FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, at Eye Q Optical we have 2 optometrists. They will perform a comprehensive eye examination, prescribe vision correction and fit contact lenses.

Optometrists (Doctors of Optometry or O.D.) perform eye examinations, treat eye disease, prescribe vision correction, fit contact lenses, and dispense eyeglasses. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who have specialised in eyes. Many concentrate on eye surgery and the treatment of eye disease, but some fit contact lenses and due to a shortage of optometrists in Jamaica do refractions for glasses too. We recommend seeing an optometrist if glasses or contact lenses are your primary concern.

At Eye Q Optical we recommend an annual eye examination. Annual eye examinations are important not only for ensuring maintaining good vision, but also checks the general health of your eyes. In fact, a thorough eye exam can detect a number of serious medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes and even some cancers. Caring for your eyes should always be a part of your regular healthcare routine.

Yes. Eye Q Optical accepts the two major health insurance schemes used in Jamaica; Sagicor & Medecus, as well as Canopy Insurance.

Unfortunately Eye Q Optical does not offer laser vision correction. Currently there is no one in Jamaica that does.

Yes. We have a wide range of contact lenses to offer that will suit your individual prescription and your lifestyle needs.

Yes. Any type of contact lens is a medical device. An eye exam and contact lens consultation must be carried out by your optometrist or ophthalmologist. This ensures that there are no preexisting conditions that could be worsened by contact lens wear and that the lenses prescribed are the correct measurement for you cornea - thereby reducing the risk of damage or infections.

Your spectacle prescription is different to your contact lens specification. Additional tests and measurements are required to determine the correct lenses for your individual requirements.

We do not recommend you wear your contact lenses all day, every day. Contact lenses do reduce the amount of oxygen that the front of your eye receives. It is best to let your eyes breathe normally at least every evening and preferably one whole day a week, by not wearing your contact lenses. Therefore, you need up to date glasses to use. Also, should your eyes feel irritated by the contact lenses or you get an eye infection you need to be able to take them out and put your glasses on.

Working at a computer requires that the eyes continuously focus, move back and forth, and align with what you are seeing. There's no evidence that computers cause any long-term damage to the eyes. However, regular computer use will work your visual system very hard and can be the source of significant eyestrain and discomfort. Fortunately they now have lenses and coatings to reduce these symptoms.

Eyes don't usually let you know that something is wrong. Any change is usually very gradual, so you become accustomed to the change in your vision. Therefore, regular eye exams are important to pick up any change as soon as possible to make sure any problem can be treated before it affects vision. An eye exam detects many conditions earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. The eye exam does not just check whether you need glasses, but it can show a number of underlying health problems, such as diabetes and glaucoma, and the general condition of your eyes.

Eyes don't usually let you know that something is wrong. Any change is usually very gradual, so you become accustomed to the change in your vision. Therefore, regular eye exams are important to pick up any change as soon as possible to make sure any problem can be treated before it affects vision. An eye exam detects many conditions earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. The eye exam does not just check whether you need glasses, but it can show a number of underlying health problems, such as diabetes and glaucoma, and the general condition of your eyes.

Astigmatism is when the front of your eye is shaped a bit more like a rugby ball as opposed to a football. It can occur in varying degrees and most commonly occurs with near and far sightedness.

No. When you don't wear your glasses you become accustomed to the foggy vision and notice it less. Once you start wearing glasses you appreciate what sharp vision is and notice the fog more when they are removed. This is what makes people think that their eyes become dependent on them.

Yes. Diabetes can cause severe problems with your vision. It is very important that your eyes are checked every year at a time when your glucose levels are within normal limits. All diabetics should have a dilated examination which requires putting drops in the eye which will fog your vision until the following day.

Gross problems are screened routinely for by your child's doctor who would refer them for further investigation if they felt it was necessary. Failing that, or any other symptoms which may cause the parent or guardian to have concerns, we recommend a comprehensive examination at about 4 years old. Remember your child's eyes develop until about age 9 which means that some conditions MUST be addressed before this time.

We are all at risk of developing glaucoma and should ensure an annual examination over age 35 years old to rule it out. Most common forms of the disease are symptomless until the latter stages when it is too late to save the vision. Whilst we don't fully understand why some people develop the disease and others don't there are certain factors than will increase this likelihood. The risk factors are; a positive family history, being diabetic, of African or West Indian decent and being severely nearsighted. The good news is that should it be detected through routine examination the use of eye-drops on a daily basis can save your sight.

No, unless specifically told that you can by your eye doctor. Despite what you might see on the TV sleeping in your lenses can be dangerous as it can lead to infection and permanent blinding damage to your eye.

Yes. There are many lens options today for correcting astigmatism, including soft disposable and rigid gas permeable. Typically, however, it will increase the cost of your contact lenses.

Contrary to popular belief there is no medicine in your lenses! The curves on the lens focus the light to enable you to see. Over time they may become scratched or worn or the strength you require may change. This would mean that you would need to change your lenses to get back crisp clear vision.

Ofcourse you can! You may also bring your prescription or get an eye exam from us.