EYE EXAMINATIONS

In our profession there have been many tests introduced over the last decades, which we may perform to investigate and accurately determine problems and anomalies of, and then correction of/for specific seeing conditions.

Every patient is unique and vision requirements are becoming more specific for the varied environments one may be involved in. Just checking if a person can read a small line of letters on a chart and putting lenses up in front of each eye till the letters are clearest is not a comprehensive visual examination!

So we want to investigate the following in the tests we do:

1. How well does each eye see individually.

2. What lens is required to give optimum (best) vision clarity for R+L eyes? (Both at Distance and at Near)

3. Do the two eyes work (team) together, is one eye ‘lazy’ (in some cases both can be!)-and do they team together equally in all directions of gaze?

4. How do the eyes move in all directions of gaze-individually and together? (level of eye movement control)

5. How do the pupils of the eyes respond to different stimuli ( what happens to the pupil when light is shone into the eyes, pupils respond when we look at a far object and then back to a near object and with the eyes looking in close and then out into the distance)

6. Can the visual system comprehend differences in depth between objects?

7. Does the patient see colours correctly?

8. How does the system react when changes of focus are required-From far to near viewing and when forced to focus quickly and relax out again?

9. How do the eye muscles team together and how do they respond to changing pressure caused by looking closer and then further away and back again.

10. All the above tests also will be modified to determine how sustainable the skills are in each patient. i.e. - the effect of stress and fatigue on visual efficiency. “Can you do what you have to do well and for a long time!!!”

11. The effect of age on the findings at both far and near working positions.Age presents many challenges to vision-but handled correctly can help achieve good quality seeing

From all of these different tests the optimum lens is determined for each eye, and the appropriate correction/aid to vision will be given. This may take the form of, spectacles, contact lenses, vision therapy, reading specific therapy or a combination of the aforementioned.

A comprehensive visual examination is as you can ‘see’ not a one test fits all scenario. 

HYBRID CONTACT LENS FITTINGS

Technology has come a long way since the first contact lenses were fitted in 1887. Back then the lenses were made of glass and covered the whole eye. They were uncomfortable and downright dangerous and had the potential to cause many ocular problems if fitted or worn incorrectly.

We now fit and use silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses on the vast majority of contact lens wearers and occasionally still fit hard lenses. Each has its own benefits and downfalls. Soft lenses are more comfortable, easier to fit and are overall more dynamic whereas hard lenses provide more oxygen flow to the eye, give clearer visual acuity (when fitted correctly) and can be used when a script is difficult to correct with soft contact lenses (high astigmats and people with corneal disorders such as kerataconus). Hard lenses do require more upkeep and are less comfortable than soft lenses.

The latest progression in contact lenses has been the development of what is called a hybrid lens. This is a lens which is a combination of hard and soft contact lenses. The lens is engineered in such a way that the central hard part of the lens can provide the clearest possible vision while the outer ‘skirt’; made from silicone hydrogel, allows for fantastic comfort and stability. These lenses were developed for the patient who wants the clearest, most stable contact lens option available and is ideal for those with high astigmatic scripts, irregular corneal topography, and ocular disorders which may in the past have excluded them from being able to attempt contact lens wear. 

In order to get the best vision with these lenses it may take one or more appointments to establish the ideal lens. During the initial appointments multiple lenses are fitted until we find the ideal lens for the individual eye. By using a corneal topographer we are able to map the front surface of the eye and select the most appropriate lens to begin the fitting process. Once an end point is reached the lens will be ordered. From here we schedule an appointment to go over the correct contact lens procedure and basics will be covered such as; how to insert and remove the lenses, how to clean and care for the lenses as well as basic do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear.

For more on Ultrahealth and Duet lenses follow the attached link http://www.synergeyes.com/

SPECTACLE ADJUSTMENTS

Challenges that spectacles wearers face on a daily basis

• Glasses do not stay put

• Frame sits to high or too low

• The frame touches my eyebrows or eyelashes

• It hurts behind the ear

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All of this can most probably be addressed with a visit to your optometrist.

Your guide to lens and spectacle care

• When taking spectacles off or putting it on, use both hands

• Never place spectacles face down on any surface

• Always use the cloth supplied by your optometrist

• Only use quality lens cleaner, available at your optometrist

• Excessive heat is never good for your lenses or frame.  Avoid leaving your spectacles in direct sunlight.

• Use a sturdy spectacles case to save guard your spectacles when not in use.

With all the wear and tear our spectacles have to endure during the day, it is clear that they need a bit of tender loving care.  Pop into your optometrist and let the qualified staff check the alignment, screws and nosepads on your spectacles to assure a comfortable fit.

Note:  Feel free to bring in any old spectacles laying around at home, we can put it to good use.