What should we pay attention to when choosing them – fashion, quality, or price?
Recently, not only those with vision defects but also those who spend most of the day in front of computers and smartphones have shown an increase in the use of optical glasses. Some use these glasses because of vision problems, while others use them to temporarily relieve eye discomfort.
However, unfortunately, in many cases, the selection of glasses is not taken seriously enough. As a result, low-quality or unsuitable glasses for personal characteristics are chosen. In most cases, citizens do not seek specialist advice and only pay attention to the appearance and reasonable price. Some also order glasses online from shopping platforms. So, how do improperly chosen glasses affect our eyes and what problems do they cause?
The majority of people with poor vision tend to buy glasses mostly from pharmacies. Our research revealed that in some pharmacies operating in the capital, glasses are sold without special ophthalmologic examinations. At these pharmacies, customers’ eyes are “examined” on the spot and appropriate glasses are prescribed. Some of the personnel selling glasses in such places are not specialists in this field. Ophthalmologists state that such practices may lead to worsening vision problems in the future.
For this reason, we must pay attention even to the smallest details for the health of our eyes. The results of the survey conducted among residents of the capital showed that some value their eyes and follow doctors’ advice in time, while others fall victim to fashion by being deceived by appearances…
54-year-old Məmməd Hüseynov is among those who have become victims of fashion. According to him, he did not have serious eye problems before. However, in recent years, due to difficulty seeing close objects, he started using optical glasses. As a result, he experienced eye and headaches when wearing glasses. He said that because he did not consult a doctor in time, his eyesight has weakened slightly, and when choosing glasses, he mainly focused on the external appearance.
65-year-old Səkinə Əliyeva expressed regret, saying that she repeatedly bought various glasses from pharmacies without a doctor’s advice and as a result, her vision deteriorated further.
50-year-old Elmira Şabanova said that she mainly orders glasses online from foreign platforms based on affordable prices and appearance, but did not achieve positive results in vision.
47-year-old Arif Qurbanov said that he has been wearing glasses on doctors’ recommendations for many years and has not experienced serious vision problems so far.
We learned the opinions of Ilham Mikayıllı, an ophthalmologist at the Medical Main Department of the Ministry of Justice, on the subject. The specialist noted that optical glasses are not everyday items but medical devices that must be chosen based on precise examination:
– Experience shows that selection of glasses is often not done carefully enough, leading to eye and headaches, gradually worsening vision. Since optical glasses are medical devices, their selection must be based on medical principles. Proper examination is an essential condition here. Correct determination of the glasses’ prescription should not be limited to certain device measurements but must include examination of the eye’s distant and near vision capability, presence of astigmatism, strabismus, and whether eye movements are free and painless.
Since some vision defects in children and young age groups may remain hidden, a more thorough examination is of particular importance. Using old prescriptions or ready-made glasses often does not yield correct results.
The doctor also advised paying attention to the material and characteristics of the lens:
– Since the main element of optical glasses is the lens, its material is of special importance. Modern glasses mostly use plastic-based lenses. These lenses are light, safe, and more suitable for everyday use. In glasses with high prescriptions, lens thickness can cause aesthetic and functional discomfort. Therefore, selecting thinner lenses with advanced technological features is advisable. Lens quality affects not only vision clarity but also eye comfort during long-term use.
The ophthalmologist also noted the importance of protective coatings on optical glasses:
– Modern optical lenses use various protective and functional coatings. These coatings reduce light reflection, provide clearer lens visibility, and minimize eye fatigue. Such coatings are especially important for drivers and those who use electronic screens for extended periods. Additionally, ultraviolet filter lenses protecting against harmful sunlight have a fundamental role in preserving eye health.
Our interviewee also shared his views regarding optical glasses prescribed with special devices in pharmacies:
– Glasses sold in optical centers cannot simply be “written”; this is not correct. Because there are special mathematical calculations involved, which are very important. The doctor must correctly determine the degree of astigmatism and the eye’s prescription during examination.
Currently, devices called reflectometers are placed in places where optical glasses are sold, and glasses are prescribed based on the numbers obtained. However, selecting proper glasses based solely on numbers from this device is insufficient. During examinations, we recheck whether the numbers from the device truly match the patient’s eyes. For example, if the device shows -2, it doesn’t mean the patient must wear glasses with this prescription. It could be that the person sees perfectly with -1.5 glasses. But since there is no doctor to determine this in stores selling optical glasses, glasses are provided solely based on the device’s numbers. Assigning an excessive prescription number leads to certain vision problems.
Therefore, for choosing optical glasses, it is recommended to consult a field (family) doctor and ophthalmologists at primary healthcare institutions in the area. They conduct the necessary medical examinations and, if indicated, refer patients to state hospitals operating under TABIB.
Ilham Mikayıllı also emphasized the importance of having a quality certificate when buying optical glasses:
– It is easy to check the origin of glasses. Compare the brand name on the label with that written on the inside of the frame. Also check that the label indicates the manufacturer’s country, institution name, and its address. The quality document contains information about the lens material and how much the glasses protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays. Special attention should be paid to weight and color. For example, lighter lenses exert less pressure on the nasal bones and behind the ears. Frames of distance glasses are larger, while those for near seeing are narrower, making them easier to use.
Using low-quality glasses can cause eye dryness, tearing, cataracts. When the glass is too dark, it leads to pupil dilation, clouding of the lens, and vision impairment. If glasses are needed not as an accessory but for health reasons, they should be purchased from reputable stores or pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.
Our interviewee emphasized that age should be taken into account when choosing optical glasses:
– With age, the eye’s focusing ability on near distances may weaken, a physiological process called presbyopia, which is corrected by appropriate near optical glasses according to age and eye indicators. Also, a short adaptation period after wearing new glasses is normal. However, if long-lasting headaches, persistent blurred vision, or discomfort occur, a specialist must be consulted. These indicate incorrect choice of prescription number or frame-lens compatibility.
Finally, the doctor said that glasses sold as protection against computer, phone, and television rays have almost no protective effect:
– Firstly, I note that the use of Blue Light Filter is recommended for those spending long periods in front of computers, although its effectiveness remains a subject of discussion. On the other hand, since such glasses are sold mainly in computer and phone stores, the quality of their lenses is questionable. Using such glasses intended to protect the eyes for one month sharply reduces visual acuity. Optical lenses should be such that they do not harm the eyes.
As we can see, incorrectly chosen glasses can become not a “friend” but a hidden “enemy” weakening our eye health. To not be deprived of this world’s light, precision and professional help in choosing glasses is essential.
Elenora HƏSƏNOVA
Xalq newspaper
