Saving on Eye Care: Bargains and Risks

In a feature article WebMD explains why why cutting costs on eye care sometimes goes too far.  Learn about the dangers of skipping annual eye exams and the the safety and quality issues associated with online eye wear.  In case you haven't heard, research shows that half the eye wear sold online is junk and even unsafe.

The WebMD article is worth reading but here is a nice quote to give you a taste:

"Never equate how well you see with how healthy your eyes are," Pierce says. "That is the biggest misconception out there." 

Ophthalmologist Mark Fromer, MD, agrees. 

"There are all kinds of systemic diseases, but people like to think it is all about eyeglasses and don't see the bigger picture," says Fromer, who practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and is the eye surgeon for the New York Rangers hockey team. 

Fromer says that patient education plays a big role in how often people see the eye doctor, but budget is an important factor as well. When he talks to patients, he puts eye health in perspective by comparing it to skydiving and brain surgery. 

"You don't want a budget parachute or a budget neurologist, do you?" Fromer says. 

The American Optometric Association recommends adults ages 18-60 who have no risks for eye disease have an eye examination every two years. Adults 18-60 at risk for eye disease should get an eye exam every one to two years or as recommended by your eye doctor. Those who are ages 61 and older should get an eye exam annually or as recommended by your eye doctor. 

"There are lots of blinding diseases without symptoms up front," Fromer says. "That's why it is so important to come in early and be tested."

More information on buying online eye wear

Here is a video of Vision Source Vancouver Optometrist, Dr. Mini Randhawa talking about the problems you may experience with online eye wear.

Here is a link to a cool info-graphic on the results of the Pacific University study showing that half the eye wear sold online is junk: http://seeforlife.blogspot.ca/2012/04/study-proves-that-half-eyewear-sold.html

To read the Pacific University study on online eyewaer, click here: http://optometrists.bc.ca/upload/documents/Speak_Out/Safety_and_compliance_of_prescription_spectacles_ordered_by_the_public_via_the_Internet.pdf

Here is the link to the WebMD article: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/saving-eye-care-bargains-risks?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Study proves that half the eyewear sold online is junk. Why read the study when you can enjoy this cool infographic?

It is becomming more well known that a recent research study from Pacific University has proven  that half the eyeglasses sold online are junk.  This blog wrote about the study just yesterday. 

Today, the BC Doctors of Optometry have come out with this infographic on the topic.  The information is in line with what we actually see in our Vancouver optometry clinic with patients comming in with headches, blurry vision and glasses that just don't work, fit or suit the patient's needs. 

Studies show that half the glasses sold online are junk. What kind of problems might I experience?

A research study from Pacific University has proven what most eye doctors have already been told by their patients, that half the eyeglasses sold online are junk and can cause lots of problems. 

But how might substandard eyeglasses affect you and what problems might you experience if you were the unfortunate owner of a pair of substandard eyeglasses? 

Dr. M.K. Randhawa, of Vision Source Vancouver optometrists, talks about this problem in this video:



Here is a link to the study from Pacific University:   http://optometrists.bc.ca/upload/documents/Speak_Out/Safety_and_compliance_of_prescription_spectacles_ordered_by_the_public_via_the_Internet.pdf

Incidentally, studies have also found that half of ready-made reading glasses are junk. 

Research shows that half the eyeglasses bought online are junk

Researchers from Pacific University published a  study in 2011 that tested glasses purchased on-line for compliance of optical and safety requirements. Of the 154 pairs of glasses purchased from the top ten U.S. online spectacle vendors, almost half of them failed at least one parameter of testing.

Staff at my clinic have reported many people comming in with glasses bought online that have numerous problems. 


Some are funny, like the kids who walk in with glasses that are way to big for them.  Their parents want them adjusted so that they fit properly but that is not possible since the frames so big should never be sold to a child.  It is often no consolation that in 5 or 6 years the child may grow into the giant frames. 


Others have headaches from lenses that do not align properly with their eyes.  Some people have progressives that are unusable because no one explained to them the best lens choice for their vision and lifestyle.  The list goes on.

Online buyer beware - contact lens dangers

A Toronto man bought contact lenses online only to have the lenses peel off the surface of his cornea!

A Toronto Star article reminds people that buying contacts lenses online and without a proper fitting by a Doctor of Optometry can lead to dangerous consequences. Click the link below to read the full article about a young man who developed a corneal abrasion after only four hours of wearing contacts that were purchased online.

Buying contact lenses online can be convenient but now many doctors also offer online buying to their patients following an eye examination and proper contact lens fitting and after the doctor knows that a particular lens is right for the patient.

For example, patients at my office, if they choose, can be registered for our online web-store and log in to order their lenses. Their contact lens brand and prescription are already pre-loaded and linked to their account, so there is no danger of the patient making a mistake and choosing the wrong lenses or inputting the wrong prescription.

Remember that contact lenses are a medical device that can harm you if not prescribed, fitted and used properly.

Another common problem is called neovascularization or the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eyes of people who are using a lens that is not right for them or over-using their lenses. If left unchecked, this can lead to blindness. Contact lens wearers should have regular eye exams to make sure that their eyes are safe and healthy.

A cautionary contact lens tale

www.thestar.com

A whole host of complications can develop with improperly fitted contact lenses...