Safeguard your vision and make informed decisions through an understanding of eye-care services and new technologies in glasses, in contact lenses, and in treatments.
Eye and vision care continues as an ever-growing industry. New technologies provide choices never imagined in past years. And as baby boomers age more of them need the services of eye-care professionals.
The variety of eye-care services can be confusing. But an understanding of the basics and knowledge about new technologies can help.
The first, and probably most confusing, aspect of eye care is that the three professional groups have similar names: optician, optometrist, and ophthalmologist. However, understanding the difference is important.
Optician - an individual trained to make lenses. In other words an optician can fill a prescription for glasses or contact lenses but cannot perform eye examinations, write prescriptions, or diagnose eye diseases.
Optometrist - a specialist who performs eye examinations and prescribes lenses. However, the optometrist cannot prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
Ophthalmologist - a physician who deals with the structure, function and diseases of the eye. The ophthalmologist is the only one who can perform surgical procedures and prescribe drugs, as well as conduct eye examinations and prescribe lenses.
As you can see, the differences are very distinct. When choosing an eye-care professional be sure to select the one who can provide the services you need.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Corrective lenses are the most common form of vision treatment. However, there are interesting options available to anyone needing corrective services. Today these options are more varied than ever before:
*Glasses with lightweight lenses and frames
*Contact lenses that are disposable or that correct specific conditions
*Medical and surgical development that are available for several conditions
GLASSES
New materials have made it possible to for glasses to be lighter and more pleasant for the wearer. New lightweight, extra-thin lenses are available at most opticians in both single-vision and bifocal lenses. They offer comfort and a pleasing cosmetic effect.
Some lenses are made from a polycarbonate (thermoplastic) material that is virtually indestructible. These lenses can absorb a high impact that would shatter lenses made of glass or conventional plastic. Highly recommended for children and people with very active life-styles, they can take severe punishment without breaking.
Frames have also come a long way. And yet they have gone back. Vintage-look frames are stylish again. Seen today they are interpreted in lightweight materials. Frame colors are also changing. They are available to compliment any fashion or color trend.
Style is also an issue. With eyewear becoming more affordable, wearers can select more than one frame style or color one for work, one for evening wear, and even one for leisure or sports.
Two important facts about frames: they should fit properly, and they should be suited to the prescription. The frame should not slip around or be too tight behind the ears. And, to achieve the best vision the center of the eye should be at the center of the lens.
CONTACT LENSES
Even with all the innovations in glasses, some people still prefer not to wear them. So contact lenses are more popular than ever. Contact lenses have been available for many years and have changed dramatically as technology improved.
By far the most popular new contact lenses are disposable lenses. They are designed to be worn for a specific length of time and then replaced with new lenses. They are available in both daily and extended-wear lenses. Daily lenses, as the name implies, are discarded after a single use. Extended-wear lenses can be used for anywhere from one week to three months then discarded.
Advances in contact-lens technology continue, overcoming previously encountered problems and obstacles.
One problem was that people with astigmatism had little success with conventional contact lenses. Astigmatism is when the cornea is shaped like a football instead of a basketball. Newer astigmatic lenses are more comfortable and provide better correction. Additionally, bifocal contact lenses are also improving. Bifocal lenses eliminate the need for reading glasses worn over conventional contact lenses. They compensate for deficiencies in both far and near vision.
Another innovation in contact lenses can be cosmetic as well as medical. Contact lenses are available to enhance or change eye color. Some lenses are softly shaded to enhance natural eye color; others are used to totally change eye color. These lenses are available in either prescription or nonprescription versions.
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Medical and surgical procedures have advanced dramatically in the last several years. Lasers are routinely used today in many types of surgical procedures, including eye surgery. Procedures can be performed in a doctor's office or as hospital day surgery. However, always remember, whenever a medical or surgical problem exists it is important to consult with an ophthalmologist for proper treatment.
Myopia
Recent advertising has made consumers aware of a procedure to correct a common eye problem known as myopia (nearsightedness). Laser vision correction, a popular new procedure, has helped many people reduce or eliminate their need for corrective lenses to see clearly. These procedures can also be used to correct astigmatism.
Glaucoma
There are two types of glaucoma. Both forms require treatment by an ophthalmologist.
Acute glaucoma has very noticeable symptoms including a painful, red eye, blurring vision, and illness. Surgery is required to treat acute glaucoma.
Chronic glaucoma is more common and does not produce any symptoms in its early stages. Slow, progressive loss of vision occurs due to the increased pressure on the optic nerve.
A glaucoma test should be part of all routine periodic eye examination, especially for people over the age of 40. Specialists stress that if discovered, chronic glaucoma can be controlled by medication, usually eye drops. If the pressure is controlled, the optic nerve can be protected and visual loss can be prevented.
Cataracts
A cataract is the clouding of the transparent lens of the eye. It obstructs the passage of light. Cataracts occur most frequently as people grow older. Modern cataract surgery restores normal vision for most people.
Finally, one additional important caution ¡V medical and surgical problems can occur at any age. It is important that appropriate care be given as soon as any problem appears.
Remember, even with all the new technology, thousands of eyes are lost each year. Vision is precious and finding proper care is important. Choose the optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist that can provide the necessary care.
