ANTI-GLARE LENSES

1)  As we understand, you are a surgeon and also take care of OPD. What are the most common eye ailments and complaints
      that you deal with?

Patients coming for eye check-ups and correction of refractive errors are the most regular. But the summer season also brings me lots of cases of conjunctivitis and eye allergies. To a lesser extent, I see patients with CVS.

2)  What is Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS? Who is at risk?

CVS, also known as Asthenopia, is essentially a condition in which the patient has symptoms such as eye strain, fatigue, excessive tearing or lacrimation; alternatively they may have dry, irritated eyes, redness and blurred vision. This normally happens to people who work on computers for prolonged periods, by which we mean anyone who uses a computer for three hours or more at a stretch.

Those wearing prescription eyewear or corrective contact lenses are also at risk of developing CVS or asthenopia.

3)  What is it about prolonged computer use that is damaging to the eyes and in what manner?

It may be a bit of a stretch to say that computer use damages the eyes directly because there is no evidence that any harmful medical condition can result from this. But the concern is eye strain and fatigue. This, over a period of time, may go undetected and become more of a nuisance.

But there are other factors that come into play like the seating, lighting, the distance at which the user keeps the screen. These factors play an important role and contribute to eye strain. For instance - there may be glare on the computer screen due to the lighting conditions.

4)  When we talk of eye-strain or fatigue, what exactly do we mean? Does it have long term consequences or complications?

Eye strain is the result of using the convergent muscles in the eyes for a prolonged period for focusing on the computer screen or reading.It's just like any other muscle and if it stays tense for long ,fatigue and strain will set in. This can show up as discomfort, blurry vision or tearing.

5)  So how harmful is glare really for the eyes? Does exposure to glare lead to any complications?

Not really long term complications. By itself, glare is not harmful; but it puts more pressure on the eyes. Glare would exacerbate eye strain. If there is eye fatigue and irritation already, glare will make it worse and asthenopia or CVS can set in more easily or worsen.

6)  How serious a condition is asthenopia? Are there any complications?

Well seriousness is a relative term, but I would say that it is not serious because it does not damage vision permanently. However, it can be quite uncomfortable; it may make working, reading, etc. difficult. There are no serious complications per se but if it goes undetected, there may be debilitating headaches or neck pain. Another issue is blurry vision or difficulty is switching one's focus between near and far objects.

7)  How can one prevent this condition?

The main problem occurs because of inadequate blinking and prolonged focusing of the eyes. The dictum I ask patients to follow is very simple:

- Every 15 minutes, close your eyes for 15 seconds. This gives the eye a chance to rejuvenate the tear film and prevent dry-eye.
  I recommend people to put a small sticker near their computer screen.

- If wearing prescription eyewear, wear one with an anti-glare coating. This is not only more soothing to the eye but helps prevent eye strain   during focusing. One can also opt for computer eye-glasses that come with a tint.

8)  We've talked about anti-glare lenses looking better because there is no reflection on the lenses and people eyes are clearly      seen through them. But what exactly is the benefit for vision?

Anti-glare coats are very helpful in viewing illuminated screens like those of computers and mobiles comfortably and without straining the eye. If there is poor lighting which reflects on your screen or you are in a darker environment looking at a bright screen, you end up straining the eye. Anti-glare lenses diminish this strain but cutting glare.

9)  Do you have any other advice for our readers with respect to eye-care?

Just that it is essential to get regular eye examinations and wear sunglasses when outdoors. It is actually sun exposure that can be quite harmful to vision.

Two warning signs that people must pay attention to is glare and blurry vision. If one feels glare even after wearing anti-glare spectacles, then this may be a sign of an underlying disease which needs attention.

Dr. Parul Sharma did her post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University. She went in for advanced training and specialization at Moorfield Eye Hospital, L V Prasad Eye Institute and Singapore National Eye Centre. She is also a member of the International Council of Ophthalmology and specializes in surgery for Cataract, Refractive Lasik and Glaucoma.

We must understand that reflections play a key role in vision. The standard lenses transfer only about 91% of light to the eye and the rest is lost to surface reflections. The idea behind developing anti-reflective coating was to reduce reflections for camera lenses and now they have become available for prescription eyeglass lenses.

Anti-glare lenses’ importance

A lens that has been treated with anti-glare coating transfers about 99.9% of the light into the eye for better vision. It can also reduce glare that is caused due to light striking the back of the lenses. Its benefits are:

Reduces glare during night driving

It can provide drivers with enhanced safety while night driving. Due to these lenses, there is a faster recognition of potential hazards on the road, especially during the night-time. Practically, the reflection of a streetlamp or headlight on your lenses is eliminated.

Helps improve vision

The clarity of your lenses is greatly improved with anti-reflective coating. This virtually eliminates the reflections that others see in your glasses. Consequently, you would love to have a direct eye contact, unobstructed by reflections that can be extremely distracting.

Minimizes eye fatigue from Computer Screens

We do not like any hindrance in our workspace. Who can afford a fatigue in office where you are expected to give you best? In the office environ, false light can cause eye fatigue. Moreover, working on the computer puts immense strain and pressure on the eyes. Anti- reflective coating will take care of your eyes while working. Hence, there will be less strain on the eyes.

Enhances durability of eyewear

If you want to improve the quality and expand the lifetime of your lenses, anti-reflective coating is a must! It offers scratch, dirt and water repellence and enhances durability.

Provides good cosmetic appearance

The quality and value of your prescription glasses will increase greatly with anti-reflective coating. You will get rid of annoying and disturbing reflections and your face will appear much more attractive.

There are many reasons to believe in this feature and your precious eyes deserve every inch of care and comfort.

Shining benefits of anti-reflective eyeglasses

Make your eyeglasses your best accessory!

Your pair of eyeglasses should not only be a sophisticated accessory but should also offer comfort every time you wear them. They should work as a protective gear for your eyes. Therefore, embellishing your eyes with a pair of anti-glare eyeglasses is just the right thing to do. Because your eyes deserve as much attention as the rest of you.

Be it your professional life or the personal space, the right pair of eyeglasses are an answer to many problems. The writer in you looks beyond horizons, the teacher in you reads between the lines, the corporate employee in you seeks panache, the lawyer in you digs the minutest of every case details, and the list goes on. It is through your eyes that you are able to design the bigger picture with brilliance.

Your eyes are your strength and the eyeglasses are your constant companions in growth. During this journey, your eyes need care and protection from the pollutant or harmful factors. Anti-reflective glasses have been designed keeping in consideration the major concern of protecting the eyes. There are myriad benefits of anti-glare eyeglasses and you have numerous reasons to choose them.

Having a good vision is a must for a clearer and brighter perspective of things. Anti-glare glasses are structured in a way to eliminate the reflection of light from eyeglass lenses. You can choose to follow the sun and bask in the sunshine for as long as you want.

The lenses with anti-reflective coating include a much sharper vision with reduced glare, even while driving at night, and greater repose during extended computer use. They allow almost hundred percent of available light to pass through the lenses and enter the eye giving a clear sight. It effectively removes reflections of light and is highly effectual when used in high index lenses.

These lenses also mitigate the stress that your eyes undergo due to consistent contact with your computer or mobile screen.

Anti-glare has a feature that makes your eyeglasses appear almost invisible, so that people can observe the beauty of your eyes and facial expressions. In all lighting conditions, you can look your best. Yeah, you now have the visage eyewear accessory to reveal your versatile personality!

So, there is a visual treat waiting for you. It is worth the money and you can buy them online at a reasonable price from Lenskart.

Anti Glare Sunglasses and Goggles for Night Driving

Time and again, fashion has amalgamated with health-care through new innovations to establish the potency of the evergreen thought, “Fashion is what you are comfortable in”. For instance, this millennial started with 6 inch stiletto heels as the fashion fad but has gradually shifted to block heels that are distantly healthier than the former ones. Similarly, when it comes to sunglasses and eyeglasses, everyday new ideas are being put in to bring out something new From standard sunglasses, we came to sunglasses with UV protection. And now, the newest thing on the rack is Anti-glare sunglasses.

Anti-reflective coating on the lenses of these sunglasses prevent reflection from both front and back, subsequently, allowing optimum light to pass through it, facilitating a clearer vision. This amazing property of these lenses is the motivation behind the humungous growth of anti-glare sunglasses. Leading the sunglasses industry, these are fashion and health, hand in hand.

Anti-glare Sunglasses and Driving

Driving, during both day and night, demands absolute visual clarity to eliminate the risk of accidents. Hence, anti-glare sunglasses that grant clear vision minus all the reflections and glares become the obvious choice for drivers and bikers. But while you have decided that anti-glare sunglasses are your pick, you must also keep a few other considerations in mind. To help you select the best sunglasses for your driving escapades, we bring a quick synopsis of what you must keep at the top of your mind during this process.

Choose a comfy frame - Uncomfortable or heavy frames will only add to your despair if worn while driving. Driving necessitates vigilance and safeguard; hence you must wear sunglasses that are lightweight and comfortable. Also, proper peripheral vision becomes another requisite for your driving glasses. Pick frames with larger lenses and thinner temples that not just facilitate good peripheral vision but are strong as well.

Lens clarity – Sunglasses are tinted and their density can be measured on a scale of 0-4. While sunglasses of group 0 can be worn both during the day as well as at night, the pairs that belong to group 4 must not be used at all while driving, for these, have just 3-8% light transmission. Hence, checking the tint density of your sunglasses before buying them will aid you in making a better choice.

Colour of your lens - A few colours must be avoided while you are picking a pair of driving sunglasses. Pink, yellow, blue and green lenses must be shunned for they make it troublesome for you to distinguish red lights. While these colours are a no-no during driving, hues such as brown and grey will bear out to be the best hues for driving sunglasses.

Polarization – Sunglasses with polarized lenses make a good option for drivers as they reduce the glare considerably, hence lessening the strain on your eyes. Also, they provide UV protection which adds up to making this sunglasses type an ideal one while driving.

So, now you know that anti-glare sunglasses are not only good in terms of maintaining your eye health but their availability in diverse frames and designs also make them the best one fashionably. Therefore, keeping these guidelines in mind, shop for your new driving goggles and then get set vroom!