Torga Optical Australia: BlogBloghttps://torgaoptical.com.au/Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:44:55 GMTurn:store:305:blog:post:50https://torgaoptical.com.au/torga-flexivue-multifocal-lenses-for-the-modern-pilot-2-4Torga Flexivue Pilot - Multifocal Lenses for the Commercial Aviator<p><strong>Few activities are more demanding on your visual acuity than aviation.</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s why Pilots generally need comfortable, sharp vision in three visual zones:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Distance vision for observing the runway, air traffic and geography</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intermediate vision for viewing instruments and controls</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">And Reading vision for charts, logbooks and other near work</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For pilots of light aircraft above the age of 40, Multifocal lenses are typically recommended by our Optometrists, allowing for comfortable vision in the three visual zones.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For pilots of larger aircraft, an additional vision zone would be necessary to accommodate the reading of overhead instrumentation and control panels which the traditional multifocal does not have. Torga Optical’s Flexivue Pilot lens is designed with the Commercial Pilot in mind and includes a revolutionary 4</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reading zone at the top of the lens to allow for comfortable vision for overhead panels which the Optometrist can customize the location and strength of the reading zones based on your particular cockpit configuration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;<img src="/images/uploaded/blog images/pilot lens.jpg" alt="" width="80%" height="80%" /></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The lenses are available with photochromic (darken when exposed to light), sunglass tints, anti-reflection coatings, and other lens enhancements.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Expert fitment is required. Clients in the Gauteng area are recommended to make an appointment with Optometrist Mr. Andries Janse van Rensburg at </span><a href="https://www.torgaoptical.co.za/centurion-reds-21"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Torga Optical Mall@REDS Centurion</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for more information on eye testing and the dispensing of Torga Flexivue Pilots Multifocal Lenses you can contact him on 012 656 8952&nbsp;</span></p> <p><img src="/images/uploaded/blog images/pilot.png" alt="" width="60%" height="60%" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Torga Flexivue® Pilot Multifocal Lenses allow comfortable vision while reading, viewing instruments both below AND overhead, and wide comfortable distance vision.</span></em></p> <p><br /><br /></p>urn:store:305:blog:post:39https://torgaoptical.com.au/no-line-bifocals-the-future-is-here-2No Line Bifocals - The future is here!<p><strong>First, what are Bifocals?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These lenses have two different prescriptions in the same lens. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">A small portion in the lower part of the lens contains the power required to correct your near vision which is generally beneficial for reading and t</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">he top part of the lens is for distance vision.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><strong>Why no-line (blended) bifocals are better?&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unlike the normal bifocals where you can see the line on the lens separating the two powers, the new technologically advanced bifocal lenses are smoothened out so that the line is no longer as visible to yourself and people you are interacting with. Some Bifocal wearers feel that the visible Bifocal line creates an appearance of "looking old", so invisible Bifocals can contribute to a younger look.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><img src="/images/uploaded/images/Bifocal lens[64].png" alt="" width="100%" height="100%" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>What is the difference between no-line bifocals and multifocals?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No-line bifocals allow visual correction for <strong>only</strong> two distances (far and near).&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While multifocals correct for three distances:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top part - far distance vision<br />Middle part - Intermediate and/or computer distance <br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bottom part - for near vision, also typically used for reading&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><br />What are the benefits of a no-line bifocal?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- There is no ridge or line on these lenses but still work like normal bifocals<br />- </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore a better cosmetically appealing lens<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">- They provide wider fields of vision for both far and near distance<br />- It has a low image jump compared to normal bifocals&nbsp;<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">- They're easy to adapt to and;&nbsp;<br />- They usually work well for patients who have been struggling to adapt to multifocals</span></p> <p><strong><br />What products are available at Torga Optical?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Better known as the Digital Bifocal, our no-line bifocal lenses are available at all Torga Optical branches. For a limited time, they are offered at the same price as traditional lined Bifocals.<br /><br />Book your appointment now <a href="https://www.torgaoptical.com.au/book">https://www.torgaoptical.com.au/book</a>&nbsp;it's quick and easy! Enjoy!</span></p>urn:store:305:blog:post:14https://torgaoptical.com.au/lens-technology-for-over-40s-5Lens Technology For Over 40s<p><strong>Everything you need to know about Your Vision Over 40</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>In a world that is obsessed with eternal youth, efficiency and massive workloads, the inevitable deterioration of one’s eye sight at a certain age - *gulp* yes, forty – is a daunting prospect for many!</p> <p> </p> <p>The good news is that with huge strides in technology comes fantastic advances in lenses and eyewear. In addition to having a plethora of fashion frames from which to choose, lens technology has progressed to a point where the tell-tale signs of ageing eyes (read: those bifocal half-moon lenses) have, thankfully become an almost-distant memory).</p> <p> </p> <p>The bad news is that no one (yes, sorry, no one!) escapes ageing – everyone’s eyes deteriorate with age. It’s inevitable. It <strong><em>will</em> </strong>happen to you. So, if you are having difficulty focussing on that really ridiculously, tiny text on your cell phone, or if your arms just don’t seem long enough when you’re studying that sushi menu, then it’s probably time for a visit to your optometrist.</p> <p> </p> <p>To ease the pain, we’re going to explain various eye terms and visual conditions, along with potential solutions, so that you will be empowered to make an informed decision when the need for spectacles arises.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What happens to your eyes as you get older?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>As the eye ages (i.e. as one nears the age of forty), the muscles that enable the ocular lens to work become weaker. The result is that the focusing ability for near vision becomes more difficult and eventually not possible. This condition is called presbyopia. The youthful flexibility of the lens and the respective muscles allow the eye to change focus from objects that are far away to objects that are close.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Solution:</strong></p> <p>Eyeglasses, including single vision reading glasses, bifocals and multifocal lenses address presbyopia very effectively.</p> <p>Multifocal (also known as progressive and varifocal) lenses give you a more youthful appearance by eliminating the visible lines found in bifocal lenses and allow you to focus clearly at varying distances. Bifocal and single vision lenses don’t give you the clear vision at all distances - reading glasses have one focal point and bifocals allow for clear distance and near vision but they aren’t great for intermediate distances, such as computer work.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What's the difference between presbyopia and hyperopia?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Farsightedness, or hyperopia, occurs when light focuses behind the retina instead of on it due to a shorter than average eyeball. People of any age, including babies, can be farsighted. Presbyopia, on the other hand, is an age-related condition in which the lens and muscles of the eye becomes less flexible. You can therefore be both hyperopic and presbyopic over the age of 40.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>What is a multifocal lens?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>Multifocal optical lenses transition from your distance prescription at the top of the lens to your reading prescription at the bottom of the lens to help you see objects at all distances after you lose the ability to naturally change the focus of your eyes due to age (presbyopia). All Torga Optical multifocal lenses are manufactured using highly sophisticated digital software and German precision lens technology.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>What is the difference between a bifocal and a multifocal</strong><strong> lens?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Like bifocal lenses, multifocal lenses enable the user to see clearly at different distance ranges through one lens. A multifocal lens (AKA progressive lens) gradually changes power from the top of the lens to the bottom, giving a smooth transition from distance vision (across the room) to intermediate vision (computer, for example) to near (reading) vision. On the other hand, a bifocal only has two main focal points - one for distance vision and one for reading. These, therefore, don’t give the wearer clear intermediate vision – so they aren’t ideal for computer users.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How does a multifocal lens work?</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>Instead of providing just two lens powers like bifocals (or three, like trifocals), multifocal lenses really are <em>multi</em>-focal lenses, providing a smooth, seamless progression of many lens powers for clear vision across the room, up close and at all distances in between. One is able to see clearly here (close up), there (middle distance) and effortlessly through to the far distance (over there).</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Are multifocal lenses good for your eyes?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Yes! Multifocal lenses are often the most effective way to assist those with presbyopia. They alleviate the burden that is placed on your eyes when straining to focus at different distances.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>What is the difference between single vision and multifocal lenses?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Having single vision glasses means the lenses offer just one focus for the eyes. This can be for long distances correction, for close-up reading, or for mid-range sight correction, such as for computer use. Progressive lenses, on the other hand, offer a range of vision correction within the same lens.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Are multofocal lenses the best solution?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>In addition to cosmetic advantages, progressive multifocal lenses provide a more natural correction of presbyopia than bifocal or trifocal prescription lenses.</p> <p> </p> <p>We advise that you have a in depth conversation with your optometrist about your lifestyle in addition to your visual needs (once you’ve had a full eye test). Explain to him or her when your eyes are at their most strained. Go into detail about the kind of work that you do, which digital devices you use and how often. Your hobbies and how you spend your spare time is also important to consider when finding a solution to your visual needs. It’s this kind of information together with the actual eye examination that contributes to you finding the best optical correction for your visual comfort.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva; font-size: 10pt;"> </span> </p> <p>***Disclaimer***</p> <p>Always get professional advice from your optometrist.</p> <p>The above article was written with professional consultation from Claire Wiggill (BOptom (UJ)). </p>urn:store:305:blog:post:13https://torgaoptical.com.au/lens-technology-for-driving-4Lens Technology for Driving<p><strong>A Driving Force Behind Lens Technology</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Everyone wants the best technology with the best safety features for their vehicles. However, you may have the safest vehicle on the road, but if your eye sight is compromised so is your safety.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Impaired vision is responsible for so many of our road accidents and the subsequent fatalities.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>To drive this point home, here are just some of the basics as to why good vision is essential for driving:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>When driving, you are required to see pretty much everything around you (all around, near and far and in every direction). For example:</p> <p>-          you need to be able to see (and anticipate movement of) other vehicles</p> <p>-          the plethora of pedestrians that come at us (in all shapes and sizes and from every direction)</p> <p>-          animals (yes, even in our big cities)</p> <p>-          potholes (in growing numbers and ever-increasing in size)</p> <p>-          road signs and markings</p> <p>-          and the list goes on.</p> <p>And, that’s just outside your vehicle. Inside, you also need to see your speedometer and gauges, in addition to your side mirrors and rear-view mirror.</p> <p> </p> <p>Furthermore, driving at night can be a daunting experience. Oncoming headlights and street lights reflect off one’s spectacles, preventing light passing through the lenses. A good anti-reflective coating will manage these situations by minimising reflections. This means more light can pass through one’s lenses, optimising visual acuity which will mean fewer visual distractions while driving.</p> <p> </p> <p>During the day, the sun’s rays as well as reflections off surfaces such as the road, other vehicles or water can also compromise your vision. Polarised lenses are the most effective lenses that will significantly reduce this glare. (Click <a href="/the-low-down-on-polarised-lenses-3">here </a>to read more about the benefits of, and how, polarised lenses work.)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><a href="driveoptix-2">DriveOptix</a>™ is a product that has been speficially developed by Torga Optical to reduce the risks of driving, by optimising drivers' visual acuity.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Let’s do a simple exercise to evaluate whether or not your driving vision is up to speed: </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>When was your last eye examination?</strong></p> <p>If you answered more than a year ago – then you need to get your eyes tested by a professional optometrist, sooner rather than later.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>When did you last renew your driver’s licence?</strong></p> <p>Hopefully your licence is still valid. Not only do you run the risk of paying hefty fines to the traffic department, you are putting yourself and those around you on the road in potential danger.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Things to be aware of:</strong></p> <p>-          The licence department only conducts a basic visual screening of an individual’s visual ability. If you ‘pass’ this visual screening, it does not mean that your vision is not impaired. You might very well still require spectacles to improve your vision.</p> <p>-          By law drivers do not require 20/20 vision to drive in South Africa. But many drivers could have this vision with the correct visual correction.</p> <p>-          Improved vision can reduce the number of collisions, injuries and fatalities on our roads.</p> <p>-          A comprehensive eye examination will assess all aspects of your vision, as well as the health of the eye.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Do you have the correct lens technology in your glasses to optimise your driving ability?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Lenses with poor optics will hinder rather than improve your vision and driving ability. Ensuring you have the best technology lenses will aid your vision in various situations in your everyday life, including when you drive.</p> <p> </p> <p>Glare is the main reason for drivers’ visual discomfort. Glare is experienced in the day from the sun and its reflections off the road and various reflective surfaces (such as the road, water, other vehicles). Glare also happens in overcast conditions and at night from on-coming headlights, streetlights and other light sources.</p> <p> </p> <p>The correct prescription in the form of Polarised sunglasses for day time and antireflective coated lenses for night time will minimise the effect of glare on one’s eyes, resulting in optimum driving vision.</p> <p>  </p>urn:store:305:blog:post:12https://torgaoptical.com.au/blue-light-demystified-the-blue-light-fact-checker-2Blue Light Demystified: The Blue Light Fact Checker<p><strong>Blue Light Demystified: The Blue Light Fact Checker</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>There’s been much talk about blue light, what it is and what effect it may or may not have on your eyes. In search of the facts to demystify it, we have compiled a quick and easy Blue Light Fact Checker. These facts have been checked and rechecked by a number of health- and eye-care and practitioners, as well as optical experts.</p> <p> </p> <ol> <li><strong>  </strong><strong>Firstly, what exactly is Blue Light?</strong></li> </ol> <p>Sunlight is made up of a combination of red, orange, yellow, green and blue light rays, also known as "white light". Different coloured light rays have different wavelengths. The wave<em>length</em> of the light will determine the amount of <em>energy</em> that it contains.</p> <p>- Warmer light rays (reds, oranges, and yellows) have <strong>long</strong> <strong>wavelengths</strong> and contain <strong>less</strong> <strong>energy</strong>.</p> <p>- Cooler light rays (blues and ultraviolet) have <strong>shorter</strong> <strong>wavelengths</strong> and <strong>more</strong> <strong>energy</strong>.</p> <p>- The more energy a light wave contains (i.e. blues and violet), the more damaging it can be when exposed to it for long periods of time. <strong>Blue light is what is referred to as high-energy visible light (HEV light)</strong>.</p> <p> </p> <ol start="2"> <li><strong>  </strong><strong>We cannot escape Blue Light</strong></li> </ol> <p>Blue light is everywhere. Sunlight is the main source, but, fluorescent and LED lighting and<strong> almost all digital devices </strong>(flat-screen televisions and the display screens of computers, smartphones, electronic notebooks) <strong>emit blue light via their screens.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The result of excessive use of such devices is eyestrain (known as digital-eyestrain), premature ageing of the eye and disturbed sleep patterns.</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>As you are reading this article, you are being exposed to blue light!</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Although sunlight is the primary and largest source of blue light, <strong>it’s the closeness to which we hold our digital devices to our faces combined with the frequency of use that makes their emission of blue light harmful.</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <ol start="3"> <li><strong>  </strong><strong>Not all Blue Light is bad</strong></li> </ol> <p>So, too much exposure to blue light is potentially disturbing at best and damaging at worst. However, <em>small</em> amounts of blue light can be beneficial. It can boost alertness, aid memory and cognitive function and can even improve one’s mood.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>But</strong> <strong>too much blue light</strong> (especially at night: working on your laptop or reading a novel on a tablet, for example) can be disruptive, potentially causing sleepless nights, daytime fatigue, eyestrain and eye damage.</p> <p> </p> <ol start="4"> <li><strong>  </strong><strong>The eye is not designed to block Blue Light</strong></li> </ol> <p>The cornea and lens of the eye can (to some extent) block Ultra Violet (UV) rays from reaching the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eyeball. (Hence, the need for UV-blocking sunglasses that will protect these and other parts of the eye.)</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>However, almost <em>all</em> blue light passes through the cornea and lens and reaches the retina.</strong> The result of which is, as already mentioned above, can possibly result in multiple problems. In certain wavelengths, blue light has been implicated in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (which results in vision loss), tired-eye syndrome, as well as disturbed sleep patterns. <strong><img src="https://www.torgaoptical.co.za/Images/uploaded/spectrum1.jpg" alt="blue light" width="599" height="306" /></strong></p> <ol start="5"> <li><strong>  </strong><strong>How much exposure is too much?</strong></li> </ol> <p>Well, this remains to be seen. We are still to realise the full effects that the digital age may have on us in later life. But many eyecare practitioners are concerned about the potential damage that may be caused by digital devices, in the years to come.</p> <p> </p> <ol start="6"> <li><strong>      </strong><strong>How does Blue Light cause eye strain?</strong></li> </ol> <p>Short-wavelength, high-energy blue light scatters more easily than other light, which means that one cannot easily focus upon it. If you're looking at a computer screen, smart phone or other digital device that emits blue light, this unfocused visual light reduces contrast. This can result in the user straining his/her eyes.</p> <p>In order to increase the contrast, which can in turn reduce the strain, complementary warmer filters (or tints) can be used. This is why the lenses that eyecare practitioners use to will block blue light are usually orange or yellow-tinted. These tinted lenses will reduce eye strain, improving the visual comfort for digital device users.</p> <p> <br />Increasingly, more optometrists and other eyecare practitioners are advocating blue-blocker lenses – especially to patients who spend long hours staring at a computer screen or other digital screens. Torga Optical has the lens technology to provide the ideal solutions when it comes to blocking blue light.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Click <a href="https://www.torgaoptical.co.za/digital-lifestyle">here</a> to read more about how your digital lifestyle can affect your vision and which Torga products are available to alleviate the symptoms.</strong> </p> <p>This article was compiled with professional consultation from Claire Wiggill (BOptom (RAU)) and Andre Brits (FOA(Disp)SA).</p>