Vision Exams

[repo]

I'm 25 and have never had a vision exam before. I work on a computer for about 10 hours a day and I noticed my distance vision has declined. I'm having trouble reading exit signs on the highway until im up close and shooting with iron sights is possible but far from as good as it could be. I think maybe the eye-muscles for distance sight have deteriorated from lack of use. I want to get some eye glasses but I don't know anything about it. I also have a few "eye floaters" and they worry me so I want a complete and thorough eye exam. I don't really trust the Mall or Walmart Vision place for a thorough exam so I'm not sure where exactly to go? Optician, Opthamologist, Optomotrist?? Do I need to ask for a special pair of glasses for shooting? Like protective shooting glasses with prescription lenses?

 

[Lucky]

Get contacts, they're cheap and easy and if you don't wear them all the time then 12 sets will last you much more than a year. And you can still wear your sunglasses.

Don't know if they're tometrists or thamologists, but whichever it is go to an old guy! I went to an old guy for years and he was good, I just didn't know it. When to a guy maybe in his 30's to try and save a couple bucks and he couldn't figure out what was going on. A doctor using the term 'wonky' doesn't inspire confidence.

 

[One of Many]

An Opthamologist is a medical doctor specializing in treating problems of the eye. They can not only fit you for eyeglasses or contacts, but also determine if you have any of several possible eye diseases, and how to treat them.

The floaters you describe are one of the predictive symptoms of a detached retina; I have had a partially detached retina, and it required immediate surgery to save my sight in that eye. Floaters are normal (especially in older people), but excessive floaters can indicate problems.

Opticians and Optometrists are people that speciallize in determining the correct lens to bring your vision back to normal accuity. They do not treat medical problems of the eye, and should refer you to an Opthamologist if they see something out of the ordinary during a fitting exam.

You should see an Opthamologist for an initial evaluation, and on a regular basis if you have any ongoing medical issues with your eyes.

 

[Bruce333]

At your age I'd go with contacts over glasses. You wouldn't have to change anything else (sunglasses, shooting glasses). Also cheaper and quicker to get a differrent correction if your vision changes. New lenses for glasses can get expensive if your vision hasn't stabilized, also takes a while to get new lenses ground.

I've switched back to glasses due to needing reading lenses even with contacts (I can still read if I just take the glasses off). New set of Safety glasses were $137, required at my work and they pay $100 of it, but I use 'em shooting too.

 

[CraigJS]

Here's some interesting information that you should read..
Be safe.

http://www.midwestshooting.com/Eyec...stol Shooters Guide For Eyecare Professionals