Are you interested in contact lenses that:
• represent the newest technology?
• maintain optimal comfortable during the day?
• potentially increase wearing time?
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are the most advanced contact lens technology available. These high performance lenses allow up to six times more oxygen to reach the surface of the eye compared to ordinary soft contact lenses. With silicone hydrogel lenses, more oxygen to the cornea contributes to enhanced wearing comfort and whiter, brighter, healthier looking eyes. Silicone hydrogel lenses are an excellent choice for those who want to wear lenses for a full day, or for those who experience contact lens related dry eye symptoms such as dry or itchy eyes towards the end of the day. Because of the lower water content in these lenses, they are a bit stiffer than other contact lenses, making them easier to handle.
Four brands of silicone hydrogel contact lenses are currently available, although more are on the horizon. Examples of these lenses include O2 Optix and Focus Night and Day . All brands of these advanced technology lenses are available in our office. Availability of toric silicone hydrogel contact lenses (for astigmatism correction) is anticipated for 2005.
These revolutionary, high performance contact lenses are a safe, reliable alternative to spectacles or laser vision correction and provide excellent cosmetic results.
Ideal Silicone Hydrogel Candidates:
• People with contact lens-related dryness
• People with chronic red eyes
• People with high prescriptions
• People who nap while wearing lenses
• Teens and university/college students
• New parents and others with hectic schedules
OHIP COVERAGE CHANGES FOR EYE CARE SERVICES
OHIP coverage for routine eye examinations for patients aged 20 to 64 changed as of November 1, 2004 (see table). Although most patients in this age group are no longer covered by OHIP, there are exceptions. In particular, for patients with diabetes or glaucoma, coverage has improved to include annual insured assessments (previous coverage was once every two years). OHIP insured visits once a year are also provided for patients with certain conditions such as cataracts, retinal disease, amblyopia, visual field defects, corneal disease and strabismus, depending on severity. Patients with other medical conditions may be covered by OHIP for regular examinations if a physician referral is provided. All persons between 20 to 64 years of age who receive assistance under either the Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works will continue to receive coverage for routine eye exams once every 2 years. A change that affects all individuals regardless of age is that automated perimetry, also known as visual fields, is no longer insured by OHIP.
Private insurance plans may include eye exam; please check with your insurer. Our office can also help answer questions regarding coverage under the new changes.
Summary of OHIP Coverage for Eye Examinations:
| AGE | COVERAGE | STATUS |
| Children (0 – 19 years) |
One full eye examination annually | Unchanged |
| Adults (20 – 64 years) |
No longer covered by OHIP as of Nov. 1 | Changed (see details above) |
| Seniors (65 and above) |
One full eye examination annually | Unchanged |
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped tissue that covers the front of the eye. Pachymetry is the measurement of the thickness of the cornea. Although there are a number of circumstances in which knowing the corneal thickness is important, pachymetry is receiving particular interest with respect to a condition called glaucoma.
Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure within the eye that affects the optic nerve and causes loss of vision. Eye doctors measure this intraocular pressure (IOP) to help diagnose and monitor treatment for glaucoma. It has been recently shown that measurement of the corneal thickness can help provide more accurate assessments of the intraocular pressure. In particular, thick corneas can cause IOP measurements to appear higher than the actual pressure for the eye and falsely suggest an individual has glaucoma. On the other hand, thin corneas cause IOP measurements lower than the actual pressure and a diagnosis of glaucoma may be missed. Correcting the IOP measurements taking the corneal thickness into account helps improve the ability to correctly identify people with glaucoma for treatment and to monitor people on treatment.
Advanced, new instruments can provide simple, quick measurements of corneal thickness that are very accurate and reliable and we are pleased to be able to now offer pachymetry in our office. Our new, state-of-the-art ultrasound pachymeter allows us to better assess your eye health and screen for important eye diseases like glaucoma. Ask at our office for details!
