise.
Whether you're squinting at distant road signs or struggling to read the fine print, prescription glasses are designed to help you see everything clearly and live comfortably.
Learn why they matter in your life here.
From driving to reading the paper, prescription glasses help your eyes do their job, providing clear vision without straining.
According to the World Health Organisation over 2.2 billion people globally have vision problems, and about three-quarters of adults need a little optical backup to correct their vision. By 2030 the World Health Organisation estimates that 3.36 billion people will have vision problems due to the onset of myopia.
Key Takeaways:
- Prescription glasses are precisely measured to the exact requirements of your eyes to ensure they suit your exact vision needs.
- Single-vision is the most commonly used lens in prescription eyeglasses.
- Headaches and eye strain are signs that should prompt you to get a pair of prescription glasses.
- Genetics and increased use of phones and tablets is causing a global increase in myopia; by the year 2050, half the global population will be myopic.
Don’t wait - get your eyes tested and get a pair of prescription glasses that improve your vision!
INDEX
What Are Prescription Glasses and How Do They Work?
Vision Problems That Prescription Glasses Fix
Common Terms in a Glasses Prescription
How to Choose the Right Prescription Glasses
Why Regular Eye Tests Are Important
What Are Prescription Glasses and How Do They Work?
Prescription glasses are corrective eyewear worn to correct blurred vision and provide sharp vision. The lenses alter light rays entering the eye to bring the focus onto your retina - the screen at the back of your eye.
There are two main types of corrective lenses:
- Concave lenses (minus lenses): For those who are short-sighted (myopic), these push the light further back where it needs to be.
- Convex lenses (plus lenses): These bring the light forward, designed specifically for long-sightedness (hyperopia) or age-related focus issues like presbyopia.
With the right prescription lenses you’ll notice a huge difference in your vision. Less squinting, fewer headaches, and a clearer view of the world around you.
Vision Problems That Prescription Glasses Fix
You'll usually wear prescription glasses to fix one of these common vision issues:
Myopia (Near or Short sightedness)
Myopia is the difficulty of seeing distant objects. It happens when the cornea is too curved or if you have a longer eyeball.
With myopia, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of at it, making your distance vision blurry beyond a certain distance. Myopia is often inherited and usually becomes apparent in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
Symptoms:
- Squinting to try and see clearly
- Eye strain that causes headaches
- Blurry vision when you look at objects beyond a certain distance
- Having a hard time seeing road signs while driving
Hyperopia (Far or Long sightedness)
Hyperopia happens when the cornea is flatter or the eyeball is shorter. The light focuses behind the retina rather than directly on it, affecting near vision.
Symptoms:
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Blurred vision when reading or doing close work
- Headaches
Prescription glasses with convex lenses converge light rays so they focus on the retina, sharpening near vision and easing eye strain for close-up tasks.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the eye's lens or cornea is more oval than round. This uneven curve causes light to focus on many points in the eye rather than just one, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
Because of the eye's irregular shape, Toric lenses are often used to provide clear vision. They're customised to correct specific distorted angles in the eyes.
Presbyopia
This is a vision decline, where an individual gradually loses the ability to focus on nearby objects. Presbyopia usually begins around 40 when the lenses become less flexible. Focusing on tasks like using a phone or reading can be hard when you have this condition.
Progressive and multifocal lenses are used to correct presbyopia. They gradually transition from distance vision at the top, to near vision at the bottom. You can see clearly at all distances without switching glasses.
Don’t wait until your vision worsens. Get your pair of prescription glasses here!
Common Terms in a Glasses Prescription
Understand how these common terms can help you get the most suitable lenses, so your next optometrist visit doesn’t sound like rocket science:
- Sphere Power: This measures the strength needed to correct hyperopia or myopia.
- Cylinder Power: This refers to the amount of lens power needed to correct astigmatism.
- Axis: This is the direction of astigmatism correction, usually written in degrees.
- ADD or Addition: This is the additional magnifying power for multifocal prescriptions.
- Pupillary Distance (PD): This means the distance between the centres of your pupils for lens alignment. Also referred to as Binocular PD or Monocular PD.
Types of Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses have many designs that suit your outfit, lifestyle, and visual needs. Here are some of the common ones:
Single Vision Lenses
These lenses have a single focus and can correct either Myopia (near) or Hyperopia (distant) vision. However, it can't correct both. Younger people with myopia or hyperopia use them, as they're ideal for one visual need.
Progressive Lenses
These lenses correct presbyopia and give a seamless transition between multiple prescriptions. They give a gradual change in focus and a more natural viewing experience without the vision jump with bifocals and trifocals.
These are typically much better prescription lenses than bifocal or trifocal.
Computer (Occupational) Glasses
Computer glasses are made for prolonged screen use to reduce discomfort and eye strain. They help reduce headaches and dry eyes associated with extended screen time. These lenses are designed for intermediate and wide screen focus.
Bifocals and Trifocals
They provide a set of two to three focus lengths, catering to different distances. Bifocal lenses have an upper portion for distance vision, and the lower portion is for near tasks like reading. Trifocal lenses have an additional middle section for intermediate vision, which is useful if you do a lot of computer work.
Lens Upgrades
Photochromic Lenses
These lenses adapt to changing light conditions. They darken in UV sunlight and become clear indoors. They also provide UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful radiation. If you always move between indoor and outdoor environments, get a pair of glasses with photochromic lenses so you don’t have to continually switch glasses.
You can combine photochromic lenses with your prescription glasses.
Polarised Lenses
Polarised lenses are sunglass optical lenses, specifically designed to reduce glare from reflective surfaces. They do this through a unique filter that manages how light waves pass through the lens.
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are an important upgrade that can massively improve the performance of your prescription glasses. Here are a few that are worth considering:
- UV protection: Protects your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Scratch-resistant: Maintains the sharp quality of lenses, stops scratches from affecting your vision, and extends their lifespan.
- Anti-reflective: Reduces glare from reflections from water, windscreens, glass, and other reflective surfaces.
How to Choose the Right Prescription Glasses
Your glasses are your best friend. They should suit your personal needs and reflect your style. When choosing your prescription glasses, consider these things:
Frame Styles
Pick a style that fits your vibe and daily routine.
Face Shape Considerations
Different styles of glasses frames suit different face shapes. Think about which style best suits you:
- Round faces: Rectangular or angular frames.
- Square faces: Rounder frames.
- Oval faces: Suits any frame style.
- Heart-shaped faces: Bottom-heavy or rimless frames.
Different Frame Styles for Different Purposes
- Flatter frame fronts can be used for most purposes.
- Wrap frames can help reduce wind and dust exposure.
- Positive seal frames are splash and dust resistant.
Budget vs High-End
This is a big decision you need to consider thoroughly. Budget prescription glasses may save you money, but they might not be as durable as you want them to be - meaning you may have buy again! They may also lack extra coatings to improve performance and protect your eyes.
Pricier glasses may hit the wallet a little harder, but often feel better, look better, and last longer, and you can usually get more custom options.
Why Regular Eye Tests Are Important
Scheduled eye tests keep you on top of your eye health and your prescription glasses updated. Here are some pointers to remember:
How Often Do You Check Your Eyes
Adults (18–60 years old): Every 1–2 Years
If you don't have vision problems, get a comprehensive eye exam every year or two.
Get annual checkups if you always wear glasses or have a family history of eye conditions.
Checkups detect signs of eye disease before they can get worse.
Children: Annually or As Advised by an Eye Doctor
Children's eyes develop fast, and detecting vision problems is crucial for their learning and development. An infant or toddler should have their first eye exam at six months and three years of age. If your child is already in school, they should have yearly eye exams.
Seniors: Annually
People 60 years and older can quickly develop eye conditions, like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Annual exams are important for spotting and managing vision problems.
Signs You May Need a New Prescription
Changes to your vision usually happen slowly over time. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to get an eye test and a new prescription:
- Frequent headaches: Uncorrected vision may strain your eyes, leading to headaches after reading or screen use.
- Blurred or double vision: You may find it hard to focus on close and distant objects. It can mean your prescription glasses are no longer effective.
- Squinting or trouble seeing at night: Having difficulties seeing clearly in low-light conditions or constant squinting can be a common indicator of deteriorating eyesight.
Consequences of Ignoring Vision Changes
It’s easy to ignore or put off your eye tests. But there are consequences of not looking after your eyes:
- Increased risk of accidents and falls: In the worst instances, poor vision can mess up your balance and depth perception, making you more susceptible to falls or misjudging distances, especially when you're driving.
- Reduced performance: Reading, writing, and doing screen-based tasks become gradually more difficult if you don’t look after your eyes.
- Persistent eye discomfort: Issues like eye fatigue, discomfort, and dryness can make daily tasks more tiring.
Personalise Your Protection
At SafeStyle, we offer the world’s first stylish prescription safety glasses.
We’ve revolutionised the world of stylish safety glasses - and are now expanding our offering to prescription safety glasses.
In the workplace, it’s even more important to wear the right prescription safety glasses to avoid costly mistakes, annoying mishaps, and serious accidents.
If you’re not wearing the right prescription lenses on the job, the dangers are huge, and the consequences could be horrific.
Make sure you get your eyes tested regularly and wear the correct prescription on site.
The SafeStyle prescription range includes four iconic frame types:
- Fusions - SafeStyle’s most popular frame, featuring a rectangular style that suits everyone
- Classics - The first SafeStyle frame that started the stylish safety revolution
- Cruisers - SafeStyle’s retro-styled circular frame that effortlessly takes you ‘from the worksite to the weekend’
- Fusions XL - SafeStyle’s crowd favourite Fusions frame, only 15% bigger, so it’s way more comfortable for those bigger-headed legends.
Choose the frame that suits your style!
If you love wearing your safety glasses, you’re far more likely to remember to wear them on site (and off site!)
Shop SafeStyle Prescription at your local SafeStyle stocking Optometrist, or shop Single Vision prescription pairs online.
