Simply Short
Take the complications out of short corridor lens technology by using these tips
by Karlen McLean, ABOC, NCLC
Technological improvements have made short corridor lenses more performance oriented in addition to having fashion and appearance appeal. Image opposite page, Shamir Insight. Images above (l to r): Carl Zeiss Vision, Essilor, and Vision-Ease Lenses
The market appeal of short corridor PALs is based on the ability to supply distance, intermediate, and near vision in small frames without visible lines. Short corridors are also the go-to progressive addition lenses for small environment, office wear, computer use, and some specialty applications.
Now, free-form technology is kicking up short corridor performance and enabling corridors to be shortened into the single digits. But the basic short corridor premise is still simple: short corridor PALs are for small frames, and thus appeal to those seeking fashion and improved appearance with a functional techno-twist.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM
A recent survey conducted by Essilor of America of 1,500 baby boomers aged 40 to 60 found that while more than one-third of respondents associated bifocals with old age, a surprising 48 percent of them are still wearing bifocals, trifocals, or magnification lenses. This demonstrates the large opportunity that PALs bring to the optical marketplace: better vision (three visual zones) and better appearance (no lines).
Another blooming opportunity is coming from the managed care arena. VSP and some other managed care providers now allow for PALs and premium PALs on tiered vision plans, so the cost of the lenses are covered, a trait that patients find appealing when it comes time to make their selection.
| PLOT'S IT ALL ABOUT? |
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| Lens contour plots show the distribution of induced cylinder in PAL designs. Contour plots come in three basic types: ISOSPHERE: A four-dimensional plot that shows sphere power distribution and can also include the location and size of other visual zones depending on the lens designer. ISOCYLINDER: A two-dimensional diagram that divides lens design into cylinder levels. DISSYMMETRIC: Separate lens designs are used for the right and left lenses. Typically, a hard PAL design exhibits with more lines closer together, while a soft PAL design shows fewer lines farther apart. |
| SHORT AND SWEET |
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| Our experts often use short corridor PALs to solve challenging visual and lifestyle demands such as: 1 A myope who can and does read without glasses. Smaller frames and short corridor PALs offer a "smaller, less bothersome window for daily activities, but which might be too low for comfortable extended reading periods," says Richard Homeier, ABOM, of Optical Perspectives in Estes Park, Colo. 2 Myopic patients who want the system to be set lower yet want an adequate reading area. 3 Hyperopes, since they're always more eager for more plus power. 4 Those who require near and intermediate viewing zones. "I have a lot of college professors as patients, and the short corridor works well because they spend their time needing both desk and blackboard distance," says Tom Hicks, president of Oxford Opticians in Oxford, Ohio. 5 Myopes, especially those with high-minus powers, and hyperopes, especially those with high-plus powers, benefit from the cosmetics of a smaller frame yielding less-thick lenses and more focused power in a smaller, compact package. 6 People in computer-intense jobs like medical and data processing personnel, who input insurance records eight hours a day and need clear near and intermediate vision with very little head or eye movement. 7 First time-PAL candidates/younger presbyopes, since they often adapt more easily to short corridors. 8 Patients with small faces who are fitted with small frames. Use short corridor PALs only in small frames, and use small frames only on patients who can wear the fit-and-functionality of a small frame. |
Don't underestimate motivational power of the vanity factor with the aging market. Looking good is a way of life for baby boomers, many of whom are still in the workforce and rely on a professional appearance to help them stay on top.
For retired boomers, keeping up with fashion and making their own fashion statements—think of the boom in casual and activewear for seniors—is an important part of their lives.
This group also "gets" technology: younger boomers are immersed in it at work and older boomers are using it to stay connected. Thus, short corridor PAL for everyday eyewear and second or third pairs meet a few of this generation's motivations: looking good, feeling young, and utilizing cuttingedge technology.
The host of Style Network television's "How Do I Look?" and new Essilor spokesperson, Finola Hughes, says, "Lines on bifocals and lens glare are definite fashion faux pas in my business, but eliminating them while sacrificing eye health is not the answer."
With PALs and AR, Hughes adds, "Fashion really does meet function while promoting healthy vision."
When promoting, selling, fitting, and dispensing short corridor PALs, remember these three things:
- Short corridors are designed to perform well in small frames.
- Short corridors eliminate lines.
- Short corridors offer the benefits of eye health and fashion appeal.
FASHIONABLE FUNCTION
If you and your associates are unsure about today's short corridor PALs, start off by trying the lenses for yourself. Fit short corridor designs on different staff members who have varying visual needs, such as low power Rx, high +/- Rx, weak and strong astigmatism, or low and high add powers.
Also, apply short corridors to different lifestyle needs, including computer work, office (small environment) work, driving, and sports. Then get a full report of each staff member's experiences. Base which short corridor PALs you dispense partially on this feedback.
When planning, also use contour plots in your lens assessment. Contour plots are available from lens manufacturers and illustrate the location of power in the lenses compared to similar lens designs.
"We like contour plots for our personal understanding of how one lens may differ from another," says Richard Homeier, ABOM, of Optical Perspectives in Estes Park, Colo. "The problem using them with patients is that they can create higher expectations than some patients can experience, and this can be confusing to the average consumer."
Three visual zones and better appearance are compelling arguments for short corridor PALs. Image by Augen
Understanding the full usage of short corridor PALs can be attained by trying them yourself. Image courtesy of Optima
To enhance your understanding of these technical evaluation tools at work, read up on the science behind the developments in lens companies' white papers for indepth technical information.
LOGICAL APPEAL
Mentioning short corridors prior to the dispensary visit helps patients understand short corridor applications more easily.
"I recommend short corridor PALs when the patient is wearing or desires a small frame with a short B measurement; it's that simple," says Arthur Young, OD, of Eye Centers of Florida with 14 locations and headquarters in Fort Myers. "I mention to patients that conventional PALs don't work in small frames, while short corridor PALs are designed to be user-friendly in small frames."
Small B measurement frames, with their narrow depth, can be successfully fitted for presbyopes in a short corridor PAL modality.
"I use smaller B measurement frames, with as small as a 25mm B, which allows for less head movement up and down. It works well for patients with neck problems," says optician Tom Hicks, president of Oxford Opticians in Oxford, Ohio.
New free-form short corridor designs place emphasis on corridor length, not fitting height. Check with manufacturers for their corridor length versus recommended fitting height proportions. EB
For a list of short corridor products, visit EB's website www.eyecarebusiness.com
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