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New Solutions to Computer Vision Syndrome
Derickson Vision Consultants' Computer Exam & Eyewear Brings Relief to Many
by Dr. Derickson
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The predictions made twenty years ago have become reality… Most people have computers at home and nearly every workplace is computerized. As computer usage increases, many people are becoming aware of the visual symptoms associated with this uniquely demanding task. After an hour or so of computer use, you may notice that your eyes feel irritated and fatigued. Your vision may seem blurred and you may even develop a headache. These are only a few of the symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a name given to a variety of visual problems related to computer use. The computer screen is different in several ways from most other reading materials. First, it is generally not viewed at the same distance as a magazine, newspaper or book would be read. Therefore, conventional reading glasses or bifocals are usually not properly focused on the screen. To adjust for this, one must move closer to the screen and tilt the head upward (with standard bifocals). This position does not remain comfortable for long! Fortunately, there is a way to prescribe appropriate glasses for this problem. Using special computer focus testing at the exact distance that you view your computer screen, a comfortable computer prescription can be obtained. New lens technology also allows you to adjust your focus distance without moving closer to or farther from the screen. The second contributing factor to CVS is the fact that the text on the screen is backlit and at a slightly different distance from your eyes than the screen surface . This difference, while minute, can cause the eyes to shift focus many times within a minute – leading to additional fatigue of the focusing system. Even without this focus shift problem, the mere fact that you are spending hours fixated at a near image can lead to intraocular muscle stress and spasm. This problem can be minimized with a computer eyeglass prescription that decreases the demand on your focusing system. At Derickson Vision Consultants, we are able to perform specialized Computer Examinations and prescribe high performance lenses like the Desktop 3.0 from Hoya or Proclear Biocompatiable Contact Lenses. A third problem results from glare and reflections on the screen and even on eyeglasses from peripheral light sources. This glare can make it difficult to distinguish characters on the screen and can fatigue your eyes quickly. To alleviate this problem, you should make sure that peripheral lighting is directed away from the screen and your eyes. It may also be wise to invest in an ant-glare screen cover or an LCD monitor. However, one of the best ways to improve your comfort is to have your computer glasses coated with an anti-reflective coating. This is the coating used in camera lenses, telescopes, and other high-tech optical devices. In a high-tech world, you need high-tech prescription eyewear! Finally, some of your discomfort can result from dryness secondary to extended computer use. Studies have shown that the rate of blinking (which is the eye’s method of coating itself with tears) decreases four-fold during computer work. This problem can be minimized with the use of artificial tears or other dry-eye therapies prescribed by your doctor. At Derickson Eye Consultants we are able to perform specialized Computer Examinations and prescribe high performance lenses like the Desktop 3.0 from Hoya or Proclear Biocompatiable Contact Lenses. This and other Computer Vision Solutions are available upon request. Please measure the distance from the screen to the bridge of your nose in your typical work station environment.
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How to Maximize Your Benefits
Here are a few tips that can save you both money and time
by Adrialyn Reyes
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It is essential that you know the details of your insurance plan. Most facilities not only depend on the references they have on hand but also rely on the written terms of your benefits that you possess. Know the specific name of your vision insurance.
If you purchased vision insurance inclusive to your health insurance; benefits may be listed under a third party affiliate. Insurance companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield offer vision benefits through Vision Service Plan or Aetna Discount Plans. When presented to your physician or specialist, this vital information will ensure timely processing of your claim and in the long run could save you money. Be familiar with your benefits.
Soon after registration, insurance companies generally give their members a benefits manual or documentation explaining benefits. Information such as office visit co-pays, deductibles, and other listed details are explained thoroughly. Instead of waiting an eternity on hold with customer service, read up on your resources. This will save you valuable time and may save you money. Remember, all insurance companies benefit by minimizing claim payments. Be prepared.
Some insurance companies require their members to bring certain forms to their specialist at the time of exam. This form includes information on benefits and is necessary to bill services to your insurance company. If you have Vision Care Plan, for example, you must call your member services customer service line and request the proper form for an eye exam at least one week prior to your appointment.
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New Ciba Freshlook Colors At Derickson Vision Consultants
New Freshlook Radiance contact lenses illuminate your eyes
by Kelly Koppelman
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There are four new colors from Freshlook: Sunrise, Autumn, Moonlight, and Eden. These exciting colors brighten your natural eye color without changing it. Let your eyes’ natural beauty shine through with a completely new concept in contact lenses.  Even if your vision is perfect, this is worth trying! Also for those of you who already wear Freshlook Colors, Ciba has restructured the contact lens for a more comfortable fit to your eye. It feels a lot thinner on your eye and now has UV protection. You also may have noticed that the vision with your Freshlook Colors seems a little blurry. But now with the new lens design, the clarity has improved greatly. So come on into our office and try out our colors…See what eye color suits you! |
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New Soft Contacts Reduce Effects of Aging
Progressive Contacts Product Youthful Distance and Near Vision
by Dr. Derickson
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For many people over forty, the need for clear near vision has forced them to quit wearing contacts and resign themselves to looking older in glasses. Many have tried monovision (focusing one eye for distance and the other for reading) without success. If this describes you, new technology may allow you to return to the soft disposable contacts that you loved. The major manufacturers of soft lenses have introduced over the last five years multi-focal contacts that really work!  I have been fitting these lenses since their introduction in 1998 with success levels reaching ninety percent. The latest innovation came in 2006 from Bausch & Lomb. Their new PureVision Multi-Focal produces distance and near clarity that is truly amazing. The lens is made from the revolutionary PureVision material, which is gentle and safe even for dry eyes and can be worn for up to 30 days! If you gave up contacts or have not tried them because of the need for clear near focus, this may be your answer!
Also, as a past clinical investigator for the F.D.A., I studied the Purevision material for 2.5 years. My studies showed that this innovative material "breathes" allowing patients to wake up every day with crystal clear vision every day. For certain qualifying prescriptions, I can fit these lenses that allow oxygen to pass through to the eyes even while sleeping. The lenses last for thirty days and never need do be taken out within that time. If you would like to awaken with the vision that you had as a child, you should try this innovative product. |
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Derickson Vision Consultants Adds Most Advanced Laboratory in Jacksonville
State of the art computerized lens grinders produce superior quality lenses, faster service.
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Our new Perimeter Park location features a full service, state-of-the-art optical laboratory. Our survey of the market indicated a lack of any laboratories equipped to meet our high standards of quality and accuracy....So we decided to build our own! Featuring Gerber Scientific computerized grinding and cutting equipment, our lab now produces Zeiss certified lenses under the direct supervision of Dr. Derickson. We invite you to tour our facility and enjoy the hospitality of our optical staff. With the increasing technical requirements of todays's prescription lenses, it has become more important than ever to have an optical laboratory that can keep up with our quality and time demands,” said Dr. Derickson. “With the increasing technical requirements of today’s prescription lenses, it has become more important than ever to have an optical laboratory that can keep up with our quality and time demands.”  Derickson Vision Consultants is able to offer the exclusive Hoya Ophthalmic Lens line, Essilor Lenses, and the world renowned Zeiss Optics. These precision lenses are considered by many to be the best in the world.
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EyeCare Q & A
As part of Our Mission is to continuously educate our patients and ourselves, we are always pleased to answer any questions that you may have. We have assembled here answers to some of the more common questions.
Q: Why is it important to have my eyes dilated? A: This allows for a more thorough examination of the retina. Without dilation it is not possible to see the entire retina to rule out breaks, tears, hemorrhages, tumors, etc. It also may be necessary to arrive at an accurate eyeglass prescription or LASIK target prescription.
Q: I have diabetes and glaucoma. Do I have to see an Ophthalmologist for my care? A: No. Today’s Board Certified Optometric Physicians (Certified Optometrists) are fully educated and licensed to care for diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, etc. In Florida, Certified Optometrists do not perform surgery. Therefore, they are often able to provide more personalized care, because they are not balancing a patient care schedule with a surgery schedule. Ophthalmologists are surgeons. In the event that your condition reaches a point requiring surgery, you are then referred to a surgeon who can do what he does best. After surgery, you immediately return to the careful management of your Certified Optometrist.
Q: How old should a child be before his/her first eye exam? A: Usually age 3. Many severe eye problems may present themselves even in infancy. However, there are many problems that can permanently affect brain development, coordination, and learning that are not apparent –even in a thorough pediatrician’s exam. Therefore, it is recommended that every child receive a comprehensive eye exam performed by an eye doctor by age 3. If everything is normal, the next exam will usually be scheduled immediately prior to starting kindergarten.
Q: What should I bring to my exam? A: It is important to bring the following: Your most recent prescription eyeglasses and contact lens prescription information. A list of all medications – even those that may not seem to impact the eyes. Cards/vouchers/information on any insurance plans that may apply. Sunglasses to wear after dilated exam (we will provide disposable sun protection upon request). Samples of any specific reading material that you are having difficulty reading. Bottles of any eyedrops currently used. Nose-to-screen measurements for computer users or other important occupational distance measurements.
Q: Is there anything I can do naturally to improve my vision. A: Many new studies show a potential for better vision and decreased risk of eye disease with nutritional supplements. There are many preparations available for the eyes. Good ones should have at least 8mg per day of Lutein. Lutein is found naturally in spinach. A little more than a half-cup per day will provide the necessary eight grams and an assortment of other essential eye nutrients.
Q: Is there any value in eye exercises? A: There are many commercials advertising the value of eye exercises to “See clearly without glasses or contact lenses.” This method is based upon very old research that has since been found to have little value. While it is true that extensive eye exercise may make vision seem slightly better, it is time consuming and will not produce significant long-term improvement in adults. Children, however, sometimes can improve muscle imbalance and overall visual performance with carefully prescribed vision training. This treatment should not be confused with the method advertised by these profiteers.
Questions? Call Derickson Vision Consultants: 904.997.8585
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