Anisometropia in the 21st Century.docVIP

Anisometropia in the 21st Century A Primer in Dealing with Prism and Vertical Imbalance by Anthony Record, Optician FNAO, ABO/OAA Max Optics, Inc. PO Box 5445 Spring Hill, Fl 34611-5445 ? 2010 Anthony D. Record Course Objectives Upon completing this two-hour, home-study course, the optician should: Be more aware of the increasing number of anisometropic prescriptions and be more proficient in providing adequate solutions for the problems relating to it. Have a deeper understanding of terms and conditions such as amblyopia, asthenopia, diplopia, strabismus, prism, and vertical imbalance. Know the function and limits of slab-offs and reverse slab-offs. Be exposed to and competent in the process of “diagramming” to more easily determine the direction of resultant prism. Quickly be able to identify “problem Rxs” with regard to vertical imbalance. Be reminded of Prentice’s Rule and consider using a more practical variation of it. Know when solutions other than bi-centric grinding must be implemented. Avoid certain language when educating your clients with regard to anisometropia. Be aware of outside resources to continue research on the subject of vertical imbalance. Have achieved a score of 75% or higher on the 50-question assessment at the end of the course. Anisometropia in the 21st Century A Primer in Effectively Dealing with Prism and Vertical Imbalance Anthony D. Record I Introduction The problems associated with vertical imbalance are on the rise. One of the most commonly performed procedures today is IOL (intraocular lens) surgery. Thousands of baby boomers become presbyopic every day. As a front-line optician, I am sure you are noticing more frequently patients who require that only one cataract be removed. Sometimes six months or a year or more goes by before the second one must be removed. Due to this ever-increasing phenomenon, an eye care professional must be ready to identify potentially “problem” prescriptions, and b