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Original poster

First eye prescription - ok to ignore?

18 replies

rubyblue · 01/07/2013 10:05

Just had eyes tested for first time in years and he said I had the most minor prescription (long sighted so it's for reading). I am a bit [sceptical] that I need glasses but should I get them anyway? Will it make my eyesight worse if I do or don't have glasses? I sit in front of a computer most of the day and noticed recently that I get very tired eyes but don't have problems reading stuff.

Any advice?

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 01/07/2013 10:13

Was it Specsavers?

ShatnersBassoon · 01/07/2013 10:14

Why do you think the optician would give you a prescription if you didn't need glasses? Get them.

Original poster
rubyblue · 01/07/2013 10:15

No, it was a big company though. The guy was nice and he wasn't being too pushy but I did wonder about getting folks into the habit of spending £150+ on glasses when I'm not convinced I need them.

OP posts:
sunandstars · 01/07/2013 10:17

Tired eyes is a classic sign with a small prescription for longsightness. It won't make your eyes worse wearing glasses (age does that anyway!),but if you are unsure you could have a test elsewhere and see what they advise.

Original poster
rubyblue · 01/07/2013 10:22

I just wondered if I could put it off as long as possible! He said I did not necessarily need glasses now but probably will do in the future (age related). So I wondered why bother now? I know I will need them later but if I'm managing without them, is that not better? DH got glasses and he has become so used to them that his eyesight seems much worse, like he's reliant on them now.

OP posts:
Original poster
rubyblue · 01/07/2013 10:23

thanks sunandstars, I guess I needed to know that it won't make me worse - as in accelerate it.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 01/07/2013 10:26

Specsavers sold me glasses for reading. This time round I went to an independent opticians and they told me I didn't need them at all. They also told me I didn't need bi focals which SS had told me I needed.

Saying all that, tired eyes is a classic sign of needed glasses. It's not that you become 'reliant' on wearing glasses it that your brain/eyes have to work less hard to see if that makes sense and the muscle relax.

littleducks · 01/07/2013 10:27

I have a slight need for glasses but did not fill the prescription. Both my kids also have slight longsightedness and although I get the glasses for then they choose not to wear them for all the activities recommended. I reminded them lots at first thinking it was just not habit but noticed the would be peering around then so now don't push it, I figure they know what they can see better than I do.

valiumredhead · 01/07/2013 10:27

SS went on and on about age related glasses wearing too Hmm

LunaticFringe · 01/07/2013 10:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
rubyblue · 01/07/2013 12:02

This is all really useful info. Think I will go to another optician and ask for 2nd opinion. I don't mind getting glasses, it's just another thing to worry about losing though!! Having said that my eyes are tired today (generally knackered at the moment) so it might help me on days like today and do without them the rest of the time.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 01/07/2013 12:23

I will always go to an independent opticians from now on, just don't trust the, chains and have heard too many similar stories from friends. I also found independent to be much more thorough too.

Just wanted to add -get your prescription and then take it to SS to be made up as it's cheaper

specialsubject · 01/07/2013 13:52

it is basic physics that not wearing glasses will make no difference to eyesight. You just won't see as well.

you are entitled to your prescription (but not your pupil distance which is needed to make up specs, so the next optician will have to measure that), and you can then buy specs anywhere.

ginnybag · 01/07/2013 13:53

I'd take a middle ground and buy a pair of the DIY 'reading' glasses you can get from supermarkets etc.

They aren't nearly as accurate as a 'proper' pair, but what you have - a slight need - is what they're designed for.

They'll cost you about £15-£20.

Try them - if you find yourself getting less 'tired eyes', you probably do need glasses!

Eyes do go long-sighted with age, btw. Focus is down to a muscle contracting, and like all muscles, its flexibility and strength degrades.

Cohenite · 01/07/2013 13:57

You can buy prescription glasses for about £25. I wouldn't use the ready made ones, the centre of the lens is unlikely to be in line with the centre of your pupil which can cause discomfort.

GobblersKnob · 01/07/2013 14:36

I am terrible, I have my eyes tested every six months, sometimes they are worse, sometimes they are better, I always get the new prescription lenses and I never, ever, ever wear my glasses. I just don't like them.

Original poster
rubyblue · 01/07/2013 22:13

Thanks for all the advice. 2nd opinion today from another independent optician who clarified for me that it probably is going to make life easier and might avoid me squinting and getting wrinkles! Good salesman! Mind you, am off to SS for a cheap pair to start with...

OP posts:
sashh · 02/07/2013 00:14

Get the prescription and then just buy some from the chemist for £2

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