SPECTACLE MANUFACTURE

On completion of the clinical examination, great care in frame selection and accurate measurements for the manufacturing process is taken. Sophisticated software on the practice’s iPad is applied in the measuring and design of the spectacle lenses, based on your unique visual requirements. The spectacles are then electronically ordered from our reputable international lens manufacturer via an online order system by Nhlanhla. The lens manufacturer uses state of the art machinery to generate each lens individually. Once completed, the lenses are transferred to the local branch where they are rechecked against the order for accuracy and frame glazing. Once production is complete, the spectacles are delivered to our practice for final verification of manufacture accuracy including prescription, pupil settings, and lens type, tint, coatings and pantascopic angles. An appointment for the patient to collect and have the spectacles correctly dispensed is then confirmed.

E K Botha Optometrists have an in-house spectacle workshop which includes a comprehensive range of stock lenses, sophisticated marking and glazing machinery. The frame shape is electronically traced into the edger. This combination allows for same day service of prescriptions for low to moderate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Prescriptions can be made up according to authentic Doctors prescriptions.

THE EYE

REFRACTIVE ERRORS

Myopia

The inability of the eye to focus on distant objects clearly, yet able to view nearby objects clearly.

The incident light entering the eye focusses in front of the retina. A diverging lens allows focus onto the retina to attain clarity.

Hyperopia

The ability of the eye to focus on distant objects clearly, yet unable to view nearby objects clearly.

The incident light entering the eye focusses behind the retina. A converging lens allows focus onto the retina to attain clarity.

Astigmatism

The inability of the eye to focus clearly. The incident light entering the eye focusses at two different positions from the retina. Both focus positions could be in front or both focus positions behind the retina. A lens which converges or diverges light focusses the first incoming light focus position and additional diverging power to the same lens focusses the second incoming light focus position onto the retina. Both incoming light focus positions now create a simultaneous point focus on the retina allowing for clear vision.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is the inability of the eyes to focus clearly on reading. This internal eye muscle finds it progressively more difficult to accurately shape the internal eye lens that allows for clear near point focus.

A converging lens is used to assist focusing and the powers progressively increase as the condition gets worse.

PATHOLOGY

E K Botha optometrists have a special interest in the early diagnosis of potential pathologic eye conditions that may present clinically. We are suitably equipped to play our part in the eye health team dealing with pathological eye conditions which include:

Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural internal lens and a common cause of vision loss. It remains the principal cause of blindness in the world.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.

Diabetes Mellitus

Commonly referred to as diabetes, it is a group of metabolic disorders in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. The eye is prone to manifest changes due to diabetes.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe, irreversible vision loss in people over age 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula deteriorates.

Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane is where the jelly of the eye pulls away from the retina and forms scar tissue. This very thin layer of scar tissue may adhere to the surface of the retina over the central vision area called the macula. This creates distorted and reduced vision. Surgery may be indicated to remove the “Pucker”

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape. This cone-shaped cornea causes distorted and reduced vision. Rigid contact lenses usually assist in attaining the clear vision and surgical intervention may be required to stabilise the progression of the cone. The cone may tear at its thinnest innermost layer with resultant immediate debilitating clouding of vision known as Hydrops.