Getting Your Vision Checked in Frankfurt: Precision for Clear and Healthy Vision

Having your vision tested is a fundamental part of comprehensive ophthalmological care at our Frankfurt practice and goes far beyond simply fitting glasses. It's a medical process that ensures your clear vision is based on healthy eyes. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's ophthalmology practice in the Westend district, we combine precise vision testing with thorough medical diagnostics to provide you not only with optimal correction but also with peace of mind regarding the health of your eyes.

Get your vision checked – The crucial difference between an ophthalmologist and an optician

Many people wonder why they should go to Have your eyesight checked You might wonder whether you should see an ophthalmologist when an optician can also measure your prescription. The answer lies in the medical basis. An ophthalmological examination is a health check for your eyes. A change in vision can be harmless, but it can also be the first sign of an eye disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal changes. An optician is an expert in the craft of making eyeglasses, but is not permitted and cannot make medical diagnoses.

Ophthalmologist vs. Optician: A Comparison of Services

The following table illustrates the crucial difference in the scope of services and in competence.

The process: How we determine your visual acuity in our Frankfurt practice

The path to your glasses prescription is a structured and meticulous process in our practice. We take the time necessary for precise measurements and a comprehensive examination to ensure that you not only see well, but also enjoy healthy vision.

• Medical history interview: First, we will discuss in detail your everyday vision requirements, any complaints you may have (headaches, tired eyes), and your general health.
• Objective refraction: Using a computer-controlled autorefractor, we determine an initial, objective measurement of your visual impairment.
• Subjective refraction: This is the classic eye test where you look through different lenses ("Which lens is better, 1 or 2?"). Here, we work with you to determine the exact strength that will give you the sharpest and most comfortable vision.
• Medical examination: Dr. Mareen Schmidt examines your eyes using a slit-lamp microscope, measures your intraocular pressure, and assesses the condition of your lens, retina, and optic nerve. This is the only way we can ensure that your vision change is not due to an underlying disease.

Get your eyesight checked: When a visit to the ophthalmologist is essential

In certain phases of life and in the presence of underlying medical conditions, this is Have your eyesight checked It is not only recommended, but medically essential, to have your eye doctor check it.

In these cases you should always consult an ophthalmologist:

• For children and adolescents: A child's eye is still growing. Only an ophthalmologist can accurately determine visual acuity under medicated pupil dilation (cycloplegia) and reliably rule out pathological changes or strabismus (crossed eyes).
• From the age of 40: From this age onwards, the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma increases significantly. Every glasses fitting should be combined with a preventative eye examination.
• In case of rapid or sudden changes in vision: A rapid deterioration in eyesight is always a warning sign that requires immediate medical evaluation.
• In case of known underlying medical conditions: Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatism or thyroid diseases need regular eye examinations, as these diseases can damage the eyes.
• For headaches or double vision: These symptoms could indicate a complex problem with binocular vision or a neurological cause, which only a doctor can assess.

Understanding the values on your prescription: What do sphere, cylinder, and axis mean?

After you have Have your eyesight checked If you have this condition, you will receive a prescription with a number of abbreviations and values. We will explain the most important ones to you.

• R / L (Right / Left): Indicates which eye the value applies to.
• Sph (sphere): The degree of nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+), measured in diopters (dpt).
• Cyl (cylinder): The degree of corneal astigmatism.
• Axis: The position of the corneal astigmatism in degrees (0° – 180°).
• Add (Addition): The near lens addition for reading or progressive lenses, which corrects presbyopia.
• PD (pupillary distance): The distance between the pupil centers in millimeters, important for the correct centering of the spectacle lenses.

Frequently asked questions about having your eyesight tested

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Have your eyesight checked in our Frankfurt practice.

How often should I have my eyesight checked?

We recommend having your vision checked every one to two years, as refractive errors can change gradually. Regularly check your eyes. to have visual acuity tested, This not only ensures that your glasses are optimally fitted, but also serves as important preventative care for your eyes. This allows us to detect changes early and take appropriate action.

Why does my eyesight change at all?

Changes in vision are a normal process that affects everyone. In children and adolescents, the eyeball grows, which often leads to an increase in nearsightedness. From about the age of 45, the flexibility of the eye's lens decreases (presbyopia), which is why reading glasses are needed. to have visual acuity tested, documents these natural changes and rules out pathological causes.

Is a prescription for glasses the same as a prescription for contact lenses?

No, these are two different prescriptions, even if the basis is the same. A contact lens sits directly on the eye, while glasses have a certain distance, which requires different prescriptions. If you have your Have your eyesight checked, To wear contact lenses, additional measurements of corneal curvature and a fitting by a specialist are necessary.

Do I need a doctor's prescription for simple reading glasses?

Although simple reading glasses are available over the counter, it is highly advisable to have them professionally fitted. If you have your Have your eyesight checked, We ensure that the prescription strength is exactly correct for both eyes and that any astigmatism is taken into account. Furthermore, the onset of presbyopia is an ideal time for a comprehensive eye examination.

How long is a glasses prescription valid?

A prescription for glasses is usually valid for one year, as eye measurements can change. Before investing in new, high-quality glasses, it's always a good idea to have your prescription checked. to have visual acuity tested, to ensure that the values are still up-to-date. This way you avoid a bad investment and guarantee optimal visual comfort.

Why does the pupil sometimes need to be dilated?

In children or in cases of unclear measurement results, it may be necessary to temporarily dilate the pupils with medication to temporarily disable accommodation (the eye's ability to focus). This is the only way we can accurately measure the "true," relaxed refractive error when we examine your Have your eyesight checked. This examination ensures the highest precision in the fitting.

Can you also check my old glasses?

Yes, of course. Please bring your current glasses to your appointment. We can measure the strength of your old lenses and compare them to the newly determined values. This way, we can accurately determine how much your vision has changed since you had your glasses replaced. Have your eyesight checked.

Why are sudden changes in vision an emergency?

Sudden, significant changes in vision are always a warning sign and require immediate medical attention. This contrasts with a gradual change, where we can calmly assess your vision. Have your eyesight checked Sudden events can indicate serious conditions such as retinal detachment or a vascular occlusion. In these cases, every minute counts to save eyesight.

What are the advantages of having my eyesight tested at your practice?

If you Have your eyesight checked At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice, you receive more than just numbers. You receive the assurance of a comprehensive medical examination by an experienced ophthalmologist, following the principles of our 5-S method. We guarantee you a careful and precise measurement in a calm, personal atmosphere to help you achieve optimal and healthy vision.

Your path to perfect and healthy vision

A prescription for glasses from an ophthalmologist is more than just a prescription; it's the result of a careful medical assessment and the foundation for optimal vision. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice in Frankfurt, we take the time for precise measurements and a comprehensive examination to ensure you not only see clearly, but also enjoy healthy vision. Please feel free to schedule an appointment to have your vision tested.