Glasses & Sunglasses

There are two different types of eyeglass lens designs: single vision and multifocal. Single vision lenses are all-purpose lenses designed to correct distance vision. Multifocal lenses are designed to correct both distance vision and near vision. The upper portion of the lens is focused for distance vision, while the bottom portion is used for up-close activities such as reading.

Multifocal lenses are placed in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia, the eye’s natural diminished ability to focus on near objects that comes with age. There are several different types of multifocal lenses.

Progressive lenses function generally the same way as bifocals or trifocals; however, they have a smooth transition between distance and near focal areas instead of visible dividing lines.

If you don’t need correction for seeing at a distance, you can get reading glasses (also called readers) to correct presbyopia. No exercise or medication can reverse presbyopia. Delaying the use of reading glasses is of no benefit. You will probably need to change your eyeglass prescription from time to time between the ages of 40 and 60 because your eye’s natural lens will continue to lose flexibility and, therefore, focusing ability. The Rock Hill Eye Center offers a number of types of reading glasses, including magnetic, Front Connect Readers.

Several scientific studies indicate that spending long hours in the sun without eye protection can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer. Based on these studies, ophthalmologists recommend that you wear 99 percent and higher UV-absorbent sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun for long periods of time. The best sunglasses offer 100 percent UV absorption, are of the best optical quality, and are impact resistant.

If you wear contact lenses, they may not protect your eyes from UV light. There are contact lenses available with UV protection. If you do not have contact lenses that absorb UV light, you need to protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Sunglasses cannot protect your eyes from certain intense light sources. Arc welding, tanning beds/lights, snowfields, or gazing directly at the sun (especially during a solar eclipse) for example, can severely damage your eyes. Looking at any of these light sources without adequate protection can cause a painful corneal condition called photokeratitis or even damage to the retina, causing a permanent loss of central vision. Your ophthalmologist can recommend the appropriate measures to take to protect your eyes in special situations.

The Rock Hill Eye Center carries a wide variety of sunglasses to meet your needs and style. Additionally, the Rock Hill Eye Center also offers prescription sunglasses for those that need corrective lenses to see at a distance. Come see what the Rock Hill Eye Center’s optical shop can offer you today.