December 22, 2024

What are Correction Prism Glasses and Why Do You Need Them? – 2024

Correction prism glasses are prescription glasses that help primarily with the correction of double vision, also known as diplopia. Diplopia is a relatively common condition that can sometimes be temporary when caused by alcohol abuse, specific drug interactions, strained eye muscles, or head trauma.

While temporary diplopia is mostly harmless and doesn’t require corrective prism glasses or medical attention, it can be a sign of a more severe problem, and you should always consult a medical professional if it persists. Permanent diplopia, primarily caused by strabismus and other eye movement problems, requires correction via prism glasses which use light refraction to distribute light evenly. 

These are prescription glasses, and it is advisable to consult with an ophthalmologist who can provide a diagnosis and prescribe them for you. If you are ordering your correction prism glasses online, you can enter your prescription to verify your condition and choose from a wide range of styles and brands. 

How Do Corrective Prism Glasses Work?

Most of us take our relatively clear vision for granted, but many things have to work perfectly to facilitate this. Notably, the corneas must filter outside light into the eyes and focus it evenly and onto the same part of the retinas. 

In cases of diplopia due to eye misalignment like strabismus, however, the corneas filter the light onto the retinas properly, but misalignment causes light to be reflected onto different parts of the retina in each eye. The brain then receives a slightly different message about what the eyes see, which causes double-vision.

Prism glasses are specially designe to refract the light before entering the eyes, compensate for the misalignment, and evenly focus the light onto the same place in the retinas. 

Double vision is a debilitating disorder, and prism glasses offer a non-intrusive and perfect solution for those who suffer from it. However, as mentioned, you should always consult with a medical professional, more specifically, an ophthalmologist, beforehand so that they can establish the extent and cause of the double vision. 

How Do Corrective Prism Glasses Look? 

The prisms on the lenses of prism glasses are not visible, so rest assured that you won’t be able to see tiny prisms on the lenses at all. They look exactly like any other prescription glasses, except for a slightly thicker lens in most cases. 

Some people are concerned about the aesthetics of the thicker lenses, but this can be disguised by choosing thicker frames that accommodate them. 

Prism lenses are added to existing lenses as a separate prescription. Then, depending on which type of diplopia you have, a specific prism is applied to the lens. Three lenses accommodate the three different types of diplopia – Horizontal, vertical, or oblique. 

A temporary prism, known as a Fresnel prism, can also apply to your lens. It is an excellent option for those who are testing the effectiveness of the lens and aren’t sure about it yet, the only downside being that they are more visible than the standard prisms. 

Who Needs Corrective Prism Glasses?

As mentioned, double vision caused by eye movement problems is the primary indication for prism glasses. However, other underlying conditions can also cause eye muscle problems, which these lenses can correct. 

Corrective prism glasses are also highly effective for a host of other conditions and symptoms, including: 

  • Eyestrain
  • Persistent headaches & migraines
  • Tired eyes
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Head injuries
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Some who suffer from migraines
  • Eye misalignment caused by tumors
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Diabetes mellitus

First-time prism glasses wearers can take a little time to adjust to them, and the beneficial effects might not be evident right from the beginning. Therefore, always keep in touch with your prescribing medical professional regarding any issues you might have. 

How Much Do They Cost And Are They Covered By Medical Insurance?

Prism lenses are not much more expensive than other prescription lenses, but the total cost of your corrective prism glasses depends on several factors, including: 

  • The type of prism lens based on your condition
  • The frames you choose
  • Where you purchase the glasses from
  • Your insurance vision-related insurance benefits

Fresnel prism glasses, which we discussed earlier, can cost between $200 and $600. For permanent prism lens glasses, you could be looking at anything between $700 and $1600, depending on the factors mentioned above. 

Since prism glasses are a prescription and are FSA or HSA eligible health expenses, most medical insurance policies should cover some or all purchases. You should always make sure of this, though. Different medical insurance companies have different policies, depending on your option. 

Once you’ve consulted with your doctor and confirmed that you need correction prism glasses, the next will be to find out about medical insurance coverage from both your doctor and your medical insurance. 

Lastly, remember that these glasses are highly effective for those with certain types of double vision only, and wearing them without a prescription can cause severe damage to your eyes. This damage includes double vision, misalignment of the eyes, headaches, and severe eye pain and discomfort.

Now that you have the information, the rest is up to you – Always consult with medical professionals and choose accredited suppliers and outlets only for the best possible results! 

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