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Frequently Asked Questions

GOT QUESTIONS?

Everything You Need to Know
About Your Eye Care

We have answered the questions our patients ask most often. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us or book an appointment and we will be happy to help.

  • Eye Examinations
  • Glasses & Lenses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Conditions
  • Visiting Us
  • How often should I have an eye examination?

    We recommend a comprehensive eye exam every two years for adults with no existing eye conditions, and annually if you wear glasses or contact lenses, are over 40, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma. Children should be examined every year as their vision changes rapidly during development.

  • What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?

    A comprehensive eye exam at Magna Eye Care includes a full health and medication history review, visual acuity test, refraction to determine your prescription, eye pressure measurement (tonometry), anterior and posterior segment examination, colour vision screening, and a detailed discussion of findings and next steps. The full examination takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

  • Does an eye exam hurt?

    No. A standard eye examination is completely painless. The air-puff tonometry test (which measures eye pressure) can feel slightly surprising but causes no discomfort. If we use dilating drops to examine the back of your eye, you may experience mild light sensitivity for a few hours afterwards.

  • At what age should children have their first eye exam?

    We recommend a child's first eye exam between ages 3 and 4, before they start school. Early detection of conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint), or refractive errors is critical — many are easily treated when caught early. Do not wait for your child to complain; children often do not realise their vision is poor.

  • Do you offer diabetic eye screening?

    Yes. Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy — damage to the blood vessels at the back of the eye — which can lead to sight loss if undetected. We recommend that all diabetic patients have an annual dilated eye examination. Our optometrists are experienced in identifying early signs of diabetic eye disease.

  • Can you screen for glaucoma?

    Yes. Glaucoma screening is included as part of our comprehensive eye examination. We measure intraocular pressure, assess the optic nerve, and evaluate your peripheral vision. Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it has no symptoms in its early stages — regular screening is the only way to catch it early.

  • Do I need a referral to visit Magna Eye Care?

    No referral is needed. You can book directly online, by phone, or walk into our clinic. We do accept referrals from general practitioners and other specialists, and we provide detailed reports back to your doctor when required.

  • What should I bring to my eye exam?

    Please bring your current glasses or contact lenses, a list of any medications you are taking (including eye drops), your HMO card if your plan covers eye care, and any previous prescription or eye health reports you have. Arriving 5 minutes early to complete a short health questionnaire is also helpful.

  • How long does it take to get my glasses ready?

    Standard single vision lenses are typically ready within 3 to 5 working days. Varifocal, high-index, and specialist lenses may take 5 to 10 working days depending on the prescription and lens type. We will give you an estimated collection date when you place your order and notify you as soon as your glasses are ready.

  • What types of lenses do you offer?

    We offer a full range including single vision, bifocal, varifocal (progressive), office lenses, photochromic (transitions), polarised sunglasses lenses, blue light filtering lenses, and high-index thin lenses for strong prescriptions. Our dispensing opticians will recommend the best option for your lifestyle and prescription.

  • Can I use my existing frames with a new prescription?

    In many cases, yes. If your frames are in good condition and are compatible with the new lenses required, we can reglaze them for you. Bring your frames in and we will assess whether they are suitable. Very strong prescriptions sometimes require a frame of a specific size or shape for best optical results.

  • What designer frame brands do you stock?

    We stock frames from premium and luxury brands including Prada, Gucci, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Oakley, Versace, Silhouette, and Lindberg, among others. We also carry a wide selection of quality affordable frames. Visit our optical shop or ask to see our full brand catalogue.

  • Do you offer repairs and adjustments?

    Yes. We offer frame adjustments, nose pad replacements, screw replacements, and minor repairs while you wait at no charge for glasses purchased from us. For frames purchased elsewhere, a small service fee may apply.

  • I am struggling to adapt to my new varifocals — is this normal?

    A short adaptation period of 1 to 2 weeks is normal for new varifocal wearers. If after two weeks you are still experiencing distortion, headaches, or difficulty reading, please come back and see us. We will reassess the fit, the prescription, and the lens design — and we will get it right for you.

  • Am I suitable for contact lenses?

    Most people with a refractive error — including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia — can wear contact lenses. Suitability depends on your prescription, the shape and health of your cornea, and your lifestyle. We offer a contact lens fitting consultation to assess this properly and find the right lens type for you.

  • What is a contact lens fitting?

    A contact lens fitting is a separate appointment from your eye examination where we measure your corneal curvature, assess your tear film, select a trial lens, teach you how to insert and remove lenses safely, and schedule a follow-up to check fit and comfort. A contact lens prescription is different from a spectacle prescription and must be issued separately.

  • How long can I wear my contact lenses each day?

    As a general guide, most contact lenses should not be worn for more than 10 to 12 hours per day. Your cornea needs oxygen, which it gets mainly from the air rather than blood vessels, so extended wear without breaks can cause dryness, irritation, and in serious cases, infection. Never sleep in lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear by your optometrist.

  • Can I swim or shower in my contact lenses?

    No. You should remove contact lenses before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Water — including tap water, pool water, and sea water — can carry micro-organisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause serious eye infections when contact lenses are worn. If your lenses accidentally come into contact with water, remove and discard them immediately.

  • My eye is red after wearing contacts — what should I do?

    Remove your lenses immediately and do not reinsert them. If redness is mild and settles within 30 minutes without the lens, it may be simple irritation. If the redness persists, is accompanied by pain, discharge, or blurred vision, contact us or seek urgent eye care. These can be signs of infection which require prompt treatment.

  • Can I buy contact lenses without a prescription?

    No. Contact lenses are medical devices and require a valid prescription issued by a registered optometrist. Wearing lenses without a proper fitting puts your eyes at serious risk. We supply all major contact lens brands for our patients with a current contact lens prescription.

  • What is the difference between myopia and hyperopia?

    Myopia (short-sightedness) means you can see near objects clearly but distant objects appear blurred. Hyperopia (long-sightedness) means distant objects may be clearer, but near objects — like text — are blurred. Both are common refractive errors corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and both are diagnosed during a standard eye examination.

  • What is astigmatism and can it be corrected?

    Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is not perfectly round, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It is very common and is easily corrected with toric spectacle lenses or toric contact lenses. Most people with astigmatism also have some degree of myopia or hyperopia.

  • What are the signs of glaucoma?

    The most common form of glaucoma — chronic open-angle glaucoma — has no symptoms in its early stages. Vision loss begins at the periphery and progresses slowly, making it difficult to notice until significant damage has occurred. This is why regular eye examinations that include glaucoma screening are essential, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma.

  • What is dry eye and how is it treated?

    Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, grittiness, intermittent blurry vision, and paradoxically, excessive watering. Treatment depends on the cause and severity, and may include preservative-free lubricating drops, lifestyle advice, dietary changes, or in-clinic procedures. We offer a dedicated dry eye assessment at Magna Eye Care.

  • I am seeing floaters — should I be worried?

    Most floaters are harmless and caused by tiny clumps in the vitreous gel inside the eye. However, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision are warning signs of a possible retinal tear or detachment — a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent eye care immediately.

  • Can screen time damage my eyes?

    Prolonged screen use does not permanently damage your eyes, but it can cause digital eye strain — symptoms include tired eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. We recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Blue light filtering lenses can also reduce eye strain for heavy screen users.

  • Do you accept HMO / health insurance?

    Yes. We are registered with several major HMOs in Nigeria including Hallmark HMO, Hygeia HMO, AXA Mansard, Reliance HMO, and Songhai. Please bring your valid HMO card to your appointment. If you are unsure whether your plan covers eye care, contact your HMO or call us and we will help you verify.

  • Where are you located and what are your opening hours?

    We are located at 2 Ado-Ekiti Close, Garki, Area 11, Abuja, Nigeria. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm, and Public Holidays 9am to 3pm. We are closed on Sundays. Special pre-booked appointments outside these hours can be arranged on request.

  • How do I book an appointment?

    You can book online using our appointment page, call us directly on the number shown in the header, or visit us in person. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially for comprehensive eye examinations which require a longer slot.

  • How long will my appointment take?

    A comprehensive eye examination takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are also choosing frames and ordering glasses on the same visit, allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes for the dispensing consultation. Contact lens fitting appointments are typically 45 to 60 minutes including a trial fitting and instruction session.

  • Can I bring my child for an eye exam?

    Absolutely. We see patients of all ages including young children. Our optometrists are experienced in examining children and making the process as comfortable and engaging as possible. For children under 16, a parent or guardian should be present throughout the examination.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    We kindly ask that you give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, so we can offer your slot to another patient. To cancel or rearrange, call us or send a message via our contact page.

Still have a question?  Our team is happy to help — call us, send a message, or book a free consultation.   Contact Us  ·  Book Appointment

OUR HMO PARTNERS
axa mansard
bastion
clear line
dot hmo
Hygeia
leadway
life worth
philips
Reliance
rothauge