aCUVUE oasys FOR asTigmatism

      May 1, 2008  Introducing Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism lenses.  We have been selected by Vistakon, inc., a subsidiary to Johnson & Johnson, to take part in the ALT (Acuvue Leadership Team) as the first and only office in Kern County to use the Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism lens.  As part of the ALT, we can offer our patients the newest soft toric lens for astigmatism before the lenses are released to the general eye care community and general public.  It also allows us to work very closely with the Vistakon research and development team to improve the technology in contact lenses to best serve our patients’ ability to wear soft contact lenses all day long with great vision and great comfort.

What’s different about the Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism lens?
          Following the amazing success of the Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism lens design, the new Oasys for Astigmatism utilizes the same Accelerated Stabilization Design (ASD) as its platform for best comfort and vision.  Unlike the older weighted designs of previous soft toric lenses, which rotated frequently on the eye with every blink or head movement, this new design provides extreme stability on the eye.  Thus, the ASD gives crisp and stable vision immediately after putting the lenses in and doesn’t fluctuate with your daily visual activities.

How is the Oasys better than the Advance for Astigmatism?
          Johnson & Johnson has taken the success of the Acuvue Oasys two week disposable lens and applied the same technology to the Astigmatism lens.  The new Oasys for Astigmatism has much the same technology in its design material.  As a two week lens, the Oasys for Astigmatism is also FDA approved for 6 nights of extended wear, meaning patients can now sleep in their toric lenses for up to 6 nights straight.   The UVA & UVB protection of this lens is secondary to none on the contact lens market at 99% sun protection.  And the handling of the Oasys for Astigmatism lens has been improved for those high prescriptions so that they are even easier to get in and out of the eye.

            We pride ourselves on providing the best and newest technology available to improve the vision and lifestyles of our patients.  As part of the Acuvue Leadership Team, we are able to do just that and stay on the cutting edge of the contact technology. 

Vision Discomfort Associated with Computer Vision Syndrome

Improper arrangement of computers and prolonged use may strain eyesight

ST. LOUIS, MO, March 13, 2008-The American Optometric Association (AOA) today advised that Americans who use computers daily at work or at home could suffer from computer vision syndrome, which leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits.

According to the AOA's 2007 American Eye-Q™ survey, which identified Americans' attitudes and behaviors regarding eye care and related issues, 82 percent of Americans frequently work with a computer or a handheld device, such as a PDA. Supporting this, a recent Omnibus survey showed that 42 percent of respondents spend three or more hours a day in front of a computer or handheld device. Additionally, 78 percent of Americans do not have their computer monitor positioned at the correct height - below eye level.

Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and age-related eye issues also contribute to computer vision syndrome.

"Working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and eye focusing," said Dr. Kent Daum, AOA optometrist and Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. "The constant re-focusing effort stresses the eye muscle, leading to computer-related vision problems. It can have a great impact on individuals' comfort and productivity, whether they are at work, school or home."

According to the survey, Americans are feeling the pain of computer vision syndrome. Forty-one percent said they have experienced eye strain, and 45 percent cited neck or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use. Many of these symptoms are temporary and will improve after ceasing computer work. However, some individuals may continue to experience visual problems, such as such as blurred distance vision, even after computer work has stopped. If the causes of the problem are not addressed, the symptoms will recur, and perhaps worsen, with future computer use.

Special computer glasses and computer screen filters are available to help reduce glare and discomfort, but only 11 percent of Americans currently use these devices.

According to the AOA, Americans should follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:

• Have your vision checked regularly. Prior to age 61, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor, and annually after that age. Vision and eye health can change rapidly and frequently, particularly as one ages, therefore, having one's vision examined on a regular, timely basis is important to maintaining overall health and for preventive reasons.
  
• Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer. Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent blinking.
  
• Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
  
• Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen.
  
• Keep Blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.

Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on visual requirements at the computer working distance, may include:

• Taking a patient history to identify existing symptoms, any general health problems, medications taken, or environmental factors that may be contributing to computer vision syndrome.
• Measuring visual acuity to assess the extent to which vision may be affected.
• A refraction to determine the appropriate lens power needed to compensate for any refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism).
• Testing how the eyes focus, move and work together. To obtain a clear, single image of what is being viewed, the eyes must effectively change focus, move and work in unison. This testing will look for problems that keep the eyes from focusing effectively or make it difficult to use both eyes together.

Using the information obtained from these tests, along with results of other tests, your optometrist can determine if you have computer vision syndrome and advise you on treatment options.