3 Unique Solutions to Glasses Issues - E38
In business and life you need to be able to adapt quickly to survive. As eye care providers, it is easy to be rigid and resist change. However; I contend that the most successful offices embrace new technologies and think outside the box when addressing patients' concerns. I wanted to share 3 scenarios in which I found outside of the box solutions for my patients problems.
PAL Non-Adapters
I often have patients that have tried and failed or do not want to pay for a PAL. These patients invariably have issues with intermediate distances such as computer work or reading sheet music if a musician or playing the piano. In these cases I will put the patient in a bifocal, but raise the seg to the lower pupil margin, much like we measure for a trifocal. I keep the add power reduced and it keeps the patient from having to tip their head to see. Occasionally, instead of a flat top bifocal, I will use an executive bifocal to give them the maximum viewing window.
Contact Lens Fun
I often have presbyopic contact lens patients who want really crisp vision at distance and near and feel multifocal lenses do not give either. They love monovision, but complain that driving or extended periods of near work is difficult or their eyes get tired.
In these cases, I point out that I can make single vision driving glasses for over the cls and single vision computer glasses for near work. Essentially, it is plano in one lens and adjusts the near eye to distance or the distance eye to near so they are binocular when doing the desired tasks.
Double D Seg
This option is great for mechanics or contractors that are unable to just wear reading glasses. A double D seg will put a traditional flat top bifocal on the bottom of the lens and also put a bifocal segment on the top of the lens. This allows them to see at the focal length you prescribe when looking down or up.
Keys to successfully fitting these are 1) make sure you set the focal length at a distance that allows the top segment to be functional. This is usually a further distance than when reading a book. 2) pick a large enough lens that the patient's pupil sits in the center of the lens. The bottom flat top and top flat top will be separated by 13 mm, so you need to make sure the top segment will be at least 8-10 mm to be functional. Any smaller and it is not usable.
There you have it my friends. 3 easy ways to think outside the box and help your patients maximize their vision!
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