Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Interested In Hearing Heights Eye Studio’s Top 5 Patient Questions?
 

FAQ 1: “How Often Do You Need An Eye Exam?”

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), for adults with any of the following risk factors, an annual eye exam is recommended. 

The risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of eye diseases
• Belonging to certain ethnic and racial group
• Systemic health conditions
• Occupations that are highly visual demanding
• Taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs with ocular side effects
• Wearing contact lenses
• History of eye surgery or injuries including LASIK and PRK
• High eyeglass prescription

For children, the AOA recommends the first eye exam at 6-12 months, then once between ages 3-5, and then annual after 6 years old.

FAQ 2: “Can I Sleep In My Contacts?”

 

Sleeping in your contact lenses increases your risk of an eye infection by 6-8x. This even applies to extended wear contact lenses that are FDA approved for you to sleep in. The main reason why you can get an eye infection is because contact lenses decrease oxygen penetration to the eye. The more wear time your contact lenses are in your eye, the more deprived they are of oxygen which makes you more prone to an infection. By removing the contact lenses at nighttime, it allows your eyes to breathe and gives them a break.

FAQ 3: “What Is The Difference Between Soft And Hard Contact Lenses?

 

Soft contact lenses are made of flexible plastic and most are made to last a day to one month. Soft lenses have the advantage of being more readily available and easier to handle. With the new technology available today, there is a broad range of prescriptions (including high astigmatism and multifocals) able to be fit in a soft contact lens. 

Hard lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP) are made of rigid plastic that can last around a year. Rigid gas permeable lenses may take some time to get accustomed to, but it can provide clearer vision especially for higher astigmatism prescriptions or eyes with corneal conditions. 

Regardless of the material, Heights Eye Studio will help you find the best lens that works for you!

FAQ 4: “What Does 20/20 Mean?”

 

20/20 describes your visual acuity or how sharp your vision is. The top number, or numerator, refers to the viewing distance between your eyes and the eye chart. This measurement is usually simulated to be 20 feet. The bottom number, or denominator, refers to the line on the eye chart. 20/20 usually signifies average vision for what most patients are able to read 20 feet away. 

FAQ 5: “What Does It Mean When I See Floaters?

 

Floaters appear to look like little flies or cobwebs floating in the air. However, they are really inside your eye! With age, protein fibers inside your eyes begin clumping together. Outside light sources cast shadows of these fibers which cause you to see floaters. Floaters can be normal or they can be a sign of something more sight threatening like a retinal detachment. If you’re in the Houston Heights area, book an appointment now at Heights Eye Studio to have our optometrist double check if your bothersome floaters are normal. 

We love answering questions and educating our patients. Stop by our studio at1533 N Shepherd Dr Ste 120, Houston, TX 77008 and ask us anything you’d like!