Around two thirds of Austrians rely on visual aids. Most people who wear glasses go to an optician to buy glasses. Nowadays, however, it is also possible to purchase the glasses in various online shops with just a few clicks. Around four percent of buyers would resort to this alternative, with online shopping being particularly popular with the younger generation. However, the Lower Austrian state guild master of eye and contact lens opticians, Markus Gschweidl, warns: Many individual steps are necessary when selecting glasses and adjusting the lenses. Therefore, glasses wearers should seek personal advice before purchasing.
Incorrect alignment can cause squinting
According to Gschweidl, modern spectacle lenses are high-tech products, which is why the visual needs of those who wear glasses should be taken into account. “Glasses should always be personalized to your own eyes,” emphasizes Gschweidl. For example, it is important to align the lenses so that the eyes look through the glasses at the right angle and distance. If this is not the case, it could happen that people who wear glasses compensate for the incorrect alignment of their visual aids by squinting. In addition, it could happen that the diopters are no longer correct. Even if the distance between the eyes and the lenses is not correct, the correction of vision can be distorted.
A suitable frame is just as important as the right lenses. The frame can affect distortions, fields of vision and the thickness of the lenses. In addition, the glasses frame should be adapted to the intended use. “For example, more forward tilt is set for reading glasses, less for distance glasses, and for progressive lenses the angles and distances specified by the lens manufacturer are taken into account,” explains Gschweidl.
Since the beginning of the year: Regulations for the ÖGK have been available at the optician
The state guild master also points out that the best eyesight can only be achieved if the glasses are up to date and recommends having your eyes and eyesight checked regularly. Since the beginning of the year, it has also been possible to have the prescription for billing for visual aids issued by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) directly from the optician. Previously, this was only possible with ophthalmologists. However, this innovation does not apply to children and young people up to the age of 14. A prescription from a specialist is still necessary here.
