Eye technology is among the most cutting-edge you see in science fiction. Eye transplants, augmented reality glasses, night vision contacts – these are things that we still see in movies. While eye tech is not this cutting edge yet, this doesn’t mean your local optometrist doesn’t have anything excellent.
Beyond HIPAA compliance, optometrists are moving to more astounding technology that you can only see in movies like the Matrix and Blade Runner. Here are some fantastic technologies you can find in your local optometrist.
1. Bionic Eyes
Bionic eyes are real, and scientists have been developing them for years. These artificial implants are intended to be implanted in the eye socket and replace damaged or missing natural ones. It will be able to help people see again, going beyond resolving digital eye strain.
The truth is the eye does not do the image processing for vision but rather the brain. The bionic eye is an artificial camera that senses the shapes and colors around you, connecting straight to your brain. While not every optometrist has this tech, it is becoming a more common sight.
They are amazing because they provide sight to people who would otherwise go blind. However, they are far from perfect. It requires a lot of power to make them work. While the devices have transformed eyesight for many people, they are still not ready for wide-scale use.
2. Transition Contact Lenses
Transition lenses are pretty cool, also known as photochromic or adaptive sunglasses. They are equipped with a special dye that reacts to sunlight. The lens turns lighter or darker depending on the amount of light. This is now available in the form of contact lenses.
With transitions lenses, you can see clearly both indoors and outdoors. These special contact lenses change from clear to dark in sunlight. These have been on the market for a long time but have recently been improved. You can now get more pronounced transitions, making the process more noticeable.
You can get them in any color to match them with your frames. They are great for people who love the outdoors or who like to play sports but hate wearing prescription sunglasses. Photochromic lenses constantly adjust how much light reaches the eye through a filter. If the light is dim or normal, they automatically return to their original tint.
3. Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
Multifocal intraocular lenses, or multifocal IOLs, are advanced laser eye surgery. They are unique because they allow patients to see far, intermediate, and near objects. Unlike traditional reading eyeglasses, these high-tech IOLs don’t require any corrective eyewear. These only correct vision and don’t need to refract the light.
These IOLs can be used to treat presbyopia. Presbyopes have trouble with close-range activities like reading and using their smartphones, but the IOL improves visual acuity significantly, sometimes even better than their presurgery sight.
Essentially, they are small plastic globes that replace the cornea. They come in various powers, allowing people to choose the strength of correction needed. The surgery is painless and only takes 10 minutes, producing excellent results. All you need is to work with optometric entities under HIPAA to ensure your safety.
4. Nanotechnology In Eye Care
Nanotechnology is the use of tiny particles in fields like medicine. These tiny particles are used to build medical devices and pharmaceuticals to treat serious illnesses.
The eye care field has been experimenting with nanotechnology for a while. Recently, we have seen some advances in the fight against macular degeneration. Age-related macular disease is a chronic condition that results in loss of central vision for older people.
Macular degeneration is caused by the hardening of the arteries in the back of the retina. New research suggests that nanotech is the future way of treating this disease. While it is still early, these treatments show promise. It has the potential to help millions of people all over the world.
5. Augmented Reality Lenses
Augmented reality is the future. It will change how we interact with our surroundings. Wearable AR is excellent already, but it will soon become even more powerful.
Imagine your contact lens becomes like a computer screen. You can project your virtual computer keyboard, mouse, and any other programs onto the contact surface. You could use your eyelids as one big trackpad.
With Google Glass, you can control your smart home by talking to it. You can give commands to almost anything in your house, but it failed spectacularly because of a few issues. All it needs is a minor upgrade so you can have everything projected in front of your eye.
6. Medicated Contact Lens With Antihistamine
Allergies are no fun, as they cause runny nose, puffy red eyes, and sneezing. If you often have allergic reactions, you might want to try a medicated soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens that releases antihistamine medication.
They are infused with an antihistamine that treats inflammation. These are perfect for people with seasonal allergies. They might not prevent your allergy symptoms, but they treat the annoying discomfort that comes with it.
A medicated contact lens with an antihistamine is a welcome development. Research suggests that some eye drops and nasal sprays are not as effective as we’d hoped. A medicated drop or spray does not offer the same relief as a medicated soft or hard contact.
7. Contact Lenses That Combat Digital Eye Strain
Have you noticed that your eyes feel tired after using your gadgets? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. In fact, studies have found that 50% of workers have symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
It is a form of repetitive stress injury that can affect your vision. This can be due to the constant focus, glare, and exposure to blue light. Our livelihoods are tied to our gadgets, and we need them to accomplish our work and keep in touch with family and friends.
New contact lenses prevent digital eye strain or reduce its effects through several processes. As the wearer moves between looking at the computer screen and distant objects further away, the contact has multiple aspheric curves across its face, which minimizes eye strain.
It also retains moisture better than a standard contact. Using digital devices causes us to blink less, which affects our body’s ability to keep our eyes moist. The technology binds water directly to lenses, causing hydration, breathability, and softening.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, optometry is moving beyond basic eye exams. These technologies are already available and widely available. Some of these may not affect you, but, looking into the future, this high-tech eye care can help improve and even restore your vision.
Optometrists are now able to offer world-class treatment. While some are expensive, most of them don’t come with a hefty price tag. They have the potential to improve many people’s lives. This is only scratching the surface. There is a lot of exciting innovation in healthcare and ophthalmology.
