Eyeglasses & Sunglasses

Providing the Right Eyeglasses for You

Providing the Right Eyeglasses for You

We rely on our five senses to navigate the world. If one of those senses isn’t functioning properly, it can have a major effect on your overall well-being. That is why it is so imperative to take proper care of your eyesight. From annual eye exams to corrective lenses, your eye doctor can provide you with the proper care and guidance to keep your eyes healthy and decrease vision loss throughout your lifetime. Our staff at North Bay Eye Associates works diligently to provide patients with the latest technology and treatment methods for facilitating eye care.

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Real Eyeglasses and Eye Exams

Real Eyeglasses and Eye Exams

There are several eye tests that we commonly use. The first is a visual acuity test that determines how well someone can see both near and far distances. A refraction test indicates if someone is myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or has astigmatism. Our doctors also test your depth perception and peripheral vision. As part of your comprehensive eye exam, we test your color vision and perception. Your eye focusing ability is also tested. It is important to know whether or not you have any of these issues to better understand what visual limitations you may have. Understanding your limitations allows you to work around them instead of letting them hold you back.

Choosing Eyeglasses

If it is determined that you need corrective lenses to have optimum eyesight, we will assist you in determining which glasses will work best with your face shape and what color frame goes with your skin, hair, and eye color. We also provide different kinds of coatings for your eyeglasses, such as anti-reflective coating that helps cut down on glare spots. If you are both farsighted and nearsighted, you may benefit from bifocals or progressive lenses. We will go over all the different options in eyewear we provide, so you can find the kind that best fits you. At North Bay Eye Associates, we offer an array of styles, frames, and colors of eyeglasses for you to choose from to find one that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Come See Us!

Here at North Bay Eye Associates, we care about your vision and eye health as much as you do. That is why we offer a relaxing and professional environment to make you comfortable during your eye examination appointments. Do not let your eye discomfort go untreated. Call us today to put yourself on the path towards the optimal eye and vision health. Visit us at our Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sonoma, or Santa Rosa locations to find out how we can help you.

Sunglasses

Many people are cheered by a bright, sunny day, but the effect of all that sunlight on the eyes is a less sunny proposition. UV and glare can create a variety of issues, from dangerous "snow blindness" to irreversible disorders that threaten your eyesight. Here are some frequently asked questions about the role of sunglasses in protecting the eyes from harm. If you want to know more about choosing the right sunglasses, contact us today.

What are UV rays? UV stands for ultraviolet, a band of spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in Earth's atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.

How does UV affect unprotected eyes? UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult; they cannot be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause retinal damage, changes in the eye tissues and a temporary but irritating "sunburn" of the cornea called photokeratitis.

Prescription sunglasses

How do I know my glasses will protect my eyes? Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99 percent of UV rays -- UVA as well as UVB. Look for a label reading "UV 400," since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100 percent eye protection. Of course, you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75 to 90 percent of visible light.

What are polarized lenses? Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.

What types of glasses can I choose from? We are able to provide you with a wide range of sunglass options. If you normally wear glasses to correct your eyesight, you may be happy with a non-prescription pair of clip-on or wraparound glasses that simply fit over your lenses. If you'd rather not wear that much equipment on your head all at once, you can order a pair of prescription "shades," or you can order glasses that darken when exposed to bright light.

What additional types of protection should I consider? If you worry about light, including harmful UV, leaking in through sides or top of your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hat to reduce some of this exposure. If you use prescription eyewear to correct your eyesight, you may also want to think about getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses in your prescription. These lenses may be worn alongside a non-prescription pair of sunglasses for optimum eye protection.

For more information on choosing the right sunglasses, contact our office today.