Deliver customized vision

Patients often experience unsatisfactory vision with traditional PALS, but Varilux Ipseo from Essilor solves the main adaptation problem that patients typically experience. It doesn't make sense to order the same design for every patient regardless of how they use their eyes. Some complain that turning their head causes dizziness from the "swim" in lenses; others say the area to read with is too small.

Essilor researchers solved this problem by asking the question, "What if we could measure how much an individual moves their eyes and how much they move their head when viewing objects?" They devised a method to customize the lens to the particular viewing habits of each patient. The Vision Print System was born.

Quantify the essentials

The VisionPrint System (VPS) from Essilor measures how much the patient moves their head and eyes when viewing objects. It also measures how consistent they are. The VPS provides stimuli in a random pattern, and frames connected to the VPS send signals to the base unit relaying head and eye positions. The VPS technology provides a head and eye ratio readout, which quantifies how much head and eye movement is used. A second readout gives the stability coefficient that quantifies how consistent the patient is in using those same movements.

Then these readings and the prescription are used to create a completely customized Varilux Ipseo lens that corresponds to the patient's viewing habits. The eye mover gets up to a 60% larger viewing area. The head mover gets up to 30% softer change in the periphery.

Pleasing the presbyopes

We've prescribed Varilux Ipseo for the past few months with remarkable results. Our technician uses the VPS technology on every presbyopic patient. Once patients hear the story and understand the concept, they want to be measured. Our patients like the Varilux Ipseo for the thin appearance, non-glare features and the fact that they're easy to keep clean.

In fact, one of our more critical patients just received Varilux Ipseo lenses. This 68-year-old gentleman stood up, assumed a position like a tackle playing football, turned his head left and right and screamed "Wow, I love these glasses, they are the best I've ever had. They are great! They are perfect!"

Benefits all around

Varilux Ipseo and the VisionPrint System from Essilor allow us to improve the quality of life for our presbyopes. Converting just one bifocal lens wearer a day to an Ipseo lens will increase gross income by $124,400 in a year and generate referrals from enthusiastic patients.

Additionally, the VPS allows us to maintain a high-tech image as well as generate enthusiasm among the patients, staff and doctors.  It also distinguishes us from other practices.

DR. MCMINN IS AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY. YOU CAN REACH HIM AT SHAWMC@COX.NET.