Myopia Control: I have been researching ways to control myopia for the last 15 years and the evidence is getting stronger that there is a way to stop myopia progression for most people. The primary method that I have been using is bifocal contact lenses, particularly for people with a slight tendency to cross their eyes while reading.  In these patients, bifocal soft lenses have been shown to reduce their expected gradual worsening of myopia by 90%.  It is by far, the most effective means of myopia control ever reported.  I have received a patent on the method, which I have now licensed to an international research consortium (The Vision CRC) in Australia.  Together with researchers from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, India and other countries, we are trying to develop the best contact lens design for myopia control. There's no need to travel to Australia or to wait for this new lens design, as we are able to use standard lenses with my method and still achieve a 90% reduction in myopia progression. I have started testing whether the Myopia Controlens method might also work on people who don't tend to cross their eyes while reading, and early testing suggests that it will work on them, though I don't know that we will achieve the same 90% reduction in myopia progression in this group.

Refractive Surgery: There have been major advances in laser surgery in 2006. With wavefront LASIK, all of the eye's optical imperfections are measured and the laser is directed to correct them.   This technology offers the chance for significantly better vision and particularly, better night vision.   Also, the Intralase laser can now be used to create the Lasik flap without a cutting blade, resulting in a safer, less intimidating surgery.   There are also lenses that can be surgically implanted into the eye that can restore the youthful ability to change the eye's focus from distance to near.   These lenses are really slick. More information on these procedures can be found on this site and by going to our links page.

Optos Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope: The Optos is an amazing instrument that rapidly scans the back of the eye and then creates permanent digital images of the back of the eye. In most cases, it enables me to do a more thorough examination of your retina, without looking in your eye with uncomfortably bright lights and without dilating your pupils.  No more blurred vision after the eye exam, with all of that difficulty seeing what eyeglass frame you are picking out.  No more uncomfortable driving in bright sun with those funky paper sunglasses! You can view the back of your own eye as well, and if there are any conditions that need treatment or consultation, your retinal images can be e mailed to your physician for their review.  Currently, this service is only covered by medical insurance for specific eye diseases.  For everyone else, there is a small per-use charge.  

Dry Eye: I have begun researching a new treatment for dry eyes that I think will offer improved comfort and better eye health for many people suffering from dry, scratchy, uncomfortable eyes. It is not a formal research study, just something I have noticed has helped in my practice, even for patients that have tried many other more conventional treatments such as artificial tears, punctal plugs and supplements.

Synergeyes Hybrid Lenses: These are really cool lenses, RGP centers with soft edges for a combination of the great vision of hard lenses with the comfort of soft lenses. These are great for people with astigmatism, or after refractive surgery  or for keratoconus.

Soft Lenses for Dry Eyes: Many people have had to stop wearing soft contact lenses because of dry eyes. If you have never tried either ProClear or the new Oasys brand from Vistakon, you may be surprised by the comfort of these materials.  So if you wish you could still wear contacts, give me a call, your chances have never been better.