I Just Need a New Prescription for Glasses

/ Stonewire Optometry /
Young woman with long brown hair and round black glasses making a playful pouty face, standing beside bold text that reads “I JUST NEED A NEW RX FOR GLASSES.” The background is split into bright orange and blue, with the SW logo in the corner.

Why That Quick Fix Might Be Missing the Bigger Picture

"I just need a new prescription."

We hear it all the time at Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall. A patient walks in, assuming they'll be in and out in twenty minutes with an updated number for their glasses. No big deal, right?

But here's the truth: what you think you need, and what your eyes actually need—aren't always the same thing.

Let me tell you a few real stories.

The 20/20 Surprise

A man in his early 40s came to our Kingsway Optometry Clinic. His glasses were a few years old, and he just wanted a fresh prescription. No vision issues, no pain, no concerns. He nearly cancelled the exam because "everything seemed fine."

We ran the entire suite: Optomap ultra-widefield imaging, eye pressure checks, and a proper refraction.

His prescription? Barely changed.

His retina? Showed signs of a small tear—completely symptom-free.

Optomap retinal image of a left eye showing a small retinal tear in the upper right quadrant, marked with a white circle.

We referred him immediately to a retinal specialist for treatment, helping him avoid what could have become a complete retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.

The "Headache" That Wasn't Just a Headache

Another patient came in with a lingering headache behind her eyes. She assumed it was from too much screen time and wanted a quick fix.

However, we found something more serious during her eye exam: her eye pressure was 35 mmHg—well above the normal range of under 21 mmHg. That's a clear red flag for glaucoma.

We treated her in-office with pressure-lowering eye drops, and the response was immediate. Since then, we've continued to co-manage her care with a glaucoma specialist here in Edmonton, and her vision remains stable.

Had she skipped that routine visit, the damage could've been permanent.

"It's Just Glare When I Drive…"

A young man came in saying his vision was fine except for some glare and halos at night while driving. Another clinic told him he had high astigmatism and suggested stronger glasses.

But during his full eye exam at Stonewire Optometry, we spotted something more serious: Keratoconus, a progressive thinning of the cornea that warps vision. Glasses wouldn't fix it completely.

He ended up needing corneal crosslinking surgery to stabilize the condition—and we fit him with custom scleral contact lenses to restore clear, stable vision.

If we had just written him a new prescription, his condition would've continued to worsen, and he would still be having problems with night driving and glare.

The Prescription Is the Easy Part

We get it. You're busy. You don't want to overcomplicate things. You just want to see clearly again. But here's the thing: Getting a new prescription is only one piece of a proper eye exam.

What you really need is to know your eyes are healthy. That your vision isn't slowly slipping away without warning.

Because unfortunately, that's how many serious eye diseases begin:

  • Glaucoma – silent, painless, and irreversible

  • Diabetic Retinopathy – early changes often go unnoticed

  • Macular Degeneration – subtle changes to central vision

  • Keratoconus – often misdiagnosed as astigmatism

We Do Things Differently

At Stonewire Optometry, we're not just in the business of updating glasses—we're in the business of protecting sight.

We're the only optometry clinic in Kingsway Mall with Optomap ultra-widefield imaging, in addition to 3D-OCT scans. That means we can look deep inside your eyes—often without dilating drops—and detect issues early. Plus, you get to see what we see, so you leave a better understanding of what we're looking for.

Yes, we'll get your prescription dialled in. But we'll also ensure the foundation—your eye health—isn't quietly falling apart.

Your Eye Health Is Worth 30 Minutes

If it's been a while since your last eye exam in Edmonton, don't wait until something feels wrong. Most eye diseases don't come with a warning label. But we've got the tools and experience to catch them before they become a problem.

So no—it's not just about a new prescription. It's about protecting your sight for years to come.

Ready to Book Your Eye Exam in Kingsway Mall?

Whether you're due for your annual check-up or just looking to update your glasses, don't settle for just a prescription. At Stonewire Optometry, we combine convenience with clinical excellence—offering comprehensive eye exams, advanced diagnostic technology, and walk-in availability.

  • 👁 Open 7 days a week

  • 📍 Located across from The Bay in Kingsway Mall

  • 🩺 Child & senior eye exams are partially covered by Alberta Health Care (when eligible)

Protect your vision before symptoms appear. Book Your Eye Exam at Our Kingsway Optometry Clinic Today

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Stonewire Optometry eye care clinic in Edmonton’s Kingsway Mall, and is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Stonewire Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.