I had an eye test this morning, and apparently I am -0.5 “dist sph” in both eyes. After the test the optometrist was very keen to sell me glasses, but I was in a rush for work so didn’t really [want to fight through the sales pitch to] ask any questions. Now I’ve spoken to a few wearers of glasses about it, they all say that -0.5 is nothing and I probably don’t need any.
I don’t drive, but I understand that the regulation is being able to read a number plate at 20.5m. I had driving lessons about 3 years ago and I could read that then. I’ll try again and if I have any difficulty then that is that, I will get glasses.
Other than that, I was surprised at how sharp the smallest text became when the correct lenses were in place, but I don’t really suffer any problems in day to day life, so I don’t know if it is yet worth the hassle.
Is there any pressing reason to get glasses now as opposed to waiting until next year’s test to see if it gets any worse?
I think it depends. Mike and I both wear glasses. We went for eye tests a couple of weeks ago and I was told I should have some for driving and for distance sight. Now, I passed my test five years ago, no problem. Although the test for driving is VERY easy. If you fail that then you really do need glasses. If you pass it, it doesn’t mean you don’t.
My prescription is -0.75 sph and -0.25 cyl in one eye, and -0.25 sph and -0.75 cyl in the other. This sounds like nothing to me, but I am finding glasses make a REAL difference and I am wearing them all day, not just for driving.
I had not suffered any problems day to day, but I am now realising how much more quickly I can pick out a sign, how I can see the markings on a tree at the end of the garden, how the green fuzzy algae on my fishtank actually has detail. Before, all these things were a bit blurred – but it was “normal” to me, so I hadn’t realised. And in dim light it is even more noticeable.
Mike on the other hand has one good eye and one really bad one. So he seems on paper like someone who REALLY needs glasses. But although one lens is milk-bottle thick, his good eye is strong enough that when he’s forgotten his glasses, he’s still ok to drive.
If you thought there was a difference when the correct lenses were in place, then I think you should get them.
Are your eyes likely to get worse if you don’t “fix the problem”, by wearing glasses?
It might not be ‘that noticeable’ in terms of difference it makes – but I found in terms of general tiredness that extra sharpness makes a massive difference – especially when you’re working in front of a screen all day.
I have a similar, small prescription, but my glasses are the only thing keeping me sane – I was getting mind-splitting headaches from working on computers for so long.
Thanks for the comments all. I bought some glasses today and I’ll see how I go.
Late comment, but….
I recently got prescribed -0.5 spherical too, and although I’m getting stick from “properly” short-sighted friends for supposedly moaning about nothing, having been slightly long-sighted for all my life until very recently it makes a BIG difference. I can once again make out faces from 50m away.
Highly recommended… and don’t listen to all those naysayers who just want to be special with their useless eyes. 🙂
my granddaughter had an eye test and was 0.50 spg in both eyes i dont know what to think as she wanted glasses no matter what,but since i have checked up, she could be OK on the next test then 0.50 again on another,it seems when you go for the test it depends if you are tired or had some eye strain before on that day you went,so i will just keep a check on things and as long as it does not create a weakness, all is well. best of luck to all wearers of glasses,
eat good food get good exercise and get the right ammount of sleep,it all helps,also eye exercise looking far away and close up and muscle training pin hole glasses i find good as i dont need glasses, cheers
I have a weak prescription +0.75 in both eyes and it makes a great difference for reading and working in front of the computer. I feel more comfortable and relaxed with them on even though I can see most things aside from very small type without them.