FAQ’s
How do I make an appointment to see one of the doctors?
To make an appointment with Dr. Little or Dr. Justin and Sarah Ward, call 903-758-8832. The receptionists will be happy to schedule a convenient day and time for your appointment.
When should I bring my child in for his/her first eye examination?
The American Optometric Association recommends the first complete eye exam by an Optometrist at the age of 6 months. Dr. Sarah Ward specializes in pediatric eye exams, and is well versed in the examination techniques needed to evaluate your child’s ocular health and functional vision. For more information feel free to watch this short video:
What do all those numbers on my glasses prescription mean?
Your glasses prescription contains all the information needed to prepare your prescription lenses for placement into a pair of frames. It shows if you are nearsighted, farsighted, or if you have astigmatism. It also indicates how much power is needed to correct your vision. Other information indicates if the glasses are single vision, bifocals, trifocals, or progressive (no-line) bifocals or trifocals. Various tints or coatings the doctor recommends may also be specified on your prescription.
Can I wear contact lenses if I need bifocals or reading glasses?
Yes, there are many multifocal contact lens options available. These lenses are designed to provide functional vision at distance and near. Call in to schedule a contact lens fitting and one of the doctors of Longview Eye Associates would be happy to evaluate you for these lenses.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, soft toric and rigid gas permeable contact lenses provide excellent vision for almost anyone with astigmatism.
Why do I need follow-ups if I have worn contact lenses in the past?
Follow-up visits are an integral part of maintaining good ocular health and providing the best vision. If you have been wearing your contact lenses successfully, and they are not changed, you may not need a follow-up visit. However, if wearing schedule, lens brand, or material is changed, one or two follow-ups are usually required to insure good vision and a successful, healthy contact lens fit.
My glasses are heavy. What can I do to make them lighter and more comfortable?
There are several ways to reduce the weight of your glasses. A smaller frame is often all that is needed. A new titanium frame material provides the utmost in comfort and strength, and is the lightest material available. High index lenses for high prescription powers also help reduce lens thickness and weight by 25 to 30%.
Why do eye care professionals recommend sunglasses with UV coatings?
UV coatings are recommended to filter out harmful ultra violet rays from the sun that may promote aging changes in the eyes. Sunglasses help to reduce eyestrain and glare while also filtering UV to provide clearer, more comfortable vision outdoors.
Are there scratchproof lenses?
No lens material or coating claims to be scratch proof. While glass is the hardest material to scratch, it is also 2 times heavier than traditional plastic lenses. Scratch resistant coatings are usually placed on the front surface of plastic lenses, making the lens surface twice as hard to scratch as regular plastic.
Does Longview Eye Associates accept third party vision plans?
Longview Eye Associates does take several third party vision plans. It is necessary to call the office at 903-758-8832 and speak to one of the receptionists; they can tell you if your vision plan is covered by our doctors.
Will wearing glasses make my eyes worse?
Most eye professionals believe that glasses do not have any physical effect on changing your eyes. While eyeglasses will certainly improve your vision, they will not make the condition of your eyes better or worse.
Is it harmful to eyes to read in the dark or low light?
Reading or working under low light does not have a physical effect and is not harmful.
What is 20/20 vision?
A person with 20/20 vision can see a letter 8.7mm tall at 20 feet away. A person who can see this same letter at 10 feet away has 20/40 vision. It is important to remember that 20/20 just means that at a distance of twenty feet a person can clearly see a certain size letter on the eye chart. There’s more to healthy vision than 20/20! For more information feel free to watch this short video:
Can I wear contact lenses?
Consult your Optometrist to find out if they are suitable for your lifestyle. If you work in a dusty environment or are exposed to bright, windy conditions much of the time, eyeglasses may be safer and more comfortable to wear.
What are bifocals, and who needs to wear them?
Bifocals use two different powers in one lens. Typically, the upper portion of the lens if used for distance vision and the lower portion is used for viewing objects up close. Bifocals correct for a decreasing ability to focus, a problem that sneaks up on just about everybody as they age. It is likely that most people will need bifocals, or what is known as progressive lenses, at some point in their lives.
Should I order my replacement contacts from 1-800-Contacts?
Longview Eye Associates offers competitive pricing on all contact lenses and we are now proud to offer convenient online ordering. In addition, we accept most vision plan benefits for contact lens ordering, and offer discounts when ordering a year’s supply of lenses.
