New Lens Technologies

What new technologies are available for my eyeglass lenses?

To understand the concept of new technology in eyeglass lenses, you must understand where we started.  Originally, eyeglasses were single vision (reading or distance), lined bifocal (reading at the bottom, distance at the top) and progressive bifocal without a line.  As your prescription increased, so did the thickness of your glasses to a point where you were seriously limited in the size of your eyeglass frames. 

Now, many advances have been made in lens technology.  High-index lenses provide a thinner, lighter lens that will enable the wearer to have more comfort and wear the latest fashion frames, without having to worry as much about the size of the frame.  This is especially advantageous as the size of the frame increases with the fashion trends.

With the introduction of digital lenses, a patient can now have a personalized fit that takes into account how you move your head and your eyes as you read and perform your daily tasks.  The newest lenses eliminate the “swim effect” and achieve stability in motion, which helps a patient more easily adapt to wearing progressive lenses.  It also provides a more expansive vision, increasing the “sweet spot” in your lenses so that your gaze shifts can be quick and automatic.

Special equipment is required to assess the measuring points required to achieve this new level of comfort.  The Smart Mirror at SEE Main Street and the Visio Office at Memphis Family Vision perform up to 20 measurements to give you the most individualized lens possible, for that “wow” effect.

At Memphis Family Vision and SEE Main Street, we strive to offer the most advanced technology available to enable our patients to have the best vision possible.  Our optical dispensaries offer a full range of lenses, from the inexpensive budget lens to the revolutionary, state-of-the-art digital progressive lens.  Ask your doctor which lens will fit your needs the best.

Hot Trends in Eyewear for Men

What are the latest fashion trends in eyewear for men?

Nothing makes a man feel more “cool” than wearing the perfect pair of sunglasses!  The most up-to-date and fashionable men’s sunglasses take classic designs and make them bolder, using strong colors and thicker frames.  Matte finishes are the latest trend to show up for men.  Camo prints are also very popular.  Get ready men, you will soon be seeing the newest aviators coming out with the retro double bar nose piece!

Your choice in sunglasses can even enhance your performance while playing your favorite sport. With lenses that are specially designed for fishermen, golfers, and tennis players you will be able to look stylish while also eliminating glare so you can perform your best!

If you are interested in wearing the cutting edge style in ophthalmic eyewear, you should consider selecting a pair of geek chic eyeglasses in a matte finish.  Natural materials are also huge this year, with wood, bamboo, and other organic materials being incorporated into eyewear. Crystal clear plastic frames are also showing up on the faces of very stylish men. Even rimless glasses have an edge with their “cool” temple designs.

To see the latest fashion trends, visit our optical dispensary at Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street.

Hot Trends in Eyewear for Women

What are the latest fashion trends in eyewear for women?

Big is back in ophthalmic eyewear!  Larger eyeglasses have been coming on the scene over the past year or so.  This is not your 1980’s big, however, as many of the newest frames we are seeing are works of art for the face. Think combinations of plastic and metal in one frame.  Add lots of color, especially greens and turquoise.  Try a little whimsy with a touch of animal print. And, of course, don’t forget to add your “bling” and lots of detail on the temples. 

For a more simple, professional look, the well-dressed woman is selecting a “geek chic” frame made especially for women.  Unlike their masculine counterpart, a woman’s geek chic eyeglass will have a softer curve, an arching brow line, and flattering colors and finishes to compliment a woman’s complexion.

While eyeglasses are going larger, sunglasses for women are getting smaller.  The “oversized frame” is giving way to a medium frame.  We are still seeing fun colors and interesting details on the temples.  Organic materials are showing up on all eyewear as our country embraces the idea of “going green.”

Eyewear is “jewelry” that you wear every day.  It is the first thing that people see when they look at your face.  Selecting eyewear is your opportunity to make a statement and let your personality shine through.  Build your eyewear “wardrobe” so that you have different frames to match your mood, or your outfit!

To see the latest fashion trends, visit our optical dispensary at Memphis Family Vision or SEE Main Street.

Dr. Eisenstatt Board Certified by American Board of Optometry

One of 1700 ODs to Achieve ABO Board Certification

ST. LOUIS, Mo., November 7, 2013― Dr. Gerald Eisenstatt has joined a growing community
of optometrists in the nation by becoming board certified by the American Board of Optometry
(ABO). Dr. Eisenstatt passed the ABO’s Board Certification Examination administered in July
2013.

To attain this honor, Dr. Eisenstatt completed a series of rigorous post-graduate activities.
He then passed a challenging computer based examination on issues spanning the scope of
practice of optometry. This achievement earned Dr. Eisenstatt the title of Diplomate, American
Board of Optometry.

Dr. Eisenstatt has enrolled in the ABO’s Maintenance of Certification program. The ten-year
maintenance of certification process is designed to allow the doctor of optometry to demonstrate
that he is dedicated to keeping current in the field of optometry and delivering quality patient
care.

“We extend congratulations to the group of optometrists who have taken this important step in
demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning,” said Paul C. Ajamian, O.D., ABO chairman
of the board.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eisenstatt, call Memphis Family

Vision at 901-767-7080 or SEE Main Street at 901-495-9900.

About the American Board Optometry (ABO)  The American Board of Optometry was founded in 2009 by the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, American Optometric Student Association and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. For more information, please visit www.americanboardofoptometry.org.

Bifocal Contact Lenses

I have heard a lot about bifocal contact lenses. What kind of vision should I expect from this type of lens?

That is a question I get asked almost every day. As more and more patients reach presbyopia (the need for reading glasses or bifocals after the age of 40), they want the freedom of good vision without having to wear glasses. Bifocal (or multifocal) contact lenses may provide satisfactory vision for many people.

Many of my patients wear bifocal contact lenses and do very well. 

The most important thing for a patient to understand is the limitations of bifocal contacts. Often the vision is satisfactory, but may not be perfect. Every patient has a their own tolerance of visual acuity. It all depends on the motivation and visual acceptance of the contact lens wearer.

The best way to determine if bifocal contacts are right for you is to schedule an appointment with the office and try a pair. We will be glad to discuss and evaluate these lenses, as well as all types of contact lenses, to ascertain which visual correction is the best for your eyes.

Eye Allergies

I have just moved to Memphis and my eyes have been itching a lot. What is causing them to itch and is there anything I can do to relieve the symptoms?

Welcome to Memphis! Our great city is blessed with beautiful trees and abundance of plants and wildlife. Unfortunately, with this beauty comes irritants that cause patients to suffer from eye allergies. The eyes begin to itch, water and many times turn red when histamine is released from the tissues in and around the eye. People try to relieve the itching by rubbing their eyes, but in fact this only makes the itching worse. Special mast cells in the tissues of the eye become damaged and release more histamine!!

There is no cure for eye allergies but there are a number of remedies that may help lessen these symptoms. Avoidance of the allergen will help, but this may be difficult to achieve. Cold compresses applied to the closed eyes will relieve the symptoms but not provide a long-term solution.  Over-the-counter (OTC) products can also give some temporary relief. Caution should be used with these products. Over use can result in a dependency on the eye drops and discontinuing the OTC medication may cause the symptoms to become worse.

The best medications for eye allergies are the prescription combination drops that contain both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer, which prevents the release of more histamine.

If you are suffering from itchy, red and watery eyes, make an appointment with one of the doctors to determine which eye drop is the best for your particular allergies.