EYE HEALTH : The Big Picture
Eyewear can be fashionable and fun, but most importantly, it's a medical device. Here's how to focus on eye health as a way to overall health and comfort by delivering a medical message
By Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC

Optical needs to adapt its approach to communicate that visual acuity and visual comfort combine to offer patients overall health benefits and daily wellness. It's a simple premise. Doctors not only examine the eyes, they prescribe eyewear, much as a general practitioner would examine a patient and prescribe medication. This includes review of a patient questionnaire and addressing areas of concern that appropriate eyewear could solve.

Opticians in this setting act as optical pharmacists, discussing and filling prescriptions so patients understand what eyewear they're getting to treat what problem, and how to use each type of eyewear dispensed.

Fashion is an important factor, but it should be discussed after visual needs are addressed. Style can be viewed in terms of how well the lenses interact with it for optimum vision. Here's a guide to answering both eye and overall health concerns.

	PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL ZEISS OPTICAL

COMPUTER/WORKPLACE

Inform patients that studies show productivity drops without the proper task-specific eyewear for work, and that about 60 million American office workers suffer from the symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

Work history should be a part of the practice questionnaire. Questions should cover how eyes are used at work, including how many hours the patient is on the computer a day.

Other considerations are: How far they sit from their computer screen and if they've noticed any signs of CVS--frequent headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision.

The doctor can then discuss these concerns and prescribe computer or other workplace-appropriate eyewear. The optician can build on that by suggesting eyewear for visual comfort and safety.

SPORTS/HOBBIES

It should become second nature to recommend protective eyewear for sports participants and hobbyists who like woodworking and home activities using power tools.

Make sports and hobbies part of your practice questionnaire, with targeted follow-up discussion of these areas by the doctor. A solid hand-off to the optician and detailed discussion of the recommended eyewear solutions ensures that patients will purchase safety eyewear and know when and how to use it.

Seniors may not be aware of visual health threats. Photo courtesy of Prio

KIDS AND TEENS VISION

Today's parents want the best vision care for their kids and have many choices when it comes to eyewear. An optical practice can help guide them.

Explain why impact-resistant polycarbonate or Trivex lenses and UV-protective lenses are essential to keep kids' eyes healthy today and prevent age-related eye diseases later in life.

Discuss the features and benefits of the options. Photochromic lenses are fun and UV protective. Anti-reflective lenses can cut reflections, increase visual acuity, and stand up to wear-and-tear.

Photochromics, polarized lenses, and clip-on sunglasses, can help kids weather the sun with better acuity.

And when it comes to teens who drive, AR eliminates reflections and polarized sunwear eliminates glare. Demonstrate these products exam room, dispensary, and waiting area.

BOOMER AND SENIOR VISION

Baby boomers and seniors are usually aware of the larger threats to their visual health such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

This group needs reminders that their everyday vision is important to their overall well-being. For example, most aren't aware of the dangers of UV exposure to their eyes and the skin around their eyes, or that about 10 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers are found on and around the eyelids. And, they certainly don't understand that less light is entering the eye, that "blue color" discrimination is more difficult, and that blinding glare is more of a problem.

Photosensitive older eyes get relief from glare and better visual acuity with photochromic, AR, and polarized sunwear. Some can benefit from specialized photochromic colors, melanin lenses, and tints that address symptoms of their eye diseases and conditions, most often cataracts and macular degeneration.

Remember that as skin ages, it becomes thinner and less elastic, especially around the eyes and nose. Explain that high-index lenses in a smaller frame size can help reduce eyewear weight and slippage for extra comfort.

	Taking the time to speak with patients can impact visual health. Photo by Transitions

DRIVING DANGERS

Polarized lenses. Inform patients that polarized lenses help neutralize glare for comfort and functional acuity. Explain the different kinds of glare and how it reduces contrast sensitivity and causes visual discomfort and fatigue. Note that blinding glare can disable a driver's vision and cause accidents.

AR lenses. Explain how AR increases transmission of visible light by about five to six percent from regular lenses for improved visual acuity.

Discuss how AR also eliminates annoying reflections, especially when driving at night, and how it works to eliminate ocular discomfort from distracting glare from reflections.

Look at patient records for ocular diseases that affect glare sensitivity. Refractive surgery patients also complain of problems with night vision, ghost images, and glare.

It's key to demonstrate how reflections and glare can affect visual acuity, comfort, and personal safety. Utilize demonstration units to drive the message home.

It's all about eye health for overall health. And, as an ECP, taking this approach of educating patients about how 20/20 vision is just part of the bigger picture is an opportunity and a responsibility.

For drivers, illustrate the impact of blinding glare and optical solutions. Photos courtesy of Younger Optical