With every passing year, we see new breakthroughs in the medical industry – resulting in new treatments and medications to address common health concerns. The vision care industry is an area where incredible advancements have come thru, giving eye doctors access to better diagnosis and treatment tools.
Ultimately, the goal is to protect the quality of each patient’s eyes, including the optic nerve, cornea, pupil, and other essential functions that contribute to the vision. As tools and techniques evolve, we are better prepared to improve outcomes for patients of all ages.
History of Eyecare Advancements
Eyeglasses have been around for hundreds of years – with the first wearable glasses dating back to the 1300s. In the 1700s, glasses were designed to be hands-free, with a fit similar to what we know now: holding the lenses in front of the eyes, with over-the-ear attachments.
It’s just in the most recent 20 – 50 years that we’ve seen the fastest development of eye care technology. Here are some of the most notable advancements in recent years:
- Eye Glasses: Improved technology allows doctors to dial in prescriptions more effectively, optimizing the results when a person wears eyeglasses. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the clear lenses in your eyeglasses. These lenses are carefully designed to support the function of the optic nerve and reduce eyestrain. For example, eyeglasses can be created with anti-glare coatings, line-free bifocals, and even transition lenses that turn darker when you step outside into the sunlight.
- Contact Lenses: Ongoing innovations are affecting the design of contact lenses. One of the increasingly popular features is the use of multifocal lenses, which allow patients to use one contact lens for both nearsighted and farsighted vision correction. Additionally, transition contact lenses were introduced in 2018.
- Diagnostic Tools: Computerized technologies offer more precision for diagnostics, helping your eye doctor dial in your unique vision needs more effectively. Additionally, many eye doctors and medical professionals are using computer technology for the filing of medical records. These more straightforward administrative procedures allow the office staff to focus more on the needs of each patient.
- Refractive Surgery: These surgical practices date back to the 1940s, but today’s eye surgery is quite different from the early years. The introduction of lasers made eye surgery more precise and effective, giving many more people access to vision improvement services. The laser technology continues to improve, making it possible for patients to enjoy laser eye surgery benefits who weren’t previously good candidates.
This is just a brief peek into the eyecare developments we are enjoying today. As the years progress, we expect that the advancements will continue to bring about new opportunities in the future.
Modern Eyecare for the Whole Family
When choosing an eye doctor, make sure you pick a proactive team in staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the industry. Our team offers full-service solutions for vision correction, optic nerve treatments, corrective lenses, and more. Call today if you’d like to schedule an eye exam to learn more about available services.
