Monthly Archives: February 2013

Computer Glasses – What Are They, How Will They Help, Are They Worth it?

Posted on February 22, 2013 by | 1 Comment

Computer glasses are an under used component of a comfortable office environment. As a person approaches their 50′s it becomes more difficult to see things not only at near but at an intermediate range as well. Normal progressive lenses let you see objects clearly at this distance but only by lifting your head up to look through the intermediate portion of the glasses. Using regular glasses while working at the computer leads to neck pain, back pain and eye strain. This is where computer glasses come in.

Progressive lenses allow a person over 40 to view objects clearly at all distances, even computer distance. Progressive lenses let us view intermediate objects by looking half way down the lens. With computer glasses; however, you can view an intermediate object by looking straight ahead (most computer monitors are at eye level), and the bottom of the computer lens lets you focus an object at normal reading distance. Computer glasses allow for a natural eye position so you can comfortably view your computer.

If your computer monitor is at eye level, you are in your late forties or older, and spend more than 30 minutes at the computer a day then computer glasses are definitely a worthwhile investment.

Computer glasses are an important part of making your workstation a comfortable place to work. See this article on visual ergonomics for more information on setting up your workstation.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in computer, Computer Vision, Vision, Vision Therapy

Tagged , , ,

FDA Approves First Bionic Eye

Posted on February 15, 2013 by | 1 Comment

The FDA approved Second Sight’s “bionic” eye. While actually more of a retinal prosthesis, the implant is designed to assist patients with retinitis pigmentosa. The Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System has a resolution of 60 pixels. The device will not provide the HD type of vision that our eyes are capable of; however, more importantly, this technology will greatly aid a blind patient’s mobility and is a revolutionary step forward.

The system consists of a wireless retinal implant that rests on the retina. The patient will wear special glasses that see the image. The image will be sent to a visual processing unit that is worn on the patient’s hip. Once the data is processed it is sent back to the glasses which wirelessly transmit this data to the retinal implant. The implant electrically stimulates the photoreceptors simulating a coarse image. The patient learns how to interpret these light and dark images allowing them to navigate around and among obstacles.

The device was approved for use in Europe last year. Check out the video below from the European branch of the medical device company.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Computer Vision, Low Vision, Retina, Technology, video

Tagged , , ,

Say It With Your Eyes This Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Some say the eyes are the window to your soul, but did you know they are also a window to your overall health?  Signs of high blood pressure and other conditions which can indicate an increased risk of heart disease and stroke can be seen with an eye exam.

 As February is American Heart Month, Drs. Richard Driscoll and Alycia Green of Total Eye Care are encouraging residents of Keller and Colleyville to take this opportunity to protect their vision and heart health by having an eye exam and an optomap retinal exam.

Dr. Driscoll comments: “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.”*

Most people don’t realize that by visiting their optometrist for an eye examination, and in particular by having a simple optomap,  signs of hypertension can be detected, which if left untreated, can lead to heart problems and stroke.

An optomap is one of the most advanced technologies in eye care technology. It is the only technology currently available that provides an ultra-wide 82% view of the retina (the back of the eye) in one image – including the all-important periphery for successful diagnostics of both eye and non-eye related conditions and diseases.

“Viewing the retina during an eye examination allows  me to see the retinal blood vessels and detect any changes to their size and pattern,” Says Dr. Green. “Such changes can be indicative of changes in blood vessels in other parts of the body, such as the heart, and they highlight that further medical investigation and treatment may be required.”

To book an eye examination and optomap call 817.416.0333 or schedule an appointment online.

For more details on American Heart Month 2013 and further information about heart disease visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

* Source: www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/ (online, 2013)

→ Leave a comment

Posted in examinations, Eye Care, press release, Retina, Technology

Tagged ,