When it comes to your patients’ eyesight, you should have the most modern lenses available. While PD rulers and markers have served us admirably for many years, advances in lens design and free form manufacturing technology have created an opportunity for an upgrade when it comes to what we do and how we do it.
Having the best technology enables you to give patients confidence when they visit your practice. If you’re the only one nearby still using analog tools, it’ll give your practice the appearance of having less value even though that’s not necessarily true. Just like in the classic show, The Six Million Dollar Man, we have the technology, when it comes to optimizing our patients’ vision. Read on to learn about five top considerations when fitting modern lenses.
Measurement Values
The measurement values affect the way lenses will perform, as well as ensuring that your patients get the most out of modern lens designs. The measurements form a 3-dimensional matrix of the lenses in a frame. When submitting an order, these measurements are crucial, as without them, your patients are not getting the most up-to-date versions of their lenses.
Meaningful Measurements
Monocular PDs and fitting height measurements are particularly important, especially as the power of the lens increases. Lenses improperly balanced horizontally and vertically can include prismatic and power errors. It’s vital that your measurements are accurately documented for each patient, including single-vision wearers, and the new technology available can help make that a priority.
Position of Wear
POW, or position of wear, values can also affect the way each lens performs visually. POW measures the lens tilt about the horizontal axis, called pantoscopic tilt, vertex distance referring to the distance between the lens and the eye, and lens tilt about the vertical axis, called face form or wrap angle.
Using your ordering system, whether it’s EyeConnect or DVI, you can now enter the POW measurements. These vital measurements are more than worth your time. Devices like the Spectangle PRO can make it easier than ever to accurately and thoroughly obtain the measurements you need.
Good Enough is Not Good Enough
With so many updates to modern lenses and measurements, you can no longer afford to be in the business of “good enough” when it comes to your practice. To differentiate your practice from countless others, you need to take the time to ensure every detail optimizes your patients’ vision.
Incorrect measurements can lead to a number of issues, including induced, unwanted prism, visual discomfort, double vision, displaced reading area tilt effects as a result of induced, marginal astigmatism and magnification/power changes.
Many vision plans compensate ECPs for taking the time to take these additional measurements. Your local HOYA territory sales manager can provide you with the details you need as well as advice on how to measure properly, using modern measurement devices like the Optikam Pad, giving your patients confidence and security. Fill in our short form here to request a “Lunch and Learn” presentation.