Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Opticians

Cosmetic Services

We all want to look our best and in the last decade, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking cosmetic services in order to enhance their appearance. With our eyes being our most distinguishing feature, we want to make the most of them. Thankfully there is now a range of cosmetic services that can help to rejuvenate our eyes and the area around them to keep them fresh, young and wrinkle-free. 

Let’s take a look at some of the services on offer.

Pigment removal

The brown pigment spots that appear on the face are often referred to as age spots and are a result of sun exposure. With age, the repeated exposure to UV rays causes melanin, a compound that is responsible for pigmentation and protecting the skin begins to clump together to form an area of hyperpigmentation. Whilst they aren’t any cause for concern, many people feel that they look unsightly. Luckily, there are a number of different treatments that you can get to remove them including topical creams, laser therapy, and chemical peels.

If you are suffering from darker pigmentation then we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with a qualified dermatologist who will recommend the best course of treatment for you, based on your specific needs.

Eyelid reduction

As we age, the skin around our eyes loses much of its elasticity, making it very common to develop sagging eyelids. This effect is often much more advanced in smokers and in those who have had excessive sun exposure. 

Eyelid reduction surgery, known as blepharoplasty, is a very common aesthetic procedure that can give the face a much more youthful appearance and involves the removal of the excess skin and fatty tissue and the tightening of the relaxed muscles. It can be applied to your upper eyelids (known as upper blepharoplasty), lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty) or both together.

If eyelid reduction is something that interests you, then ask your optometrist if he/she can suggest a professional and experienced cosmetic surgeon who will be able to answer your questions and assess whether you are a viable candidate for surgery.

Eyebrow hair removal

Your eyebrows are an important facial feature that provide structure to your face. Their close proximity to your eyes means that they also one of the first things that people notice about you. Despite plucking, threading or waxing to get them a perfect shape, many of us find that we are left with stubborn unwanted hair that sits between our brows to create the infamous ‘monobrow’ and let’s face it, they are never going to be in style!

Both men and women experience this embarrassing cosmetic fail, but you no longer have to! Laser hair removal is a quick, simple and relatively painless procedure that can completely remove the hair between your eyebrows.
 
Rid yourself of that monobrow for good and ask around for a personal recommendation for a great cosmetic laser hair removal business. There is probably one closer than you think!

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Understanding PRK

Understanding PRK: Is It Right for You?

PRK or photoreactive kerectomy is a surgical procedure that was the precursor for the surgery known as Lasik. The biggest difference between the two procedures is how the first portion of the operation is conducted. Additional variability between the two procedures includes recovery, risk factors, and the patient’s overall needs. Understanding these differences can help you decide if PRK is an appropriate solution for your vision issues.
 

How it Works

PRK utilizes a laser to correct farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism. During a PRK operation, a laser is used to remove the exterior epithelial cells from the cornea. This procedure uses an excimer laser to remove the cells which are then discarded. A contact “bandage” is placed over the eye, and the cells can heal over the course of a few days. Your doctor will then remove the contact lens when the eye has healed enough to be exposed.

While the results are like that of Lasik, PRK does take some additional healing time. This is due to the time that must be allowed for the epithelial cells to heal and regrow on the eye. Additionally, Lasik patients generally experience less discomfort and faster results. PRK results can take a few weeks to fully materialize.

This isn’t to say that PRK doesn’t have its own benefits too. This procedure is well-suited for patients that have had previous eye surgeries and may have thin corneas. Because PRK does not make an incision into the cornea and only removes the epithelial cells, it leaves more of the stromal tissues which underly the epithelial tissue. PRK does not run the risk of “flap” issues that can arise from Lasik, and the risk of removing too much of the cornea is reduced. However, if you are considering PRK, you should consult with your medical professional to identify the right procedure for your specific case.
 

Before the Surgery

When you meet with your eye specialist to discuss your options, there are several factors that they will consider. Your potential surgeon should conduct a thorough eye exam during which they will measure your eye moistness, pupil size, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature. Your doctor should also review your medical and family history to identify any possible concerns about your suitability. Make sure that you bring a list of your medications and previous operations. Finally, you may be required to stop wearing contact lenses for a period before the operation. This can allow your cornea to return to its natural shape before the operation.
 

The Surgery

The actual PRK surgery is a short procedure that will only take about 15 minutes. The patient will not be sedated during the operation but may be given an oral sedative that helps to relax the eye. Numbing drops are applied to your eyes and a small speculum is also used to hold the eyelids open for the procedure. The excimer laser is programmed for your exact eye prescription. Patients are instructed to look at a certain object or target while the laser is operating. The surgeon will watch the procedure through a microscope and can stop the procedure at any time. Most patients do not report discomfort, although there may be some pressure.
 

Recovery

You will be observed for a short time after your operation to make sure that you don’t have any severe immediate reactions. After this observation, you will be sent home. It is important to have someone else drive you after any procedure that may impact your vision or ability to drive safely. You should make sure to follow all of the doctor’s recommendations to facilitate a speedy recovery. You should also expect several follow up appointments to make sure that the operation was successful and that there are no additional concerns.

Your full results may take several weeks, but almost all patients have vision that is 20/40 or better. Over time, as the eye ages, vision may naturally degrade. At this time, you should consult with your medical professional to see if an additional operation is a good option for you.

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a terrifying diagnosis to those that have experienced it. To compound issues, many patients complain that they had poor initial treatment due to a lack of understanding about the disease. If proper treatment is not achieved, individuals may experience a rapid deterioration in their ability to see. This leads to a reduced quality of life. You can reduce the stress related to a keratoconus diagnosis and increase the benefits of treatment by understanding your treatment options.
 

Understanding Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. This bulge generally takes on the appearance of a cone. As light enters the eye, it becomes distorted by the cone causing vision abnormalities.

Modern research is connecting keratoconus with an enzyme imbalance in the cornea. This imbalance leaves the eye susceptible to oxidative free radicals. Keratoconus has also been linked to UV damage, excessive eye rubbing, poorly fitting contacts, and chronic eye irritation.
 

Treatment Options

While your eye professional will have the best understanding of what treatment option is right for you, we have compiled ten of the most common treatments here.

  • Corneal Cross-linking (CXL) – There are two different types of this procedure, but they both introduce riboflavin to the cornea in order to strengthen the corneal tissue and stop the bulging from progressing.
  • Custom Soft Contact Lenses – Soft contacts are generally more comfortable to wear than gas permeable lenses. Recently, some contact companies have been able to create a contact specifically to correct the issues related to mild and moderate cases of keratoconus.
  • Gas Permeable Contact Lenses – Gas permeable lenses are a hard contact lens that physically forces the eye to adhere to the lens shape. This allows for the correction of keratoconus. The fit is often time-consuming and may take several different lenses to achieve the proper fit.
  • Piggybacking Contact Lenses – This method is used for individuals who require a gas permeable lens but cannot tolerate wearing rigid contacts. Piggybacking utilizes a soft lens placed on the eye first, and then a gas permeable lens is placed over the top. This offers the comfort of soft contacts with the rigidity and clarity of the gas permeable lenses.
  • Hybrid Contact Lenses – Hybrid contact lenses were designed specifically for keratoconus. This technology blends a rigid contact lens center with a softer edge, or skirt, of the contact
  • Scleral and Semi-Scleral lenses – These lenses are gas permeable lenses but cover a larger area of the eye than a standard rigid lens. These lenses don’t put pressure onto the cone shape of the eye. The reduced pressure results in a more comfortable fit for patients.
  • Prosthetic Lenses – This lens is used specifically for patients that have very advanced keratoconus and have ruled out other options. The advanced scleral lens also doubles as a protective prosthetic shell. There are special requirements to qualify for this lens though, so check with your eye care professional if this is an option for you.

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  • Intacs – These implants are surgically placed in the eye. They are a small plastic insert that is inserted into the eye, just under the surface. This option is also designed for patients who could not use other contact lens types.
  • Topography-Guided Conductive Keratoplasty – This treatment option is still being researched, but it uses the energy from radio waves and small probes to map the surface of the eye. This detailed mapping allows for an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.
  • Corneal Transplant – Patients with advanced keratoconus may no longer be able to tolerate a contact lens, or the different lens types may not be correcting the issues. This surgery removes the damaged cornea and replaces it with a healthy cornea.
     

There is hope for individuals with keratoconus. Even though the disease is degenerative, many patients report restored vision and improved quality of life when the appropriate treatment plan is in place. If you have been diagnosed with keratoconus or are having problems with your vision, see your eye care professional today.

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Daily Contact Lens Types

Wearing contact lenses gives patients the flexibility and freedom to live life to the fullest, without some of the difficulties presented by wearing glasses. Many people who choose contact lenses do so because they don’t like the way that glasses look or feel, or because wearing glasses compromises their ability to perform certain tasks or activities, such as sports or jobs that require the use of safety goggles. 

There are lots of different contact lenses to choose from, with two of the most popular being daily disposables and toric lenses. 
 

Disposable Lenses

As their name suggests, these daily contact lenses are disposable. This means that they can and should be discarded at the end of each day rather than re-worn. Disposable lenses do tend to be a little more expensive than some repeat-wear varieties, but the benefits usually outweigh the cost. 

Some of the advantages of choosing daily disposable contact lenses include:

  • You don’t have to clean them, which saves patients a great deal of time and hassle. It also helps save money in terms of the ongoing cost of cleaning solution. 
  • Disposable lenses are also great for people with eye allergies. This is because with ordinary lenses, there’s an opportunity for deposits and microorganisms to build up. With daily disposables, allergens have less chance to attach themselves to the lenses and cause irritation and other allergy symptoms. 
  • You don’t need to schedule regular replacements either, which makes wearing contact lenses easier on your schedule. 
  • Disposable contact lenses are particularly good for people who have busy lives and are likely to cut corners when it comes to caring for their eyes or contacts since there is no cleaning or maintenance required.

Daily disposable contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including those for patients with nearsightedness and farsightedness. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a candidate for disposable contact lenses. 
 

Toric Lenses

Toric contact lenses are recommended for patients who have a refractive eye problem called astigmatism. Patients with astigmatism have corneal abnormalities that cause the refraction of the eye to be different between the vertical and horizontal planes, causing blurred vision and difficulty seeing fine details. Toric contact lenses are shaped in a particular way that creates the different focusing powers needed in each part of the lens to correct your vision. For this reason, it’s essential that Toric lenses are placed into the eyes in the correct position.

Fortunately, manufacturers design Toric lenses with features that help them to stay in place, including:

  • Thin/thick zones
  • Creating areas of the lens that are thicker or heavier which helps secure it in position 
  • An area where the bottom of the lens is slightly cut off 

To keep them stable, Toric lenses are a little firmer than conventional soft lenses. This means that some patients can find them a little less comfortable, but the superior vision they obtain outweighs this. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a good candidate for Toric contact lenses and which variety would best suit you. 

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Glasses for every shaped face!

The number one important feature about glasses is that they correct your vision. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t look good too. The shape of your face plays a big role in how your glasses come look.

You always want your frames to scale with the rest of your face. For someone with a large face, a larger pair of glasses will seem much more natural. The same goes for someone with a smaller face.

Here is a list of the most common shapes, but always remember that not everyone fits perfectly into one of these categories. 

Round Faces

What are the best glasses for round faces?  Typically narrow frames with sharp, angular curves fit best. People often have success with narrow, square or rectangle shaped frames as they make a rounded faces appear longer and thinner.

Oval Faces

If your face is oval shaped, you have the shape that most people choose glasses for! Those are glasses that are rounded with more length than width. Basically wide frames that will not throw off the natural proportion of your face.

Square Faces

If people tell you that you have a wide forehead, you might just have a square shaped face. What you really want to accomplish is to make your face seem longer, and wide frames will help you accomplish this. 

Rectangle Faces

This is when your face is longer than it is wide, but cheek and jaw lines are long, straight, and angular. Here you want to make your face appear shorter and more balanced. Frames with more depth, or vertical height, can help you do this, and a bridge lower on the nose can do this. 

Triangle Faces with a Bottom Base

Here your face doesn’t look like a triangle, but its proportions are somewhat similar. You have a narrow forehead, but dimensions get wider near the cheek & jaw lines. Wide frames can balance the face from top to bottom, and many patients go for colored or accented lenses to draw attention toward the top half of the face. Round or square glasses are best here, avoiding thing rimmed or rimless glasses.

Triangle Faces with a Top Base

Faces that become narrow toward the chin really need the opposite, which is a narrow frame. Light colored frames that are wide, but only toward the bottom of the frame can help. 

Diamond Faces

This shaped face very uncommon, and comes with many issues. While broad cheekbones, a thin forehead and jaw line is desirable, however it can make shopping for eyeglasses very difficult. To take attention away from the cheekbones, you can go for frames that are bold and wide. Usually rimless, round, or square frames are best.

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Contact Lens Fitting

For many, contact lenses offer the freedom to see clearly without the need for glasses. However, every pair of eyes is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to contact lens fitting doesn’t work. Advanced contact lens fitting provides personalized vision correction tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you have a standard prescription or more complex vision challenges, always have your provider find the right lens for you.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Cutting-edge technology ensures a precise and comfortable contact lens fit. Every eye is different, and achieving the best vision and comfort requires a specialized approach. With a wide range of contact lenses available, providers can ensure those with complex prescriptions receive the best possible vision correction.

The advanced fitting process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your eye shape, prescription, and tear film quality. Using diagnostic lenses and corneal topography, then you assess the ideal fit for your eyes. Follow-up care is also a key part of the approach, allowing for adjustments as needed to ensure long-term comfort and optimal vision.

Contact Lens Options For Every Need

There is a full range of contact lens options, including:

•          Spherical Lenses – Designed for nearsightedness or farsightedness, these are the most commonly prescribed soft contact lenses.

•          Toric Lenses – Specially made for patients with astigmatism, these lenses provide stable, clear vision.

•          Multifocal Lenses – Ideal for presbyopia, these lenses offer multiple prescription powers, reducing the need for reading glasses.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses are made from oxygen-permeable material that maintains its shape on the eye, providing sharper vision than traditional soft lenses. These lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with high astigmatism or irregular corneas. Additionally, RGP lenses promote better oxygen flow to the eye, reducing dryness and irritation. While they may require an initial adjustment period, many patients find that RGP lenses offer superior clarity, durability, and long-term comfort.

Scleral Lenses

Scleral lenses are larger than standard lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (the sclera), creating a fluid-filled layer between the lens and the cornea. These lenses offer unique advantages:

•          Ideal for Irregular Corneas – Patients with keratoconus, corneal scarring, or post-surgical complications often achieve better vision and comfort with scleral lenses compared to traditional options.

•          Relief for Severe Dry Eye – The fluid layer beneath the lens provides constant hydration, making scleral lenses an excellent choice for individuals with chronic dry eye who struggle with conventional soft lenses.

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Best Foods for Eye Health

Knowing how important the role of our eyes is in our day to day functioning, we tend to neglect the day to day care necessary to maintain optimal eye health. 

While we know that eye issues can be a result of eyestrain or aging, most people ignore the fact that an unbalanced diet, as well as deficiency in certain nutrients, can also facilitate eye issues. This implies that eating healthy means that there are certain nutrients that can help reduce the risk of eye issues. Some of these nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, copper, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin E, A, C, and beta-carotene. For healthy eyes, there are foods that should be part of your diet daily. They include:

1. Fish- Fish is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially oily fish which have oil inside their body tissue and guts. They are regarded as the major source of omega-3 fatty acids which help in improving the immune system and brain function. More so, it helps in the development of the eye and retina and in keeping the eyes from dryness. It is therefore important to incorporate fish into your diet about 3 times a week. Incorporating fish rich with this needed nutrient such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout, herring, mackerel, and anchovies about 3 times a week is important in helping to maintain optimal eye health.

2. Eggs- The yolk of an egg contains a combination of the nutrients vitamin A, zeaxanthin, and lutein which help to safeguard the cornea, reducing the chances of suffering from cataracts and macular degeneration and zinc which keeps the retina healthy and aids night vision. Eggs are very complimentary food as it can go with other foods and can also take various forms based on your taste.

3. Carrots- This is the most common food for eye health. It contains beta-carotene and vitamin A which protect the surface of the eyes and help to prevent infections. Vitamin A is a form of protein known as rhodopsin and it is tasked with the responsibility of aiding the eyes in absorbing light. A lack of vitamin A is the reason why there are about 500 thousand blind children every year.  Carrots are easy to get and very affordable. They can serve as snacks or be sliced or diced into salads. 

4. Nuts and Legumes- Legumes and nuts provide a lot of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids which guard the eyes against age-related disorders. Brazilian nuts, peanuts, walnuts, lentils, and cashews are perfect examples of legumes and nuts and can be eaten as a form of dessert or taken as snacks based on your choice.

5. Citrus Fruits- Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for healthy eyes. Vitamin C helps in keeping the blood vessels in the eyes healthy. It also stands against cataracts, and with other nutrients, it helps against macular degeneration. Citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. The good thing about this food is that they can be consumed on their own or turned into a juice.
 

6. Green Vegetables- The types of vegetables are very rich in zeaxanthin, lutein and also have a trace of vitamin c. Lutein and zeaxanthin prevent macular degeneration and fights against cataract. These nutrients are not produced in the body and therefore need to be consumed regularly. One of the most instrumental vegetables in keeping a healthy eye is Kale, while other vegetables include spinach, red pepper, and collards. 

7. Water- Water is a very important element for the body system to function normally. It also plays an important role in eye health. Water helps against dehydration and as such, it helps against the dryness of the eyes.

Other food that should be incorporated in our diet includes beef, potatoes, seeds, and oysters. Meals that contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, copper, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamin E, A, C, and beta-carotene should be incorporated. 
 

There is a large variety of foods that fit all of these categories so keeping your diet interesting is easy… make sure you are eating healthy for your eye’s sake.

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Computer Vision Syndrome

Just a few decades ago, computer vision syndrome (CVS) was not even a thing. However, with an increase in the role of staring at computer screens and phones, it has become an increasingly common issue. This puts a significant strain on our eyes.

With the increased use of school computers, tablets and smartphones, children are also becoming more susceptible to Computer Vision Syndrome.

Problems can begin because as we are reading text on a screen, our eyes move in a repetitive motion. Once the issue has started, continuing the same behavior can worsen any symptoms. While reading alone uses the same motion, digital screens add flicker, contrast, glare, and light that all put additional strain on our eyes.

Issues may also be accelerated if you should be wearing some type of corrective lens, but don’t, and are therefore putting additional strain on your eyes.

Aging can also speed up the progress of these issues. Around the time that people turn 40, the lenses of the eyes begin to harden due to a disease called presbyopia, which affects your ability to see closer objects.
 

What Happens If I Have CVS?

There is currently no proof that Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) causes long-term vision impairment or blindness. Continuing to use a computer or any other type of screen can continue to be an annoyance or reduce your ability to see properly. Some of the warning signs of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) are:

  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Red or dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Eye Irritation

If you don’t properly treat Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) when these symptoms occur, you may begin to notice that you suffer from a decrease in overall quality of life or job performance.
 

Treatment Options

Fortunately, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) can usually be treated with just a few small changes to your viewing habits, or to the settings of your screen itself.

Reduce Glare – It’s essential to reduce the amount of glare that comes off your computer screen as the glare adds additional strain to our eyes. You can reduce the glare by changing the angle of your computer screen so that it doesn’t reflect light back to your eye. You could also install a dimmer switch and reduce the brightness of the overhead lighting. If you have natural light that enters your office, you can try moving your monitor to a different location and then adjust the settings of your blinds to reduce or block the light coming in. Or you can purchase a glare filter that goes over the top of your screen.

Move Your Desk – Your ideal monitor position is just below your eye level and approximately 20-28 inches in front of your eyes. You shouldn’t have to change your head position or strain your neck to read what is on your screen. If you work with printed materials, put a stand next to your monitor to keep everything at the same height.

Change Your Settings – Simply changing the settings of your screen can result in a significant reduction to your eye strain. You can adjust the brightness, contrast, and even change the font size to make things easier for you to see.

Take Breaks – Your breaks don’t have to take up much time. Doctors recommend using the 20/20/20 rule. This rule simply states that every 20 minutes you should look at an object 20 feet away for twenty seconds. Additionally, if you feel that your eyes are straining, it’s a good idea to get away from your screen for a few minutes.

Update Your Prescription – Reducing the amount of work your eyes must do to see is always a good idea. Making sure that your prescription is accurate for you helps to reduce that strain. There are also options now to include an anti-glare coating on the lenses of your glasses that help to reduce the glare that passes through the lens to your eye. You can also use sunglasses that have polarized lenses to help protect your eyes.

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Multifocal Contact Lenses

In the evolving world of vision correction, multifocal contact lenses have emerged for individuals seeking a seamless solution to address their presbyopia. Throughout life, our eyes may undergo changes that can impact your ability to focus clearly on objects at different distances. Multifocal contact lenses offer a convenient and effective way to combat this challenge, providing you with a versatile and comfortable option for correcting your vision.
 

What Are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses are specialized lenses designed to correct presbyopia, a condition that typically occurs as you age, making it difficult to focus on near objects. Unlike traditional single-vision lenses that correct either near or distance vision, multifocal contact lenses incorporate multiple prescriptions into a single lens. This innovative design allows you to enjoy clear vision at various distances, eliminating the need for separate reading glasses or bifocals.
 

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Work?

Multifocal contact lenses employ advanced optical technologies to provide seamless vision correction. These lenses feature distinct zones or concentric rings that correspond to different prescriptions for near, intermediate, and distance vision. As your eyes move and focus on objects at varying distances, the appropriate zone of the lens comes into play, ensuring a clear and comfortable visual experience.

There are two main types of multifocal contact lens designs:

  • Simultaneous Vision Design: In this design, the lens incorporates multiple prescriptions simultaneously, allowing your eyes to utilize the appropriate zone based on the viewing distance. This design can take some time to adjust to, as your brain learns to interpret the different visual inputs.
  • Alternating Vision Design: Also known as “segmented” or “translating” lenses, these lenses have distinct zones for near and distance vision. As you move your eyes or shift your gaze, the appropriate zone is positioned in front of your pupil, providing the necessary correction.

Eye Conditions That Multifocal Contact Lenses Can Treat

Multifocal contact lenses are primarily designed to address the following vision-related conditions:
 

  • Presbyopia: As you age, the natural lenses in your eyes lose flexibility, making it challenging to focus on nearby objects. Multifocal contact lenses can correct this age-related farsightedness, allowing you to see clearly at all distances.
  • Myopia (Nearsightedness): If you struggle to see distant objects clearly, multifocal contact lenses can incorporate a prescription to correct myopia, while also providing near and intermediate vision correction.
  • Hyperopia (Farsightedness): For individuals with farsightedness, multifocal contact lenses can offer a solution by incorporating a prescription to improve distance vision, along with near and intermediate vision correction.
  • Astigmatism: Some multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, a condition caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

Benefits Of Using Multifocal Contact Lenses

Choosing multifocal contact lenses can offer numerous advantages, including:
 

  • Clear Vision at All Distances: With their innovative design, multifocal contact lenses provide you with clear vision for near, intermediate, and distance tasks, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses or constantly switching between them.
  • Convenience and Versatility: By combining multiple prescriptions into a single lens, multifocal contact lenses offer unparalleled convenience and versatility, allowing you to seamlessly transition between various activities without compromising your visual clarity.
  • Natural Appearance: Unlike traditional bifocal or progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses provide a more natural-looking solution, as the corrective zones are integrated directly into the lens, eliminating the visible lines or segments found in eyeglasses.
  • Improved Depth Perception: With multifocal contact lenses, you can enjoy improved depth perception and spatial awareness, as both eyes receive consistent visual input, enhancing your overall visual experience.
  • Reduced Eye Strain: By eliminating the need to constantly switch between different pairs of glasses or squint to see clearly, multifocal contact lenses can help reduce eye strain and fatigue, promoting better overall eye health and comfort.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of multifocal contact lenses, schedule an appointment with an experienced optometrist today. They will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, evaluate your vision needs, and recommend the best multifocal contact lens solution tailored to your unique requirements.

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Tonometer

A tonometer refers to the equipment that is used in tonometry – a way of measuring the pressure inside your eyes. Tonometry is rarely performed at your average comprehensive eye exam unless you are at high risk of or have been already diagnosed with glaucoma. Fortunately, tonometry can be used to detect changes in eye pressure before they cause any symptoms, enabling prompt action to be taken before your vision is affected.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It’s normally caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which causes the pressure inside the eyes to build. As the pressure increases, the optic nerve becomes increasingly damaged, and this prevents messages from being transmitted between your eyes and brain effectively. As a result, the patient’s vision becomes compromised. Without treatment, the level of vision loss will continue to increase. Unfortunately, any vision that has been lost as a result of glaucoma cannot be restored.
 

Most of the time, glaucoma develops very slowly which means that many people don’t realize that they are affected until some damage to their vision has already occurred. However, occasionally glaucoma can develop quickly, and symptoms do occur.

These can include:

  • Red eyes
  • Intense headaches
  • Tenderness around the eyes
  • Eye pain
  • Seeing rings/halos around lights
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important that you make an appointment with your eye doctor right away so that you can be assessed. You are likely to have a tonometry test as part of this assessment.
 

What To Expect From Tonometry Testing

There are various methods of tonometry testing, but many eye doctors use either Goldmann tonometry, which is the conventional technique to measure eye pressure, or electronic tonometry.
 

Goldmann tonometry testing is carried out using the Goldmann applanation tonometer, which is attached to a slit lamp microscope. This requires anesthetic eye drops to be used which numb your eyes, before a small probe is pressed gently against the eye, indenting the cornea. The pressure that the cornea pushes back onto the tonometer is what is measured to give your IOP reading. Electronic tonometry is where a handheld, mobile device is gently and quickly applied to the cornea to check the pressure, providing an accurate reading. Some eye doctors also offer non-contact tonometry which is where a puff of air is used to flatten the cornea, although this is reported to be less accurate than the Goldmann technique.

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