TIPS
The lenses used to test your vision have
an anti-reflective coating. A 13% reduction in clarity and contrast occurs when eyeglass lenses are made without this
coating. Anti-reflective coatings aid in night driving and glare reduction from the bright sun, computers, fluorescent
lighting, etc.
New generation anti-reflective coatings (ie: scotchgard brand) are significantly easier to
clean and do not "peel".
Ultra-violet protective
coating is the "sun-block" for your eyes. Conditions such as pingueculae, pterygia, cataracts, macular degeneration
and others may be promoted by sun exposure.
Progressive Lenses (Distance, Intermediate & Near: Multifocal):
Be aware that there are many brands on the market. One of the most common reasons for non-adaptation (visual discomfort)
is the horizontal width of the vision channel within the lens (the brand or style of the lens). You can still have
a stylish frame and be fit properly with a progressive. I do not advise a short vertical width frame (you decrease the
ease of transition between distance, intermediate and near vision = shorter area of clear vision for each area). The
LensCrafters brand I have gotten great feedback from patients is called the "AVP". There is a new HD version
as well. If you have a plus prescription with astigmatism, I would definitely opt for the HD version, strongly
consider hi-index lens material and avoid polycarbonate material.
If you are determined to get adjusted
to a progressive, you will! Start with "stationary" usage of progressives if you are having a difficult time
adjusting. For example, watching tv or using the computer. I wouldn't advise running up a flight of steps
or driving an obstacle course as a means to get used to a progressive.  |
Importance of a Dilated Eye Exam:
The eye resembles a photographic camera.
There is a system of clear lenses that allow the light to go through and reach the film inside the camera and the retina inside
the eye.
Taking
advantage of this, we can examine the ocular fundus, where we can see the macula, peripheral retina, retinal blood vessels
and optic nerve. Therefore we are able to diagnose diseases that affect the macula, such as age related macular degeneration,
diabetic retinopathy, macular puckers and holes. We can diagnose pathologies that affect the peripheral retina and choroid,
such as: retinal detachments, retinal tears, retinitis pigmentosa, choroidal nevus, etc. We can also identify disease affecting
the optic nerve such as glaucoma, optic neuritis and others.
As an interesting fact, the eye represents the only organ in the human body, where
we can directly visualize the blood vessels without any invasive procedure, so it provides us with indirect signs of the status
of the blood vessels in the rest of the body. Multiple systemic diseases that affect the blood vessels can have retinal vascular
manifestations, such as: diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions that
are associated with atherosclerosis, retinal vasculits associated with immunological diseases, etc.
Therefore, if we identify any of these
problems we can refer the patient to the appropriate specialist to treat other systemic diseases, and contribute to the general
health status of our patients.
In summary I have always liked to say:
“ that the eye is the window of the body..”
.
Ernesto I. Segal, M.D. Ophthalmologist.
Specialist in Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery
Eye Associates
of Boca Raton
