'Incorrect reading glasses not cause of eye ailment'

MANILA, Philippines - Local eye specialists clarified yesterday that using incorrect reading glasses might not necessarily be harmful to the eyes.

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology said that contrary to reports, the use of incorrect grade of reading glasses would not cause serious eye ailment.

“The incorrect grade of reading glasses could never lead to cataract or glaucoma,” said Dr. Carlos Naval, president of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology Inc.

Naval also explained that ophthalmologists are different from optometrists, although both are called doctors.

“Ophthalmologists are doctors who have passed the Board of Medicine licensure examination and have taken three years of residency training on ophthalmology,” Carlos explained.

He said that optometrists are graduates of a six-year college course and granted the title of doctor of optometry, but they are not medical doctors.

Dr. Vivian Sarabia, a member of the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Optometry, reminded the public to be cautious in buying and using colored contact lenses as well as ready-to-wear reading glasses.

“Not everyone can wear contact lenses and should be properly fitted by an optometrist,” Sarabia said.

Sarabia said people should first undergo a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine the correct grade before buying and using reading glasses.

“They should have their eyes examined as there maybe other underlying factors that cause failing eyesight, such as cataract and other age-related defects,” Sarabia explained.

She said preventive and early detection is important for healthy eyes.