articles

Eye care professionals use Optikam’s technology to capture more than 3 million eyewear measurements every year. The OptikamPad iPad app is a total dispensing solution that enables eye care professionals to successfully assist patients at all stages of the eyewear dispensing process, providing them with a unique and custom patient experience.

Optikam Posture Devise (OPD)

You may be surprised to learn that wearing glasses can and likely will affect your posture. Glasses lenses are most accurate when you look directly through their center. This means if your glasses are sitting too low or have slipped down your nose, you may find that you are subconsciously tilting your head back and this can affect your overall posture.

Optikam’s OPD measurement device is a cutting-edge tool that obtains eyewear measurements that take into account how the frame will be worn by patients, enabling the fit to be customized to their individual parameters. The ten measurements taken into account when determining each patient’s position of wear include:

• Monocular pupillary distance

• Multifocal seg heights

• Pantoscopic tilt

• Rear vertex distance

• Wrap (face form tilt)

• Near pupillary distance

This results in frames that not only look fantastic, but that also fit perfectly, remaining both comfortable and stable on the face without you needing to adopt an unnatural posture. The measurements obtained by the Optikam OPD measurement tool are immediately visible on your eye doctor’s tablet so that they can recommend which alterations to the frames are needed to ensure that the frames fit with precision and gives you the best visual experience.

Benefits of OptikamPad and Optikam OPD

Traditionally, the process of a comprehensive eye exam, choosing frames and fitting glasses requires fairly close contact with your eye doctor or other eye care professionals. However, with social distancing being a new process variable, many patients are looking for more virtual options. Fortunately, OptikamPad makes it possible for optical stores to dispense eyeglasses with minimal human contact. This is because the OptikamPad can take measurements from a further distance or even through plexiglass screens. It can even be placed on a stand and the app operated using a Bluetooth mouse, putting even greater distance between your eye care professional and you. 

If you would like to find out more about Optikam OPD and OptikamPad, our knowledgeable team would be delighted to help. Please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Medical eye exams are comprehensive evaluations of the health and function of the eyes, essential for maintaining optimal vision and preventing potential eye conditions. Regular medical eye exams are fundamental for proactive eye health management and ensuring ongoing visual wellness.
 

What is a Medical Eye Exam?

A medical eye exam is a comprehensive examination of your eyes conducted by an optometrist. This examination goes beyond a routine vision test and delves into the overall health of your eyes. During a medical eye exam, various tests will be performed to assess your visual acuity, peripheral vision, eye movement, and the health of your eye structures.
 

Medical eye exams can detect early signs of eye conditions that may not present noticeable symptoms in their initial stages. By diagnosing these conditions early, you have a greater chance of successful treatment and preventing further deterioration of your vision.
 

Medical eye exams can also identify underlying health conditions that may manifest in your eyes, providing an opportunity for early intervention and management.
 

Common Conditions Detected During a Medical Eye Exam

During a medical eye exam, several common eye conditions can be detected, even before noticeable symptoms occur. One such condition is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. By examining the retina, your optometrist can identify early signs of AMD and recommend appropriate treatment to slow its progression.
 

Another condition that can be detected during a medical eye exam is cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. Through a comprehensive examination, your eye doctor can assess the severity of your cataracts and recommend the most suitable treatment option, which may include surgery to remove the cloudy lens.
 

Hypertension is a common health condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. The health of your eyes can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. During a medical eye exam, an optometrist can observe changes in the blood vessels of your retina, such as narrowing or leaking. These changes can indicate underlying hypertension.

Urgent eye care encompasses prompt evaluation and treatment of sudden or severe eye-related issues, including foreign object removal, chemical exposure, corneal abrasions, sudden vision loss, eye trauma, acute glaucoma, chemical burns, and eye infections. Seeking immediate professional attention from an optometrist is vital to prevent further damage and preserve vision.
 

Common Eye Emergencies or Urgent Eye Care Appointments

Eye emergencies can manifest in various forms, and it is essential to be able to identify them quickly. Some common eye emergencies include:
 

• Foreign Object in the Eye: Particles, debris, or small objects can become lodged in the eye, causing pain, redness, tearing, and potential damage to the eye's surface.

• Corneal Abrasions or Scratches: Injuries to the cornea, such as abrasions or scratches, can cause severe eye pain, light sensitivity, and a feeling of something in the eye.

• Sudden Loss of Vision: Any sudden and unexplained loss of vision requires immediate attention to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

• Eye Trauma or Blunt Force Injury: Injuries to the eye from impact, trauma, or accidents can lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment, hemorrhage, or intraocular foreign bodies.

• Chemical Burns: Exposure to caustic substances or chemicals can cause serious damage to the eyes, resulting in pain, redness, and potential vision loss.

• Eye Infections: Infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause redness, discharge, and discomfort in the eyes.
   

Recognizing these symptoms and seeking urgent care can prevent further complications.
 

The Importance of Basic Red Eye Exams in Urgent Care

Red eye exams are a fundamental part of urgent eye care. They help identify the cause of redness and determine the appropriate treatment. Basic red eye exams involve a comprehensive evaluation of the eye, including examining the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. These exams aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, dry eyes, and corneal abrasions.

Optical Coherence Tomography is a non-invasive imaging test that may be performed as a standard part of your regular, comprehensive exams, or you may be able to request this test as an addition to your usual exam.
 

Optical Coherence Tomography uses light waves to take cross-section images of your retina, which is the area of light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye that is responsible for receiving light and transmitting it into messages that are sent up to the brain. The technology behind OCT enables your eye doctor to see each of the different layers that make up the retina. By being able to see these and measure them, they can obtain a much clearer picture of the overall health and condition of your eyes.
 

Why are Optical Coherence Tomography scans important?

When you choose to have an OCT scan at fairly regular intervals, such as during your normal comprehensive eye exams, your eye doctor can compare newer results to previous ones. This helps them to build up a picture of the health of your eyes, and spot any changes which may be concerning, early, before they cause symptoms or have a permanent effect on your vision. 
 

Anyone can have an OCT scan, but they are particularly recommended for patients over the age of 25 who are concerned about the health of their eyes, or who are at risk of or already have diabetes, glaucoma or a family history of eye disease. This is because they can be used to spot the early signs of a range of eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, disorders of the optic nerve and more – even before you realize that you are affected.
 

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. 

To find out more about daily contact lenses, speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team. 

Contact lenses have become a popular choice for individuals who want to correct their vision without the hassle of wearing glasses. Traditional contact lenses have been around for decades, offering a convenient alternative to eyeglasses. However, advancements in technology have given rise to a new type of contact lens – hybrid contacts.
 

What Are Hybrid Contacts?

Hybrid contacts are a revolutionary type of contact lens that combine the best features of both soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. The rigid center corrects vision by providing precise clarity, while the soft skirt offers comfort and stability. This unique combination allows for the benefits of both types of lenses to be experienced simultaneously.
 

The central RGP lens of a hybrid contact is made from a rigid material that allows oxygen to pass through to the cornea, ensuring ample oxygen supply to the eyes. This ensures the overall health of the eyes, preventing dryness and reducing the risk of complications associated with limited oxygen flow

Visual field testing is an important part of most standard comprehensive eye exams. Also sometimes known as perimetry testing, Visual field testing is a method to measure the entire scope of vision of an individual, including their peripheral/side vision.
 

The importance of visual field testing

Visual field testing is one of the most effective diagnostic treatments in the detection of glaucoma. This is because when patients are affected by glaucoma, it is usually the peripheral vision that is affected by their condition first. However, it can also be used to detect central or peripheral retinal diseases, eyelid conditions such as drooping, optic nerve damage and conditions that affect the visual pathways from the optic nerve to the area of the brain where this information is processed into vision.
 

Visual field testing is also an important part of monitoring for people who are considered to be at risk for vision loss from disease and other problems, including those who have been diagnosed with the following:

• Multiple sclerosis

• Hyperthyroidism

• Pituitary gland disorders

• Central nervous system problems (such as a tumor that may be pressing on the brain)

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure
   

What to expect from visual field testing

There are a variety of methods that can be used to perform visual field testing, including:
 

Static automated perimetry. This is where a machine is used to quantify how well the patient is able to detect flashing lights of varying size and brightness in different areas of their visual field, while they concentrate on a central point. The patient responds by pushing a button when they see the light.

Kinetic perimetry. This involves points of light that are fixed in size and intensity and are presented along the patient’s peripheral vision, before being gradually moved inwards to determine their field of vision. 

Visual field testing is non-invasive, painless and doesn’t require patients to have their eyes dilated. The results, which are usually presented in a series of charts, are digital and sent directly to your eye doctor for interpretation. Depending on the outcome of your results, you may be recommended for further diagnostic testing which could include blood tests. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you will probably be recommended to have several visual field tests each year, which will help your eye doctor to monitor the progression of your condition and recommend treatments to slow it.

If you would like more information about visual field testing, or if you have concerns about your peripheral vision, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable eyecare team today.

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. If you are suffering from the discomfort of dry eye, MiBo Thermoflo can offer you a revolutionary solution.
 

Understanding the Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. There are several factors that can contribute to this condition, including environmental factors, certain medications, and aging. Environmental factors such as dry or windy climates, air conditioning, and excessive screen time can all worsen dry eye symptoms. Additionally, certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and diuretics can decrease tear production. Aging is also a common cause of dry eye, as tear production naturally decreases as we get older.
 

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis are two common conditions that can contribute to the development of dry eye. MGD occurs when the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears, become blocked or dysfunctional. This can lead to an inadequate amount of oil in the tears, causing them to evaporate too quickly. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can disrupt the normal functioning of the meibomian glands.

As technology continues to advance, so does the field of the optometric industry. The development of innovative tools and techniques has allowed for more accurate and comprehensive examinations. One such technology is Optos, a revolutionary system that utilizes ultra-widefield retinal imaging technology to provide optometrists with a detailed view of the entire retina.
 

How Does Optos Work?

Optos technology is based on the principle of ultra-widefield retinal imaging, which allows for a wider and more detailed view of the retina compared to traditional imaging techniques. The Optos system consists of a specialized camera that captures high-resolution images of the retina using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) technologies. SLO provides a wide-field view of the retina, while OCT allows for cross-sectional imaging, providing valuable insights into the various layers of the retina.
 

The Optos camera is designed to capture images through a process called optomap, which captures up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single image. This wide-field view provides optometrists with a comprehensive picture of the retina, enabling them to detect abnormalities that may not be visible with traditional imaging techniques. The optomap image can be instantly viewed and analyzed by your eye doctor, allowing for a more efficient and accurate diagnosis.
 

Common Eye Conditions Detected by Optos

Optos technology has the capability to detect a wide range of eye conditions, including but not limited to, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal tears or detachments. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects individuals with diabetes, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Optos can capture detailed images of the retina, enabling optometrists to detect any signs of diabetic retinopathy and initiate appropriate treatment.
 

Macular degeneration is another common eye condition that can be detected using Optos. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Optos allows for a comprehensive view of the macula, identifying any changes or abnormalities that may indicate the presence of macular degeneration.
 

Glaucoma, a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve, can also be detected using Optos. The wide-field view provided by Optos allows for a thorough examination of the optic nerve and the surrounding structures, facilitating early detection and intervention.
 

Finally, Optos technology is particularly effective in detecting retinal tears or detachments. These conditions can lead to sudden vision loss and require immediate medical attention. Optos allows for a comprehensive view of the retina, identifying any signs of retinal tears or detachments and initiate prompt treatment.

Millions of people suffer from eye and vision-related problems. For some, the solution is as simple as wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, others face challenges that aren’t as easy to rectify. That’s where Lumenis comes into play.

As a world leader in minimally invasive clinical solutions for both ophthalmology and aesthetic markets, it’s making a significant difference. Not only does Lumenis develop advanced energy-based technologies, but it also commercializes them.

The company continues to find innovative solutions. However, it’s already provided the fields of ophthalmology and aesthetic with remarkable technologies. OptiLight is just one example.

Eye and Vision-Related Solution

The company invented the first and only technology to treat individuals for dry eye disease caused by MGD. Not only is it approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but also patented. Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT) makes it easier to successfully manage this particular eye disease. Overall, OptiLight is safe, precise, comfortable, and effective.

Managing Symptoms

According to recent statistics, roughly 22% of the U.S. population suffers from dry eye disease along with MGD. That combination leads to an array of uncomfortable symptoms.

Dry eye occurs when a person’s eyes don’t produce adequate tears to keep them lubricated or when tears don’t work the way they should. MGD is a condition that affects the small glands in the eyelid responsible for making the oil layer for tears.

Having to deal with one of these problems is bad enough. However, living with both can prove debilitating for some people. Thanks to OptiLight, people with the two conditions get much-needed relief. Here are the ways this advanced technology helps:
 

• Reduces inflammatory mediators, which, thereby, prevents inflammation

• Improves tear breakup time that, in response, decreases osmolarity

• Alleviates abnormal blood vessels that commonly cause inflammation

• Restores meibomian glands so they function properly

• Decreases demodex mites that cause infection and the accumulation of bacteria on the eyelids

What Does OptiLight Consist Of?

As part of this revolutionary system, ophthalmologists and optometrists can select different devices based on their needs.
 

Patented OPT Handpiece

Not two people have identical faces. Even among twins, facial contours differ, even if slightly. To ensure excellent results, this handpiece allows ophthalmologists and optometrists to customize treatments to cover every curve.

Ergonomic IPL Handpiece
 

To treat a broader area, Lumenis recommends this option. Patented with SapphireCool technology, it breaks the cycle of inflammation associated with dry eye disease caused by MGD.

Opti-Tip

For maximum energy control, the Opti-Tip focuses light energy on more delicate areas. As with the other Lumenis devices, it’s safe and effective. At the same time, the Opti-Tip is 100% hygienic.

Key Benefits of OptiLight

OptiLight utilizes embedded settings that adhere to strict protocols, making it safe and effective tool.
 

Additionally, they use Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT), which transforms light-based therapy. As a result, ophthalmologists and optometrists can treat the eyes with absolute precision and control. That’s because while this technology provides optimal energy, it never has spike inconsistencies.
 

Doctors can treat a patient in just 15 minutes. Specifically for dry eye disease with MGD, it provides an improvement in just four sessions.
 

The Bottom Line

Lumenis dedicated years to develop OptiLight. Now, eye doctors can incorporate a system into their practice to provide better patient care.