Might need glasses! Can someone explain glasses to me? I have no clue.

[Anticyclone]

I've always had good vision so I have no idea about glasses or the process of getting them. Last time I went to optician was 5 years ago, so thought about time to go again. Especially as work pay for test.

The optician says I'm marginal for needed glasses, my prescription is apparently +0.50 in each eye (? No idea what this means). She say my eyes are "too strong"?? She says this is for all distances so I'm not long or short sighted? Basically glasses will mean my eyes have to make slightly less effort.

I am a computer user at work, so is it normal for work to pay for glasses? The optician wasn't sure as she said I didn't technically need glasses just for close up work but for all distances.

Also how much do glasses cost? Do people always think about which style of glasses suit a certain face shape, or do you just choose the ones you like the look of?

So many questions, this is a whole new area for me!

I should say I've had regular headaches for about 15 years, but that's during the time when I have (according to the previous opticians) not needed glasses, so I don't think they are due to eye strain. However reducing the amount of work my eyes have to do should help right?

TIA for any replies.

I was similar. Had regular free NHS tests every two years. Prescription changed when I was about 38. .50 in one eye and .75 in the other, so I needed them fro driving, cinema etc. I spent about £100 I think. Specsavers usually fo 2 for 1 so I got a pair of prescription Sun glasses too. The girl in the shop was really good at helping me pick them out to chose the frames and promised I didn't look silly. She really was very good at saying what suited and what didn't. However I never wear them! I can still see without them. OK, so things might be fractionally sharper, but I hate having them on my face. Sometimes I wear them if I'm driving long distances as I do then feel that I don't get as tired. I wear the sunglasses a lot when I'm driving though, but only for their dark and Polaroid effect (cuts out reflection) which I paid extra for.
If I were you at .50, I wouldn't bother until they got worse.

Good god, I'm 37! Is age finally catching up with me...

Many thanks for your reply. Hmmm so maybe I might end up just wearing them in situations where my eyes might get tired easily?

Yes, it might help a bit. Like you I suffer with frequent headaches, but the glasses didn't stop those and I think it's more to do with posture and a problem I have with my neck.

If you don't mind forking out for the frames which, if you're anything like me, will live in the driver door, go for it!

And no, I don't think it's an age thing. That causes long sightedness as the muscles stop working as efficiently. This is when 50 year olds start holding their arm out and need reading glasses! I asked if I'm a good girl and wear my glasses, that won't happen to me. Apparently it will - I'll just need two pairs!