Watch the video and read the article to learn from four ECPs about UV protection and why “good enough” lenses aren’t good enough, hosted by Pete Hanlin, ABOM, Senior Director of Professional Services at Essilor of America.
Dr. Millicent Knight is an optometrist and the Senior VP of Customer Development at Essilor of America. Dr. Ryan Parker is an optometrist and the Director of Professional Services at Essilor of America. Dr. Howard Loff is an oculoplastic surgeon and owner of Doctors Optimal Formula. Dr. Brooke Carrasco is an optician and the Manager of Customer Education at Essilor of America.
No-glare lenses have a variety of benefits, but patients and even your staff/peers may not be aware of all of them. From aesthetics to potentially lifesaving sun protection, let’s take a look at why these are a great option for any patient.
Patient Care
When prescribing these lenses to patients, it’s important to consider how you present these lenses to them. Your patients judge you based on how well they see through their new glasses, so providing additional explanation will help to ensure compliance and that they continue to use the best products possible!
During cataract surgery, the new lenses that are inserted may help patients to see clearly again but the implanted lens doesn't offer the same protection as the eyes’ natural lenses. Losing the barrier that natural lenses provide opens up the eye to free radicals and blue light.. Over ½ of cataract surgery patients get these clear lenses.
Explaining the benefits
With CRIZAL, patients will experience better night vision, more clarity, easy cleanability, and improved durability. Additionally, these lenses provide protection from UV rays and blue light, keeping the eyes safe at all times.
Mentioning the anti-glare properties and that this means no glare in selfies doesn’t hurt, either ;)
When speaking to patients, leading with the lenses’ protective benefits can be a great way to emphasize their importance! These days, most of us are spending a significant amount of time using screens. Protection from blue light is especially important right now. Older patients will be happy to hear about the anti-aging benefits of protective lenses as well.
Protection from harm
The periocular region is where 5-10% of all skin cancers occur. Cumulative UV damage takes a toll, which is why it’s important to begin wearing protective lenses even at a younger age.
There are 3 main types of UV rays. UVC rays are filtered out by the ozone layer so usually not a huge concern. UVA and UVB rays are more common and affect the eyes—from aging to other damages.
Damage to unprotected eyes entails both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which can occur on the conjunctiva and the skin! Between cancer and other concerns like wrinkles, you should have enough to convince any patient that proper eye protection is a must!
Why choose CRIZAL
These lenses not only prevent a glare on the front of the lens, but also prevent reflections from bounding off of the interior of the lenses. A lot of the time, we aren’t facing the sun, but when outdoors, the sun can “bounce” off of the inside of a lens and go directly into the eye.
That’s why anti reflective lenses such as CRIZAL are so important: they provide sun protection from every angle.
At the office
It’s essential that all of your staff is on the same page so the message is clearly reinforced through every step of the patient experience.
A good conversation in the exam room can make all the difference when it comes to optical dispensing. Using taglines/buzzwords like “skin cancer foundation approved” make an impact to patients who may not be highly educated on every aspect of eyewear.
Additionally, showing the patient a comparison between two lenses will help them to see why no-glare options are so much better, both aesthetically and for constant sun protection.
If the patient receives a consistent message throughout their visit then the choice will be easy! Educating your staff on the benefits of anti glare lenses will allow for a seamless sales workflow in the optical and, most importantly, happy patients!
