7 Signs You Might Need Glasses (Even If You Think Your Vision Is Fine)

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A lot of people assume that they only need glasses if they can’t see; for instance if they have blurry vision up close or far away. But your optometrist in North Syracuse, NY wants people to know that there are many subtle indications of needing glasses that are far too easy to overlook without having an eye exam. Here are seven common signs that you might need some sort of vision correction, even when everything seems to be fine:

1. Frequent Headaches

Headaches shouldn’t happen often. Uncorrected vision problems force eyes to work harder, and can lead to frequent, unexplained headaches. The problem could be with your eyes, not your head.

2. Squinting Often

Squinting isn’t just a personality quirk. It serves to sharpen your focus. If you find yourself squinting a lot, it may mean your eyes are struggling to see clearly. If it’s been happening for a while, you may even squint unconsciously, so be on the lookout for that, too.

3. Difficulty Seeing at Night

Everyone has a little bit more difficulty driving at night than in the daytime, but if driving at night feels more challenging than it ought to—such as seeing halos around lights or having difficulty reading signs—it could indicate early vision changes that glasses can help correct.

4. Eye Fatigue

Tired or sore eyes after reading, computer use or long hours of focus can point to underlying vision issues, such as astigmatism or farsightedness. In this modern age, screen fatigue is a real thing, and your optometrist can help.

5. Blurred Vision

Even occasional or mild blurriness when reading or viewing screens may signal that you need corrective lenses.

6. Holding Things Too Close or Too Far Away

If you adjust your phone, book, or screen distance often to find a “sweet spot,” your eyes may be compensating for vision loss.

7. Trouble Focusing on Close or Distant Objects

Difficulty switching focus between distances—like reading a menu and then looking up across the room—can signal a need for glasses.

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam in North Syracuse, NY to determine any vision correction needs.

Choosing Frames to Accentuate Your Face

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The next time you visit McPherson Optometry to buy eyeglasses or sunglasses, take a moment to consider the best eyeglass frames in North Syracuse, NY to frame your particular face shape. Here’s how:

Determine the Shape of Your Face

You may think you already know what shape face you have. After all, you’ve been looking at it for years! But many people think they have one face shape and are surprised to learn their face is shaped differently. The reason is that the way your hair is styled interferes with how you see your own face. To accurately determine the shape of your face, here’s a simple trick.

  1. Pull your hair all the way back, so only your hairline is visible.
  2. Get a lipstick or crayon or erasable marker.
  3. Look at yourself straight in the mirror.
  4. Starting at the top middle, draw the outline of your face on the mirror, following your hairline.

The resulting shape is your face shape. It might be round, oval, square, heart-shaped or diamond-shaped. It might not be exact, so you should choose the shape that most closely resembles what you drew.

Use the Guide to Choose Your Frames

After determining the true shape of your face, use this guide to help you choose frames to accentuate your face.

Round

Go for angular frames like square or rectangular shapes to add definition and contrast to the softness of a round face.

Oval

Look for frames that are as wide as the widest part of your face or walnut-shaped frames that are not too deep or narrow.

Square

Soften the strong jawline and broad forehead of a square face with round or oval frames. These shapes will add a gentle contrast to your angular features.

Heart-shaped

Balance a broad forehead and narrow chin with frames that are wider at the bottom, such as aviators or rimless styles.

Diamond-shaped

Soften angular features with oval or cat-eye frames. Rimless or semi-rimless styles also work well for a diamond-shaped face.

At McPherson Optometry, we offer a wide range of eyeglasses and sunglasses to suit your every need! Book an appointment with your North Syracuse, NY optometrist today for an eye exam!

5 Prescription Sunglass Options

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If you wear prescription eyeglasses, you know that you also need a solution for sunglasses. The problem is that, even if you buy quality sunglasses, you may not be able to see clearly since they don’t have the prescription your eyes need to see well. The answer isprescription sunglasses in North Syracuse, NY. Your optometrist at McPherson Optometry offers prescription sunglasses with a variety of available options, including:

1. Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses help to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. They work to reduce glare, which makes them great for outdoor activities like skiing, driving, fishing and more. The polarization also helps sometimes with visual clarity. In turn, this can reduce the potential for eye strain, which is always good.

2. Mirrored Lenses

Mirrored lenses not only look cool. They also offer benefits like reducing the amount of incoming light. If you work, live, or play in very bright conditions, such as those on ski slopes, mirrored lenses are a solid choice.

3. Photochromatic Lenses

Photochromic, or transition lenses, are perfect for those who move frequently between indoor and outdoor environments. These lenses automatically adjust to the level of sunlight exposure: they darken in bright sunlight to protect your eyes and fade to clear indoors. Photochromic lenses offer a convenient, two-in-one solution that may negate the need for a separate pair of prescription glasses.

4. High Index Lenses

For those with strong prescriptions, high-index lenses make prescription sunglasses thinner and lighter. These lenses are made from advanced materials that bend light more efficiently than standard plastic or glass, reducing lens thickness and improving comfort. They are especially beneficial for people who find thick lenses uncomfortable or aesthetically unpleasing.

5. Bifocal and Progressive Lenses

Bifocal and progressive lenses are available in sunglass formats for persons needing multiple vision corrections. Bifocals provide clear vision at two different distances: close-up and far away. Progressive lenses offer a smooth, gradual transition between multiple prescription strengths for near, intermediate-, and distance vision without visible lines on the lenses.

Note that you don’t have to only pick one of the above options. Depending upon which you choose, you may be able to combine options, such as bifocals with mirrored lenses, etc. Or, consider investing in more than one pair of prescription sunglasses. Book an appointment with yourNorth Syracuse, NY, optometrist today to learn more.

Custom Eyeglass Lens Options

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When it comes to getting eyeglasses in North Syracuse, NY, you have a lot of options to choose from. You already know that you can pick from various frames in various materials, shapes, colors, and designs. But did you also know that you can customize your eyeglass lenses to give you exactly what you need and want? Here are some of the many custom eyeglass lens options you can choose from.

High-Index Lenses

High-index lenses are a thinner and lighter alternative to standard lenses. Made from advanced materials, these lenses reduce the bulkiness of higher prescription glasses.

Blue Light Filtering

These lenses are designed to block or filter out blue light emitted by screens, reducing eye strain and improving sleep quality. They’re great for professionals, students, and anyone who spends significant time in front of computers and smartphones.

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses offer the convenience of automatic tint adjustment in response to UV light exposure. They darken when exposed to sunlight to protect the eyes from glare and UV rays and return to clear in indoor environments.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and roads. They enhance visual clarity and reduce eye strain during driving and water sports activities.

Protective Coatings

A range of protective coatings can also be applied to lenses to extend their durability and enhance visual comfort.

Anti-Reflective Coating – This coating reduces glare from artificial light sources and reflections, improving clarity and reducing eye strain, particularly during computer use or driving at night.

Scratch-Resistant Coating – This coating doesn’t make the lenses scratch-proof but greatly reduces the risk of minor scratches that can affect vision clarity.

UV Protection Coating – Applying a UV protective coating shields the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing long-term eye damage. This coating is especially recommended if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Choosing eyeglass lens options can actually be very rewarding. Knowing that you’re not only getting prescription eyeglasses that will improve your vision but also custom options to improve your lifestyle is something that your eye doctor in Syracuse, NY, is happy to offer. Contact us to book your appointment for new eyeglasses today!

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What Do the Numbers Mean in My Eyeglasses Prescription?

When you get an eyeglass prescription in North Syracuse, NY, you may wonder what all the cryptic numbers actually mean. Typically, your optometrist hands you a prescription, which you hand over to an optometric technician when you order your frames. No one usually goes out of their way to translate the prescription since it’s not something you need in order to wear your new eyeglasses. but at McPherson Optometry, we like to empower our patients so you have all the information you need or want about your eye health. Following is an explanation of what the numbers mean in your eyeglasses prescription.

SPH

SPH stands for “sphere.” This is the main part of your eyeglasses prescription, and it tells the lens maker important information about the necessary refraction of each lens. A higher number in either direction indicates a bigger visual impairment. Positive numbers preceded by a plus sign (+) mean you’re farsighted. Negative numbers preceded by a minus sign (-) mean you are nearsighted. A person with a refraction of +4.0 has a larger visual impairment than a person with a refraction of +3.75. A person with a refraction of -2.75 has a larger vision impairment than a person with a refraction of -2.50. Finally, note that it’s common for each eye to have a different sphere measurement.

CYL

CYL stands for “cylinder.” This number may not be filled in on your prescription because it’s only relevant for people with astigmatism. Astigmatism is a unique refractive problem due to the cornea or lens being an irregular shape. The CYL number refers to the amount of correction needed and is the power needed to correct the astigmatism. A positive number here means that a certain point on your eye is aligned vertically, while a negative number means that a certain point on your eye is aligned horizontally. Higher numbers in either direction indicate more severe astigmatism.

Axis

Astigmatism is corrected in eyeglass prescriptions with a combination of the CYL measurement and the Axis measurement. The axis number is the angle of orientation of the CYL number. It’s used solely by the eyeglass maker so they can shape the lens properly for your vision needs.

Base

This number references the direction in which the prism should be placed in your lenses to address your specific eye alignment problem.

When you need new eyeglasses prescription, contact your optometrist in North Syracuse, NY. We look forward to seeing you—clearly—soon!

The Pros and Cons of Transition Lenses

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Do you hate having to change from your regular glasses to your prescription sunglasses every time you go outside? If so, you might want to talk with your optometrist in North Syracuse, NY about getting transition lenses. But what exactly are transition lenses?

What Are Transition Lenses?

Transition lenses are photochromic (transition) lenses. That means transition lenses will automatically get darker in bright sunlight, then automatically get lighter when in a dimly lit environment. With transition lenses, you will no longer have to change from your glasses to sunglasses every time you go outside and vice versa.

The Pros and Cons of Transition Lenses

Here are the pros and cons of transition lenses. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether transition lenses in Syracuse, NY are right for you.

Pros:

  • The same glasses can be used indoors and outdoors, so you no longer have to carry around several pairs of glasses.
  • Saves money because you don’t have to buy two pairs of glasses—regular prescription lenses, as well as prescription sunglasses.
  • Transition lenses are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
  • Transition lenses provide you with continuous UV protection.
  • They will reduce the sun’s glare.
  • Transition lenses reduce eye fatigue.
  • They can be used for a wide variety of activities.
  • Transition lenses block the blue light that is emitted from digital screens.
  • Transition lenses can lower your chances of getting cataracts. UV light from the sun is a contributing factor in the development of cataracts.

Cons:

  • Transition lenses will lighten and darken to varying degrees. Some people might find they don’t like the hue of any given degree of dark or light in the lens, making them difficult to wear.
  • Vehicle glass already has some UV protection built into it. This can prevent transition lenses from darkening while inside a vehicle.
  • Transition lenses take longer to darken and lighten in cold weather.

Transition lenses have been around for decades. So consider their pros and cons, then talk with your optometrist about any questions you might have.

What’s Next?

If you need an optometrist in North Syracuse, NY, please Contact McPherson Optometry today. We are a leading provider of optometry services and vision care products in the North Syracuse area. And we will help you care for your eyes as if they were our own.

Keep Losing Your Glasses? These Tips Can Help!   

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Your glasses are your ticket to clear vision. Whether you’re new to wearing glasses or you’ve been wearing corrective lenses for years, it’s important to have a strategy for preventing your glasses from getting lost. The following tips can help you keep track of those specs and avoid loss. If you do lose your glasses, consult with your eye doctor in North Syracuse NY.

Keep a Spare Pair

You don’t want to be without your glasses when you need them. Keep a spare pair of glasses on hand, either in your purse, at your house or at your office. Depending on how often you lose your glasses, you may even want to have more than one spare pair available.

Wear Your Glasses Around Your Neck

Buy a chain for your glasses and wear them around your neck. This way, if you take your glasses off for any reason, you won’t have to worry about losing them. Chains can be very fashionable, so shop around for the style that appeals to you.

Use a Brightly Colored Glasses Case

Some glasses are very hard to locate once they’re removed, because they have very understated frames that just don’t stand out. You can solve this problem by purchasing a brightly colored case where you can put away your glasses every time you take them off your face. Keep several cases on hand to make it easy to find a case any time you need one.

Establish a Place Where Your Glasses “Live”

Establish a place where your glasses “live” in your house. Maybe this is on your nightstand, or perhaps this is on your dresser. You may even pick two or three places where your glasses are sometimes located. If you consistently put your glasses in these places, then you shouldn’t have to hunt for them very hard when you take them off.

Only Remove Your Glasses When Necessary

The best way to avoid losing your glasses is to wear them all the time and only remove them when necessary.

If you recently lost your glasses, call McPherson Optometry P.C. We can help you find the right prescription eye glasses in North Syracuse NY. Call today to make an appointment.

 

Could Eyestrain Be Causing Your Headaches?

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Just like the other muscles in your body, your eyes get tired, too. When you stare too long at a computer screen, or when you spend long hours texting your friend from a darkened bedroom, you can overtax your eyes. This leads to a number of symptoms, including painful headaches. Your eye doctor in North Syracuse, NY, will recognize the symptoms of eye strain.

How Does Eye Strain Happen?

Eye strain is not a serious condition, and it will go away once you have a chance to rest your eyes. However, the resulting headache may linger. Many factors may contribute to eye strain, including:

  • Driving for long periods of time without taking a break
  • Sitting for too long in front of a computer, television screen, or tablet
  • Marathon reading sessions
  • Trying to read in insufficient light
  • Dry, moving air, such as that produced by air conditioning

There may be other causes of eye strain, as well. However, these are probably the most common. It’s important to take time to rest your eyes on occasion when you have to stare at an object, such as a book, for an extended period of time. This gives your eyes an opportunity to refocus and to lubricate and may help you avoid an eye strain headache.

How Do I Know Whether Eye Strain Is Causing My Headaches?

The only way to know for sure whether eye strain is the culprit is to book an appointment with your eye doctor. Headaches are generic in nature and may be caused by anything from body tension to dental problems. But there are certain symptoms that accompany headaches caused by eye strain. They include:

  • A headache that develops after a long session of staring at an object or objects
  • Pain that feels like it’s centered behind your eyes
  • No other symptoms of illness, such as nausea, present
  • Not accompanied by fever
  • Goes away when you close your eyes for a period of time

If you suspect you’re suffering from eye strain headaches in North Syracuse, NY, McPherson Optometry can help. Call today to book an appointment for a routine eye exam and a consultation with one of our experienced and friendly eye professionals.

Is it Safe to Buy Eyeglasses Online?

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These days, you can buy almost anything online, including prescription eyeglasses. There are numerous websites and services promising you beautiful—even name brand—eyeglasses at low cost. But what is the true cost of buying prescription eyewear online?

How Are Such Low Prices Possible?

The low prices you see advertised online for prescription eyewear is made possible by cheap manufacturing. These eyeglasses take up to six weeks to be delivered. One reason is that many of these are made overseas in cheap markets. While a number of items sold in the U.S. come from China and some 2nd world countries, they come from factories where quality is carefully controlled. Online eyeglasses can come from any number of places, and you’d never be able to tell if there was any quality control at all.

Poor Lens Quality Can Harm Your Vision

The fact is, that poor lens quality can harm your vision. When you get eyeglasses in North Syracuse, NY from a reputable optometrist, you can be sure that the lenses are perfect for your eyes. The lens must be carefully crafted in strength, thickness and curvature so that your vision is protected. This doesn’t happen when you buy eyeglasses online. You simply give them your prescription, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Once they arrive, unless they are really out of alignment as far as your prescription goes, you’re kind of stuck with them. Whereas your North Syracuse optometrist will make sure your new eyewear has been made with precision.

Bifocals Are Not Safe to Buy Online

If you’re still intent on “saving money” buying eyeglasses online, be aware that in no case is it safe to buy bifocals online. Bifocal and trifocal prescriptions need to be carefully measured by a professional, in person. Otherwise, the lenses won’t match up correctly with your pupils. And even though there are some printable measuring tools for you to use at home, these are simply not good enough. You won’t get functional, quality bifocals from online eyeglasses.

Do yourself and your eyes a favor and invest in quality eyeglasses from eye care professionals, in person. If you need to save money, shop around at discounted eyewear stores using your prescription from your Syracuse, NY optometrist. Your eyes will thank you for it.

Wire Frames Vs. Plastic – Which One Is Right For You?

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It’s fun to shop for new glasses! When you’re trying to pick out new glasses frames, one of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to choose wire frames or plastic. These materials look very different, and also feel and function differently for the glasses wearer. Knowing the difference between these materials can help you decide which type of material is right for you. Here’s what you need to know when shopping for glasses in North Syracuse, NY.

What to Know About Wire Frames

Wire frames are classic eye glasses that people have been wearing for hundreds of years. Some people prefer wire frames because they’re elegant, sophisticated, and also lightweight. Wires tend to be much thinner than plastic frames, so they’re far more understated than plastic frames.

Wire frames come with nose pads that need to be replaced periodically. Some people think nose pads can be a good thing (they’re easily adjusted to your face) while others think they’re a disadvantage (they need to be replaced by someone on a regular basis).

What to Know About Plastic Frames

Plastic frames often come in bright colors and are much more noticeable than wire frames. For some eye patients, plastic frames are considered a good thing because it’s easy to express your creative side with brightly colored plastic frames. Others don’t like the look of plastic frames and prefer the less noticeable wire frames.

One thing to be aware of if you’re considering plastic frames: they’re heavier than wire frames, and take some time for adjustment. Most people need to wear plastic frames for a few days before they find them comfortable.

How to Make the Right Decision for You

Are you wondering which type of glasses are right for you? Try some on! The best way to find the right glasses for your needs is to visit an eye doctor, get an eye exam and then sample the glasses they have on hand.

Contact your eye doctor in North Syracuse. At McPherson Optometry, we stock a range of eye glasses to meet your needs. We can help you decide whether plastic frames or wire frames are right for you. Call today to make an appointment.