Optomap
Starting at pretesting, you will first encounter Optomap Ultra-Widefield retinal imaging as a part of the adult comprehensive eye exam. This unique laser scan offers a larger view (200 degree) and photo of the retina. Viewing the retina is an integral part of evaluating the health of your eye which is typically done through a dilated eye exam. The Optomap does not replace a dilated eye exam, but instead enhances it and provides an image of larger area than the digital camera. This new technology is invaluable in children as they do not routinely get a dilated exam. The Optomap has enabled the diagnoses of ocular tumors, retinal holes, tears and other anomalies in kids that may have not been detected otherwise. The Optomap is fast, painless and comfortable. The Optomap is also integral in diagnosing Plaquenil Retinopathy for those that are on Plaquenil treatment.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
The OCT is an amazing device which uses light waves to provide us with a cross-sectional view of the layers of the retina. It is a bit like a CT scan for the eye! It is also an invaluable tool in assessing disorders of the optic nerve.
The images provided are useful in diagnosing eye health conditions such as Age Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, and other underlying disorders of the retina not visible by digital imaging. These images are stored on computer and allow us to monitor for any changes with repeat testing over the years.
Autorefractor/Keratometer
This amazing machine gives us a rough objective estimate of your prescription. This gives the doctor a starting point to refine the prescription according to your needs.
This is a relatively quick and simple procedure. You sit behind the instrument and place your chin on the chin rest. Then you simply look into the instrument at a picture, which may go in and out of focus and within 10 to 15 seconds, a reading is determined.
The second component is the auto keratometer. Auto keratometry is a computer determined measurement of the curvature of the cornea or shape of the front surface of the eye. It is used in optometric practice for contact lens fitting, detection of certain diseases (keratoconus) and as a component of determining laser eye surgery candidacy.
This measurement is done simultaneously with auto-refraction.
Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT)
The NCT that we use at Clayton Heights Optometry is used to measure the intraocular pressure of the eye by delivering a very soft air puff or puffs to the eye. IOP is the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, and as such, accurate tonometry is of critical importance in the diagnosis and management of this eye disease. It is widely recognized that current methods of measuring IOP, are very often inaccurate, inconsistent and not repeatable - except the Reichert 7CR used by Clayton Heights Optometry. The current standard methods are highly dependent on the thickness of the cornea and the rigidity of the corneal structure.The Reichert 7CR utilizes a patented process to characterize the biomechanical properties of the cornea and reduce their impact on the IOP measurement. This new advanced technology provides a new measurement which is referred to as Corneal Compensated IOP. It is minimally affected by corneal visco-elastic properties, thickness, or surgical procedures such as LASIK or PRK.
Visual Field Testing Machine
Visual field tests are used to detect blind spots (scotomas), which could be a sign of eye diseases. The size and shape of a scotoma offer important clues about the presence and severity of diseases of the eye, optic nerve and visual structures in the brain. Many eye and brain disorders can cause peripheral vision loss and other visual field abnormalities. For example, optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma creates a very specific visual field defect. Other eye problems associated with blind spots and other visual field defects include optic nerve damage from disease or damage to the retina. Brain abnormalities such as those caused by strokes or tumors can affect the visual field. In fact, the location of the stroke or tumor in the brain can frequently be determined by the size, shape and site of the visual field defect.
Optikam
Optikam is unique new technology that takes digital measurements when fitting your new glasses. This ensures your glasses are fit perfectly according to your posture and lifestyle requirements. It also enables us to take pictures of you in multiple pairs of glasses and view them side by side to make it easier for you to choose your favourite look. We can also send these pictures to your friends or family so they can help in your decision!
Slit Lamp Microscope
There’s a good reason the S390L (Firefly WDR) ophthalmic slit lamp microscope is shaped like a firefly: Its creator took inspiration from the shape of a firefly for a more streamlined, compact shape and design.
Thanks to the S390L’s pre-set camera parameters, you don’t have to adjust settings before using. The S390L(Firefly WDR) has:
- Powerful optical resolution
- Sensitive camera that operates efficiently even in weak light
- Unique infrared light source module for more thorough meibomian gland exams
- Built-in yellow filter for greater contrast – ideal for orthokeratology fittings
- Wide dynamic range that allows you to see the iris and sclera in vivid, realistic detail
- Auto exposure – adjusts shutter speed based on external lighting
- Advanced automated features such as: Auto gain, auto white-balance and auto OS/OD indicator
The S390L takes slit lamp microscope technology to another level.
BLUE LIGHT
TIMES ARE CHANGING!
We are now living in an age where most of us spend the majority of our waking hours staring at a digital screen. Studies suggest that 60% of people spend more than 6 hours a day in front of a digital device. All of these devices emit something called blue light.
WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT?
Blue light is part of visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum right next to UV light. The electromagentic spectrum is made up of wavelengths. The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. The length of the waves is measured in nanometers (nm), Every wavelength is represented by a different colour, and is grouped into different categories: gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet (UV) rays, visible light, infrared light, and radio waves. The human eye can see only one part of this spectrum which is visible light. Visible light ranges from 400 nm to 700 nm seen as violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Blue light is at the shortest end of the visible light spectrum at 400 to 500 nm and so produces a higher amount of energy. All LED screens emit blue light at a wavelength of 550 nm. Studies suggest that, high exposure to the blue end of the light spectrum could cause serious long-term damage to our maculas in the back of our eyes as they absorb this blue light and can cause damage leading to macular degeneration. eyes over time.
WHERE IS BLUE LIGHT?
Blue light is found in sunlight, LED and fluorescent lights and LED screens from our digital devices including smartphones, tablets, desktops and TVs. Why is this important? Because blue light waves are the among the shortest, highest energy wavelengths in the visible light spectrum these “blue”wavelengths flicker more easily than longer, weaker wavelengths. This kind of flickering creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast and affect sharpness and clarity. This flickering and glaring may be one of the reasons for eyestrain, headaches, migraines, physical and mental fatigue caused by many hours sitting in front of a computer screen or other electronic device. In addition, studies have shown that overexposure to blue light can cause oxidative damage to the back of the eyes which has the potential to lead to macular degeneration as we age. This is a concern especially in children who are starting on digital devices at a much younger age and will be on them cumulatively more that the previous generation. As children are still developing their retinal pigments, they have less ability to fight oxidative stress.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT FROM BLUE LIGHT?
A newly conducted study by École d’Optométrie from the University of Montreal found that:
- Wearing a lens treated with a blue-light filter coating helped reduce symptoms of eyestrain by half during prolonged computer exposure.
- After wearing a lens treated with a blue-light filter coating, subjects with symptoms of eyestrain due to prolonged computer exposure felt
a significant improvement of the following symptoms: dry eyes, sticky eyes, and the feeling of grittiness or “sand” in the eye. - They also reported a trend of the overall vision and improved visual performances in situations of low contrast.
- As technology continues to evolve, the odds are that tablets will get even more convenient; phones will have more apps; and new digital devices will be invented, ensuring that our eyes will spend even more time staring at screens for work, school and play.
How do we get the blue light protective filters?
1. BLEP Eyewear
These computer glasses have a patented blue light protective coating that blocks out a significant portion of the high energy blue light from LED devices. They come in fashionable styles for women, men and children in prescriptions ranging from plano to +3.00. These are available at Clayton Heights Optometry!
2. Ocushield Screen Protectors
These protect your screens from scratches as well as from blue light. As of now, they are available for most apple products and limited Samsung products. These are also available at Clayton Heights Optometry!
3. Blue Light Coatings
Next time you get a new pair of glasses, ask for a blue light protective coating on your lenses. Most retailers will be able to provide this for your lenses.
What else can we do?
- Reduce Glare -Adjust the brightness of your screen. Consider changing your background colour from bright white to cool gray. Glare reduction filters for computer screens are also available.
- Clean Your Screen – A dust-free, smudge-free screen helps reduce glare
- Dim Surrounding Lights -Reduce the amount of light competing with your screen. Dim indoor lighting and when outside try to avoid using your device in direct sunlight
- Adjust Your Screen – Keep handheld devices a safe distance from your eyes and just below eye level.
We, at Clayton Heights Optometry, are proud to be Certified Blue Light Protection Specialist by Hoya Lab Come in to discuss your preventative options!