Kaiser Eye Care Services (San Francisco, CA 94112-3712)

• Is it safe to wear extended contact lenses?

  Pesonally speaking, I would not suggest to wear contacts cuz they have a higher risk of getting infection than wearing glasses. Though extended contacts are designed specifically for overnight use and are also far more permeable, you can also get irritation and other eye problem when using them.

• Can I wear yellow tinted sunglasses in bright sunlight ?

  Yellow tinted sunglasses can improve the light contrast to make things more clear, so they are much useful in cloudy days or at night. But it is not a good choice to wear them in sunny days as they could make the lights more glaring. You may choose polarized lens which can reduce glare for cycling.

• How to get an eye test on the NHS?

  You may be qualified to get a free test on the NHS if you are under 19 and in full-time education. Also diebetes or glaucoma in your family history qualifies for free.

• Are macular degeneration more common in women than men?

  People over 50s are likely to have Macular degeneration. Some studies have suggested that some forms of macular degeneration may be more common in women, but other factors such as age, smoking, race, and family history are more important to affect macular degeneration.

• How Thick would a 1.57 index lens be?

  It should depend on how strong your prescription is. The 1.57 index lens will be 15% thinner than standard 1.5 index with the same prescription. They are suitable for wearer under +/_2.00.

• Will I develop glaucoma if it exits in my family?

  There is a high chance that you could develop glaucoma if there is a history of glaucoma in your family. But you should not worry too much about it as it is much easier to treat such disease nowadays if it is diagnosed in time.

• Why do I always see black spots in front of my eyes?

  The black spots in front of your eyes are possibly floaters. In most case they are harmless and won't affect your vision. But they are really annoying. The best way to treat it is ignoring them!

• Is it bad for your eyes to wear "over the counter" reading glasses?

  Non prescription reading glasses are made with the same power in both lenses. They are suitable for people whose eyes have the same power in both eyes. However, most people have different unique prescription. Some people will even have sore eyes and dizziness when they wear non prescription reading glasses for a long time. Although they are much cheaper and can be purchased easily, it is better and more safe to have your eyes examined and wear prescription one.

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