THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:
Preventing UV Damage to Your Eyes
Preventing sun damage to all parts of your eye is important and requires ultraviolet (UV)
and blue light protection at all times. Age related macular degeneration (AMD)
occurs at the retina in the back of the eye and is the leading cause of progressive blindness in seniors today. In addition, the crystalline lens inside your eye provides approximately one-third of your focusing power and is where cataracts develop. The cornea is the clear transparent part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, and accounts for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s total optical power. When the cornea is overexposed to the sun it can develop ultraviolet keratitis, which is comparable to a sunburn. Furthermore, the conjunctiva is a protective covering of the front of the eye, or a thin mucous membrane that lines the inside surface of the eyelids and sclera (white part of the eye). Conditions such as pinquecula
and pterygium
can occur on the conjunctiva.
Due to these various eye disorders, lens manufacturers have introduced lens materials that help block specific wavelengths of UV and blue light (HEV-high energy visible light). Materials such as polycarbonate, trivex, and high index lenses block 100% of the sun’s UV rays up to 400 nm and help minimize these harmful effects. Protecting your eyes from HEV
is also a good idea, but will be discussed in a later segment.
UV radiation (100 nm - 400 nm)
has a higher energy than visible light (400 nm - 700 nm). There are two ranges of UV light that penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and reach the eye: UVC (less than 280 nm)
is filtered by the Earth’s ozone layer; UVB
(280 – 320 nm)
is solar energy that causes sunburn and snow-blindness and is absorbed by the cornea; UVA (320 – 400 nm)
is part of the invisible spectrum
and is the most dangerous of the UV radiation, making it a pertinent concern today. As such, an eye care professional
who understands the human eye should be consulted to protect your vision and prevent eye damage.
December 2019 Newsletter
THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:
Eye Strain Solutions
Ever wonder how to improve your visual experience when using your smartphone and frequently used electronic devices? With the continuous evolution of technology and the constant need to use digital equipment in our everyday lives, eye strain is a common problem. RO Versatile DSV
is an advanced Free-Form Digital Single Vision
lens that is specifically designed and customized to address eye strain for those who regularly use cellphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches. It provides higher definition that sharpens your vision across the entire lens design. Patients that especially have a higher minus or plus prescription with stronger amounts of astigmatism will see the greatest results.
RO Versatile DSV
is engineered with Digital Ray-Path Technology, which allows the eye to be fully compensated for in every direction, while always taking into consideration how it visually moves. The wearer is given a complete custom-made lens that removes oblique abnormalities, and the result is a lens with outstanding clarity and comfort regardless of the prescription or frame type. In addition, this technology is adaptable to any frame choice and all lens materials can be used including high index. Lens options such as photochromic (light changeable lenses) and blue light filtering protection can also be added. Adding this design to Polarized lenses for sport use will enhance your peripheral field of vision. Upgrade your conventional single vision lenses to high definition today with the RO Versatile DSV!
October 2019 Newsletter
THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:
Eye Fatigue Solutions
Ever wonder how to improve your visual experience when using your smartphone and frequently used electronic devices? With the continuous evolution of technology and the constant need to use digital equipment in our everyday lives, eye fatigue is a common problem. RO Versatile M
is a progressive lens that is specifically designed to address the eye strain for those who regularly use cellphones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches. It provides a wide visual field layout for both near and distance vision with a comfortable soft transition in the reading zone. This Mobile Progressive
lens design places the emphasis on a larger intermediate viewing area.
RO Versatile M
incorporates Smart Add, the technology that adjusts your focus at different working distances while allowing you to read simultaneously on different screens. This advanced free-form design incorporates Digital Ray Path Technology
that results in an exceptional visual field targeted to meet any patient's lifestyle demands. In addition, this technology is adaptable to any frame choice including wrap style frames and all lens materials can be used. If you are looking for extra blue light protection, blue light filtering can be added as well. This Versatile series is also available in B
(Balanced), D
(Distance), N
(Near), M
(Mobile), F
(First Time Wearers), and XS
(Extra Short Corridor) designs. With today's up-close usage of electronics, RO Versatile M's Smart Add
is the smart choice.
THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:
How to Frame Your Face Part II
Since your face shape is such a crucial aspect to consider when selecting eyewear, your first decision should be whether or not you prefer your frames to blend in or contrast your facial type. There are four common facial shapes - oval, oblong, round, and square. For example, if you have a round face and favor something more subtle, a light, round frame can be used. On the contrary, if you prefer something more bold, you can balance your face with a contrasting shape such as a darker, square frame.
Finding the Perfect Eyewear for Your Face:
Oval Face -
The oval face offers the largest choice of frame shapes to compliment it. The goal is for your frame selection to maintain your face shape without altering your face proportions, keeping a balanced look in mind.
Oblong Face
-
The oblong face can be balanced by choosing a fairly large frame that has horizontal lines. Curving frame lines or soft corners will help detract attention from the frames themselves.
Round Face
-
The round face can be highlighted with a round frame. If you want to soften your round shape, you can contrast this shape and introduce frames with angles that have a horizontal design and slightly squared corners.
Square
Face
-
The square face usually has a wide, firm jaw. Angular frames will accentuate the boldness this face shape whereas round or oval shapes will soften it. In addition, an unusual or colorful frame can balance a square face and make its contours less noticeable.
June 2019 Newsletter
THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:
How to Frame Your Face Part I
Choosing the most flattering eyewear for your face can become one of your most valuable assets, allowing your best facial features to stand out and taking the emphasis off any flaws. As such, your face shape is an essential aspect to consider when selecting eyewear. Eyewear shapes should contrast face shapes, so follow these simple tips when picking out your next eyeglass frames:
Heart Face
-
Try a frame with straight top lines and rounded edges such as the aviator style
Oval Face
-
Most frame shapes will work as long as the frame is proportionate to your face
Oblong Face
-
Try a frame with a strong top bar and round bottom lines
Round Face
-
Try straight, angular, or geometric shaped frames to give your face contours
Square Face
-
Try oval or round frames to add softness to your face
Fashion Tips for Finding the Perfect Eyewear for Your Face:
• A long nose or wide-set eyes can be counteracted with a thick, dark colored bridge
• Close-set eyes look good with a high, thin, light colored bridge, or narrow frame shapes
• A highly placed temple can give the illusion of a longer, narrower face
• Fuller hairstyles around the face look best with a thin, light frame where as less hair around the face looks best with a bolder frame
May 2019 Newsletter
THIS MONTH'S IN SIGHT:Hazards of Blue Light
Blue light can be harmful or beneficial depending on how you are exposed to it, but the hazards of blue light have been known for decades now. There is sufficient evidence that blue light damages cells on the retina, disrupts the circadian rhythm, and also contributes to immune system deficiencies. In addition, blue light can cause digital strain. Neck, back, and shoulder pain as well as headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes are all indications that you may be experiencing digital strain. Therefore, the patients that can most benefit from blue light protection are heavy technology users, children, post cataract patients, and anyone diagnosed with macular degeneration.
When white light is refracted, it breaks into the component colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet (ROYGBIV). However, the eye works harder to properly focus on the color blue, which is a shorter wavelength. The blue portion of the light beam scatters and defocuses in front of the retina, causing chromatic aberrations accompanied by glare and blurry vision.
Incandescent light sources such as light bulbs, older computers, and television screens displayed more light in the yellow range of the light spectrum. Conversely, with the shift to more modern bright white light, our laptops, smartphones, computers, tablets, and other modern technology contain much more blue light (LEDs) or light-emitting diodes.
Therefore, it is important to contact an eye care professional to discuss which blue light protection options best fit your personal needs. Blutech, Clear Blue, and special anti-glare coatings are some of the several products specifically designed to protect your eyes against blue light and do help with migraines
and headaches.
April 2019 Newsletter
This Month's IN SIGHT:
WHAT IS GLARE?
Glare can be defined as brilliant light. On a sunny day, it may be considered as the intensity of this light. It also can be concentrated and reflected away from shiny surfaces such as snow or water.
Optical experts view glare as discomforting or disabling when you drive directly into the sun. Polarizing sun wear eliminates glare reflected from flat surfaces at a certain angle.
Ultraviolet light ( UV ) is a band of the spectrum of invisible light with a wavelength of 10nm to 400nm. The sun is the primary source of UV radiation.
UV is divided into 3 sections: A, B, and C.
UVC (below 286nm) is filtered out by the earth’s ozone layer.
UVB (286nm - 320nm) is the solar energy responsible for sunburn and snow blindness. This band is absorbed by the cornea or protective layer of the eye.
UVA (320nm - 400nm) is the most damaging type of UV radiation and is transmitted to the crystalline lens of the eye.
Due to exposure to UV radiation, eye-care professionals recommend quality sunglasses
as they are the best protection against glare and the harmful effects of the sun.
February 2019 Newsletter
IN SIGHT:
FROM OUR EYES TO YOURS
NEW PRODUCTS
New Shamir Autograph Intelligence TM Progressive Digital Lens Design:
Shamir Autograph Intelligence lens
provides the presbyopic patient with a unique continuous lens design based on the Visual Age TM of the patient.
This is the most advanced progressive lens that takes into account actual viewing angles computed for all distances.
Patients will notice instant focusing which results in easier transition between the optical viewing zones.
As we age our visual needs change and this lens design is formulated
for all ages.
Whether you are 35 or 65 this lens will provide you with the best design suited for your Visual Age TM. Each lens was developed to form the basis that is specific to the individual’s needs.
The emerging presbyopic patient will experience an easier adaption with this New design.
December 2018 Newsletter
IN SIGHT:
FROM OUR EYES TO YOURS
NEW PRODUCTS
Biofinity Energys TM Lenses:
First Digital Contact lens that is designed with Digital Optical Zones.
Cooper Vision has incorporated multiple surface aspheric curves across the entire optical section to distribute your lens power more evenly. The results, more positive power which is then translated in the center of the lens. This takes additional strain away from the eyes.
This Digital Zone Optics Lens design is in response to all the eye fatigue complaints with the use of hand held devices: (smart phones, computer screens, tablets, or any extended usage of the close range in our daily activity.
Our eyes are constantly moving and these activities may cause eye fatigue, tiredness and dryness. New Biofinity Energys TM
are the first and only contact lenses to combine the natural wettability of Aquaform R Technology with the advanced innovation of Digital Zone Optics.
These lenses achieve an optimum balance between three key comfort measures: breathability, wettability, and flexibility in order to maximize patient satisfaction.
Look here each month for more IN SIGHT directly from our Optician.
Thank You and Happy Holidays to you and your Family,
Frank