NEUROLENS SYSTEM PROVIDES RELIEF FOR DIGITAL EYE STRAIN SYMPTOMS

This “Focus” column presents the perspectives of several optometrists regarding their experiences with one new product.

A NEW PROGRESSIVE prism lens has been introduced to provide a solution to patients who complain of headaches, neck pain and eyestrain when using digital devices, reading or doing detail work. The neurolens (eyeBrain Medical), which includes an AR coating and blue-light protection, works via a “customized” progressive prism to bring the eyes into alignment at all distances, says Jeff Krall, O.D. and inventor, Mitchell, S.D.

OVERVIEW

The lens corrects misalignment of central and peripheral vision to ease patient symptoms with a customized, gradient prism design. The neurolens SightSync measures binocular misalignment at all distances, taking into account heterophoria, vergence conditioning, fixation disparity, binocular peripheral fusion, accommodative convergence response and alternating monocular central fixation to output both values, according to the company website.

The device and lens work in a system with a digital eye strain severity questionnaire, which is completed with other pre-exam paperwork. The neurolens is not available as a contact lens.

PROCEDURE

Following questionnaire results, doctors can: (1) include SightSync in the pre-testing of patients who rate symptoms severe on a scale of one to five, or (2) include SightSync in pre-testing for all patients.

Cheryl Everitt, O.D., of Riverside, Calif., says she uses the device on most of her patients. Those who register multiple threes or higher on the questionnaire are especially good candidates for the lens, she says. For Eric Bender, O.D. of Tustin, Calif., he says he uses the device on all his patients.

Evaluations in the chair, such as cover test, phoria and misalignment check, support the system’s test results. Armed with this information, the doctors have a discussion with the patient.

For example, “Oh, I see that you’re experiencing headaches, neck and shoulder pain and discomfort while using the computer. These symptoms may be caused by a misalignment in your vision,” Dr. Everitt offers.

She says she also shows patients how their eyes move, via a cover test, explaining the eye movement is not normal. She concludes with, “There is a new innovative lens that helps align your eyes to provide relief from many of the symptoms you’ve described.”

When prescribing the lens, Dr. Everitt explains how it provides symptom relief and is an out-of-pocket expense.

Most patients experience relief from their symptoms, within about 30 days, which is when Dr. Everitt — who has dispensed about 300 pairs of lenses in more than 18 months — schedules a follow up visit. The follow-up period for Dr. Bender’s office is six to eight weeks, he says. EyeBrain Medical offers a money-back guarantee for all neurolens prescriptions.

PRACTICE BENEFIT

Beyond providing patients relief, the doctors also note referrals. Dr. Bender, who has been prescribing the lens less than a year, has seen patients referred by others who are wearing the neurolens and are happy with their symptom relief.OM

Doctors interested in offering the lens can visit the website, https://www.neurolenses.com/eye-care-professionals/, and fill out the “contact us” form. Then, a regional account manager will reach out to coordinate implementation and training.