I have ordered 2 new instruments to improve patient care. They should arrive shortly after the new year.

Corneal Pachymeter - this instrument measures the exact thickness of the cornea. Knowing the thickness of the cornea is critical in deciding if a patient is a candidate for Lasik surgery. Lasik corrects prescriptions by selectively and precisely reshaping the cornea, by thinning specific areas. This procedure can cause problems, if the cornea is thinned below a certain failsafe point.

Another benefit of pachymetry is making it easier to determine your risk of developing glaucoma.
The instrument that measures eyeball pressures was calibrated for a normal thickness cornea. Guidelines have been developed to adjust the reading to compensate for corneal thicknesses that are thickner or thinner than usual. Recent research has determined that people with thicker corneas are more resistant to developing glaucoma, whereas, those with thinner corneas are more likely to develop glaucoma.

Corneal Topographer - I am looking forward to getting this instrument as it maps the entire topography of the cornea. This is invaluable in fitting rigid contact lenses and in determining unusual corneal contours. It can differentiate between different types of astigmatism, and help in getting more accurate prescriptions for those with irregular types. This is the instrument of choice in determining the prescence of keratoconus, and for monitoring its progression.

Posted by Gary Tracy on December 26, 2008 | Permalink

Many of you have noticed and commented on the upgrade to my frame inventory. We have found many new frame companies that have innovative styling to add to our collection. I have also added many classic shapes and colors that have come back in vogue. To make room for these frames I have significantly reduced the price on some of the older models that we have in stock. I have many frames that we will supply at no cost, when a pair of Rx lenses are purchased. There are others that will be supplied for no cost as a second pair, when purchased as a second or spare pair. Other frames are discounted up to 75%.

There is a limited supply of these frames, so act fast for the best selection. Included in these frames, are such qualitynames as Morucci, Movado, Kisura, among many others.

Posted by Gary Tracy on December 26, 2008 | Permalink

Described in an ancient Arabic book, The Book of Fixed Stars, written by al-Sufi, an early astronomer is what has been called "the ARAB eye test". This test was used in ancient Persia, over 1000 years ago to evaluate the vision of elite warriors, as well as by desert Bedouins to test their children's eyesight.

There is a double star, which is really 2 stars (Mizar and the fainter Alcor) separated by 12 minutes of arc, located in the handle of Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). One needs very sharp vision to discriminate that there is a second fainter star next to the brighter one. There is an Arabic saying that, "He can see Alcor but cannot see the full moon", describing a person who can see trivial details, but not the overall picture.

Recent testing has shown that the abilty to discriminate between the two stars is almost identical to the more modern measurement of 20/20 vision.

Posted by Gary Tracy on December 26, 2008 | Permalink

Is there a better way to spend your flex spend funds than to take care of your eyes, or to improve your vision? If you have funds that will expire at the end of the year considering purchasing a spare pair of glasses, or a new pair of sunglasses. You could also stock up on a contact lens supply, keeping in mind that we will exhange any leftover lenses, should your prescription change.

Posted by Gary Tracy on December 26, 2008 | Permalink

Posted by Gary Tracy on December 10, 2008 | Permalink

Dr. Tracy,

Picked up my glasses on Saturday. Wow! what a difference. Now I know how Lazarus felt.

I strayed to another optometrist for the sake of insurance coverage and suffered mightily for what turned out to be a paltry savings. The service was miserable, their care unprofessional.

Your testing was as thorough as usual, help with frame selection and subsequent fitting perfect.

I'm back and here to stay.

Bob Pepin

Posted by Gary Tracy on November 13, 2008 | Permalink

A study was published in the June 2008 issue of Ophthalmology reporting that individuals purchasing their contact lenses over the internet are 4.76 times more likely to develop contact lens-related bacterial infections. These infections could cause corneal scarring and loss of vision. Other factors that increase your chance of developing infections are: overnight wear, poor storage case hygiene, poor personal hygiene (not washing hands) and smoking. Please refer to my website to read my many blogs on how to prevent eye infections.
At your annual contact lens examination, I will update you on the most effective ways to take care of your contact lenses, as well as to inform you of any problems or defective products that may have been discovered.
Patients purchasing contact lens over the internet often try to avoid this important visit, and I believe that is a factor in why they are more likely to have problems with their contact lenses.

Posted by Gary Tracy on September 15, 2008 | Permalink