Frequently Asked Questions
My Entitlements ?
PRSI and Medical Card Benefits for eye examinations and spectacles. PRSI
contributors with sufficient stamps and Medical Card holders are entitled to a
Free eye examination and spectacles from a selected range. If you choose
outside of this range, you can avail of an allowance towards other spectacles
if you wish. There are extra allowances available for bifocals and varifocals.
So phone 061-469310 now and we can post a form to your home for completion.
What is myopia?
Myopia is also called shortsighted. This means
that you can see things up close but far away objects are hazy. It can start in
early teens therefore it is important for all school going children to have
their eyes checked yearly.
What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia is also called longsighted. If your
longsighted prescription is low you can see everything but as you get older
your ability to see near and far becomes less. A high Rx means you may need
spectacles for reading at a younger age.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is an oval shaped eye. A lot of eyes
are round in shape like a soccer ball and some are oval like a rugby ball.
What is Presbyopia?
The ability of the eyes to focus on near objects
is at its best in our youth, but as we get older this is gradually lost and we
need some help in the form of spectacles for reading. This normally occurs at
around the age of 40.
What is a Squint?
A squint is when one or both eyes turn in or out. It can affect one eye only or
can be alternating between eyes.
Cataracts
This a condition in which the lens in the eye
becomes progressively opaque, causing hazy vision. Although this can happen at
any age, it is more usual in older people. The changes in the lens may cause
your prescription to alter, and you may be referred to an eye specialist if the
cataract worsens. He/She will assess your eyes and may recommend surgical
removal of the lens to restore better sight.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease where the pressure
inside in the eye can be elevated, and can lead to damage to the optic nerve at
the back of the eye. It is very important to have your pressures checked on a
regular basis to ensure that they are within normal limits. Any person with a
family history of glaucoma should have their eyes checked at least once a year,
because if detected early enough, glaucoma can be treated successfully by an
eye specialist.
Diabetes (Diabetic Retinopathy)
People with diabetes may lose some vision because
the blood vessels at the back of the eye may leak some fluid. Our optometrists
can often pick up the early signs of diabetic vision changes. If you have
diabetes it is important to tell your optician.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the most common eye
condition, affecting people in the 70-80 age group. Changes at the back of the
eye cause some loss of central detailed vision. Symptoms may include distortion
of vertical or horizontal lines and tell your optometrist so that they can
monitor any change in your vision.
Flashes and Floaters
These symptoms can be quiet common, but if they
are sudden in onset and combined with flashing lights (like starbursts), it can
be a very serious condition. You should contact your optometrist, who will
examine your eyes and advise you, if you need further referral to an eye
doctor.