Believe it or not, here’s an online resource for learning about ophthalmology and eye disease that’s not only informative, but even, dare I say, fun! Dr. Timothy Root has created a series of short videos and podcasts with amusing illustrations and cartoons, available for viewing on your computer or mobile device for free. They were made as teaching tools for ophthalmology students, but they are so clear and concise, I think anyone with an interest in the eyes or vision would easily understand and enjoy them. His talk on cataracts and treatment is especially recommended.Find the videos on
ophthobook.com, which also features free chapters from Roots’s equally accessible OphthoBook, described as “The funniest, cartooniest book about eye diseases ever written ever!”
Empower is a new line of progressive lens glasses featured recently in the Gadgetwise column in the NY Times. The frames use an electric current to “change the prescription on the fly.” My thoughts:
As an Optometrist in NYC since 1971, I’ve seen countless new ideas and products that promise to revolutionize eye care. Some make it to the marketplace and even revolutionize the industry, like Lasik Surgery or intra-ocular lens implants for cataract surgery. But many offer more promise than benefit.
I haven’t personally tried the Empower lens to offer a comprehensive review, but from this article, I would predict that this new product will fall by the wayside in the near future.
This lens is an appealing idea to be sure, able to provide not only a prescription change, but a change in the total area of the lens that provides this prescription, but I have a feeling it is a better idea on paper than in reality.
There seem to be many drawbacks: a bulky, robotic- looking mounting; electrical currents near the brain; the need for manual adjustments; expensive.
For my patients, I’ll continue to recommend some of the new, improved progressive lenses. The Interview by Varilux, the office by Shimar, the Essilor Computer Lens are a few of the latest progressive lens that solve the same problem. Each of these type of lenses have graduating prescriptions, with each one favoring some areas at the expense of others.
There are those who take to new technology, and I’d be interested to hear feedback and comparisons from anyone who tries out the lens.
I would like to take this time to thank everyone for the support and good feedback I have received this year. Thanks to you it has been my busiest year ever. I plan to add a retinal camera this year, which will provide the opportunity to document ocular conditions digitally, and provide a more accurate way to diagnose conditions at earlier times. We have added many new exclusive frame lines as well as non-prescription sunglasses during the year, and have our eyes on some great new ones for next year. Happy Holidays!
Today we had patients visiting from Oregon, Switzerland, Russia and
Greece! An international day here today.
Posted via email from GaryTracyOD
Introducing our newest collection –Frieze frames, made in France and hard to find in NYC. We fell in love with their modern versions of classic shapes and bold colors. Some of the female shapes and sunglass models have embedded crystals, done in an understated manner. We will offer a 25% discount on this line of frames until the end of the year. To make room for our many new frames we have also heavily discounted some of our older frame lines.
A gentle reminder –if you’ve got a flexible spend plan,chances are you’ll need to use it or lose before the year ends. Eyewear, eye care and contact lenses are typically covered. Call us for an appointment, soon!
Thanks to your interest in the John Lennon article, I’ve decided bring to the office my personal copy of Bob Gruen’s Sometime in New York City, a rare limited-edition book of stunning photographs and memories of John and Yoko when they lived in Manhattan.. The book holds special meaning for me, as I supplied John with many of the glasses he wore in the pictures. This copy is signed by Gruen and Yoko Ono.
If you wish to see it, please call us first to ensure it will available for viewing at the time you come. The book will remain the office until December 31.
“Dr. Tracy, can I sleep overnight with my contact lenses?”
The short answer — I strongly discourage it.
Studies show that people who sleep with their contacts are almost 20 times more likely to develop eye infections, sometimes leading to permanent corneal scarring and loss of vision. The odds of getting an infection increases with each consecutive night worn.
Despite the risks and warnings, some patients still sleep with their lenses. If they do wake with redness or irritation, they should, of course, remove the lenses right away. If symptons continue, I urge them to see me immediately to check for infections or abrasions. Appropriate treatment, if started promptly, will usually prevent serious consequences.
