Prescription glasses are essential for correcting vision and improving the clarity of the things we see. An ophthalmologist prescribes them after a thorough examination of the eyes to determine the appropriate strength of the lenses needed to correct any vision problems.

But what if you don’t have a prescription and still need or want to wear glasses? Can you buy prescription glasses without a prescription in Kenya?

Overview of Prescription Glasses

Prescription glasses are eyewear designed to correct vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. They are made with lenses customized to the wearer’s specific vision needs based on a prescription from an eye doctor.

Prescription glasses can be made with single-vision lenses, which correct for one vision problem, or multifocal lenses, which correct for multiple vision problems, such as presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing things up close).

The importance of having a prescription for prescription glasses cannot be overstated. Creating glasses tailored to the individual’s specific vision needs is impossible without a prescription. This means that the glasses will not be able to correct the wearer’s vision properly and may even cause additional vision problems.

The Availability of Prescription Glasses Without a Prescription in Kenya:

In Kenya, the sale of prescription glasses is regulated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, which is responsible for ensuring that all prescription glasses sold in the country meet specific standards.

According to the law, it is illegal to sell prescription glasses without a valid prescription from an eye doctor. However, this does not mean buying prescription glasses without a prescription is impossible.

Despite the legal restrictions, it is possible to buy prescription glasses without a prescription in Kenya. Several prescription glasses, including plain lenses and reading glasses, do not require a prescription.

Plain lenses, also known as zero-power lenses, have no prescription and can be worn by anyone. On the other hand, reading glasses are designed for people who have difficulty reading small print or seeing objects up close and are available in various strengths.

The prices of prescription glasses without a prescription in Kenya can vary widely, with some options available for as low as 3000 Kenyan shillings. These glasses can be found at physical stores or online, although it is important to be aware of the risks of buying from unverified sellers.

Possible Consequences of Buying Prescription Glasses Without a Prescription:

While it may be tempting to buy prescription glasses without a prescription, especially if you are in a hurry or don’t want to go through the process of getting a prescription, it is important to consider the potential consequences.

• Eye strain: If the lenses in your glasses are not the correct strength, it can cause your eyes to work harder to see, leading to eye strain and discomfort.
• Headaches: Wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can also cause headaches, as your eyes work harder than they should to focus on objects.
• Worsening vision: Over time, wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can worsen your vision. That is because your eyes are being forced to work harder to see, leading to a condition known as amblyopia or “lazy eye.”

In addition to these problems, buying prescription glasses without a prescription could potentially be dangerous if the glasses contain lenses with a strength unsuitable for your eyes. That could lead to further problems with your vision and overall health.

It is also important to note that prescription glasses are not a one-size-fits-all solution and require regular check-ups to ensure that the prescription is still accurate. Without a proper prescription, you may not be able to get the proper follow-up care and adjustments that are needed to ensure that your glasses are doing their job correctly.

It is always best to get a proper prescription from an eye doctor before purchasing prescription glasses. That will ensure that the lenses in your glasses are correctly prescribed for your eyes and will help to prevent any potential problems with eye strain, headaches, and worsening vision.

How to Get a Prescription for Prescription Glasses in Kenya

To get a prescription for prescription glasses in Kenya, you will need to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam. These professionals are trained to diagnose vision problems and prescribe the appropriate eyewear.

Here are the steps for obtaining a prescription for prescription glasses in Kenya:

• Make an appointment with an eye doctor: You can find an optometrist or ophthalmologist in your area by searching online or asking for recommendations from friends or family.
• Prepare for your eye exam: Before your appointment, you may need to prepare by having your medical history and any current medications ready. You may also be asked to list any vision problems, such as difficulty seeing things up close or far away.
• Undergo an eye exam: During the exam, the eye doctor will perform a series of tests to assess your vision and check for any problems. These tests may include reading an eye chart, using a machine to measure the curvature of your cornea, and examining the inside of your eye with a lighted instrument.
• Get your prescription: Once the eye exam is complete, the eye doctor will prescribe your eyewear. That will include information about the type and strength of lenses you need and any other instructions or recommendations.

Several eye exams are available in Kenya, including comprehensive eye exams. They check for a wide range of vision problems, and basic eye exams focus on a specific problem, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Your eye doctor will recommend the appropriate exam based on age, medical history, and symptoms.

It is important to have regular eye exams, even if you don’t have any vision problems. That is because many vision problems do not have noticeable symptoms in their early stages and can be easily corrected with early treatment.

By having regular eye exams, you can catch vision problems early and maintain good eye health. In addition, eye exams can detect other health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, affecting your eye health.

Takeaway

In Kenya, it is illegal to purchase prescription glasses without a prescription. While you may be tempted to skip the eye exam and buy glasses without a prescription, it is important to remember that these glasses will not be tailored to your specific vision needs. It can also put your vision at risk.

Instead, visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a proper prescription and ensure that your eyewear is helping, not hindering, your vision.