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Ocular aesthetics, which focuses on improving the appearance of the eyes and the surrounding area, has gained significant popularity in recent years. Ocular aesthetics aims to rejuvenate the eyes, making them appear more youthful, vibrant, and refreshed. This can be achieved through advanced technology treatments that are designed to address specific concerns and enhance the overall appearance of the eyes.
 

Common Concerns in Ocular Aesthetics

There are several common concerns that individuals seek to address through ocular aesthetics. These concerns may be a result of natural aging, genetics, or lifestyle factors. One of the most common concerns is the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, commonly known as crow's feet. These lines can make you look older and tired.
 

Another common concern is the presence of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. This can give the impression of fatigue and detract from the overall attractiveness of the eyes.
 

IPL and How it Works

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) has emerged as a popular and effective treatment option in ocular aesthetics. IPL works by emitting high-intensity light pulses that target specific chromophores in the skin, such as melanin and blood vessels. This targeted approach allows for precise treatment of various concerns around the eyes.

IPL treatments can effectively address pigmentation irregularities, such as age spots and sun damage, which often contribute to an aged appearance. By targeting these concerns, IPL can help restore a more even skin tone and improve the overall aesthetics of the eyes.

IPL treatments are non-invasive and typically require minimal downtime. The number of sessions needed may vary depending on the specific concerns being addressed. By consulting your optometrist, you can determine the best treatment plan to achieve your desired ocular aesthetics.
 

Radiofrequency (RF) for Ocular Aesthetics

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments have gained significant popularity in ocular aesthetics due to their effectiveness in addressing various concerns around the eyes. RF works by delivering controlled radiofrequency waves into the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the tissues.
 

One of the primary concerns that RF treatments can address is drooping eyelids. As we age, the skin around the eyes can lose elasticity, causing the eyelids to sag. RF treatments can effectively tighten the skin, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance. This can help restore the natural contour and symmetry of the eyes, enhancing their overall aesthetics.
 

RF treatments can also target under-eye bags, which can make the eyes appear tired and aged. By stimulating collagen production, RF can improve the overall tone and texture of the skin, reducing the appearance of under-eye bags and giving the eyes a more refreshed and vibrant look.
 

Exploring Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) has gained recognition in ocular aesthetics for its ability to promote cellular activity and stimulate collagen production. LLLT utilizes specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin, triggering a series of biological responses that can improve the health and appearance of the eyes.
 

LLLT treatments can effectively address concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eyes. By stimulating collagen production, LLLT can help reduce the appearance of these concerns, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant look.
 

In addition to its anti-aging benefits, LLLT can also improve the overall health of the eyes. By promoting cellular activity, LLLT can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the natural healing process. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as dry eyes or eye fatigue.

Thanks to the advancement of lens technology, glasses lenses are no longer a single, one size fits all solution. There are a variety of different lens types that can be used in glasses, giving patients greater flexibility and control over their vision than ever before.
 

Single Vision Lenses

Also known as monovision lenses, these lenses are designed to correct the wearer’s vision at just one distance, and have a single prescription covering the entire surface of the lens. They are most often recommended for people who are either nearsighted (myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia) and who need glasses for a specific activity, such as driving or reading.
 

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are multifocal lenses that can correct a patient’s vision at different working distances, ranging from far distance to reading distance. However, rather than designating different areas on the lenses for different distances with visible lines separating them, progressive lenses have a gradual change so that the wearer can smoothly transition from one lens power to another.
 

Bifocal and Trifocal Lenses

As you may have guessed from the name, bifocal and trifocal lenses have either two or three lens powers depending on which type you choose. Bifocal lenses support distance vision in the top half of the lens, and near vision in the lower half. Trifocal lenses support distance vision in the top third of the lens, intermediate vision in the middle segment and near vision in the bottom third. Whichever variety you choose, you will see visible lines separating each segment.

Bifocal and trifocal lenses are recommended for patients who are near or farsighted, and those who develop presbyopia, which is the natural hardening of the eye lens, that occurs as we get older. Presbyopia makes it harder for the lens of the eye to adapt to focus at different distances.
 

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses are the alternative name given to bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses.
 

Computer Lenses

Computer lenses are prescription lenses that are specifically designed to be worn when doing computer work. This is because they place the optimum lens power for viewing your computer screen exactly where you need it – which is closer than intermediate vision, but further away than reading material is usually held. Wearing computer lenses can significantly reduce the negative effects caused by the high visual demands of computer work, including blurred vision, redness, dry eyes, double vision and dizziness.
 

Transition Lenses

Also known as photochromic lenses, transition lenses are a special type of lens that darken when in the sunlight and lighten when in softer light or the dark. This versatility gives the wearer the convenience of being able to move between different environments without needing to change their glasses. This makes them extremely cost effective and prevent the wearer from needing to take multiple pairs of glasses out with them. Transition lenses also filter out many of the harmful UV rays that are emitted from the sun, helping to keep eyes healthy too. They are ideal for people who spend a lot of time going between inside and outside, or who work outside in varying weather conditions.
 

Blue Light Lenses

Blue light lenses are specially crafted lenses that contain filters that block out much of the artificial blue light that is produced by digital devices like computers, smartphones and tablets. Natural blue light is actually good for balancing our sleep-wake cycle, boosting our mood and enhancing our cognitive abilities so that we can function better day to day. However, too much blue light, especially from artificial sources, can have the opposite effect. Many people who fail to use blue light lenses can go on to develop digital eye strain, which produces symptoms like eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and more. Blue light lenses are recommended for anyone who spends a lot of time working on a digital device.
 

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are used to reduce eyestrain and improve the quality of vision in patients on especially sunny days, making them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. They can do this because they have a special filter that blocks some of the light from passing through the lens. Vertical light is allowed to pass through, while horizontal light, such as that which bounces off of water and can be blinding, is blocked. Polarized lenses are most often used in sunglasses since they are worn outdoors, and the wearer also needs to protect their eyes from UV damage.

Still have questions about which lens is right for you? Contact us to schedule an eye exam or an appointment to evaluate your individual needs.

Dry eye is a common ocular condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, redness, blurred vision, and even damage to the surface of the eyes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye is crucial provide early detection and effective treatment.
 

The Importance of Dry Eye Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Early detection of dry eye is crucial for preventing further progression of the condition and improving patient outcomes. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, dry eye can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. Additionally, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal ulcers, infections, and even vision loss. By accurately identifying and addressing dry eye in its early stages, optometrists can provide timely interventions and prevent complications.
 

TearLab

One of the advanced diagnostic tools available for dry eye is TearLab. TearLab is a non-invasive test that measures the osmolarity of tears, which is an indicator of tear film stability. This test provides valuable information about the quality and quantity of tears, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and monitor dry eye. By analyzing the osmolarity of tears, TearLab helps identify the severity of dry eye and guides treatment decisions. It is a quick and painless procedure that can be performed in a clinical setting.
 

InflammaDry

Inflammation plays a significant role in dry eye, and identifying the presence of inflammation is crucial for effective treatment. InflammaDry is a diagnostic tool that detects elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), an inflammatory marker, in tears. By measuring MMP-9, InflammaDry helps optometrists differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory dry eye. This information is essential for tailoring treatment plans and determining the most appropriate therapies for each patient.

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.

We all want to look our best and in the last decade, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking cosmetic services in order to enhance their appearance. With our eyes being our most distinguishing feature, we want to make the most of them. Thankfully there is now a range of cosmetic services that can help to rejuvenate our eyes and the area around them to keep them fresh, young and wrinkle-free. 

Let’s take a look at some of the services on offer.
 

Pigment removal

The brown pigment spots that appear on the face are often referred to as age spots and are a result of sun exposure. With age, the repeated exposure to UV rays causes melanin, a compound that is responsible for pigmentation and protecting the skin begins to clump together to form an area of hyperpigmentation. Whilst they aren’t any cause for concern, many people feel that they look unsightly. Luckily, there are a number of different treatments that you can get to remove them including topical creams, laser therapy, and chemical peels.

If you are suffering from darker pigmentation then we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with a qualified dermatologist who will recommend the best course of treatment for you, based on your specific needs.
 

LASIK co-management is an integral part of vision correction surgery that often goes unnoticed. It involves a partnership between your primary eye care professional and your LASIK surgeon. This cooperative approach ensures that you're provided with the best possible care before, during, and after your procedure.

LASIK co-management is the collaborative effort of your eye care team to ensure your vision correction procedure is safe and successful. It's a team approach where everyone plays a significant role in your eye health journey.

The Evaluation Process

The evaluation process in LASIK co-management is thorough and meticulous. It begins with a comprehensive eye examination by your primary care optometrist. This examination is meant to ascertain your eye health status and determine if you're an appropriate candidate for the LASIK procedure.

The evaluation process underscores the collaborative nature of LASIK co-management. Every step is carefully coordinated to ensure your eye health is prioritized and that you're receiving the best possible care.

The Importance of Consultation in LASIK Co-management

Consultation is a crucial aspect of LASIK co-management. It allows for patient education, addressing concerns and questions, and establishing a clear understanding of the expected outcomes.

During the consultation phase, your optometrist will explain the results of your eye examination and how it relates to your suitability for LASIK surgery. They will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, giving you a balanced perspective to make an informed decision.

The consultation with your LASIK surgeon will delve into the specifics of the operation, including the technology used, the surgical process, and the anticipated recovery timeline. Having the opportunity to consult with both your optometrist and your surgeon ensures that all your concerns are addressed, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

The Role of Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of successful LASIK co-management. It facilitates a seamless transition from your optometrist to your surgeon, creating a cohesive care plan that's centered around your specific needs.

This communication is not just between healthcare providers but also involves the patient. Regular updates on your progress, detailed explanations about each stage of the process, and addressing any concerns or questions you may have are all essential parts of the communication process.

If you are one of the thousands of people considering LASIK laser eye surgery, then you will probably be gathering as much information as possible about the treatment. By this point, you are probably aware of the benefits that LASIK offers, such as a reduced or eliminated need for glasses or contact lenses and greater convenience in your day to day life. However, for many patients, despite the advantages of LASIK, the thought of surgery on their eyes is still a cause of anxiety and fear. One of the best ways to alleviate this concern is to find out more about what the procedure entails.
 

Your consultation

Before you can be approved for any form of laser vision correction, including LASIK, you will need to attend a consultation appointment with your surgeon. During the consultation, he will perform an examination of your eyes and use your medical and ocular history to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. He will also speak to you about the expected outcome from your surgery, making you aware that while LASIK will dramatically improve your eyesight, there is no guarantee that you will not need to wear glasses in some situations, such as while driving in the dark. 
 

How LASIK Works

LASIK uses a cool, ultraviolet beam of light to reshape the patient’s cornea. Doing so will more accurately focus the light that enters the eye on to the retina, thus improving the patient’s vision. The way in which the cornea needs to be reshaped will depend on the visual needs of the patient. For example, a patient who is far-sighted will need their cornea reshaping to be steeper to experience better eyesight. Alternatively, a patient who is near-sighted will require their cornea to be flattened in order to improve their vision. LASIK can also smooth an irregular cornea into a more standard shape, meaning that the procedure can also be used to correct astigmatism.
 

The LASIK procedure

The LASIK procedure is very fast and straightforward. Although you will probably be in the surgical suite for around half an hour, the actual process only takes a couple of minutes per eye. The rest of the time will be spent preparing and ensuring that you are comfortable. Anesthetic eye drops are given to patients before their procedure so that the entire process is pain-free. If you are particularly anxious, it may also be possible for you to be slightly sedated – this should be discussed with your doctor at your consultation appointment.

Once you are in position, we will use a femtosecond laser to cut a thin, circular flap into the outer cornea. This can then be pulled back to reveal the underlying corneal tissue, known as the stroma so that it can be reshaped using the laser. The exact path that the laser needs to take, known as the topography, will have been pre-programmed ahead of the procedure and can be followed with complete precision and accuracy.

Once the reshaping is complete, the flap is replaced back over the eye and the surgery is complete. There is no need for sutures or bandages as the cornea will start to heal immediately and without any medical intervention.
 

If you already rely on wearing glasses or contact lenses to be able to see clearly, you may be frustrated with the effect that they have on your life. Regular vision tests, finding glasses to suit your face shape, having to remember to take eyeglasses with you wherever you go, prescription sunglasses, fiddly contact lenses… the list of inconveniences associated with conventional ocular solutions is extensive. 

LASIK is a modern, minimally-invasive procedure that can substantially reduce or eliminate your need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses, allowing you to enjoy life without limitations or inconvenience. The popularity and success of LASIK laser eye surgery have helped to make it the number one elective surgery across the globe. 
 

Candidacy for LASIK

LASIK has an extremely high success rate. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 96% of patients achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, it’s high success rate doesn’t make LASIK automatically the right solution for everyone.

Candidacy for LASIK is assessed by our doctors on a case by case basis so that you be certain that whatever treatment is recommended for you, it will give you the very best opportunity to improve your vision. During your consultation, our doctors will perform a thorough examination of your eyes and vision, ask you about your general health and talk you through both the procedure and aftercare.

The general guidelines for LASIK candidacy state that patients must:

• be at least 18 years of age

• have had stable vision with no prescription changes for a minimum of 12 months

• have a current prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses that falls between specified parameters (Our doctors will be aware of what these parameters are)

• have no significant medical or eye-related problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy

• have no history of corneal disease

• not be pregnant or nursing at the time of the procedure

If you thought that just laser eye surgery was impressive, then be prepared to be astounded by the arrival of iDesign custom Lasik. iDesign is the most advanced wavefront-guided laser treatment available. The system creates a uniquely accurate measurement of the entire optical system that can be relied upon completely without any guesswork. This is then used to create a highly detailed topography or map of your eye, making it easier for your surgeon to pinpoint the areas that need addressing with pinpoint precision. 
 

How accurate is iDesign?

iDesign is extremely accurate due to its diagnostic equipment that is able to determine 1,257 different micro eye prescriptions. Each one of these will measure the eye prescription to 0.01 of a dioptre strength – 25 times more than what a regular prescription for glasses or contact lens prescription is measured to. 
 

Who is iDesign suitable for?

While iDesign Custom Lasik can benefit almost any patient with refractive problems, it is particularly beneficial for people who have unusual corneas or have had eye surgery in the past. 
 

Is it painful?

Laser eye surgery is generally considered a pain-free procedure by the majority of patients. Anesthetic eye-drops are used to numb the outer area of the eye during the course of the surgery. Once these have worn off, some patients do experience some mild discomfort during the days following the procedure, but over the counter pain relief is usually sufficient to relieve this.
 

Astigmatism is a relatively common eye disorder that causes the vision to be blurred or distorted. It occurs when the lens part of the eye, known as the cornea, isn’t perfectly curved and instead resembles a football rather than a soccer ball. This means that the light entering the eye comes through at a distorted angle, making the object appear blurry and out of focus. There are several ways in which it is possible to treat astigmatism, including laser eye surgery and corrective lenses. However, another possibility is a solution referred to as limbal relaxing incisions.
 

What are limbal relaxing incisions?

Limbal relaxing incisions are microscopic cuts to an area in the eye known as the limbus. This helps to relax the curve in the cornea and improve its ability to focus light correctly. It can significantly improve your astigmatism and the overall quality of your vision.
 

Am I a good candidate for limbal relaxing incisions?

If you have astigmatism, are over 18, in good general health and have no major eye conditions, then chances are you are a good candidate for limbal relaxing incisions. Make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss your candidacy further.