Prescription for corrective lenses - is it necessary to buy glasses?

Do prescription eyeglasses require a prescription?

Purchasing spectacle lenses typically requires a prescription. This document contains detailed information about your vision, which is crucial for selecting the correct lenses. Before deciding on new glasses, it's advisable to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure your prescription parameters are up-to-date.

However, there are instances when you might choose to buy glasses without a new prescription. For example, if you are confident that your vision is stable and you know your current correction values. Nevertheless, regular eye examinations are recommended to ensure the best possible fit for your eyeglass lenses.

Furthermore, consistent check-ups with a specialist can help detect eye diseases at an early stage.

How long is a prescription for corrective eyeglasses valid?

A prescription for corrective eyeglasses does not have a precisely defined expiration date. However, it's important not to delay filling it, as vision can change. After approximately a year, the prescription may no longer be current. 

It is recommended to visit a specialist at least once a year to check if your vision has changed. This will help you avoid ill-fitting lenses and take care of your eye health.

Does an eyeglass prescription offer a discount?

In 2025, a prescription for corrective eyeglasses may provide a discount in the form of co-funding from the National Health Fund (NFZ). However, it's important to remember that reimbursement applies only to spectacle lenses and does not cover frames or additional coatings (e.g., anti-reflective). 

The amount of co-funding depends on the patient's age and the type of vision defect (it can range from PLN 35 to PLN 700 per pair of spectacle lenses!). To receive reimbursement, you must have current health insurance with the NFZ, obtain a prescription from an authorized doctor, and have it filled at an optical store cooperating with the NFZ.

Additionally, if you are employed under a contract of employment and spend at least 4 hours a day in front of a screen monitor, your employer is obligated to provide you with corrective eyeglasses. The amount of co-funding and the rules for its award may be specified in the company's internal regulations.

It's worth checking which optical stores in your area have an agreement with the NFZ to take advantage of discounts you are entitled to.

How to obtain a prescription for corrective lenses?

To get a prescription for eyeglasses, it's best to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The specialist will conduct an eye examination to precisely determine your refractive error. 

During the visit, visual acuity, accommodation ability, and the presence of astigmatism are checked. This examination allows for the issuance of a prescription with information about the required lenses.

Regular eye check-ups, preferably once a year, are recommended. They allow for monitoring the condition of your eyes and adjusting your glasses to any potential changes in your refractive error. 

What does an eyeglass prescription look like and what parameters does it include?

An eyeglass prescription is a document containing essential data needed to select the appropriate corrective lenses. It is usually presented in a table format, which includes values for each eye: OD (right eye) and OS (left eye). Here are the main parameters:

• Sphere (SPH): This indicates the spherical power of the lenses in diopters. It can be positive or negative, signifying farsightedness or nearsightedness, respectively.
• Cylinder (CYL): This parameter corrects astigmatism. The value indicates the strength needed to improve irregularities of the cornea.
• Axis (AXIS): This defines the orientation of the cylinder in degrees, which is important for individuals with astigmatism.
• Pupillary Distance (PD): This measures the distance between the centers of the pupils of both eyes, which is important for the correct positioning of the lenses relative to the eyes.
• Add (ADD): This is an additional magnification used in progressive or bifocal glasses, which helps with reading.
• Prism and Base: These are parameters used in prismatic glasses to improve stereoscopic vision.

Fulfilling a prescription for corrective lenses

Prescription glasses can be purchased from an optician in a physical store or from an online optical store. Before choosing your lenses, it's important to thoroughly understand the parameters provided on the prescription to ensure they perfectly match your visual needs.

Purchasing glasses from an optician

Buying glasses from an optician involves several important steps. The specialist takes precise measurements, such as pupillary distance and fitting height.

This ensures that the lenses are perfectly tailored to the individual needs of the client, which translates into comfort and visual quality.

When choosing frames and lenses, you can count on professional advice from the optician. This allows for customization of the glasses to match the face shape, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences of the client.

Online ordering and waiting time

When purchasing glasses online, it is essential to consider all parameters from the prescription to ensure their correct fitting. The order fulfillment time depends on the specific provider, so it's a good idea to check the availability of specific corrective lenses and frames before purchasing.

Can you buy glasses without a prescription from an optician?

Yes, you can purchase glasses without a prescription from an optician. However, it is advisable to exercise caution when making such a decision. It is best to opt for this purchase if you are confident about the stability of your vision and know your current correction parameters. 

Nevertheless, a consultation with an optometrist before making a purchase is recommended. This will help you ensure that your vision has not deteriorated.