Find answers to the most common questions about eye exams, spectacles, contact lenses, eye health, and the services we offer.
How often should I have a visual assessment?
Most adults should have a comprehensive visual assessment every 1–2 years, depending on their age, health, and risk factors. We recommend annual visual assessments for school-going children and contact lens wearers. Contact lens prescriptions cannot be renewed or repeated if they are older than 12 months, in accordance with HPCSA guidelines.
Has my prescription changed, and do I need new glasses?
Your visual assessment will determine whether your prescription has changed and if updated spectacles or contact lenses would improve your vision.
Why is my vision blurry even though I wear glasses?
Blurred vision can result from prescription changes, eye strain, dry eyes, or underlying eye health conditions. A thorough assessment can identify the cause.
Can staring at screens damage my eyes?
Blurred vision can result from prescription changes, eye strain, dry eyes, or underlying eye health conditions. A thorough assessment can identify the cause.
Why do my eyes feel dry, itchy, tired, or watery?
These symptoms are commonly associated with dry eye disease, allergies, screen use, or environmental factors. Effective treatments are available.
Are contact lenses safe to wear every day?
Yes, when worn and cared for correctly. Annual visual assessments are essential to ensure your lenses remain safe, comfortable, and appropriate for your eyes. Proper hygiene and following your optometrist’s recommendations help reduce the risk of complications and infection.
Can too much screen time affect my child’s eyesight?
Excessive near work and screen use may contribute to eye strain and myopia progression. Because children’s vision plays an important role in learning and development, we recommend annual visual assessments for all school-going children.
What are the signs of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration?
Many eye diseases develop without early symptoms. Regular visual assessments help detect these conditions before vision is affected.
Can a visual assessment detect other health problems?
Yes. Visual assessments can reveal signs of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic health concerns.
What do floaters and flashes mean?
While often harmless, sudden increases in floaters or flashes may indicate a retinal problem and should be assessed promptly.
Why am I struggling to drive at night?
Prescription changes, cataracts, dry eyes, or increased sensitivity to glare can cause night vision difficulties.
Why do I get headaches when reading or using a computer?
Headaches may be linked to eye strain, focusing issues, uncorrected vision problems, or prolonged screen use.
Will wearing glasses make my eyes dependent on them?
No. Glasses simply provide clearer vision and do not weaken your eyes or make them reliant on correction.
Am I a candidate for laser eye surgery?
Suitability for laser eye surgery can only be determined by an ophthalmologist after a comprehensive assessment. We can refer you for a consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
What can I do to prevent vision loss as I age?
Regular visual assessments, a healthy lifestyle, UV protection, and managing medical conditions all help preserve long-term eye health.
Why are my eyes changing now that I'm over 40?
Age-related changes in focusing ability, known as presbyopia, are common and may require reading glasses, multifocals, or other vision solutions.
Could vision problems be affecting my child’s learning?
Vision problems can sometimes affect reading, concentration, eye tracking, and classroom performance. A comprehensive visual assessment can help identify whether vision is contributing to these challenges.
Which lenses are best for me?
The ideal lenses depend on your lifestyle, occupation, and visual needs. We can recommend options including multifocals, occupational lenses, blue light filters, transition lenses, and anti-reflective coatings.
Are all multifocal lenses the same?
No, all multifocal lenses are not the same.
This is one of the most common misconceptions patients have. While all multifocal (progressive) lenses are designed to help you see at multiple distances without visible lines, there can be significant differences in design, comfort, performance, and adaptation.
“Think of multifocal lenses like cars. They all get you from A to B, but a basic model and a luxury model offer very different levels of comfort, performance, and technology. The best lens for you depends on your visual needs, lifestyle, and budget.”
How do multifocal lenses Differ?
No, all multifocal lenses are not the same.
This is one of the most common misconceptions patients have. While all multifocal (progressive) lenses are designed to help you see at multiple distances without visible lines, there can be significant differences in design, comfort, performance, and adaptation.
Why are some multifocals so much more expensive?
The price difference usually reflects:
- More advanced lens design technology
- Wider viewing zones
- Less distortion
- Greater customization
- Better adaptation success rates
- Additional coatings and lens materials
The goal is not simply to provide vision at multiple distances, but to provide the most comfortable and natural visual experience possible.
Patients who spend long hours on computers, drive frequently, or demand high visual performance often notice a significant difference between entry-level and premium multifocal lenses.
What should I do in an eye emergency?
If you experience an eye emergency during office hours, please contact our practice and we will guide you to the most appropriate healthcare professional or facility. For emergencies occurring after hours, we recommend seeking immediate attention at your nearest emergency department or emergency eye care facility.
How can I keep my eyes healthy for life?
1. Lens Design Technology
Different manufacturers use different designs and algorithms to distribute the prescription throughout the lens.
Basic designs have narrower reading and intermediate zones.
Premium designs provide wider fields of view and smoother transitions between distances.
Digital or freeform designs are individually surfaced for greater precision.
2. Viewing Areas
The width of the:
- Distance zone
- Computer/intermediate zone
- Reading zone
can vary considerably between lens designs.
Higher-end lenses generally offer wider usable vision areas and less peripheral distortion.
3. Adaptation Comfort
Some multifocals are easier to adapt to than others because of:
Better control of unwanted astigmatism.
Smoother progression between viewing distances.
Personalized fitting parameters.
4. Personalization
Premium multifocals may be customized based on:
- Frame shape and size
- Pantoscopic tilt
- Vertex distance
- Wrap angle
- Eye dominance
- Lifestyle and occupational needs
This can improve visual comfort and reduce head movements.
5. Lifestyle Suitability
Different designs are optimized for different activities:
- General everyday wear
- Heavy computer use
- Driving
- Office work
- Active lifestyles
A lens that works perfectly for one patient may not be ideal for another.