Interested in a new pair of prescription glasses or a switch over to contact lenses? The Santa Monica Eye Medical Group offers comprehensive eye exams performed by skilled optometrists and technicians who will ensure that your vision is properly tested and prescribed. We use the latest and most advanced imaging equipment from major brands like Zeiss, Alcon, and Zeimer to ensure that our diagnoses are accurate and you come away with crystal-clear vision.
We carry a vast array of designer and custom hand-made frames to suit your style and eye care needs. We understand it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect frame amongst hundreds of choices. If desired, we offer a unique experience with our trained opticians by starting with a personal consultation to inquire about your specific needs before pulling frames that meet your criteria.
We also provide the latest contact lens brands geared towards the individual. We offer specialty contact lenses and custom-made soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses. In addition, we can assist in ordering most contact lenses available in the market.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (310) 829-5475.
UV Protection/Sunglasses
UV protection is important anytime you are outside. Many people put sunscreen on their skin and UV protection for the eyes is just as crucial. UV protection is not based on how dark the lenses are, but on the ability of the lens to block out certain wavelengths of incoming rays. Having approximately 400nm of UVA/UVB protection is ideal to prevent the progression of eye conditions such as cataracts (excess tissue growth on the surface of the eye) and macular degeneration. Polarized lenses provide the additional benefit of cutting down glare by filtering out distinct orientation of light rays. Polarized lenses can enhance overall vision, decrease eyestrain, and are great for use in outdoor activities, especially water sports.
Transition Lenses
Transition lenses are also called Photochromic lenses. These lenses darken according to the amount of UV light that hits the lens surface. They are clear while indoors and gradually darken when taken outside. It is important to keep in mind that transition lenses do not darken in the car because windshields block out UV light. Transition lenses offer the convenience of sun and UV protection all in one pair of glasses, but it is always recommended to have a true pair of sunglasses for optimal sun protection.
Bifocals
Bifocals contain two ranges of vision: distance and near. These lenses have a distinct area towards the bottom of the lens that allows for reading vision up to approximately 20 inches. These lenses are usually for presbyopic patients who require distance and near vision correction and don’t mind the look of the demarcation lines.
Progressives
Designed for presbyopic patients, progressive lenses allow the convenience of distance, intermediate, and near vision correction all in one lens. Cosmetically, these lenses are ideal for those who do not wish to have demarcation lines on the lens surface. In addition, the intermediate range allows for vision up to about 36 inches, which offers more versatility compared to bifocals. These lenses are efficient for everyday use, from driving and working on the computer to reading printed materials. They also offer the benefit of optimal cosmetic appearance.
Computer Glasses
Patients who work long hours on the computer may find more comfort wearing glasses specialized to be set at their individual computer working distance. We also offer a type of lens called office progressives for our presbyopic patients. Theses lenses contain the computer prescription towards the top while having the convenience of the reading prescription at the bottom, all in one single lens.
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is when the eyes have difficulty focusing on close objects due to the rigidity of the lenses. This makes reading and working on the computer more difficult. Symptoms typically begin in the early 40’s but can vary from person to person. Individuals will usually start to hold what they’re reading further away to focus on it more clearly. Eventually, this won’t work anymore so reading glasses, bifocals, or progressives will be needed.
