The Solar Eclipse and Your Vision
Just a few notes about watching a solar eclipse. A patient called me a few days ago looking for solar eclipse glasses. In my mind it is never a good…
Vision Loss, Hallucinations, and Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is often regarded as a fascinating yet misunderstood occurrence associated with vision impairment. While commonly linked to those with vision loss, CBS encompasses much more than…
Co enzyme q10
Co Q10 and the Eye
A search of ongoing clinical trials shows that there are presently 127 studies utilizing Coenzyme q10. Most all of them are in the areas of diseases of the heart, neurological disease, some psychological disorders, pregnancy, and statin users. There is some research looking at the role of decreasing levels of Co q10 in the retina and possible link to age related macular degeneration. The decreasing role of co q10 in energy production and free radical scavenging may be linked to the progression of macular degeneration.
Co q10 is a molecule of the ubiquinone family of compounds . The ubiquinones are substances that are found throughout the body, hence the term “ubiquitous”. It is not considered a vitamin because it can be made by the body. Coenzyme q10 is found in cell membranes, where it has two functions: (1) it is an essential compound used by the cell to form energy in the form of ATP, from carbohydrates to be used by the cell, (2) it is involved in free radical scavenging. (more…)
The Power of Essential Carotenoids for Optimal Eye Health
Carotenoids play an important role in safeguarding eye health and functionality, with four key players standing out: beta-carotene, vitamin A (retinol), lutein, and zeaxanthin. This diverse group of vitamin carotenoids…
Sunglass Technology: Putting It All Together
Sunglass lenses should be able to:
- reduce glare and haze to provide clearer, sharper vision,
- enhance color definition,
- reduce reflections off the lenses, and
- most importantly, 100% UV protection.
If you have read the other posts on Lens Technology, what you may have realized is that sunglasses are more than a tint used to decrease the amount of sunlight that gets to your eye. While visual comfort is important, sunglasses are also about protection and optimizing visual function. It is not just about how much light is transmitted through the lens, but how the lens performs. Ideally, they should enhance vision. Here’s how: (more…)
Protecting the Eyes: UV Light
Decreasing light levels with a tint may give a greater level of visual comfort, but may not offer enough protection against wavelengths of light known to be harmful to the sensitive tissues of the eye. Specifically, protection from the high energy, damaging, short wavelength UV light. Lens materials such as plastic and poly carbonate have some UV absorbing capability (see Lens Materials). (more…)
Protecting the Eyes: Tints
Tints not only vary in color, but also vary in transmissibility. The amount of light that is transmitted is the amount of light allowed to pass through the lens. The darkness of the tint does not indicate it’s capability to protect against harmful UV light.
While you may think that sunglasses are just glasses with a tint, but protecting the eyes requires more than just a tint. The tint decreases the amount of light that reaches your eyes. Generally, the darker the tint, the less light is transmitted (passed through) the lens. Someone who is outdoors and needs to decrease the brightness of sunlight, will choose a lens with low transmittance. Keep in mind, the darkness of the tint does not indicate it’s capability to protect against harmful UV light. (more…)
Lens Technology: Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses have a molecular structure which gives it the ability to reduce glare. Glare is light reflected and scattered off of a surface that is brighter than the surrounding light. Glare can decrease our capability to see clearly and can cause visual discomfort. (more…)
Lens Technology: Anti-reflective Coating (Anti-Glare)
Anti-reflective coating is applied to the surface of the eyeglass lens to optimize vision by reducing glare. Ideally, it should be applied to both the front and back surface of the lens for maximum benefit.
It serves several purposes: (more…)
Lens Technology: Prisms
Prism in lenses is not so much something ‘in’ the lenses, but it is actually how that lens is constructed, which is typically referred to as being ‘ground in.’ The presence of prisms will be seen as a thicker edge by the wearer. The thicker edge is where the base of the prism is located, and is opposite to where the image is to be shifted.
Lens materials, lens designs, and add-on tints are all options available to help you design your eye wear. Prisms are not offered as an option, but are a part of your eyeglass prescription. (more…)