Glasses

The Importance of Glasses

Worldwide, refractive (focusing) errors are the greatest cause of blindness and visual disability. As a result, the importance of correction with spectacle lenses cannot be overstated.

The first reported crude spectacles were made in 1284 in Italy but were limited to correcting hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia (the inability to see close-up). Invention of the Gutenberg press in 1440, increased the demand for spectacles as the number of the number of readers of print increased dramatically.

It was not until the 1400s that myopia (shortsightedness) could be corrected with a different lens design. It took until 1825 before lenses were designed by George Airy to correct astigmatism. Well-known inventor Benjamin Franklin developed bifocal lenses in 1784.

Lenses for every type of vision correction

Progressive lenses which are very widely utilised in developed countries were invented in London in 1905 but were plagued with optical distortions which made them unwearable.

The first commercially available progressive lenses were developed by the French in the 1950s.

With advances in computer design and sophisticated lens manufacturing techniques, we in Australia, are now privileged to have access to a vast array of lenses to restore clear, comfortable and efficient vision specially designed for today’s complex work environments.

Comprehensive Eye Examinations are Essential

New materials have made it possible to produce lenses which are safer, lighter and stronger than previously. With these materials it is now possible to significantly reduce thickness and improve the cosmetic appearance.

It is the optometrist’s role to establish the eye condition and match the condition with the appropriate lens design to satisfy individual visual needs while relating these to lifestyle.

The starting point is a comprehensive examination of both the refractive errors as well as any ocular health conditions which could have an impact on the vision.

Glasses are more than a fashion item

Once the lens form has been determined, it is important that this be incorporated in specially designed spectacles.

While many consider the spectacle frame a “fashion item” it is important that this is not only appealing cosmetically but also matches the face and also maximises the performance of the lenses. Not all frames are suitable for the various lens designs and as such an incorrect frame selection can lead to dissatisfaction with the vision through the spectacles.

For these reasons, we carry a wide range of frames from various manufacturers.

1 Eyewear Eyewear Alan Burrow Optometrist Coffs Harbour Eyespace Cocoa Mint

Eyewear Alan Burrow Optometrist Coffs Harbour

Eyewear Alan Burrow Optometrist Coffs Harbour 1222 POLICE

We custom fit every frame

Every face is asymmetrical with the left and right features being similar but different. For example, it is common to have the ears different in size and position as well as a difference in the left and right side of the nose. In addition, some people have a high broad bridge while others may have a low narrow bridge.

As a result, we custom fit every frame to maximise comfort and performance.

Eyewear Alan Burrow Optometrist Coffs Harbour Bill Bass Sunglasses

Eyewear Alan Burrow Optometrist Coffs Harbour Bill Bass Sunglalsses

Anti-Reflex Coatings

There are a number of coatings that can be added to the surface of the lens. The standard lens has a hard coat to increase the scratch resistance while anti-reflex coatings reduce the irritating reflections from the surface of the lens. These eliminate reflections from the back surface of the lens which can be irritating, such as from a sidelight of a window or a table light.

These coatings are also beneficial for people driving at night where reflections from lights can be irritating. However, they do not eliminate flare from oncoming headlights.

In addition, they reduce the reflections from the front surface of the lens which can be distracting to other people. These coatings are essential for TV presenters and others who are exposed to bright illumination, such as photographic models.

The same applies to those who are being photographed and keen to eliminate the distracting reflections.

While these top-quality coatings are easier to clean, more scratch and water droplet resistant, they nevertheless require greater care than a standard hard coated lenses.