Glossary

Optometry: Optometry is the study of the eyes and the profession of examining them for defects, and prescribing corrective lenses to address any issues.

Eye Exam: An eye examination is comprised of a series of tests used to assess all facets of vision and screen for various diseases of the eye. 

Frames: When we use the term “frames,” we are referring to the frames of your eyeglasses, which are the piece that hold the glasses in front of your eyes and come in a variety of colors, styles, and brand names!

Lenses: Lenses are curved, transparent substances that focus and/or disperse light. There are lenses in your eyes, but we typically refer to the lenses in your eyeglasses, which are the curved glass parts of your glasses that are tailored to your prescription. They can come with a variety of different specifications and coatings.

Progressive Lenses: Progressive lenses have many different names- multifocal, varifocal, graduated prescription lenses- but they all refer to lenses that allow the wearer to use the same pair of glasses to see both at a distance and close up. 

Polarized Lenses: Lenses that are polarized have a specialized chemical applied to them that reduces the glare of bright light off reflected surfaces, making them great for helping the wearer to see things clearly on bright days. 

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a degeneration of the optic nerve that is commonly caused by increased pressure within the eyeball, and can result in gradual loss of sight.

Cataracts: This is a medical condition where the lense of the eye gradually becomes opaque, which causes blurred vision.  

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a condition where the macula (the central part of the retina) slowly degenerates and causes a warping or a loss of vision. 

Wear Schedule: A wear schedule is the schedule on which you wear and change your contact lenses on a regular basis in order to support healthy eyes and vision. This is specific to the amount of time that passes, not how many days they are worn. Depending on the type of contact lenses you have, your wear schedule may be daily, weekly, or monthly.