Glasses

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Prescription glasses and sunglasses

Our wide range of designer and fashion glasses brands ensure that we always have glasses to suit your style and budget.

Browse our top brands online or visit your nearest store to view our full range and get help from our expert staff.

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Glasses in Ballybofey store

We Always Have Glasses to Suit Your Style and Budget

Glasses Brands

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Do I need glasses?

Vision problems often present as a gradual decline, which can be hard to notice. That’s why we recommend you get an eye test at least every two years to allow your optometrist to assess your vision.Some common symptoms of needing glasses include headaches, eye aches, frowning and squinting. Please book an eye test as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or any other symptoms that are affecting your vision or you believe to be caused by a decline in vision.

The best way to know if you need glasses (or contact lenses) is to find an eye care professional near you and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

How to choose the best glasses for your face?

If you are struggling to choose glasses that you feel comfortable in and that suit you, the best place to start is knowing what glasses typically suit your face shape.

Look at yourself in the mirror and familiarise yourself with what shape your face most resembles – oval, square, heart shape, round. Then, use our guide to find out what glasses best suit each face shape.

Use our guide to choosing glasses

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How often should you purchase a new pair of glasses?

Optometrists recommend replacing your glasses every one to three years. This can be shorter depending on the condition of your lenses or any changes in prescription.

We recommend getting an eye test every 2 years at least.

How to take care of your glasses

Your glasses are a vital part of your day-to-day life, and we want them to last you for as long as possible.

To reduce chances of breakage, always put your glasses away when you’re not using them – use a hard case to store your glasses, always facing upwards in the case to avoid any scratching.

Keep your glasses and lenses clean by using products specifically designed for cleaning your glasses. We also recommend not wearing your glasses on your head, as this can distort your glasses shape over time or cause loose screws and breakages.

Read more about how to take care of your glasses

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I still need prescription glasses if I wear contacts?

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Yes, you’ll still need prescription glasses even if you wear contacts. Glasses offer a break for your eyes from potential contact lens irritation and are more convenient for everyday tasks like showering and waking up in the morning. Glasses are also a great option if you’re in a rush.

What do I do if I think my glasses prescription is wrong?

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If you suspect your glasses prescription is incorrect, contact your optician immediately. They can re-evaluate your vision, adjust your current glasses, or recommend new glasses if necessary. If you feel your prescription is incorrect, book an apppointment with us immediately.

Will wearing glasses improve my vision so I don’t have to wear them?

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No, wearing glasses doesn’t permanently change your eyesight. However, they play a crucial role in correcting various vision problems and significantly improve your quality of life. Glasses work by helping light focus properly on your retina.  

Nearsightedness: Concave lenses in glasses help focus light on the retina for clear distance vision.  

Farsightedness: Convex lenses help focus light on the retina for clear near vision.

Astigmatism: Cylindrical lenses correct for irregularities in the shape of the cornea or lens, resulting in sharper, clearer vision.  

Presbyopia: Progressive lenses or bifocals address age-related changes in focusing ability, enabling clear vision at different distances.  

What are the best glasses for driving?

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Zeiss DriveSafe lenses are specifically designed to enhance vision while driving. They offer a number of benefits, including:  

Reduced glare: Minimise glare from oncoming headlights and the sun.  

Improved contrast: Enhance visibility in low-light conditions.

Relaxed vision: Reduce eye strain and fatigue during long drives.

Enhanced colour perception: Improve recognition of traffic signs and other road hazards.Zeiss DriveSafe lenses are also specifically beneficial for those who struggle to see when driving at night time. Learn more about Zeiss DriveSafe lenses here.

Can I wear reading glasses all day?

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If you find yourself constantly wearing reading glasses throughout the day, it might be time to consider getting regular prescription lenses. This is especially true if you experience difficulty focusing at any distance, eye strain and headaches and blurred vision at all distances.In addition to children and people with diabetes, these groups should consider more frequent eye exams:

Do I need to wear prescription glasses all day?

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Whether or not you need to wear prescription glasses all day depends on your individual vision needs. If you have a mild prescription, you may only need to wear them for specific activities like driving, reading, watching tv or using a laptop. However, if you have a stronger prescription, you may need to wear them most of the time to ensure clear vision.

What are multifocal lenses?

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Multifocal lenses, also known as progressive lenses, are designed to correct vision for multiple distances. They seamlessly transition from near vision (for reading) to intermediate vision (for computer use) to distance vision (for seeing faraway objects). This eliminates the need for multiple pairs of glasses.There are a few things you can do to ensure your eyes stay health, such as:

Can my prescription glasses come with UV protection?

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Yes, your prescription glasses can and should come with UV protection. This essential coating blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can damage your eyes over time and increase the risk of eye conditions like cataracts.

Many modern lenses include UV protection as standard, but it’s always best to confirm with your optician when ordering your glasses to ensure you have this important layer of protection.

What does nearsighted and farsighted mean?

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Nearsightedness (myopia): Individuals with nearsightedness can see close objects clearly but have difficulty seeing objects far away.  

Farsightedness (hyperopia): Individuals with farsightedness can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty seeing close objects.  

How much do prescription glasses cost?

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Prescription glasses start from £55 and can go upwards of £300 for designer frames.

How long will it take for prescription glasses to be made?

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The time it takes to make prescription glasses typically takes around a week.

Can I get prescription sunglasses?

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Yes, you can get prescription sunglasses! They combine vision correction with UV protection, eliminating the need to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses.

How can I choose glasses that suit my face shape?

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Choosing the right glasses involves finding frames that suit your face shape. Our expert opticians at Gormley Opticians can help. We’ll analyse your face and offer personalised recommendations to find frames that complement your style and ensure a perfect fit. Contact us today and let us help you find glasses that make you look and feel great.