Enhancing vision

To complement our CET module on occupational lens dispensing (page 25), Peter Sanders offers some practical considerations on enhanced reading and occupational lenses

I recently came to the conclusion that most dispensers do not understand the enhanced reading lens and if they do, they are not sure which one to use.

I would like to dispel the myth that the lenses are just for computer users. They are suitable for all presbyopes. In the literature they put out, most suppliers clearly point out that the lens gives the presbyope greater near-vision scope. Quite often they show the near vision achieved with standard reading lenses compared to that of enhanced readers.

Now let us assume you offer them to all presbyopes. How do you decide which one to use when you consider that 13 companies offer 30 variations of the lens, some offering greater scope than others?

There are several distinct near-vision requirements. Although early presbyopes still have plenty of accommodation, they can benefit from the enhanced reader because they can wear them like a conventional progressive and it gives a good introduction to them.

Generally, the low degressions of -0.75 work well for the early presbyope. Providing the add is low, about +1.00 to +1.25, then most of the lenses with a -0.75 would be tolerated. Sola Access, Norville Continuum and Hoya AddPower are quite convenient lenses as they are fitted on the HCL so the only measurement required is the PD.