Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist: More than just a visual aid

A prescription for glasses from our ophthalmologist in Frankfurt is the result of a comprehensive medical examination and therefore much more than just a list of diopter values. It's a certificate of health for your eyes. While a simple vision test measures refractive errors, a medical examination ensures that no hidden eye diseases are the cause of any changes in vision. At Dr. Mareen Schmidt's practice in the Westend district, we combine precise vision testing with thorough medical diagnostics to provide you with not only clear, but also healthy vision.

Eyeglass prescriptions from ophthalmologists: The crucial difference compared to opticians

Many people wonder why they should go to an ophthalmologist for glasses when an optician can also determine their visual acuity. The answer lies in the medical foundation. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist This is the result of an ophthalmological examination that assesses the overall health of your eyes. An optician is an expert in the craft of making eyeglasses and measuring vision, but is not permitted and cannot make medical diagnoses.

Ophthalmologist vs. Optician: A Comparison of Services

Performance area	Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist	Eye test at the optician
The aim of the investigation	Comprehensive assessment of eye health and determination of visual acuity.	Determining visual acuity for the production of eyeglasses.
Diagnosis of diseases	Yes. Detection of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal diseases, etc. is a core competency.	No. Is not allowed to make medical diagnoses, can only express a suspicion and refer to a doctor.
Treatment of diseases	Yes. Initiation of therapies for diagnosed diseases.	No.
Examination methods	Slit-lamp microscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, examination of the fundus.	Refractometer, phoropter for measuring visual acuity.
document	A legally valid medical prescription (prescription for glasses).	A glasses prescription with the measured values.

The process of your glasses prescription at our practice in Frankfurt

The way to your Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist In our practice, we employ a structured and meticulous process that follows the principles of our 5S method. We take the time necessary for precise measurements and a comprehensive examination.

• 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.

A doctor's prescription for glasses: When it is particularly important

In certain phases of life and in the presence of underlying medical conditions, the Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist not only recommended, but medically essential.

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 glasses prescription from the eye doctor

Her Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist It contains a number of abbreviations and values. We will explain the most important ones.

abbreviation	Meaning	Explanation
R / L	Right / Left eye	Indicates which eye the value applies to.
Sph (sphere)	Severity of nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+).	The main correction value, measured in diopters (dpt).
Cyl (cylinder)	Severity of corneal astigmatism.	Corrects uneven curvature of the cornea.
Axis	Position of astigmatism in degrees (0° – 180°).	Describes the orientation of the cylinder.
Add (Addition)	Near vision addition for reading or progressive lenses.	The difference in strength between the distance and near vision sections of the glasses.
PD (pupillary distance)	The distance between the pupil centers in millimeters.	Important for the correct centering of the spectacle lenses.

Frequently asked questions about eyeglass prescriptions from the ophthalmologist

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist in our Frankfurt practice.

How often should I have my eyes examined to get a glasses prescription?

We recommend having your vision checked every one to two years, as refractive errors can change gradually. Regular examinations are essential for maintaining good vision. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist This not only ensures that your glasses are optimal, but also serves as important preventative care for your eyes. This allows us to detect changes early on.

Why does my eyesight change at all?

Changes in vision are a normal process. 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), making reading glasses necessary. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist It documents these natural changes and rules out pathological causes.

Is a prescription for glasses from an ophthalmologist the same as a prescription for contact lenses?

No, these are two different prescriptions. A contact lens sits directly on the eye, while glasses maintain a certain distance. Therefore, the prescription values for contact lenses must be specially converted and adjusted. Furthermore, a contact lens fitting requires an assessment of the lens's fit and comfort on the eye, which is a Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist not included.

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 fitted by a professional. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist This ensures 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.

Does the health insurance cover the costs of the examination?

One Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist This often involves a medical check-up, the costs of which are usually covered.

How long is a glasses prescription from an ophthalmologist valid?

One Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist A prescription is usually valid for one year. However, since your eyesight can change, it's always advisable to have your vision checked before buying a new, expensive pair of glasses. This ensures that your new glasses are perfectly suited to your current needs.

Why does the pupil sometimes need to be dilated?

In children or in cases of unclear measurement results, medication to dilate the pupils may be necessary to temporarily disable accommodation (the eye's ability to focus). This is the only way to accurately measure the "true," relaxed refractive error. Such an extended examination is available for your Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist ensures the highest precision in the fitting.

Can you also check my old glasses?

Yes, of course. Please bring your glasses to your appointment. We can measure the strength of your old lenses and compare them to the newly determined values. This allows us to accurately determine how much your vision has changed, which is an important part of creating a new prescription. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist is.

Why is it particularly important for children to obtain a glasses prescription from an ophthalmologist?

A child's visual system is still developing. Uncorrected or incorrectly corrected refractive errors can lead to permanent amblyopia (lazy eye), which is later untreatable. Only precise correction Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist, often after examination with dilated pupils, and simultaneous checks for strabismus ensure healthy visual development.

What if I can't see well with my new glasses?

If you are still having trouble adjusting to your new glasses after an initial adjustment period, please schedule a follow-up appointment. We will then recheck your prescription measurements. Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist and the fit of the glasses. In the vast majority of cases, the causes of the intolerance can be quickly found and resolved to help you achieve optimal visual comfort.

Your path to perfect and healthy vision

One Eyeglass prescription from the ophthalmologist It's 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 see healthily. Feel free to schedule an appointment for your next glasses fitting.