Results 1 to 20 of 20

Thread: Are glasses history?

  1. #1

    Are glasses history?

    In the near future will only children and other "niche" customers require glasses? Even despite the demographic trends and boom that could represent to the eye care industry - will medical technology in the form of new treatments (gene, sound wave, laser, etc) make old eyes young again? Will vanity - rather than fashion rule the day? Will glasses be seen as an older persons crutch - and a sign of aging - that people will resist in the quest to "stay young"?

    From the NY Times:

    April 11, 2004



    To Read the Menu, Baby Boomers Turn to Eye Treatments
    By MILT FREUDENHEIM

    few months ago, George Miller, 55, a computer sales manager in Lexington, S.C., had reading glasses scattered all over the house. Worse, he found it was impossible to read a menu at night in a dimly lighted restaurant or the many car magazines that came to his house. "It really bothered me a lot because I love to read," Mr. Miller said.

    So, when he heard about a new experimental eye surgery on the local television news, he researched it on the Internet and called his ophthalmologist.

    "I'm a little vain," Mr. Miller conceded. Though the new procedure, which uses radio waves to correct near-vision problems, had not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for his problem, he had it done last winter.

    "It was a no-brainer," said Mr. Miller, who no longer needs reading glasses. "I can't imagine why anyone who could afford it would not do it."

    Biology and vanity are collaborating to make vision correction techniques a boom market, as some 78 million aging Americans seem intent on seeing well but looking good. Granny glasses? Grandpa's bifocals? Not for them. Offer them the option of paying $1,500 for a three-minute remedy and the eyeglasses are gone.

    "The baby boomers are kind of a picky bunch," said David Harmon, president of MarketScope, an eye care market research company in Baldwin, Mo., near St. Louis. "They want to be fixed."

    Last month, the F.D.A. approved the latest surgical procedure, called conductive keratoplasty, to correct a common near-vision problem for people whose eyesight is otherwise excellent, in a minimally invasive way.

    Unlike Lasik, the popular laser surgery, conductive keratoplasty procedures do not involve using lasers to change the shape of the eye. Instead, a tiny instrument applies radio waves in a circular pattern on the outer cornea, shrinking small areas of collagen, a fibrous protein found in connective tissue, bone and cartilage. The treatment increases the cornea's curvature, improving near vision.

    In the last few years, about three million people, as many as 5 percent of Americans with vision problems, have opted for Lasik surgery to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In Lasik, the surgeon cuts and pulls a flap in the cornea and then uses a laser to reshape the underlying tissue at a cost of up to $1,600 an eye. Neither Lasik nor conductive keratoplasty is covered by most insurance plans.

    The latest procedure is only one of an array of new vision therapies, recently introduced or in late stages of development. They include improvements that make laser surgery machines more accurate and eliminate the knife blade typically used to prepare the eye, as well as a dozen new types of lens implants.

    One new artificial lens mimics a healthy 20-year-old's ability to see at both near and far distances. Others eliminate harmful high-spectrum blue light, reducing the need for sunglasses.

    William Link, a California scientist and entrepreneur who helped start several eye care companies, estimates that established companies like Alcon Laboratories, Bausch & Lomb and VISX have spent a total of $750 million in the last five years developing products for the baby boomers. In addition, Mr. Link says, he and other venture capitalists have contributed more than $140 million to companies like Refractec, the start-up based in Irvine, Calif., that developed conductive keratoplasty.

    The company teaches eye surgeons to do the procedure and sells them the machines for about $58,000, compared with about $325,000 for laser machines.

    Conductive keratoplasty was approved by the F.D.A. for hyperopia, a less common vision problem, two years ago. After 30,000 cases, an agency panel of 12 experts unanimously recommended it for near-vision problems, and it received approval March 16.

    Conductive keratoplasty is usually performed on one eye only. The other eye provides most of the distance vision, and the mind coordinates the visual information as it does for people who naturally have one farsighted eye and one nearsighted eye. Even so, if the patient's prescription requires treatment in both eyes, it can be done on the same day.

    Ophthalmologists say the corrective effects may weaken after five years or so, but the procedure is too new for them to be sure. An F.D.A. panel said patients should be warned that the treatment "may affect depth perception," which could be a driving hazard. The panel also recommended to the full agency that there be information in the label about a relatively few patients who ended up with astigmatism after the procedure.

    Dr. Penny A. Asbell, an ophthalmologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, recalled that a patient who works with younger colleagues in the music industry also wanted the procedure even before it was approved.

    "He didn't want to be the only one at the table putting on reading glasses to read a contract," Dr. Asbell said. "Everybody else there is hip-hop, or whatever they do," she said.

    Ophthalmologists say they find that many middle-aged patients are conservative about trying risky eye operations. An estimated 1 in 10 Lasik patients needed a repeat treatment until the technology was improved. The F.D.A. warns on its Web site that the procedure is not for everyone.

    Last year, Alcon, which says it has 30 percent of the market for eye surgery in the United States, received approval in the European Community for a new intraocular lens implant for cataract patients that enhances close-up and distance viewing. The procedure has not yet been priced in the United States, the company said. These new lenses may cost as much as $600 each.

    Although the company expects F.D.A. approval in 2005 for United States cataract patients, who are typically in their late 60's and 70's, the new multifocal lenses will probably attract some younger patients willing to pay for the implants. The new lens will also protect against blue light, eliminating dependence on sunglasses after the operation. "Also, they won't need a cataract operation later on," Bill Barton, an Alcon vice president, said.

    Mr. Barton said tests with cells in the laboratory suggested that blue light might be a "causative factor" in macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older Americans.

    Alcon is also testing a prescription drug that is intended to stop or prevent changes in the eye that lead to macular degeneration. Bausch & Lomb is doing early stage research on a continuous drug delivery system at the back of the eye implant to combat the disease.

    Despite all of the advances, millions of Americans will hold fast to their eyeglasses. After all, it might not have been as funny to watch Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton using their vision problems (along with Viagra jokes) to illustrate advancing age in the comedy movie "Something's Gotta Give."

    Still, for people who are over 40 and start having trouble reading, the message from the eye industry is clear: there are more options than ever.

    Mr. Link, a managing director of Versant Ventures, a venture capitalist firm in Menlo Park, Calif., turns 58 today. He had the conductive keratoplasty procedure last year and was rewarded as a fly fisherman. "Now I can tie the flies on my line without reading glasses," he said.

  2. #2
    What's up? drk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Occupation
    Optometrist
    Posts
    9,385
    I wouldn't sweat it one little bit. They'll be doing sensational articles about horrible outcomes soon enough, once the miracle surgeries are not newsworthy any longer.

  3. #3
    Bad address email on file
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    NH
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    212
    Glasses will always be needed, and an example of why:

    "I can't imagine why anyone who could afford it would not do it."

    Not everybody has the $$$ to have surgeries. Even those who do, not all are completely successful and will most likely require some form of alternative correction.

    Staying current with trends, styles, market studies, etc., and adjusting your knowledge to accomodate the necessities will permit you to continue being an Optician.


    :cheers:

    Cowboy

  4. #4
    Mono vision...

    whoopeeee

  5. #5
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    Where I live and work, very few folks can NOT afford it. There's more to it than just money. If you dollar cost average it out, any eye surgery would make better financial sense than buying new glasses every 2 years. It's not all about the $$$. We're selling more specs than ever!

  6. #6
    Master OptiBoarder Texas Ranger's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Republic of Texas
    Posts
    1,433
    Out driving yesterday, the radio was touting an ophthalmologist in Dallas that was putting an "implant" in the eyes that would eliminate the need for distance or near glasses, was not for cataracts, etc. of course he was the only one in the country doing it. I figure that in ten years the big ophthalmology field will be corneal transplants for all the screwed up Lasik operations...

  7. #7

    treatments costs will get lower (?)

    The cost of equipment, and thus potentially the cost of the proceedure for the radio wave correction - was significantly less than laser.

    The article (while it closes with glasses will still be a major part of correcting vision) does have some disturbing comments about vanity, the desire to "look young" and not have - what might be perceived - as a crutch (glasses).

    If as people age, and this view becomes stronger, people could move away from glasses. If wearing glasses becomes less of a fashion accessory and more of a "you're old" statement.

    There are lots of other things people are doing to "stay young" - skin, hair, etc. Why would you correct so many other features and leave your eyes alone?

    Gene therapy - or stem cell therapy could rejuvinate eyes. Despite the comments about LASIK it is on the increase.

    If you could see a breakthrough or change in behavior/attitude regarding glasses - to decrease their popularity/need - what would it be? What would that look like?

  8. #8
    What's up? drk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Ohio
    Occupation
    Optometrist
    Posts
    9,385
    Don't even think about it. All that refractive surgery stuff is fluff. It'll never happen. Heck, even CLs have not put a dent in glasses sales. Glasses are here forever.

  9. #9
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    The Chinese invented eyeglass frames long before lenses were invented. They used them purely for ornamentation. Many of my customers (hold on...) actually like the way glasses look (gasp!) on them!!

  10. #10
    Manuf. Lens Surface Treatments
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    in Naples FL for the Winter months
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    23,240

    i Love that one ...................................

    Johns said:


    The Chinese invented eyeglass frames long before lenses were invented. They used them purely for ornamentation.

    I just love this one. What did they put in their glasses?

    Candels? if there were no lenses?

    The chinese where smart then and they are even smarter now, they outsmarted Luxottica.

    How about if they invented the lenses without having the glasses?

  11. #11
    Ophthalmic Optician
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    USSA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,591
    They weren't "glasses", they were just frames, or "eyerings".

  12. #12
    OptiWizard
    Join Date
    Sep 2000
    Location
    plymouth, MA, USA
    Occupation
    Optometrist
    Posts
    1,036
    Don't worry about spectacle sales.

    Remember the 70's and everyone thought soft lenses would end eyewear sales.

    Ironic that now CLs are the biggest pain, no profit margin, yet we still do well with specs.

    And don't forget that the crystalline lens is probably responsible for most refractive changes. And that puppy will change a few years after Lasik (the usual hyperopic shift).

    Harry

  13. #13
    Master OptiBoarder rbaker's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Gold Hill, OR
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    4,401

    It ain't if - It's when

    Now lets just wait a minute. The future ain’t here yet. How about Star Trek. Did Captain Kirk wear glasses? Spock or Scotty? The only glasses were worn by that blind dude (can’t recall the name) and he wore them because he was blind. That fine Lt. Ohura didn’t wear glasses as a fashion statement. No one did. So, science marches on.

    Actually, I am not going to come down on either side of this one. I recall, back in my day, when we just used an occasional plastic lens and it was usually a cataract lens. No one is going to want glasses that scratch so easily. And we didn’t worry about breakage in a drilled rimless either. Plastic lenses were confined to niche uses. And, weren’t Photochromics going to eliminate the sale of Rx sunglasses. Oh, Man, we are all domed.

    Then, in the mid 60’s we all went to the Yankee Drummer Inn in Sturbridge, MA for a seminar on B&L’s new “soft contact” lens. Yah, sure, this is going to sell. How do you modify it? It’s gonna tear after a few months of wear. Then, a few years later, when the things started selling like hot cakes we were all predicting the end of glasses.

    Some advances have indeed had an impact on the eyewear field. Phaco has reduced cataract surgery from a five day ordeal to a walk in the park. and IOL’s have eliminated cataract glasses. But, on the whole, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

    How sweet it is

    Dick

  14. #14
    OptiBoard Professional Eddie G's's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Toronto, Canada
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    205
    Actually there are a few people out there that REALLY look UGLY without glasses!

    :shiner:

  15. #15
    I don't have an opinion one way or the other either on this topic. My point is to have more of a discussion about possible (not imaginary) changes in the industry/technology that could create a significant change in the way it works today.

    Sure there is plenty to talk about with insurance, supplier mergers, independents vs. chains, Wal-Mart and CostCo, who's buying who... (heck even a walk-in vending booth where you get your eyes checked and glasses drop out in a tray) ...but owning 1,000 retail outlets selling glasses (or just one) - has a significant drawback when your prospective customers can get a medical treatment that make glasses unnecessary.

    However - treatments can't be enough of a driver for that kind of change. You have all pointed that out. New technologies just become one new product line in the overall product line. There has to be a negative perception of eyewear, or a new feature of the treatment that makes it more beneficial than glasses - to completely remove it - or make it a niche part of your business.

    Without getting into a discussion of the silly (X-ray vision, laser eyes, etc.) what would be the drivers - linked with a technology advance - that you could see would make glasses history? Would it be as simple as better night vision? Would it be guaranteed vision better than 20/20? Would it be fashion - They have jewel eyes now, they have contacts that change your eye color or represent your favorite sports team. Could it be some way, in that the treatment not only improves your vision - it is "personal-eyesed" to you.

    This is maybe a bit silly - but maybe not. Retinal scans - if they do become more of a feature in our lives due to terrorism, or just better and more pervasive scanning/bio-metric identification advances - maybe the new treatment will be a way to preserve your privacy rights?

    Every once in a while it is good to step back and take a little longer view than this year, this merger, or this trend.

    Maybe glasses will never be history until people are certain that what ever is done to their eyes - it can be undone with no ill effects. People honestly don't want to damage one of their major senses. Glasses act as a way to correct your vision without the potential of uncorrectable damage.

    You all are a smart bunch. You are out there every day, hearing new trends, seeing new advances, talking to your patients. What are they saying to you, what new news or technology breakthroughs are you hearing about.

  16. #16
    Bad address email on file
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Red Deer, AB, Canada
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    799
    Maybe glasses will never be history until people are certain that what ever is done to their eyes - it can be undone with no ill effects. People honestly don't want to damage one of their major senses. Glasses act as a way to correct your vision without the potential of uncorrectable damage.
    You pretty much summed it up right there trevbigg.

    I have found that it really comes down to motivation. While patients love to hear and discuss the latest technologies in eyecare, most of them are much more conservative when it comes to their own eyes. People who go for refractive surgery are usually motivated by unsuccessful CL wear, and/or they don't want to wear glasses. If the person is happy with contacts and glasses, then the risks associated with surgery just aren't worth it.

  17. #17
    OptiBoard Apprentice
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Dubuque,Iowa
    Occupation
    Optical Laboratory Technician
    Posts
    16

    Wink

    hey, rbaker? did you see Star Trek 2 the movie, just had to respond, can you say retinox!! :)

  18. #18
    Master OptiBoarder Lee Prewitt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Snoqualmie, WA
    Occupation
    Optical Wholesale Lab (other positions)
    Posts
    691
    eegor said:
    hey, rbaker? did you see Star Trek 2 the movie, just had to respond, can you say retinox!! :)
    I was going to make the same comment! Remember Capt Kirk was allergic to the new drug. So by extrapolation there will always be a percentage of the given population that will need glasses. It is so nice that we will not go quietly into the night :D
    Lee Prewitt, ABOM
    Independent Sales Representative
    AIT Industries
    224 W. James St.
    Bensenville, IL 60106
    Cell : (425) 241-1689
    Phone: (800) 729-1959, Ext 137
    Direct: (630) 274-6136
    Fax: (630) 595-1006
    www.aitindustries.com
    leep@aitindustries.com

    More Than A Patternless Edger Company

  19. #19
    Master OptiBoarder rbaker's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Gold Hill, OR
    Occupation
    Other Optical Manufacturer or Vendor
    Posts
    4,401

    Movie ! What movie?

    Star Trek Movies? I guess that I am showing my age. I just recall the original Star Trek on TV and the reruns of Star Trek 2 on TV. So now you tell me that they made some movies.

    I guess that it proves HL Mencken correct. “Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.”

  20. #20
    Bad address email on file ldyflsh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    down the rabbit hole
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    125
    I worked in a surgical practice for 17 years. They were the leading group for LASIK...none of the MDs had the procedure done. Kinda sums it up...don't ya think?

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. "You made my glasses wrong"
    By Ryan in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 29
    Last Post: 08-06-2015, 12:25 PM
  2. What makes a safety frame safe?
    By Jedi in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 04-03-2011, 09:39 AM
  3. George W. Resume
    By Jim G in forum Just Conversation
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 07-30-2004, 08:36 AM
  4. telescopic glasses for dentists
    By Lucia in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 02-03-2003, 06:47 PM
  5. WHY DOES MEDICARE STILL PAY FOR POST-SURGERY CATARACT GLASSES?
    By Bob Rihl in forum General Optics and Eyecare Discussion Forum
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 08-18-2000, 11:47 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •