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Contact lenses have changed from the bulky rigid plastics of the 1940s into the soft silicon inserts we use today. This change initially came slowly over many decades. Contacts then changed with improving materials and water contents until they were exactly right. However, the latest trends in contact lenses have not just continued with this slow evolution. Sped up by the pandemic, today’s advanced eye care in Tulsa uses contacts featuring innovations in digital technology that go far beyond just correcting vision.
The pandemic’s effect on optometry
The pandemic and its consequent lifestyle changes and shortages, including contact solutions in many areas, significantly impacted eye care. The crisis increased the number of first-time contact users trying to solve their new digital vision problems.
On the other hand, COVID-19 also sped up the falloff of existing users. Eye care professionals have seen the rise of new home-office-related issues on both of these fronts.
Indeed, people began to experience problems due to the significant increase in the time they spent using digital devices. For this reason, they needed different contact types. High moisture contact lenses and scleral lenses are both candidates to help relieve these digitally induced concerns. In contrast, some who work solely at home now prefer the relative ease of wearing glasses.
The widely required use of masks created its own group of new converts to contacts as well. To avoid foggy lenses when wearing glasses with a mask, people began turning to contacts. Those watching themselves more often on Zoom and other digital conferencing technology also found that they are more interested in the cosmetic results of a change from glasses to contacts.
As a provider in the post-pandemic setting, you may wonder how these changes will affect advanced eye care in Tulsa moving forward.
New lenses for new problems
One contact new to the market helps fight the effects of the excessive use of digital devices. The Bioinfinity Energys lens by CooperVision helps people’s eyes adjust more quickly to switches between digital and real-world activities. Not only that, but the Bioinfinity lens has the added benefit of helping eyes stay moist. This moisture problem is an issue with increased digital usage and reduced blinking.
In an even more radical response to the new digital world of work, Mojo Vision is five years into research and development of a smart contact lens that has its own digital displays. Though this lens is still years away from the marketplace, its potential for advanced eye care in Tulsa is clear. No longer will individuals need to work with multiple digital screens. Instead, they will carry their screens in their eyes.
Working in a similar space, Samsung has been granted a patent for lenses with motion sensors for the remote control of smartphones.
Lenses turn to medicine
Optometrists will also go forward on the frontlines of medicine with some of the lenses in development today. For example, lenses that dispense antihistamines for allergies are on the horizon. There are also labs working on lenses that will dispense medicine for glaucoma and track intraocular pressure for those who have it. Other new lenses will help heal wounds and monitor diabetes.
The future of eye care will clearly focus on these exciting new lenses. As a result, providers like you will be able to help your patients solve much more than simple vision correction problems.
Advanced eye care in Tulsa is made easier through Vision Care Direct
It is evident that, while some critics claim that correction can be better achieved with laser technology, new lens types will be a significant focus of the future. As you move forward, Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma can help you transition further into advanced eye care.
We offer pre-paid vision plans that enable your patients to get the eye care they need. Vision Care Direct is not an insurance company. Rather, we are doctor-owned and focused on your patients’ eye health. Our plans include comprehensive eye exams and savings on popular eyeglass features like UV coatings. With these options and flexibility, you can help your patients maintain eye health with more confidence and ease.
Contact Vision Care Direct to learn more about how you can become a part of our provider network.
