Does my General Health affect my Vision?

It can. Uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are general health factors that may affect vision seriously. An optometry assessment may show that general health should be investigated. Diabetics especially should have their eyes tested yearly as diabetes affects the small blood vessels in the eye compromising vision. Uncontrolled blood pressure and high cholesterol also can affect vision.

Generally, if your body is not functioning well, so will your eyes not function well.
Various factors may have bad effects on the eye and deteriorate vision.

Will wearing glasses weaken my eyes?

No. This is a common misconception, particularly among people over 40 who find that a year or so after getting their first pair of spectacles they need stronger ones. The fact of the matter is, we are continually losing the focusing power of our eyes so our near vision gets worse in time, whether or not we wear glasses. Sadly it is just a part of ageing!

I want to come to Westerham Eye Care for my eye exam but I want to take my prescription elsewhere, is that OK?

In short, yes. You can take your spectacle or contact lens prescription anywhere but it needs to be remembered that what you receive at Westerham Eye Care is what is best for your particular visual needs. If our prescriptions are taken elsewhere we cannot guarantee the end result will be the same as having your spectacles dispensed at Westerham Eye Care.

How often should I have my eyes examined?

To maintain clear healthy vision, it is recommended that you have an eye examination every two years. Your optometrist may however recommend more regular examinations depending on the health of your eyes or visual needs. Contact lens wearers require an aftercare visit every twelve months.

I have tried progressive lenses before and they didn't work, why would the new progressive lenses be easier for me to use?

There are now many types of progressive lenses. Older designs were typically more difficult to adjust to, with large amounts of peripheral distortion. If you looked to the side they may have made things blurry or you may have become dizzy and disoriented, tripping over steps or finding that level ground appeared to be sloping.
Modern progressive/multifocal lenses are now much better, provide better distance, intermediate and near                vision and minimal peripheral distortion.

In modern optics there are so many designs of progressive lenses and consumers can't be sure that they are             going to be given the latest designs. The older designs that were much harder to wear, are still manufactured and  are often used by optical retailers that claim to offer cheap or free glasses.

                As soon as new designs are released, we  analyse their suitability for our patients and offer them immediately, so you never have to worry about having the latest and best lenses for your eyes.
As ever, you get what you pay for, and we guarantee to always provide the latest lens designs that will allow you the maximum amount of vision, with a seamless transition between distance, intermediate and near vision.