Insights on What to Consider Before Wearing Eyeglasses.
By Amos Ssemuwemba
Vision is the most dominant of our senses, plays a critical role in every facet and stage of our lives. We take vision for granted, but without vision, we struggle to learn, to walk, to read, to participate in school and to work.
In the lively office of Galaxy Optical, Dr.Ssekatono Patrick, a seasoned optician with years of experience, welcomed us into his consultation room. His demeanour was calm, and his eyes, behind a pair of sleek glasses, conveyed a depth of knowledge. To provide a comprehensive understanding, Dr Ssekatono said; “Vision impairment occurs when an eye condition affects the visual system and its vision functions.” “Everyone, if they live long enough, will experience at least one eye condition in their lifetime that will require appropriate care.” He added.
“Basing on the recent World Health Organization report on eye health it clarifies that there is substantial variation in the causes of vision impairment between and within countries according to the availability of eye care services, their affordability, and the education of the population. For example, the proportion of vision impairment attributable to unoperated cataract is higher in low- and middle-income countries. In high income countries, diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are more common.” He added.
“Among children, congenital cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment in low-income countries, whereas in middle-income countries it is more likely to be retinopathy of prematurity.” ”Uncorrected refractive error remains a leading cause of vision impairment in all countries amongst children and adult populations.” Dr Ssekatono added.
“Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have vision impairment, with conditions such as Myopia also known as Near-sightedness which makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature.” He stated.
“Hyperopia also known as farsightedness is a condition that makes close objects appear blurry, while distant vision is clear. This condition is caused by a shorter eyeball or less curvature of the cornea.” Dr Ssekatono said
“Astigmatism is also one of the conditions which results from an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, causing blurry vision at all distances.” And also “Presbyopia is another condition which is associated with aging. This affects the eye’s ability to focus on close objects, typically this starts around the age of 40. And most times its due to the gradual loss of elasticity in the eye lens.” Dr Ssekatono stated.
Our goal has been to unravel the essentials one should consider before starting to wear eyeglasses and Dr Ssekatono is the perfect guide for this journey.
As we witnessed the busy ambiance at Galaxy Optical, Dr. Ssekatono emphasized the importance of an accurate eye prescription. “The foundation of any good pair of glasses is a precious prescription,” “Without it, even the most stylish frames won’t correct your vision properly .” He recommended scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with a qualified optometrist to ensure the prescription is up-to-date.
Next, Dr. Ssekatono touched on the significance of choosing the right frame. “Your face shape plays a crucial role in selecting frames,” he said. “For example, round faces often look best with angular frames, while square faces can benefit from round or oval shapes.” He advised trying on various styles to see what suits best, keeping in mind that the right frame not only enhances appearance but also ensures comfort.
The conversation then moved to lens types. Dr. Ssekatono elaborated on the different options available. “Single vision lenses are great for those who need correction for one distance, while bifocals or progressives are ideal for people who require multiple vision corrections,” he noted. He suggested considering your daily activities and vision needs when choosing the lens type.
Frame material was another point of discussion. Dr. Ssekatono highlighted the pros and cons of different materials. “Metal frames are durable and adjustable, while plastic frames offer a range of colours and styles. Hybrid materials combine the best of both worlds,” he said. He encouraged considering one’s lifestyle, as active individuals might need more robust materials.
Lens coatings were also a key topic. “Anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare from screens and headlights, while scratch-resistant coatings extend the life of your lenses,” Dr. Ssekatono advised. He also mentioned UV protection coatings as essential for eye health.
Comfort was a recurring theme throughout our conversation. “Glasses should fit well and feel comfortable,” Dr. Ssekatono stressed. “A proper fit is essential to avoid discomfort or headaches.” He suggested visiting an optician for adjustments if the glasses don’t feel quite right after purchase.
Dr. Ssekatono concluded by discussing aesthetic preferences and budget. “Choose a style and colour that you feel confident in,” he said, “and balance your choices with your budget. There are excellent options available at various price points.”
As we wrapped up the meeting, it was clear that Dr. Ssekatono’s insights were invaluable. His advice on choosing the right eyeglasses was both practical and comprehensive, ensuring that anyone starting their journey with glasses would make informed decisions.
