Products News

Nikon Seewide

Nikon Seewide belongs to the latest generation of progressive lenses. Thanks to its unique Aberration Filter, a feature inherited from Nikon advanced camera technology, it delivers picture perfect vision at all distances.

Even the most demanding wearers will experience extremely large vision fields and seemless focusing.

So far the comments from all Nikon Seewide wearers has been how clear the vision is through the lenses.

Purevision Multifocal

The new ‘continuous wear‘ multifocal has now arrived. Initial reports indicate that this lens is great for solving drying issues that some of the current multifocal contact lenses have. It doesn't seem to be a relatively quick and easy change over from other multifocal prescriptions, so I would recommend coming in for a full fitting if you are interested in this lens.

O2 Optix Toric

This lens should be available in early 2007. We have just completed trials with this lens. It seems to be providing a good healthy, comfortable alternative for any contact lens wearer with astigmatism.

Vu-Klear Optical Wipes

We are now carrying boxes of 30 pre-moistened wipes which make an easy efficient way to clean your spectacle lenses. The little sachets are easy to carry around, and can also be used on computer and phone screens. The cleaning base is alcohol free and has anti-fog and anti-static properties. The cost per box is $12.

Got The Sun In Your Eyes

Here are a couple of small interesting things to know about UV light and sunglasses:

Research released earlier this year found that over 90% of Australian children show signs of sunlight (UV) damage by age 11 to 14 years. In the long term, this damage can lead to pterygium and early cataracts, as well as a number of more insidious eye problems. It is recommended that all Australian children should be wearing sunglasses regularly. We should teach our toddlers to wear sunglasses at the same time they are learning to wear a hat.

I am often asked about the reason behind the cost difference in sunglasses. Generally, cheaper sunglasses are not optical quality and may cause eye strain and tiredness. Some lenses will be distorted and cause sight difficulties. Unfortunately, they usually need to be worn for a while before you can tell if there's a problem. So the best advice is: if you have bought cheap sunnies and they cause you troubles—get rid of them! If you can wear them comfortably for an hour or more, then they're fine. All sunglasses sold in Australia must meet a number of minimum standards (safety etc) - including 100% UV protection. So even the cheapest sunglasses in Australia should have 100% UV protection—and UV is what damages your eyes and skin. However, sometimes sunglasses are not imported through proper channels and therefore may not comply with the standards. More expensive sunglasses often have broader UV protection (like comparing SPF 15+ to 45+), additional glare reducing features and better quality frame and lens finishes.

UV protection is not a function of the darkness of the lens. In fact, most of the premium clear spectacle lenses have 100% UV protection built into them. The darkness of the lens is related to glare control—which is a factor of visual comfort. Generally polarized lenses give the best glare reduction, and are extremely effective at reducing reflected glare off water etc.

Waiting to Exhale

Recently released research has shown that those who lift weights in the gym are more at risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an increase in pressure inside the eye (which kills off the light sensitive nerves, and without the correct treatment will slowly send you blind). So, should we all stop lifting weights in the gym? NO!!! I am in the highest risk category for developing glaucoma (ahh, genetics—you got to love them), and there is nothing in this research that would make me contemplate giving up my gym work. The key is ensuring that you breathe correctly—you should breathe out on any ‘pushing' or straining movement. Holding your breath when lifting a weight can also lead to ruptures of the blood vessels at the back of the eye and retinal detachments. Good form is everything! So, remember to breathe (seems like such good advice to me).

Bulking Up

By popular demand (I've listened to what everyone asks for), from Jan 1 2007 we will now offer special pricing for most contact lenses purchased in 6 or 12 month quantities. Generally, a 10 to 15 % discount over the price of 3 months supply will apply. For example, Oasys which costs $120 for 3 months supply, will now cost $216 for 6 months supply and $408 for 12 months supply. Buying the 6 or 12 month quantity in advance is a very effective way of using any private health insurance available, and also means that you get to avoid price rises that I usually get from my suppliers in March and April. It's also important to remember that boxes that are unopened and unmarked can be swapped over if there is a prescription change. In the coming months I will be reviewing our current contact lens club membership to ensure maximum benefit for our loyal clients. Currently, a 20% discount on solutions and 10% discount on sunglasses is available to all of our contact lens wearers.