Vision Care

Most people, sooner or later, require eyeglasses of some kind. In general, vision problems are divided into two categories: near sightedness (being able to see clearly only that which is close up, or nearby) and far sightedness (being able to see clearly that which is far away, with small, nearby objects, such as printed words, appearing blurred). Typically, a person with nearsightedness wears eyeglasses regularly throughout his or her life. Farsightedness entails wearing glasses only for reading and other close up, detailed work, and tends to effect most people to some degree after age 40.

Eye care in the United States covers a spectrum from very basic to extremely specialized. General eye care is administered by an optometrist, who is trained and licensed to examine eyes and prescribe eyeglasses. The average person who needs glasses visits an optometrist who, upon examination, will prescribe lenses to correct his or her vision problem. The optometrist will also test for some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, and can discern if a more serious problem, such as cataracts, is present. If that is the case, the patient will be referred to an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in diseases of the eye. An ophthalmologist can also examine eyes and prescribe lenses, and if you have had a major change in vision or suspect a problem of some kind, it is a good idea to see an ophthalmologist. But for standard eye care, an optometrist provides quality attention. It is worth noting that since ophthalmologists are medical doctors, their fees are substantially higher than those of optometrists. Upon receiving your prescription for corrective lenses, you will take it to an optician to be filled.

Finding a Doctor

The umbrella organization for ophthalmologists is the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Its website contains a referral list for ophthalmologists, as well as a great deal of useful information about eye health and vision. Other sources for the referral of an ophthalmologist include your local hospital, the telephone book, and, of course, family, friends, and neighbors.

If You Need Glasses

Many times, eyeglasses are sold by businesses that employ both optometrists and opticians. This affords the patients a "one stop shopping situation." Good examples of this are the various large, eyewear chains, (i.e. Lenscrafters). Some large department store chains, (i.e. J.C. Penney) also have "one stop" eyewear departments. There are also small, local businesses that provide these services. However, there are also stores and boutiques that sell eyeglass frames and which include an optician on their staffs. You may take your eyeglass prescription to any of these places to be filled. The price of eyeglasses depends largely on your selection of frames, the more trendy or fashionable of which can range into several hundred dollars. Another pricing factor is the need for more complex lenses, such as bifocals. Add an additional cost for tinting, especially if you are having prescription sunglasses made up. Many of the larger eyeglass suppliers not only offer discounts on the cost but also usually fill your prescription quickly, in an hour or two.

If simple reading glasses are what you require, you most likely do not need a prescription. Most drugstores, "all-in-one" stores (i.e.WalMart) or supermarkets, carry nonprescription reading glasses. These are essentially magnifying glasses in a variety of strengths. And, they are very inexpensive. You may find that a pair of these will suit your need. If not, see an optometrist for an examination.

Contact Lenses

If you choose to wear contact lenses, you will be examined in the same way as for eyeglasses. In addition, the physical shape of your eye will be measured. Today, most people wear throwaway lenses, either for daily or extended wear. The prescription for these is usually filled at your optometrist's office, but there also are discount businesses available via the telephone or internet ( such as 1-800-CONTACT ) that provide this service. Also, many vision problems that previously could not be corrected with contact lenses now can be, such as multiple vision (requiring bifocals) or astigmatism.

Typically an Insurance plan will cover the care given by an ophthalmologist for medically viable situations, such as the diagnosis, surgery and care involved in the development of cataracts. Insurance may or may not cover the prescription and purchase of eyeglasses; some plans do, most do not.

Driver Licenses

All drivers licenses issued in the U.S. require that the applicant pass an eye examination. If you need to wear eyeglasses or contacts to pass this exam, you will be required to wear them while you drive. This requirement, usually printed as "corrective lenses" will be identified on your license.