What to expect from your new glasses

If you are getting eyeglasses for the first time or changing your prescription, please allow 2 to 3 weeks for your eyes to adjust to the new lenses. In the beginning, you could experience mild dizziness, headaches, or even slight nausea. When you move your head, the wall may seem to move. The floor may look closer or farther away than it usually does. These symptoms are normal; however, if they persist, call our office. Sometimes, just as with medications, we need to adjust the prescription to a lower level to alleviate these side effects. If you are at all unsure about anything, please call and make an appointment for us to re-evaluate.

If you experience any problems with your new frames, including discomfort in the nose or ears, return to our office for an adjustment. Also, your glasses should remain stationary on your face when you nod or turn your head. If your glasses slide down your nose or tilt to one side, we will be happy to adjust them for you.

Caring for your glasses

Your glasses are made from the finest materials available and crafted with the highest precision possible. They are a reflection of you. They make a statement about you. They are an investment in you. So, there are a number of things you can and should do to prolong the life of your new glasses:

• Always keep your glasses in a case when not in use. This will protect your lenses from scratches and will also help to extend the life of your frame.
• To avoid scratching, never lay your glasses with the lenses down on any type of surface.
• To keep the glasses properly adjusted, it's best to use two hands when putting on or removing your glasses.

Cleaning tips

• Avoid placing lenses in your mouth, breathing on them, and then wiping them with a cloth or your shirt. This will surely scratch them in no time, no matter what kind of coating you had applied.

• Before ever wiping your lenses, always rinse them under water to remove any surface dust. Never wipe your lenses when they are completely dry. This will eventually scratch them.

• Clean your lenses, preferably in the morning, with dish soap that contains no creams. Usually, these are any of the dish soaps that have some color to them. After soaping, rub the lenses between your fingers; rinse the lenses off with hot water. After a good rinse, there should be beads of water left on the lens. Shake off the beads as best as possible. Now you can take a KLEENEX -- yes KLEENEX -- and PAD or BLOT the lenses dry between your fingers. DO NOT RUB THE LENSES DRY. After you have done this, if you were given one of those silk cloths, you can now LIGHTLY rub away any residual streaks. Following these procedures will greatly help to keep your lenses from scratching, which is even more important if you have ordered any type of anti-reflective coating. Do not use those paper cleaners sold in the stores.

• Your glasses will last longer if you have them adjusted periodically. This allows us to check for loose screws or other possible problems. Unfortunately, screws become loose on $60 frames and $300 frames. If your frame breaks, do not attempt to repair it with tape or glue. Bring it to us and we will repair it properly or replace it.

We have an unconditional 1-year warranty policy, and it includes a smile! Special glasses for special needs

Many eyeglass wearers have hobbies or jobs that require a special pair of glasses. For example, regular bifocals do not work well for many special activities. People who are outdoors a lot may require prescription sunglasses with special UV protection to block ultraviolet light. Also, special athletic glasses offer both protection and freedom of movement for the sports-minded.

Computer glasses: These are glasses designed to be used while on the computer. They have half the bifocal prescription on top and the remainder on the bottom. That way, you look out of the top at the computer instead of having to tilt your head back to see the monitor clearly.

Occupational glasses: These glasses have a bifocal both on the top and bottom. These are used for people who have to do a lot of close work ABOVE their head, like electricians, telephone workers, plumbers, or car mechanics.

From lined bifocals to invisible multifocals to plain reading glasses, we can provide you with any special eyewear to fit your needs and lifestyle.

Reusing your frames

Plastic frames must be heated and stretched to insert new lenses. Because the resins in used frames tend to become hard and brittle with age, there is a risk of breakage when you reuse an old frame.

How long before your next eye examination?

Many people equate the need for an eye examination with replacing their glasses. They feel as long as they're seeing relatively well and their glasses are holding up, everything is OK. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Your eyes, like the rest of your body, undergo gradual changes as you grow older.

However, unlike the rest of your body, your eyes rarely hurt when something is wrong. Undesirable changes in your eye health can occur which will not adversely affect vision in the early stages. Such is the case with glaucoma, cataracts, and complications caused by high blood pressure and diabetes. Your eye doctor will check for symptoms of these conditions to detect problems before your vision is adversely and, perhaps, permanently affected.