Ametropia Correction - Ametropia is a general term for an eye experiencing a refractive error, meaning that the image formed on the retina is not in sharp focus. Common refractive errors include:  Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism.

Myopia - This is a condition in which the image is focused in front of the retina, resulting in blurred images. Myopia (commonly referred to as nearsightedness) is a refractive error in which the eye exhibits too much power and is generally neutralized with a minus powered lens. Myopia can be either refractive (power of the eye is too strong) or axial, meaning that the eye is too long.

Astigmatism - This is a condition in which the crystalline lens or more commonly the cornea is not spherical. The radii of cur­vature would differ 90 degrees apart from one another. The general shape would look more like the side view of an egg or a football. Astigmatism can be classified as Compound Hyperopic Astigmatism, a form of astigmatism in which both meridians focus light behind the retina. This form of astigmatism is cor­rected by a lens that has differing degrees of convergence in each meridian (both meridians magnify). Simple Hyperopic Astigmatism is a form of astigmatism in which one meridian focuses light on the retina and the other focuses light behind the retina. This refractive error would be corrected by a lens that would be pIano (having no power) in one meridian while the other would have converging (magnifying) power.

Compound Myopic Astigmatism is a condition in which both meridians focus light in front of the retina. This would be cor­rected by a lens that had differing degrees of diverging (minify­ing) power in each meridian. Simple Myopic Astigmatism is a condition where one meridian focuses light on the retina while the other focuses light in front. This form of astigmatism is cor­rected with a lens that would be pIano (having no power) in one meridian while the other would be diverging (minifying).

Presbyopia - As we get older the lens behind our cornea, which is elastic and is capable of changing its power, begins to lose its elasticity. Near viewing becomes increasingly difficult as time progresses. For a presbyope to read or do tasks that require near viewing, they need a reading prescription. This reading pre­scription may be in the form of an ADD power. This is power that is added to the Rx to allow for near viewing. Presbyopes can be either myopic, hyperopic, or both. A condition in which one eye requires a plus power and the other a minus power is called antimetropia. Any of the above mentioned types of astigmatism may be present as well.

Keep in mind that not all people who wear glasses have a refrac­tive error (though most do). In some cases the powers of the eyes are normal but they are not able to work as a team. Each eye sends its own images and if these two don't fuse up the result is a condition called diplopia (double vision). Misalignment of the eyes, called strabismus, is commonly the culprit. This can often be the result certain of muscle imbal­ances. To correct for this, prism can often be prescribed. The lens may have no refractive power but can still displace. the image. By displacing the image fusion can be obtained making vision more comfortable.

Protective eyewear is another industry staple. Not just industri­al safety glasses but lenses that protect us from harmful forms of radiation such as UV and IR. Anyone who regularly engages in sports, work or other activities in which harm can come to the eye as a result of projectiles or radiation (UV & IR) should seriously consider investing in a pair of protective eyewear.

Industrial Safety - According to Prevent Blindness America (Feb 2004) "Each business day, more than 2,000 U.S. workers experience job-related eye injuries, with 10 to 20 percent of them disabling because of temporary or permanent vision loss. Ninety percent of the injuries could have been prevented with protective eyewear." Today's industrial safety glasses use thick and very tough lens materials, polycarbonate or Trivex, combined with a sturdy frame. Combining these can effectively protect the eye from physical trauma. Safety lenses and frames must be ANSI approved and appropriately marked.

Sports Safety - Many sports can cause severe eye trauma, either as a result of impact from a ball or damage from accidental contact from another player. There is protective eye gear available for every sport. Just like industrial safety glasses, these incorporate tough and extremely impact resistant lens materi­als such as polycarbonate or Trivex. Often these frames will include in their design a strap which keeps the frame secure during active movement.

UV- People may have certain lifestyles that require them to spend considerable time outdoors. In this case they may be exposed to high amounts of UV and wind. Lenses that absorb Ultraviolet Radiation can help reduce the chance of cataracts. Lenses can also be seen as enhancing the performance of the wearer. Lens colors such as browns and yellows can give the wearer higher contrast vision. This can be useful for golf, target shooting and driving.

Thinking in terms of what we need lenses to do and finding ways to incorporate as many of their uses into a single pair of glasses for the patient is essential. Even before the exam, inquiring about a patient's hobbies and work environment can be useful to deduce what they will be best suited for. The last thing we want is for the patient to use their glasses for something they were not intended for.

For the ultimate in clarity: AR Coating

Patients want their eyeglass lenses to give them the best possible vision. But lenses without AR create reflections that interfere with vision, causing halos around light sources, ghost images and a loss of visual acuity. By virtually eliminating these reflections, AR coatings deliver peak performance.

For driving. AR coatings improve safety by allowing the wearer to quickly recognize potential hazards on the road, especially at night. Lens reflections from street lamps and headlights are virtually eliminated.

For the office. Artificial light in an office environment quickly leads to eye fatigue and working on a computer puts a strain on the eyes. AR coatings provide the sharpest, most comfortable vision for a long work day.

For best appearance and communication. AR coatings improve transparency and allow the wearer's eyes to be seen. Wearers enjoy direct eye contact, unhindered by distracting reflections.