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Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL). CLE is primarily performed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
 

Understanding CLE and How It Works

Clear Lens Extraction is similar to cataract surgery, where the natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL. However, in CLE, the lens is clear and not clouded as in the case of cataracts. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the eye and ensure a painless experience for the patient.
 

Once the eye is numb, a small incision is made on the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. Through this incision, your eye surgeon accesses the lens and carefully removes it. The artificial IOL is then inserted into the empty lens capsule. The IOL is specifically chosen to correct the patient's refractive error, providing them with improved vision.
 

After the IOL is implanted, the incision is closed with tiny sutures or self-sealing techniques. Following the surgery, patients are usually prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
 

Factors to Consider Before Undergoing Clear Lens Extraction

Before deciding to undergo Clear Lens Extraction, there are several factors that need to be considered. Firstly, it is crucial to have a thorough eye examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your optometrist will evaluate your overall eye health and discuss your expectations and goals for vision correction.
 

Age is another important factor to consider. CLE is typically recommended for individuals over the age of 40 who have developed presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision. It is also important to have stable vision, as any changes in prescription can affect the accuracy of the IOL power calculation.
 

Additionally, it is essential to understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. While CLE is generally safe, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. Your optometrist will discuss these risks with you and address any concerns you may have.

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even vision problems. TearCare offers a breakthrough treatment option for long-lasting relief from dry eye.
 

What is TearCare?

TearCare is a revolutionary treatment option that offers long-lasting relief for dry eye sufferers. This innovative technology utilizes wearable eyelid warming devices to precisely deliver heat to the meibomian glands, effectively unclogging them and promoting healthier oil production. The treatment is performed in-office by a trained eye care professional and typically takes less than 15 minutes.
 

TearCare targets the root cause of the problem - meibomian gland dysfunction. By restoring the proper function of these glands, TearCare helps to stabilize the tear film, improve tear production, and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye. This breakthrough solution offers a safe and effective alternative to medications and artificial tear drops, providing long-lasting relief for those suffering from dry eye.
 

How TearCare Works to Treat Dry Eye

TearCare works by gently applying heat to the eyelids, stimulating the meibomian glands and promoting the release of healthy oils. The wearable eyelid warming devices are designed to maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring optimal results. The heat helps to liquefy any hardened oils or debris clogging the glands, allowing them to function properly again. This treatment can also help reduce inflammation and improve overall eyelid hygiene.

Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly spherical. Instead of having a uniform, rounded shape, the cornea or lens has a slightly more curved or irregular shape, resembling more of an oval or football-like appearance.

This irregular shape causes light to bend or refract unevenly as it enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Astigmatism is often present from birth, but it can also develop later in life due to various factors, such as eye injuries, certain medical conditions, or the natural aging process.

Common Symptoms of Astigmatism

If you have astigmatism, you may experience a range of symptoms that can impact your daily life. Some of the most common symptoms of astigmatism include:
 

• Blurred or distorted vision, especially at a distance or when reading

• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low-light conditions

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Sensitivity to glare or bright lights

• Double vision or the appearance of halos around lights
   

These symptoms can vary in severity and may become more pronounced over time, especially if the astigmatism is left uncorrected.

Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that affect millions of people worldwide. One of the most common and disabling symptoms of migraines is light sensitivity, also known as photophobia. This heightened sensitivity to light can be a significant source of discomfort and pain for those suffering from migraines, making it difficult to function during an attack.

Photophobia is a common symptom of migraines, with up to 80% of migraine sufferers experiencing sensitivity to light during an attack. This sensitivity can be triggered by various types of light, including natural sunlight, fluorescent lighting, and even the glow of computer screens or smartphones.

Cataracts are a common eye condition that can significantly affect your vision. They occur when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred or distorted vision. This clouding is typically a result of aging, but other factors such as genetics, diabetes, or prolonged exposure to sunlight can also contribute to the development of cataracts.
 

As cataracts progress, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to glare, or a decrease in color perception. These changes can make daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces more challenging.
 

Why Cataract Surgery May be Necessary

Cataract surgery is often recommended when cataracts start to interfere with your vision and affect your ability to perform daily tasks. The primary goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
 

The decision to undergo cataract surgery is a personal one and should be made after consulting with your optometrist. Factors such as the severity of your cataracts, your overall eye health, and your lifestyle requirements will be taken into consideration when determining if surgery is necessary.
 

What is Cataract Surgery Co-Management?

Cataract surgery co-management refers to the collaborative approach between an ophthalmologist, who performs the surgery, and an optometrist, who provides pre-operative and post-operative care. This partnership ensures that you receive comprehensive eye care throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final follow-up appointments.
 

Your optometrist plays a crucial role in cataract surgery co-management by conducting a thorough pre-operative evaluation to assess your overall eye health and determine the most suitable IOL for your specific needs. They will also provide guidance and education on the surgical procedure, address any concerns you may have, and help you make informed decisions about your eye care.

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion. While the initial injury may have healed, the lingering symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making it challenging to return to your normal routines and activities.

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a collection of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years after a head injury. Unlike the typical recovery from a concussion, which usually resolves within a few days or weeks, PCS can be a prolonged and debilitating experience. The symptoms of PCS can vary widely from person to person, making it a complex and often misunderstood condition.

Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome

One of the primary causes of post-concussion syndrome is the disruption of the brain’s normal function due to the injury itself. When the brain experiences trauma, it can lead to a variety of biochemical and structural changes, which may cause the ongoing symptoms of PCS. The severity of the concussion does not always correlate with the likelihood of developing PCS; even minor concussions can lead to prolonged post-concussion symptoms in some individuals.

Another contributing factor to PCS may be related to the individual’s psychological response to the injury. Anxiety, stress, and pre-existing mental health conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of PCS and prolong the recovery process. People who have a history of migraines, anxiety disorders, or depression may be more prone to developing post-concussion syndrome.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can be diverse and can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slower processing speed, and reduced problem-solving abilities.

• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and increased emotional sensitivity.

The presence and severity of these symptoms can fluctuate over time, making it crucial to monitor your condition closely and communicate any changes to your primary care or eye doctor.

In the realm of eye care, surgical co-management has emerged as a collaborative approach that aims to provide patients with comprehensive and seamless treatment. This concept involves the joint efforts of optometrists and ophthalmologists, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. By working together, these eye care professionals strive to enhance patient outcomes and deliver exceptional care.
 

The Role of Optometrist and Ophthalmologist in Surgical Co-Management

Surgical co-management is built upon the unique skill sets and areas of expertise of optometrists and ophthalmologists. By understanding their respective roles, you can appreciate the synergy that this collaborative approach fosters.

Optometrists are primary eye care professionals who specialize in the examination, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of vision disorders. Their responsibilities in surgical co-management include:

• Performing comprehensive eye examinations and evaluations

• Monitoring and managing pre-existing eye conditions

• Providing pre-operative and post-operative care

• Educating patients on surgical procedures and aftercare

• Collaborating with ophthalmologists to ensure continuity of care
   

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders. Their role in surgical co-management encompasses:

• Evaluating patients' candidacy for surgical interventions

• Performing complex surgical procedures

• Providing specialized medical and surgical care

• Collaborating with optometrists to ensure seamless patient care

• Monitoring and managing post-operative complications

• By combining the expertise of optometrists and ophthalmologists, surgical co-management ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care throughout their treatment journey.

How Surgical Co-Management Works

Surgical co-management is a well-orchestrated process that involves several key steps. Understanding how it works can help you navigate this collaborative approach with confidence.

• Initial Evaluation: The process typically begins with an optometrist conducting a comprehensive eye examination. During this evaluation, the optometrist assesses the patient's visual needs, identifies any potential issues, and determines if a surgical intervention is necessary.

• Referral and Consultation: If surgery is recommended, the optometrist refers the patient to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and consultation. This step ensures that the patient receives specialized medical advice and a thorough assessment of their suitability for the proposed surgical procedure.

• Pre-operative Care: The optometrist plays a crucial role in providing pre-operative care, which may include managing any existing eye conditions, ensuring the patient understands the surgical process, and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.

• Surgical Procedure: The ophthalmologist performs the necessary surgical intervention, leveraging their specialized training and expertise in surgical techniques.

• Post-operative Care: After the surgery, the patient's care transitions back to the optometrist, who closely monitors the recovery process and provides post-operative care and management. This may involve follow-up appointments, monitoring for any complications, and ensuring the patient adheres to the prescribed treatment plan.

• Ongoing Collaboration: Throughout the entire process, the optometrist and ophthalmologist maintain open communication and collaborate closely. This ensures that the patient's care is seamless, and any concerns or issues are promptly addressed by the appropriate healthcare professional.

Optomap is an innovative new technology that gives eye doctors the ability to perform ultra-wide retinal imaging that is far superior to what can currently be achieved using conventional retinal imaging options. In contrast to conventional retinal imaging, Optomap captures at least 50% more of the retina in a single capture, and with Optomap’s multi-capture function, up to 97% of the retina can be viewed. This gives eye care professionals greater opportunity to monitor the health and condition of patient vision.
 

Why is Optomap important?

Optomap is another great preventative eyecare technology tool. By allowing your eye doctor to have a comprehensive view of your retina, they will be able to detect any developing eye diseases early on, before they have a detrimental impact on your vision and day to day life. Not only can Optomap detect eye conditions such as retinal holes, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, but it can also be used to identify some general health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.
 

What to expect from Optomap scanning

Optomap is a fast, painless and non-invasive procedure that is suitable for patients of all ages, even children and pregnant women. Many patients require their eyes to be dilated ahead of the scan and will be given eyedrops which will widen their pupils and make it easier for the camera to see the structures inside the eye. Pupil dilation is painless, but patients may feel more sensitive to light both during their Optomap scan and afterwards for up to 24 hours. You may also have slightly blurred vision for a few hours. Once your eyes are dilated, you’ll be sat down and asked to look into a small device that will take the pictures of your retina. A short flash of light will let you know that the image has been taken, and the entire imaging is over in just a few seconds. The results will be sent digitally to your eye doctor who will then evaluate them. The results will also be stored on your personal optical record for future information.  
 

If you would like more information about what is involved in Optomap, or to schedule an appointment for this effective screening technology, please contact our eyecare team.

If you find it difficult to tell colors apart, you may be color blind. Color blindness, or color deficiency, is estimated to affect around 8% of men and about 1% of women, but for those affected, it can significantly impact the quality of their day-to-day life. Contrary to popular belief, being color blind doesn’t mean that you can’t see any color at all. Instead, patients simply struggle to differentiate between certain colors. The vast majority of people who are color blind find it impossible to tell the difference between varying shades of red and green. You may hear this referred to as red-green color deficiency. However, this doesn’t only mean that they mix up red and green. They can also mix up colors that have some green or red light as part of their whole colors, for example purple and blue. This is because they are unable to see the red light that forms part of the color purple. 

As you can probably imagine, this type of visual impairment can be a problem for things like traffic lights, taking medications and even looking at signs and directions. For example, someone who is color blind may find that the green on a traffic light may appear white or even blue.
 

EnChroma lens technology is specifically designed to counteract red-green color deficiency and enable patients to better identify the difference in these colors or shades. They do this by selectively filtering out the red and green wavelengths of light at the exact point where the color sensitivities overlap before hitting the retina, creating far greater contrast between the colors so that the patient can distinguish between them successfully. Most cases of color blindness respond well to EnChroma’s innovative spectral lens technology, giving patients the ability to experience life in bright, vibrant technicolor.

EnChroma lenses are made from leading edge, Trivex material, and this helps to give them the best possible quality and clarity of vision. These lenses are also extremely light, strong and offer patients 100% protection against UV light, helping to keep your eyes healthy as well as improving your vision.

If you or someone you know is color blind or color deficient and could benefit from EnChroma lenses, contact us today to learn more about how they can help!

Every patient is different and so are their eyes. This means that there need to be different types of contact lenses to suit each individual. Some patients have corneal abnormalities which mean that conventional lenses won’t sit comfortably on the surface of their eyes, while others suffer from eye conditions that mean normal contact lenses won’t be comfortable or could irritate their eyes. 

As you may have guessed from the name, specialty contact lenses are unconventional contacts that are designed for patients that regular contacts might not be suitable. Here are some of the main types of speciality contact lenses and who they are recommended for. 
 

Who might be a good patient for specialty contact lenses?

Some of the patients that might benefit from specialty contact lenses include those who:

• have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome

• have corneal scarring

• have been diagnosed with keratoconus, a condition characterized by the bulging of the cornea

• suffer from strabismus, a condition where the patient has an eye that turns in or out relative to the other

• have suffered an injury to the eye

• suffer from a peripheral corneal thinning disorder

• are intolerant to other types of lenses

Your eye doctor or contact lens provider will be able to tell you if you need specialty contact lenses and if so, which lenses would be best based on your individual requirements.