FAQ


Optometry FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?

We recommend that all individuals schedule an appointment so we can better serve our patients, but it is not necessary. We normally have appointments available within one or two days, and we also accommodate walk-in visits. Walk-in patients are welcome daily, but we do give priority to those patients who were scheduled previously for that appointment time.

Can I schedule an appointment online?

Yes, you may schedule an appointment online. We always try to make your visit as convenient as possible. Please provide us your information, insurance plan, and a reason for your visit, Please do not hesitate to ask any questions so we can better assist you at your appointment.

When should I get my eyes examined and how often?

Most individuals only get their eyes examined when their vision is blurry or they have a problem with their eyes. Here at Trend Eye Care, we recommended our patients to get their eyes examined regularly every one to two years. Patients should be examined more often if they experience any problems such as blurry vision, eyestrain, dry eye, etc. In fact, a complete eye examination is recommended as part of a full regular health checkup to help ensure good systemic health and clear vision.

If you have not had an eye health exam recently or do not remember when was your last eye exam was, we highly recommended an eye health exam. Please schedule an appointment online.

I do not have any problem with my vision. Do I still need an eye exam?

An eye exam is more than just checking your vision. The eye health exam also screens for eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. These disorders may not affect your vision in their early stages, therefore, we highly recommend to have an eye examination every one to two years.

To schedule an eye health exam today, please contact us.

Which insurances do you accept?

Visit our insurance page for the complete list of insurances that we accept. Here at Trend Eye Care, our staff is highly experienced with insurance companies and their policies. Our staff will contact your insurance company to obtain the most accurate benefit information for your visit.

Should I get glasses or contact lenses?

Most common vision problems can be corrected with either eyeglasses or contact lenses. Both forms of correction have advantages and disadvantages. For example, eyeglasses can be fashionable, but not ideal for certain physical activities and may affect your side vision. On the other hand, contact lenses have great side vision and are ideal for physical activities, but these lenses require daily maintenance and cleaning. If you are deciding between contacts lenses or eyeglasses, please discuss your daily activities with our optometrist, and your doctor can suggest the best option for you.

Who can wear contact lenses?

Most individuals can wear contact lenses. With new advancements in technology, we are able to comfortably fit most patients with contact lenses, even those patients who have astigmatism or bifocals. If you are interested in considering contact lenses, we recommended an examination with our optometrist to determine the best lenses for your lifestyle needs and activities. It is important to understand that a contact lens is a medical device that is placed on the eye. For this reason, all contact lenses must be properly fit, evaluated, and monitored by an optometrist on a regular basis in order to reduce the risk of sight-threatening conditions and to maintain healthy vision.

How old do I have to be to wear contact lenses?

There is no specific age guideline for wearing contact lenses. Our optometrists will discuss certain aspects of contact lens wear to determine if contact lenses are the best choice for you.

Why is there an additional fee for a contact lens exam?

A contact lens exam is a completely separate examination that is performed after a routine eye health exam. The contact lens exam evaluates the interaction between a contact lens and the eye to assure the two are compatible and can produce optimal vision. Examining a contact lens patient takes additional time and expertise. For that reason, we charge an additional fee only for those patients who consider contact lenses.

Why does my contact lens prescription expire after one year?

A contact lens is a medical device that is placed on the eye to correct certain eye conditions.  It is important to understand that all contact lens wearers are at risk for eye infections or sight-threatening conditions that may not show any obvious symptoms. Therefore, an eye care professional must monitor the eye health of all contact lens wearers on a regular basis. Because of the possible risks, your contact lens prescription is valid for 12 months per Pennsylvania state regulations. The prescription may expire sooner than one year depending on any eye conditions that may be diagnosed by your eye care professional.

Will wearing glasses make my eyes get worse?

NO. Your eyeglasses should help improve your vision. However, your eyeglasses may cause eyestrain, headaches, or discomfort if the eyeglasses are improperly used or incorrectly made.  If you notice any symptoms with your eyeglasses, we highly recommend that you discuss your concerns with our optometrist to receive a professional opinion.

Do I need UV protection?

Yes. It is a known fact that ultraviolet rays can damage the eye and cause ocular conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Eyeglasses and contact lenses can block harmful UV rays from entering the eye.  Ask our eye care professionals how eyeglasses and contact lenses can help protect your eyes from possible UV damage.

Is anti-reflective coating recommended?

Yes. All eyeglass lenses have a reflection of 8% to 15% which causes glare in your vision. Anti-reflective coating will decrease the reflection to less than 1% and improve the cosmetic appearance of your lenses.

Can extended computer use hurt my eyes?

Computer Eye Strain, or Digital Eye Strain, refers to a group of eye problems that may result from excessive computer, tablet, or cell phone use. Computer Vision Syndrome affects about 70% of computer users as more than two hours per day on the computer can cause visual discomfort. Regular breaks from computer use or prescription computer glasses can help reduce eye strain or blurred vision. We recommended that you visit our optometrists to discuss the available options to help alleviate any visual discomfort you may be experiencing.

Trend Eye Care In Northern Liberties

Free On-Site Parking Available. Walk-Ins Welcome.

180 W Girard Ave #5 Philadelphia, PA 19123

Monday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Trend Eye Care II Next to Temple University

Free On-Site Parking Available. Walk-Ins Welcome.

1501 N. Broad St #7 Philadelphia, PA 19122

Monday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Wednesday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed