Hakim Optical Blog

How Does the Vision Rating System Work?

You’ve probably heard of 20/20 vision, but do you know what the numbers mean? If it is time for your annual eye exam, learn more about the vision rating system to understand more about your vision:

The Snellen System

The most common vision rating system was created by Hermann Snellen. The Snellen System combines two factors: the distance from the eyes to the chart and the smallest size of letters on the chart that can be correctly identified by the patient.

Vision using the Snellen System is measured using two numbers. The first number, usually 20, indicates that the patient is reading from 20 feet, or 6.1 metres, away from the chart. The second number is based on the size of the letter the average person can read at 6.1 metres, which is usually about 1.14 cm high. A person with better-than-average eyesight might have 20/15 vision, meaning he or she can read letters that an average person can read from 15 feet away at 20 feet away. Legal blindness occurs when a person’s vision is rated at less than 20/200 on the Snellen scale.

Other Visual Tests

There are many factors involved in good eyesight. The Snellen test cannot necessarily test for colorblindness, peripheral vision, or depth perception, though it can be used to determine if one eye is stronger than the other. If you are concerned about additional visual impairments, make sure your optometrist knows so he or she can offer you additional testing.

If your vision is blurry or you have headaches or strain after reading or watching TV, look into having your eyes tested. If you are interested in correcting your vision using glasses or contact lenses, visit Hakim Optical in one of our many locations across Canada. Call us for more information at (416) 924-8866!

How to Take Care of Your Eyeglasses

If not cared for properly, eyeglasses can easily become bent, scratched, or broken. In this video, you can learn how to properly maintain your glasses. Using simple tools like a microfiber cleaning cloth, you can keep the surface of your glasses clean and clear. You should also invest in a hard case to protect your glasses when you’re not wearing them.

If you are looking for new glasses, contact Hakim Optical. We also offer prescription sunglasses and contacts. Call us today at (416) 924-8866 to learn more about our locations across Canada!

Factors That Affect Your Eyesight

Eyesight is an amazing tool that helps you understand and navigate through the world. When your vision suffers, you not only feel physical discomfort, but may also have difficulty concentrating, learning, and enjoying activities. Your eyesight can suffer for several reasons and can be corrected most of the time by prescription lenses, whether in the form of glasses or contacts. Here are some of the major factors that affect the quality of your eyesight:

• Genes

Unfortunately, if vision problems run in your family, you are likely to develop them as well. Many vision challenges gradually develop with age.

• Physical Health

Diseases like diabetes can have a direct link to eyesight deterioration. Even if you do not suffer from a major disease, your overall health can have an effect on your eyesight. Maintaining proper nutrition is extremely important for eye function.

• Age

Many conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, tend to develop later in life. Many people suffer from less extreme vision deterioration, but may need glasses in middle age when they had 20/20 vision in their youth. These issues are extremely common and can usually be treated with activity-specific glasses, such as for reading or driving.

• Direct Damage

Damage to the eye can occur in several ways. A physical abrasion, such as a cut or chemical burn, can leave lasting damage. Visual damage can also be caused by staring at the sun or straining the eyes looking at a computer screen. Damage can often be prevented by wearing protective eyewear during risky activities or UV protection when outdoors.

If your eyesight has suffered due to one of these factors, visit Hakim Optical to restore clear vision using glasses or contacts. We offer a large variety of frames and lenses, so you can find a fit that makes you look and feel good. Visit one of our locations across Canada, or call us at (416) 924-8866 for more information. 

Keep Your Eyes Healthy With The Help Of These Informative Websites

Maintain your eye health and visual acuity by scheduling regular check-ups with your optometrist and reading these websites for additional tips. Hakim Optical has more than 100 locations throughout Canada, so you’re sure to find a convenient store in your area. Call (416) 924-8866 to schedule an appointment.

• Learn about the devastating ways diabetes can affect the eye from the World Diabetes Foundation.

• Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. Find out more at GlaucomaResearch.ca.

• At WebMD, you can learn more about how to care for your contact lenses.

• Like the rest of your body, your eyes benefit from a healthy diet. Learn how nutrition relates to ocular health at Canoe.ca.

• Check out this article for more information about why eye exams are important and why so many Canadians postpone them.

• If you’ve never had an eye exam, now is the time to start! You can prepare yourself by reading through this list of tests your eye doctor may perform at the exam, courtesy of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

• Over time, macular degeneration can rob you of sight in the middle of your visual field. Visit the Ontario Association of Optometrists to find out more about stopping this awful disease.

• With these ten tips from CNIB.ca, you can help your eyes stay healthy.

• Purchasing glasses or contact lenses over the Internet may seem convenient, but it can actually be very dangerous for your eyes. Learn why at the College of Opticians of British Columbia.

• If you wear contact lenses and makeup, make sure you follow these tips for hygiene and safety.

Questions to Ask During Your Next Eye Exam

Eye exams can seem so routine that you may not think to ask questions of your optometrist. However, asking questions can give you clearer insight into your vision and your overall health. Read on for a few suggestions of questions to ask during your next eye exam:

• What causes my vision impairment? Everyone’s eyes are different, so your imperfect vision could be the result of any number of factors, from an elongated eyeball to difficulty focusing. Ask your doctor to explain your specific vision problems so you can understand your eyes a bit better.

• Will my vision get worse? Though many adults have fairly stable prescriptions, some experience vision changes with age. Younger people’s eyes generally don’t stop changing until individuals stop growing, which could be as late as the mid-twenties. Regardless of your age, ask your optometrist if you can expect to experience continuing changes in your vision.

• Will my health conditions affect my vision? Some health problems, like diabetes or high blood pressure, can affect your eye health and increase your chances of serious eye illness. If you suffer from these conditions, ask your doctor what you can do to minimize your risk of complications.

• What eyeglass lenses are best for my eyes? Just as there are many possible vision impairments, there are many different lenses available to correct them. However, some types of vision correction prohibit certain lenses; for example, patients who are severely nearsighted may find that they do not have the option of very thin lenses for their glasses.

• What other methods of vision correction are available to me? Though everyone can wear glasses, not everyone can wear contacts, so ask your doctor if these are an option for you.

At Hakim Optical, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about your vision. Find a location that’s convenient for you by visiting our website or calling (416) 924-8866.