http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/rss/feedsVmax Vision is pioneering solutions for eye care practices, introducing new technologies that bring greater accuracy and efficiency to the eye exam process and exceptional vision to eyeglass wearers.Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:07:01 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/august--childrens-eye-health--safetyhttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/august--childrens-eye-health--safety Summer is almost over and for many of you that means back-to-school shopping. Which, depending on how you look at it, may be fun or a daunting task. Preparing for the new school year isn’t just about buying clothes or supplies, it can also be a time for sport physicals or children’s well visits. Not surprisingly, during this busy time, parents often forget to schedule their child’s comprehensive eye exam. Conveniently, August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month!Many practitioners recommend having your children’s eyes examined during well child visits, beginning around age three. Your child’s eye doctor can help detect refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism as well as the following eye diseases: Strabismus (crossed/turned eyes)Amblyopia (lazy eye)Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)Color deficiency (color blindness) If you or your doctor suspects that your child may have a vision problem, you can make an appointment with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist for further testing. Some specific warning signs that may indicate that your child has a vision problem include:Wandering or crossed eyesA family history of childhood vision problemsDisinterest or difficulty in reading or viewing distant objectsSquinting or turning the head in an unusual manner while watching television With the beginning of the school year, regular sport activities will be picking back up. Keeping your children’s eyes safe is another part of maintaining healthy vision. Did you know that eye injuries are the leading cause of vision loss in children? With about 42,000 sports-related eye injuries every year in America, children are the largest population to suffer these injuries. By following a few basic rules for safety, you can help prevent your child from being one of the more than 12 million children who suffer from vision impairment:Children should wear appropriate eye protection made with polycarbonate lenses for baseball, basketball, football, racquet sports, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, paintball.Make sure that all chemicals and sprays are kept out of reach of small children.Parents and others childcare providers should practice safe use of common items that can cause serious eye injury, such as paper clips, pencils, scissors, bungee cords, wire coat hangers and rubber bands.Only purchase age-appropriate toys.Avoid projectile toys such as darts and bows and arrows.Appropriate “baby proofing” such as the use of safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, padding or cushioning sharp corners, applying locks on all cabinets and drawers that kids can reach.In cars, make sure children are properly secured in baby carriers and child safety seats and that the seat and shoulder belts fit well. Children age 12 and younger should never ride in the front seat. Store loose items in the trunk or secured on the floor, as any loose object can become a dangerous projectile in a crash. In the event of an eye injury in a child be sure to take the following steps and immediately seek medical professional help:DO NOT touch, rub or apply pressure to the eye.DO NOT try to remove any object stuck in the eye. For small debris, lift eyelid and ask child to blink rapidly to see if tears will flush out the particle. If not, close the eye and seek treatment.Do not apply ointment or medication to the eye.A cut or puncture wound should be gently covered.Only in the event of chemical exposure, flush with plenty of water. Help your children have a successful school year by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam and taking the right safety measures to ensure their eyes are free from injury. Tue, 14 Aug 2018 13:31:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/uv-safety-awarenesshttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/uv-safety-awareness July is UV safety month. While we all know and take the necessary precautions to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but when was the last time you thought about the effect of UV rays on your eyes? The American Optometric Association (AOA) describes two types of negative effects caused by UV rays to the eye: short-term problems caused by overexposure and long-term problems that can lead to permanent damage.Photokeratitis is a short-term condition that is often described as a ‘sunburn of the eye.’ Symptoms such as pain, intense tears, eyelid twitching, discomfort from bright light, and constricted pupils are common with photokeratitis. Prolonged exposure to the UV light can sometimes result in macular degeneration (blurring or lack of vision in the center of the visual field), cataracts (a reduction of vision due to clouding of the lens of the eye), pterygium (abnormal pink tissue on the white of the eye), and skin cancer around eyelids (UV-A and UV-B radiation).There is a relatively solution to prevent harmful UV light damage to the eye, sunglasses with the correct UV protection (99-100% UV protection). Don’t just choose sunglasses to make a fashion statement, make sure they can also protect your eyes.You are at higher risk for UV-related eye damage if you:Work long hours outdoors (during peak hours between 10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.)Have a family history of eye cancerHave light-colored eyesSpend time at the beach without sunglassesDon’t wear sunglasses and/or hats outside (even on cloudy days)Are around water, sand, snow, and ice without eye protectionA new pair of sunglasses is also the perfect opportunity to schedule your annual vision exam.Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:45:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/dry-eye-disease-awareness-monthhttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/dry-eye-disease-awareness-month July is dry eye disease awareness month!Did you know that dry eye disease is one of the most common ocular problems affecting the general population today? In fact, more than 40 million people in the USA suffer from the often-debilitating problem. Additionally, less than 5% of the dry eye disease patient population has been properly diagnosed and treated, according to HealthCare Maintenance Organizations data.There can be many causes of dry eye. Your eye doctor may use various approaches to relieve the symptoms.Dry eye is typically managed as an ongoing condition. The first priority is to determine if a disease is the underlying cause of the dry eye (such as Sjögren’s syndrome or lacrimal and meibomian gland dysfunction). If it is, then the underlying disease needs to be treated.Artificial tears are one of the most common treatments of dry eye. Artificial tears are eye drops used to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes. Besides lubricating your eyes, some artificial tears contain electrolytes. These additives may promote healing of the ocular surface. Artificial tears may also contain thickening agents, which keep the solution on the surface of your eyes longer.In some cases, dry eye can be a side effect of taking a medication. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend switching medications to one that does not have dry eye as a side effect.Another cause of dry is is contact lens wear. Luckily, there are a number of contact lenses that your eye care practitioner can prescribe. They may also recommend reducing the number of hours you wear your lenses. In the case of severe dry eye, your physician may advise you not to wear contact lenses at all.Some patients may also have the option to plug the drainage holes, small circular openings at the inner corners of the eyelids where tears drain from the eye into the nose. Lacrimal plugs, also called punctal plugs, can be inserted painlessly by an eye care professional. The patient usually does not feel them. These plugs are made of silicone or collagen, are reversible, and are a temporary measure. In severe cases, permanent plugs may be considered.Many patients that suffer from dry eye benefit from supplements or dietary sources (such as tuna fish) or omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and EPA), which may decrease symptoms of irritation. The use and dosage of nutritional supplements and vitamins should be discussed with your doctor.If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease, such as dryness, soreness, burning, grittiness or eye fatigue, schedule a consultation with an eye care practitioner.Tue, 10 Jul 2018 13:50:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/eye-health-awareness-monthhttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/eye-health-awareness-month Our eyes are one of the most fascinating and complex parts of our bodies. The fastest working muscle we have, eyes have been systematically developing for the past 500 million years. Much like a camera, our eyes work by bending light rays through a lens, focusing the light onto a highly attuned sensor called the retina. The retina modifies the light from raw data into electrical impulses, which it then directs to the brain through the optic nerve. In fact, we don’t see with our eyes at all, but with our brains!This highly refined system of sight is one of the grandest designs of nature. The human eye has the ability to function at 100% capacity at any given moment, without needing to warm-up or rest. Our eyes are made up of over 2 million working parts and, in the right conditions and lighting, can see the light of a candle from up to 14 miles away.It’s pretty easy to say that our eyes are amazing. However, over 37 million adults in America suffer from some sort of eye diseases, such as macular-degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to visual impairment, or even blindness. According to the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, around 10% of all adult Americans reported they have trouble seeing, even while wearing their glasses or contact lenses, or that they are blind or cannot see at all.Today, 80% of vision problems worldwide are completely avoidable, or even curable. Just like eating healthy and getting the proper amounts of physical activity, taking care of your eyes should be a priority. Healthy vision can keep you safe, just as keeping your eyes safe can keep you healthy. From keeping up with regular comprehensive eye exams, to wearing proper eye protection while at work or play, vision health is important for those of all ages.There are a variety of ways to actively take care of your vision:• Get regular comprehensive and dilated eye exams.• Because some eye conditions are hereditary, take care to know your family’s eye health history.• Eat right to promote healthy eye function. Dark and leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids are among the best foods for your eyes.• Stop smoking. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smoking directly affects the ability of the eyes, including the increased chance of Age Related Macular Degeneration, cataract formation, glaucoma, as well as Dry Eye Syndrome.• Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in adults worldwide.• Wear sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to UV light can increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Make sure to purchase sunglasses that block out 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.• Wear proper eye protection while in the workplace, playing sports, or taking part in activities such as painting, cleaning, and doing home repairs.Most importantly, encourage others to take care of their eye health. Just 1 out of every 7 preschool children receives an eye exam, and less than 1 out of every 4 receives any sort of vision screening. An estimated 11 million Americans age 12 years and older could see better if they used corrective lenses.Imagine the things we could see if we all took charge of our eye health and preservation. Take care to practice healthy vision this month, and every month. Spread the word—it’s healthy vision awareness month!Tue, 15 May 2018 13:03:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/southern-college-of-optometry-reported-at-arvo-2018-a-study-comparing-the-accuracy-of-subjective-refraction-using-a-vmax-visions-vasr%E2%84%A2-vs-a-traditionahttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/southern-college-of-optometry-reported-at-arvo-2018-a-study-comparing-the-accuracy-of-subjective-refraction-using-a-vmax-visions-vasr%E2%84%A2-vs-a-traditionaHONOLULU, HI., April 30, 2018 –A comparison study was reported at ARVO 2018, which has recently concluded in Honolulu, HI. Drs. Christopher Lievens, Christina Newman, Alan Kabat and optometry student, Jacob Weber, conducted this study at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO). This study included fifty healthy subjects. Subjects were examined by a masked investigator using a standard autorefractor (Nidek TonoRef™ II) followed by subjective refinement using a standard phoropter (monocular subjective refraction with binocular balance). Subjective measurements were also conducted in the corresponding subjects using the VASR, a Voice Activ Subjective Refractor by Vmax Vision.Phoropter values were measured in 0.25 diopter steps, while VASR data was refine-able to the nearest 0.01 diopters. Final corrected visual acuity was recorded for each eye after each procedure using standard Snellen targets. The phoropter measurements were conducted by faculty members at SCO (Lievens, Newman, and Kabat), the VASR subjective measurements were conducted by an optometry student (Weber).The results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference from the mean in equivalent sphere measurements (p = 0.1383) between Vmax VASR and the phoropter. Non-parametric analyses (Wilcoxon) were performed as there was a negative skew and the data was platykurtic. Dioptric values for traditional refraction ranged from +1.13 to -12.75 (95% confidence interval = -1.63 to -3.63), with a median of -2.50. The VASR, values ranged from +1.08 to -14.39 (95% confidence interval = -1.26 to -3.46), with a median of -2.69. The spherical equivalent datasets were highly correlated (r = 0.993); cylinder power and axis were as well (Cylinder: p = 0.6377, r = 0.864) (Axis: p = 0.6991, r = 0.738). Visual acuity measurements were similar for both groups: 14% of subjects had better acuity with VASR (> 1 line Snellen), 3% of subjects had worse acuity with VASR (>1 line Snellen), and 83% had less than 1 line Snellen difference.For spherocylindrical refractive error, the results obtained with the Vmax VASR by a second year optometry student with a 2 hours of training, were not statistically different from those achieved using traditional phoropter methods by a SCO optometrist and faculty member. This indicates that the training requirement to refract with the VASR is substantially easier than training to refract using a phoropter, which takes several months (or even years).Dr. Shui Lai, PHD, CEO of Vmax Vision stated, “The study showed that the difference in the median refraction values between the Vmax measurement and the phoropter measurement is 0.19D and the 95% confidence intervals for the two methods are almost completely overlapped (-1.26 to -3.46); a clear indication the VASR and the phoropter produced essentially identical outcomes. The VASR method has a higher percentage in better visual acuity (VA); one line or more, in 14% of the subjects vs. the phoropter method produced better VA in 3% of the subjects, and rest are within one line of VA. Put another way, the VASR measurements produced equal or better acuity in 97% of the subjects, when compared with phoropter refraction.”The VASR (Voice Activ™ Subjective Refractor) autorefraction utilizes wavefront aberrometry and its subjective refraction uses proprietary point spread function technology. The VASR exam is voice-guided during the entire refraction and it combines artificial intelligence to optimize refraction outcomes. Other advanced features include subjective nighttime refraction, 4 minute complete auto and subjective refraction in normal sighted patients; increasing patient flow. The VASR’s small footprint of 12" by 18” reduces a refraction lane to a tabletop station. The low weight and small in size makes it ideal for portability. Tue, 01 May 2018 07:00:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/sports-eye-safety-monthhttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/sports-eye-safety-month Every 13 minutes, an ER in the United States treats some form of sports-related eye injury. It is estimated that 100,000 sports-related eye injuries occur every year. Of these, 13,500 result in permanent vision loss. Sports-related injuries have been shown to disproportionately affect the young, with every 1 in 3 incidents involving children. In the United States alone, the estimated cost associated with sports eye injuries is $175 to $200 million, annually. The average cost of a basketball eye injury for a child under 15-years is $3,996 alone.When it comes to playing sports, there is so much more to lose than just the game.The good news is that shielding the eyes with proper protective eyewear can prevent 90% of all sports-related eye injuries!The most common high-risk sports responsible for eye-related injuries include games involving projectile balls, contact sports, and air-gun related activities. Sports such as golf, basketball, and baseball/softball see the highest spike in eye-related injuries year after year. Baseball is the most common cause for eye-injuries in kids ages 5-14. Basketball, on the other hand, is a leading cause of eye-injuries in people ages 15-64. In fact, 1 in 10 college basketball players can expect to receive some sort of eye-injury while on the court.High contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts, and hockey also raise the risk of exposing the eyes to some form of trauma. Face injuries, including those to the eyes, account for 45% of injuries in mixed martial arts. Even outdoor, leisurely sports such as cycling and fishing are responsible for a portion of all sports eye injuries each year. No matter the risk category of the sport, all athletes should wear protective eyewear appropriate to their sport. Protective athletic eyewear is readily available. When purchasing eyewear, it’s always good to keep a few important points in mind:• Always ensure that the eyewear fits properly and is comfortable to wear.• Check to make sure that any eye guard or protective shield is approved by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM).• Make sure all lenses and guards are made of polycarbonate, as polycarbonate lenses are thin, durable, and 10 times as impact resistant as other materials.• Always remember that glass lenses and regular vision-correcting lenses do not provide adequate protection for those participating in sports.For those participating in outdoor activities, such as skiing and water sports, wearing sunglasses is equally important. Lenses that filter UVA and UVB sunrays can protect the eyes from the development of ocular surface cancer and cataracts. Always make sure and choose sunglasses that reduce glare, block 99-100% of UV rays, and are comfortable to wear. Finally, one of the most important steps to take in preserving vision is to have your eyes examined at regular intervals by an eye care professional. Eye exams will help evaluate potential injuries to the eye, as well as look for signs of other non-sports related eye conditions. There’s more to lose than just the game—keep your vision healthy!Fri, 13 Apr 2018 05:42:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/workplace-eye-wellness-monthhttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/workplace-eye-wellness-month So many of us take our vision for granted, not realizing how much of our time is truly spent relying on our eyes. Leisure, hobbies, family time—most activities include some sort of visual element. For a majority of the population, this reliance on eyesight extends deep into the workplace as well. From doctors to construction workers, teachers to office workers, many jobs rely on the ability to see.So what happens when we damage that ability?Every day, roughly 2,000 American workers sustain some sort of job-related eye injury requiring medical treatment, according to the CDC. There are more than 15,000 welding, and nearly 10,000 power tool related eye injuries reported yearly. Workplace related eye injuries total over 700,000 annually, and nearly one million Americans have already lost some degree of sight due to a workplace related incident.The majority of eye injuries sustained in the workplace are due to small abrasions or chemical splashing, including exposure to materials such as metal, wood, UV radiation, and cleaning products. Damage can also take place slowly, and on a daily basis, without any exposure to a tragic accident or spill. Recent surveys have exposed that computer work alone accounts for up to 14% of all reported eye problems.Because of the close proximity of screens, as well as the length of time spent looking at them, there is concern for the long-term effects caused by prolonged exposure to the blue light, according to Prevent Blindness. Because of the high-energy wavelength of blue light, almost all visible blue light is able to pass through the cornea and lens, successfully reaching the retina. Too much exposure to blue light could lead to digital eyestrain, retina damage, dry eye, and even age-related macular degeneration.So many of us today focus on eating whole foods, receiving the proper amounts of sleep and exercise, and living an overall healthier life—so why not take the proper actions to promote and incorporate workplace safety to support long-term vision health?OSHA standards require that employers provide workers with suitable eye protection. To be effective in preventing injury, appropriate and properly fitted eyewear should be worn at all times. Workers in the manufacturing, construction and trade industries, as well as those in production, installation, maintenance and repair are most at risk of incurring an eye injury without proper protection from eyewear, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.If issues are caused by constant exposure to blue light from phones, tablet, and computer screens, there are a variety of ways to reduce vision strain while still being productive. Remember the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Remembering to blink often, while sounds funny, will help your eyes stay moist throughout the work-day. Anti-glare lenses and anti-glare monitor screens can also be utilized to make computer work gentler on the eyes.In addition to wearing appropriate protective eyewear, one of the most important steps to take in preserving vision is to have your eyes examined at regular intervals by an eye care professional. Eye exams will help evaluate potential injuries to the eye, as well as look for signs of other conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.Thu, 15 Mar 2018 08:00:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/is-glaucoma-stealing-your-sighthttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/is-glaucoma-stealing-your-sight Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide, and in its early stages, has no noticeable symptoms. Those with glaucoma experience vision loss at such a gradual rate that they are often unaware they have it. In fact, close to half of Americans with glaucoma are unaware of their condition.January is Glaucoma Awareness month. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers responsible for carrying information from the eye to the brain. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can often protect the eyes against serious vision loss.In most cases, glaucoma is associated with higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye, a condition called ocular hypertension. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the most common type of glaucoma— primary open-angle glaucoma— affects an estimated two million Americans. Other risk factors for pressure-related optic nerve damage are linked to high blood pressure.Not everyone with increased eye pressure is at risk. While a certain level of pressure might be high for one person, it’s completely normal for another—it all depends on the level of pressure the optic nerve can tolerate without being damaged. This is why early detection and treatment are so pivotal in protecting the eyes against serious vision loss.A comprehensive and dilated eye exam can reveal risk factors, such as high eye pressure, thinness of the cornea, and abnormal optic nerve anatomy. For people with combinations of these high-risk factors, medicated eye drops can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma by about 50%. Comprehensive and dilated eye exams should be encouraged at least once every two years.Contact your doctor if you feel that you might be at risk or are showing symptoms.Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:48:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/section-179-tax-deductionshttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/section-179-tax-deductions Have you been considering whether or not now is the right time to upgrade your practice? The IRS Section 179 Tax Deduction offers a unique opportunity to grow, while saving your company tens of thousands of dollars!With the New Year right around the corner, let Vmax Vision help make 2018 your most productive year yet. If you buy (or lease) any of our PSF Refractors, you can write-off the full purchase price on your gross income for this year. By utilizing Section 179, the VASR™—usually $45,000—now has a true cost of $29,250. That's $15,750 in savings!The deduction program (which has an impressive $510,000 cap) is for equipment that is purchased and put into service between January 1 and December 31, 2017. This incentive provides businesses like yours the opportunity to invest in yourself, and in your future.It’s not too late—don’t pass up this opportunity to provide your patients with 5x more accurate refractions. Give the gift of better vision and efficiency this holiday with Vmax Vision!Tue, 21 Nov 2017 15:11:00 -0700http://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/2016-section-179-savingshttp://www.vmaxvision.com/blog/post/2016-section-179-savingsFAST FINANCING WITH VMAX AND STEARNS BANK! Crystal-clear financing with Stearns Bank and Vmax Vision might be a great option for you as an eye care professional. Vmax Vision has been pioneering solutions for eye care practices by introducing new technologies that bring greater accuracy and efficiency to the eye exam process. By utilizing the Section 179 tax deduction program, you can write off new and used equipment sales of up to $500,000. That’s where Stearns Bank comes in. Stearns offers fast and simple financing options. There are different payment options, including delayed payments, no money down and no payments for 90 days. The best part about getting this tax refund is knowing you’re saving money on the equipment you purchase while using it for other needs that your business might have. To learn more about how much you can save by using Section 179, click here .Thu, 17 Nov 2016 14:33:00 -0700