Why is eye health so important?
Vision is the most important of the five senses. In fact, experts estimate that upwards of 80% of the information we derive from our surroundings comes from vision. Clearly, for good vision, it is paramount that we maintain the health of our eyes.

What should people do to take care of their eyes before there is a problem?
When it comes to eyes, the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly rings true. It is only through regular routine examinations, that eye problems can be detected at their earliest stage. And, the earlier we can determine the existence of an eye problem, the more successful our treatment will be. For many years, dentists have been promoting the great message about the need for regular, preventative check ups, and yet, unlike teeth, eyes cannot be replaced. Think how you value your sight!

Are there any new procedures for improving vision?
The newest technique for improving vision is the recently FDA approved Corneal Reverse Technology (CRT) contact lenses. Similar to braces in orthodontia, these contacts are initially worn full-time to gently reshape the cornea. Once the desired improvement in vision has been achieved, a 'retainer' contact lens will be worn only during one's sleep. Wearing the CRT lens at nighttime maintains the visual correction functioning in a very similar way to the retainer worn at night following orthodontia.

What are the latest developments in spectacle lenses?
Today's spectacle lenses are much thinner than the lenses from even just a few short years ago. In addition, the sharpness of the optics that these newer lenses provide to the wearer is significantly crisper than that which was provided by lenses previously available. The anti-reflective (AR) coatings used today are much more durable and effective in eliminating glare. Ultra-Violet (UV) coatings prevent the radiation of the sun from contributing to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Polarization of the lenses is now standard for those sunglasses wearers who are exposed to glare from snow or water.

What are the newest products available in contact lenses?
Bifocal Contact Lenses: Over the last couple of months, the doctors at Art of Optiks have added three new diagnostic sets of soft disposable bifocal contact lenses. This brings the total number of available soft disposable bifocal contact options up to seven. Our doctors are now more confident than ever that they can provide a contact lens solution to this previously difficult contact lens situation for those patients requiring correction in both far and near distances. The early results with these new bifocal contact lenses have been fantastic! So, if you quit wearing contacts because you needed reading glasses, or if you are just plain unhappy with the vision from your present contacts, now is the time to visit with the doctors at Art of Optiks to see if you can benefit from these or any of the many other new contact lens innovations.